Torcuil Crichton
MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I echo the Prime Minister's sentiments towards that other son of Lewis—although I wish that I had woken up today in the Isle of Harris. My constituents there face long delays, cancellations and loss of service because of the SNP's incompetent handling of ferry procurement. In last week's Budget the Scottish Government received a record settlement. May I urge the Prime Minister to tell Scottish Ministers to use that to improve public services in Scotland, to invest in the NHS in Na h-Eileanan an Iar, to build schools in places such as Barra and finally to fix the ferry fiasco?
Context
The Scottish Government received a record settlement in the Budget, but the SNP's handling of ferry procurement has led to delays and cancellations in Na h-Eileanan an Iar.
Keir Starmer
Last week in the Budget we delivered the largest settlement for the Scottish Government in real terms since devolution. That includes £3.4 billion through the Barnett formula, a fuel duty freeze and an increase to the national living wage, benefiting my hon. Friend's constituents and all those across Scotland. The result of the Budget is now clear. The SNP in power in Scotland have the powers and they now have the money, so they have no more excuses.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not specifically urge Scottish Ministers to address ferry procurement issues or improve public services like NHS and education directly.
Session: PMQs
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Regardless of how we divide on the referendum, I wonder if colleagues on the SNP Benches will find it in their hearts to put political division aside at 8 o'clock tonight? Does the Secretary of State agree with today's Daily Record editorial which says that there is always room for friendly rivalry with neighbouring nations?
Context
A question regarding the political division brought up during a sporting event.
Douglas Alexander
There is a serious point to start the answer, which is that I have always believed that to be pro-Scottish you do not need to be anti-English. We should be bigger and more generous than that.
Session: Independence Referendum 2026-07-15
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On heating oil, the Scottish National party Government boasted that they would add £5.4 million to the £4.6 million the UK Government gave to domestic consumers. However, there is scant evidence that that is reaching my constituents in the Western Isles, which have the highest fuel poverty figures in the country. Will the Minister join me in encouraging constituents to apply for support? Will he ask the Scottish Government to broaden the criteria and Advice Direct Scotland to get that money out the door, so that people are not left high and dry?
Context
Concern over the effectiveness of UK and Scottish government support schemes for heating oil.
Martin McCluskey
My hon. Friend is right that more people need to claim the support that is on offer, and I encourage them to do that in his constituency and across Scotland. My understanding is that just over £1 million of the £10 million in the fund has been distributed.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-07
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Will the Minister wish the new owners of Slingsby Gin, Chris and Asma Williams, good luck in their new venture?
Context
The brand Slingsby Gin from Harrogate and Knaresborough went into administration earlier this year.
Blair McDougall
I will gladly put his constituents in touch with people at UK Export Finance to discuss extending export finance for businesses like Slingsby Gin.
Session: Distillers 2026-07-02
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What steps does the government plan to take to support distilleries in my constituency, which rely heavily on kerosene heating oil?
Context
The whisky industry, a vital sector for island economies, exported over £5.4 billion in 2025 supporting jobs and supply chains across Scotland.
Blair McDougall
We are determined to support energy-intensive industries and are reviewing the supercharger for British industry. A consultation on temporarily suspending tariffs on kerosene oil ended recently, and a decision will be made in due course.
Session: Distillers 2026-07-02
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The cost of Loganair flights is a concern, especially with the Stornoway-Inverness service cut. The questioner seeks Cabinet collaboration to review UK-wide flight issues with transport officials from Scotland and industry representatives.
Context
Concerns about rising air travel costs, loss of morning services, and the discontinuation of Benbecula flights affecting communities.
Douglas Alexander
Acknowledges concern about island connectivity and criticizes the SNP-led government's record on ferry services. Offers to discuss flight issues with industry representatives.
Session: Promoting Scottish Interests Abroad
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I am told that if those who are eligible filled their tanks today, they would pay the equivalent of what they will be paying in February 2027. In my constituency we have big commercial users of kerosene oil, such as distilleries, seaweed manufacturing, tourist amenities and chemical plants. What measures is the Department taking to support commercial users of kerosene oil?
Context
Commercial users in Na h-Eileanan an Iar are facing high costs due to rising heating oil prices, affecting industries such as distilleries and chemical plants.
Martin McCluskey
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for all the work he does to advocate for his constituents in Na h-Eileanan an Iar; I was pleased to visit him recently to see the impact that the increases in heating oil are having on his constituents. We are looking closely at the non-domestic heating oil market, and we will come forward with more proposals in due course.
Session: Household Energy Bills
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Since losing access to EGNOS, 40% of flight diversions from Stornoway, Benbecula and Barra could have been avoided. This has significant social and financial implications —schedules are cut, people reconsider living arrangements due to lack of connectivity. Will the Minister consider rejoining EGNOS?
Context
Island communities face significant social and financial implications due to flight diversions from airports in the absence of EGNOS, with 40% of diversions being avoidable.
Keir Mather
I thank my hon. Friend for his repeated advocacy on this issue. We intend to review the role that technologies such as EGNOS can play, especially for remote airports susceptible to adverse weather conditions.
Session: European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service
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In Aviemore it will be snowing tomorrow—in fact, in quite a lot of north Scotland it will be snowing to a pretty low level. People in those areas are suffering hugely from massive energy prices for electricity, heating oil and liquefied petroleum gas for tanks. In Aviemore, a 2,500-litre tank, which was filled in November for £1,400, now costs £3,400 to fill. Does the Minister agree that £35 per household is frankly a drop in the ocean?
Context
In Aviemore and surrounding areas, people are suffering from high energy costs. The cost to fill a 2,500-litre tank has increased significantly since November.
Martin McCluskey
I think the hon. Member should be careful not to sow fear about these issues among his constituents, which is precisely what his remarks do. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor provided £4.6 million to the Scottish Government, who have increased the fund to £10 million and will deliver it from 1 April.
Session: Heating Oil Rural Homes
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Energy market support for households and small businesses is higher in the UK than in other comparable countries. Some suppliers refuse to supply hospitality businesses. Will the Government instruct the CMA to investigate bad practices in the energy market?
Context
The UK Government often spends more on energy support than other countries due to the broken energy market.
Torsten Bell
The Chancellor and Ministers have been clear with the CMA that companies should not take advantage of customers, whether for domestic heating oil or hospitality businesses.
Session: Topical Questions
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Despite fears of trade tariffs, I have checked and the price of a pint of beer in Boston, Massachusetts, where Scotland is due to play its first game, is about $8. That is a bargain, because the SNP wants to charge its fans £750 a pint to have a drink with the right hon. Member for Aberdeen South (Stephen Flynn), who, unusually, is not in his seat today. I am always open to a pint with the Opposition, but would the Secretary of State rather have a beer in Boston with the tartan army or a pint of bitter with the SNP?
Context
The question is prompted by concerns about trade tariffs affecting costs and the specific price of a pint of beer in Boston where Scotland is due to play its first game.
Douglas Alexander
I commend my hon. Friend for his question. I am not sure that I'll be coming down the road to have a pint with the right hon. Member for Aberdeen South (Stephen Flynn) any time soon. Come to think of it, I would walk 500 miles to avoid having a beer and a blether with him.
Session: World Cup Travelling Fans
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What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support Scottish football fans travelling to the FIFA world cup 2026?
Context
The question is prompted by the upcoming FIFA World Cup and concerns support for Scottish football fans travelling to the event.
Douglas Alexander
The UK Government are working with partners in the host countries and the Scottish Football Association to provide guidance to supporters on travel, security and consular assistance. We are determined to help everyone have a fantastic and safe world cup, hopefully beyond the group stages.
Session: World Cup Travelling Fans
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Does he agree that it is only by increasing wages and paying social care staff properly that we will increase the number of carers in rural areas?
Context
The MP highlights the challenges in staffing rural social care, pointing out that immigration cannot solve the issue completely.
Wes Streeting
I wholeheartedly agree with my hon. Friend. This Labour Government are introducing the first ever fair pay agreement for care workers, which is better pay and conditions for care workers, more people recruited into the profession, and backed by £500 million.
Session: Health and Social Care Rural Communities
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What steps has he taken to increase health and social care coverage in rural communities? In places like Na h-Eileanan an Iar, going the extra mile to provide care is part of the job. I pay tribute to the carers who travel miles in darkness and bad weather to deliver support for the elderly. However, there is not enough working-age population to provide this care, and immigration cannot solve that problem entirely. Does he agree that increasing wages and paying social care staff properly will increase the number of carers in rural areas?
Context
The MP notes the challenges in providing adequate health and social care services in rural communities, highlighting specific issues faced by Na h-Eileanan an Iar.
Wes Streeting
I wholeheartedly agree with my hon. Friend. This Labour Government are introducing the first ever fair pay agreement for care workers, which is better pay and conditions for care workers, more people recruited into the profession, and backed by £500 million, with Scotland receiving extra funding through the Barnett formula.
Session: Health and Social Care Rural Communities
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Welcoming the publication of the local power plan, I note that communities in my constituency are engaged with wind energy wealth. To expand community energy, we must connect to the grid. The tailored support for communities mentioned is welcome, but there needs to be priority support from Ofgem, grid operators, and this Government.
Context
The local power plan is expected to be read in the constituency known as the heart of the Atlantic, where communities are involved in wind energy. There's a need for priority support from Ofgem, grid operators, and the Government.
Martin McCluskey
My hon. Friend is a real champion for local community power in Na h-Eileanan an Iar. My hon. Friend the Minister for Energy will address this matter soon during his visit to the Western Isles.
Session: Consumer Energy Prices Scotland
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The figures for Project Gigabit roll-out are impressive, but in the Western Isles, 10% of constituents cannot get more than 10 megabits per second. While welcoming Project Gigabit, Crichton noted that initial areas being considered for connection already have good fibre availability, leaving harder-to-reach places behind. He asked whether Openreach will be pressed to ensure connections are made in these hard-to-reach regions.
Context
Crichton highlighted the challenge faced by constituents in his constituency where only 90% of residents can access more than 10 megabits per second broadband. He expressed concern that easier-to-reach areas are being prioritised over harder-to-connect regions, despite a universal service obligation guaranteeing at least 10 Mbps.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Josh Simons)
Project Gigabit is designed to deliver gigabit-capable broadband to parts of the UK that would otherwise be unlikely to receive such coverage through commercial efforts alone. While it will also cover properties with existing superfast availability as it expands, the Government continues to explore alternatives for very hard-to-reach areas, including satellite and fixed wireless access options. Simons urged constituents to remember their right under the broadband universal service obligation to a minimum 10 Mbps connection.
Session: Project Gigabit Rural Areas
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Can the Minister give us a similar assurance on the integrity of cables and communications between our islands across the Pentland Firth, the Minch, the Irish sea and even the Isle of Wight?
Context
Recent Russian activities in the High North have raised concerns about threats to critical subsea infrastructure.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
My hon. Friend points to a growing level of Russian activity in particular that monitors and potentially threatens our critical undersea infrastructure. We demonstrate that we see, understand and track those Russian threats. We are working with JEF allies to deal with these threats and will step that up further in the months ahead.
Session: High North Defence Resources
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Welsh does very well out of broadcasting, but I am glad that the Western Isles are well represented on the airwaves just now. The stand-out star of this season's “The Traitors” is Stephen Libby from the Isle of Lewis—I think he is going to win it this weekend. I am glad that Gaelic has its place in the Government’s Green Paper on broadcasting, but the UK Government give S4C £7.5 million a year to develop digital broadcasting, while BBC Alba, the Scottish channel, gets nothing. Will the Minister join me in my efforts to get the UK Government to re-engage with Gaelic broadcasting as a cultural and economic dynamo?
Context
The question arises from the disparity in funding between S4C and BBC Alba, with S4C receiving £7.5 million annually for digital broadcasting while BBC Alba receives nothing.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Anna McMorrin)
I think we are all glued to “The Traitors” this season. With the exodus from the Tory Benches to Reform, it is hard not to believe that we are living through a real-life “Traitors”. I thank my hon. Friend for his question. Welsh and Gaelic were the first languages of their nations, and have a strong social, cultural and economic significance. As a Welsh speaker, I know just how important that is. The Government recognise the contribution that MG Alba makes to the lives of Gaelic speakers across Scotland and the UK.
Session: Minority Language Broadcasting
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When it comes to creating clean jobs and local wealth, there is no better example than the community-owned wind farm sector in my Na h-Eileanan an Iar constituency. I welcome what the Government have done to clean up the grid connection queue, but the community-owned wind farm sector in my constituency is still stalled and cannot get access to the national grid. The National Energy System Operator, Ofgem and private companies all want to promote community energy, but unless Ministers direct the regulators and grid operators to give priority to community-owned wind farms, that will not happen. I would like to discuss this issue with Ministers, but I also ask them to come and see how community-owned wind farms create wealth and clean jobs in my area.
Context
The MP mentions community-owned wind farm projects in his constituency that are stalled due to issues with the national grid. He suggests that without direct intervention, these projects will not proceed.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Chris McDonald)
We do recognise the previous issues around grid connections, and accelerating and prioritising connections is something that this Government have taken by the scruff of the neck. I am sure that the Energy Minister will be very happy to meet my hon. Friend—I think we will have a bit of fight to see which of us has the opportunity to visit his most beautiful part of the country.
Session: Renewable Energy Jobs
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Bliadhna mhath ùr—happy new year to you, Mr Speaker. Will the Minister update the House on Cameron barracks in Inverness and plans to move some asylum seekers to that town?
Context
The MP asks about the plans to move asylum seekers to Cameron barracks in Inverness.
The Minister for Border Security and Asylum (Alex Norris)
As has been said from this Dispatch Box by myself and the Home Secretary, we are looking at ex-military sites, of which my hon. Friend names one. We are doing all the feasibility assessments there and at Crowborough training camp. When we have made that final decision, we will announce that in the right way, but this approach has to be the right one.
Session: Asylum Hotels
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Western Isles Women’s Aid in my constituency helped 180 women last year. The refuge is working at capacity, yet its funding is uncertain. That is why my fundraiser on Friday will seek to raise funds for the organisations. More than 1,800 women reported domestic abuse in the highlands 10 years ago; last year the figure was closer to 2,800. Does the Secretary of State agree that in rural and island communities it takes a lot of courage for women to report domestic abuse, yet we can see from the figures that domestic abuse is no less prevalent?
Context
Western Isles Women’s Aid in the constituency helped 180 women last year, operating at full capacity. The organization is uncertain about future funding despite its critical role in addressing domestic abuse cases.
The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)
I do agree. It takes enormous courage to come forward, as women in rural communities often experience additional barriers. I commend my hon. Friend for his fundraising efforts. We are investing more in support services for victims, and my hon. Friend will see when we publish our violence against women and girls strategy that we have heard directly from those living in rural communities to understand what more is needed to put in place the support that they require.
Session: Topical Questions
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Has the Treasury made any assessment of the SNP's plans to separate Scotland from the rest of the UK? This separation would disrupt trade accounting for 60% of Scotland’s economy. Additionally, I thank the Chancellor for the £820 million extra for the Scottish budget.
Context
The Member asks about the Treasury’s assessment of the SNP’s plan to separate Scotland from its main market, the rest of the UK. He also thanks the Chancellor for additional funding for the Scottish budget.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
No direct answer provided. The Chancellor did not address the specific question but thanked the Member for their kind words about additional funding for the Scottish budget.
Session: EU Exit Economic Growth
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What steps is his Department taking to improve the UK's trading relationships with other countries? I welcome the Secretary of State to his place and invite him to Benbecula Distillery in my constituency. It recently secured £1.5 million from the British Business Bank’s investment fund. What is he doing to ensure that this new wave of small Scottish distilleries will be part of the next round of trade deals?
Context
The Secretary of State for Business and Trade is asked about the steps his department is taking to improve trade deals, specifically regarding small Scottish distilleries.
The Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Peter Kyle)
When we have opportunities to take delegations abroad, representatives from the Scotch Whisky Association and those distilleries are always with us. We fight hard for the Scotch whisky business and know its importance right across the UK and to the economy overall. The week before last I was in India with the Prime Minister where we were furthering the trade deal we have secured and ensuring that we exploit all the opportunities these deals present. This includes a deal alone that will unleash over £1 billion-worth of opportunities for the Scotch whisky industry.
Session: Trading Relationships
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Does the Secretary of State agree that the Conservatives have got a cheek? Some 77,000 jobs drifted out of the North sea under their Government, and they did not lift a finger. This Government, along with the Scottish Government, invested £18 million in a transition fund to help oil and gas workers move into energy jobs.
Context
The previous Conservative Government is criticised for the loss of tens of thousands of jobs in the North Sea due to a lack of investment. The current government, along with the Scottish Government, invested £18 million in a transition fund to help oil and gas workers move into energy jobs.
Douglas Alexander (Secretary of State for Scotland)
I find myself in agreement with my hon. Friend from the Western Isles. The last Conservative Government did not believe in industrial strategy—it is as basic as that. It is not just a difference of policy; it is a difference of philosophy.
Session: Energy Security North Sea Gas and Oil
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What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to reduce digital exclusion in Na h-Eileanan an Iar constituency? The contract signed by Building Digital UK for £157 million aims to deliver broadband across the Western Isles, but Torcuil Crichton notes that this money has not reached the end users. He mentions constituents in Swordale who have all utilities except broadband and questions why Openreach is not extending coverage further despite making millions from installations down major routes.
Context
The constituency of Na h-Eileanan an Iar has one of the lowest levels of broadband coverage in the UK. Torcuil Crichton highlights specific constituents who have built homes but lack broadband connectivity, despite Openreach's installation down major routes.
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Liz Kendall)
Building Digital UK has signed a £157 million contract to deliver broadband across the Western Isles, including 8,000 premises in Na h-Eileanan an Iar. The government is committed to working with local communities and providers like Building Digital UK to ensure full coverage. The Secretary of State encourages Torcuil Crichton to engage further with Ministers and officials to set out specific needs on the ground.
Session: Digital Exclusion Na h-Eileanan an Iar
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I reiterate the concerns raised last night by my fellow journalist and hon. Friend the Member for Earley and Woodley (Yuan Yang) in highlighting Gaza as the deadliest war for journalists. Over 189 have been killed since October 2023, despite reporters being categorised as protected civilians under international law. Israel seems set on a deadly campaign to silence journalists in Gaza while refusing entry to other international journalists. Can the Secretary of State join me in condemning that strategy and in paying tribute to those who are risking their lives to get news out of Gaza, and also commend our own domestic broadcasters—including the much-maligned BBC—for keeping us informed on what is going on there?
Context
The MP highlights the danger faced by journalists covering the conflict in Gaza, with over 189 journalists killed since October 2023.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for bringing this matter to the House’s attention. I strongly condemn all violence directed against journalists, and call on the Israeli authorities to make every effort to ensure that media workers across the region can conduct their work freely and safely. Deliberate targeting of journalists is entirely unacceptable. International humanitarian law offers protection to civilian journalists during any armed conflicts, and those laws should be abided by.
Session: Gaza Ceasefire
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What discussions she has had with local authorities in Scotland on community regeneration funding? The £20 million community regeneration partnership with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the Western Isles council, will help develop the marine economy of Vatersay and Barra, the cultural heritage of Eriskay and North Uist and the spinal route through the islands. It puts islanders in the driving seat using the muscle of the UK Government.
Context
The question pertains to discussions with local authorities in Scotland about community regeneration funding. The specific case of a £20 million partnership between the UK Government and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, focusing on developing the marine economy, cultural heritage, and infrastructure improvement.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Alex Norris)
I note the passion with which my hon. Friend speaks about this. His leadership is going to be crucial to the success of this project. It speaks exactly to why we have taken the approach we are taking: we need local communities in charge. They are the experts on their lives and on what they need, and they should be in the driving seat. That is why we will work with them on this project, and through our plans set out in the spending review we will put that at the heart of everything we do.
Session: Community Regeneration Funding Scotland
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What recent discussions has the Minister had with representatives of the broadcasting sector in Scotland? The islanders have always been international ambassadors, and some Lewis chess pieces are going to France, symbolizing a bit of Gaelic Scotland. 'An t-Eilean', MG Alba’s detective series, was watched by 1.8 million viewers globally. Can we see a Scotland-wide growth deal for Gaelic broadcasting, cultural heritage items like the Lewis chess pieces, and childcare to grow social infrastructure?
Context
Following a recent engagement co-hosted by the Scotland Office and MG Alba, where the importance of Gaelic broadcasting was discussed.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Kirsty McNeill)
The Secretary of State and I are committed to supporting a flourishing broadcasting sector in Scotland. We regularly meet its representatives, and my hon. Friend the Member for Na h-Eileanan an Iar was part of a recent engagement that we co-hosted with MG Alba where he spoke passionately about Gaelic broadcasting. The objective of growth deals is to enable people to live well in their communities. UK Government have delivered a historic spending review for Scotland, including ambitious local growth plans for national renewal. We will continue to engage on these matters.
Session: Broadcasting Scotland
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Will Ministers ensure that Dame Barbara Woodward takes a message from my constituents, including Mairi MacKinnon, Ian Stephen, Louise Scullion and Malcolm MacLean, who expressed their disgust and condemnation of the Israeli Government using food as a weapon of war?
Context
71,000 children are at risk of famine in Gaza as the Israeli Government use food as a weapon of war.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
I can confirm that our permanent representative in New York will be expressing the full force of our views, as we heard earlier in this session.
Session: Topical Questions
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May I tempt the Minister on a voyage to a far-off island? St Kilda is almost 50 miles off the coast of Lewis, and it comes within my constituency and within the Minister’s remit as one of those rare things, a UNESCO double world heritage site. Will the Minister meet me and representatives of the Uig community in Lewis who want to build a global interpretation centre, a template for remote viewing these vulnerable sites? The meeting could be here in Whitehall, in Uig in Lewis, or on St Kilda.
Context
The Uig community in Lewis wants to build a global interpretation centre for St Kilda, which is within the Minister's remit as a UNESCO double world heritage site.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism (Chris Bryant)
I would be absolutely delighted to come to St Kilda. My hon. Friend makes a very important point. The archipelago of St Kilda is unique. Since the last 36 people left in 1930, it has been run by the National Trust. As he says, it is a double UNESCO world heritage site and we want to ensure that we make the best of it.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for that answer and the assurance from the Dispatch Box that the maximum level of debt repayment from a household's universal credit is to be reduced from 25% to 15% each month. That is great news for Scottish families, who could benefit by an average of £420 a year. Much of that debt management is carried out at the DWP centre in Stornoway in my constituency, and some 65 of the 80 staff there are involved in responding to calls nationally.
Context
The issue revolves around the recent announcement of reducing the maximum level of debt repayment from a household's universal credit from 25% to 15% each month, aiming to benefit Scottish families by an average of £420 a year. This measure involves local DWP centres such as in Stornoway.
Alison McGovern
My hon. Friend mentions the new fair repayment rate, which is another crucial part of the Budget and a downpayment on the action that we will take on poverty. I am fond of an invitation to Scotland, and I will happily accept that one.
Session: Poverty
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What steps she is taking to help reduce levels of poverty. After 14 years of Conservative Government, 8 million adults and 4.3 million children were left in poverty. Among other things, £240 million was recently announced in the Budget to support better work so that people can get the dignity of a good job and the security of a proper wage.
Context
The question arises from the longstanding issue of poverty in the UK, particularly affecting adults and children under Conservative rule for 14 years. The Labour party is seeking specific steps to tackle this.
Alison McGovern
After 14 years of Conservative Government, 8 million adults and 4.3 million children were left in poverty. Among other things, £240 million was recently announced in the Budget to support better work so that people can get the dignity of a good job and the security of a proper wage. Details will soon be available, as the Secretary of State mentioned, in our “Get Britain Working” White Paper.
Session: Poverty
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Can the Minister update us on how the talks are going?
Context
Talks are commercially sensitive regarding the future of the Harland & Wolff yard at Arnish, Methil, Appledore, and Belfast.
Sarah Jones
We are working extensively with all parties to find an outcome for Harland & Wolff that delivers shipbuilding and manufacturing in Belfast, Scotland and Appledore in Devon. I cannot comment further due to commercial sensitivities.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will he now use the full firepower of the Scotland Office to convince Cabinet colleagues and industry players of the vital role and potential of the Arnish fabrication yard in Stornoway and its sister yard in Methil, both of which are coming up for sale as part of the going to market of Harland & Wolff? Will he assure workers at the Arnish yard and at Stornoway port that they will play a big role in the renewables future and in GB Energy?
Context
The MP welcomes the Secretary of State to his position and highlights the importance of the Arnish fabrication yard for renewable energy projects.
Ian Murray
The Government will continue to engage with Harland & Wolff, local MPs and the Scottish Government to monitor the situation and support a resolution that provides long-term certainty for the yards and workforces across the whole UK. The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland recently visited the Arnish yard. I have visited the Methil yard twice and hope to meet the Deputy First Minister again in the coming weeks.
Session: Energy Industry
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Scotland’s Architectural Heritage
05 November 2024
Responding: Stephanie Peacock
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the destruction of Glasgow School of Art's Mackintosh building due to fires in 2014 and 2018. The second fire left a burnt-out shell of what should be a grade I listed building, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Despite global support and donations, the restoration project has faced setbacks, causing anger, pain, and frustration among those who love the Mack. There is fear that the project may falter, given its significance as a landmark of national importance."]
Specific Asks
['I am calling on the UK Government to engage with Glasgow School of Art board positively and find a solution for the complete restoration of the Mackintosh building. I believe that evidence of what can be done is seen in the restoration of the House of Commons after it was bombed during World War II.']
Rural Depopulation — [Valerie Vaz in the Chair]
11 September 2024
Responding: Seema Malhotra
Main Concerns
['The Western Isles are experiencing a depopulation crisis, with the population decreasing by 5.5% since the 2011 census and the highest percentage decrease in Scotland. The working-age population is set to decrease by 6% by 2028 while the over-75 population is set to rise by 25%. There are significant challenges such as a lack of affordable housing, poor transport connections, limited health provision, and inadequate childcare which contribute to this crisis.']
Specific Asks
['The UK Government should consider rural visa projects for areas like the Western Isles that need skilled workers. The Minister is urged to address issues related to crofting tenure, housing affordability, economic incentives, state aid, VAT reduction on construction, enhanced capital allowances, and community ownership of land.']
Jaguar Land Rover: Redundancies
09 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Jackdaw and Rosebank Oil and Gas Fields
03 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Direction of Government
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
09 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mohamed argues that successive British Governments have acknowledged the illegality and harmful effects of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories but have failed to take decisive ...
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr Carmichael highlighted the concern regarding the management of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, specifically noting proposed changes to payments for coastguard rescue officers that could impact ...
Civil Service Pensions
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Cuba: Humanitarian Situation
08 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Energy Security
19 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Criticises the Government's energy policy, particularly the ban on new oil and gas licences. Emphasises the negative impact of these policies on Aberdeen, the North East of Scotland, and UK economic s...
Middle East: Economic Update
21 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East
23 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
77.6%
76 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
26
26.5% of votes
No Votes
50
51.0% of votes
Abstentions
22
22.4% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
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
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
1
PMQs Asked
33
Ministerial Questions Asked
41
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+146% above average
This MP:
33
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+744% above average
This MP:
41
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 (%)
+12% above average
This MP:
77.6
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 Torcuil Crichton's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.