Torsten Bell
MP for Swansea West
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Back in the 1990s, the Conservatives claimed that the minimum wage would cost 1 million jobs. Instead, low earners have seen the fastest pay rises year after year, with no effect on employment—[Interruption.] They opposed it. Today, and on their watch, 1 million workers are on zero-hours contracts and more than 1 million people have no sick pay whatsoever, facing risks that nobody in this House would bear.
Context
In the 1990s, Conservatives claimed that introducing a minimum wage would cost one million jobs. Instead, low earners have seen significant pay rises each year without an adverse effect on employment.
Keir Starmer
Economic growth is our No. 1 mission, and that is why we forged a new, positive relationship with business, but too many people are insecure at work, and that holds them back and holds our economy back.
Assessment
The specific claims about the impact of minimum wage policies were not addressed directly.
Economic Growth Is Our No. 1 Mission
Session: PMQs
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I am surprised: why are the parties on the Opposition Benches voting against it?
Context
The question arises from confusion regarding parties opposing the Welsh Government's budget despite its funding for NHS improvements.
Jo Stevens
I think their stance on the Welsh Government Budget says it all. They are more bothered about scoring cheap political points than they are about delivering services and investment for Wales.
Session: NHS Waiting Lists
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The government has announced a significant increase in the earnings threshold for Carer's Allowance. What plans does the Department have to communicate this important policy change effectively?
Context
3,400 carers in Swansea West will benefit from an upcoming increase to the earnings threshold for Carer's Allowance. Awareness of this change is historically low.
Stephen Timms
All current claimants will receive an annual uprating letter detailing the new limit. Additionally, 60,000 new unpaid carers will become eligible for the allowance from April 7th next year.
Session: Topical Questions
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How will the taskforce ensure that lessons, including on the role of housing costs in driving up relative poverty and the necessity of growth to drive down absolute poverty, will be learnt from previous attempts to drive down child poverty?
Context
Previous attempts to reduce child poverty have faced challenges, particularly with housing costs and the necessity of job creation.
Liz Kendall
My hon. Friend makes a very important point about learning the lessons from the last time we were in government and lifted more than 600,000 children out of poverty, and looking at similarities and differences, not least that there are more children growing up in poverty in households, whether in the private rented sector or in social housing, and that there are more children growing up poor in a household where somebody works.
Session: Child Poverty Taskforce
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What steps she is taking to progress the work of the child poverty taskforce.
Context
The child poverty taskforce is a new initiative aiming to address the issue of child poverty in the UK. Previous attempts at reducing child poverty have been made, but challenges remain.
Liz Kendall
Tackling child poverty is a top priority for the new Government, and a personal priority for me. Children cannot fulfil their potential without food in their belly or a decent roof over their head, and we cannot fulfil our potential as a country when the talents of so many are left behind.
Session: Child Poverty Taskforce
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Welsh universities are central to economic growth in many of our communities. Swansea University has already seen 200 voluntary redundancies, and more are happening across Wales. How will the two Governments work together to nurture these crucial institutions?
Context
Welsh universities are facing difficulties due to redundancies and the economic situation, affecting their ability to contribute to local communities.
Nia Griffith
Welsh universities, including Swansea University, have a huge contribution to make to economic growth. The Secretary of State and I met with Professor Paul Boyle last week to discuss the challenges facing Welsh institutions and ways of supporting higher education in Wales. Colleagues at all levels are working closely together to safeguard those universities' potential amid difficult economic circumstances.
Session: Economic Growth
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
The Pension Schemes Bill - Clause 40 - Certain schemes providing money purchase benefits: scale and asset allocation
28 April 2026
Bill Debate
Led by this MP
Moves amendments to the Bill that aim to retain the original policy intent while addressing concerns raised in both Houses. The proposed changes include a new requirement for regulators to assess barr...
Pensions Bill - Clause 122 - Commencement
22 April 2026
Bill Debate
Led by this MP
The lead MP moved that the House insists on its disagreement with several Lords amendments, proposes new clauses, and does not insist on certain other amendments. He aims to ensure that the cultural c...
Insurance Act 2015 (Amendment) Bill - Lords amendments and Government motions to disagree
15 April 2026
Bill Debate
Led by this MP
Moves that the House disagrees with Lords amendment 1. Does not provide additional details in the provided text.
National Savings & Investments
26 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Pensions Bill - Clause 1
23 March 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Fuel Duty
18 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The House believes it is wrong to increase the main fuel duty rates on specific dates in 2026 and 2027, as global oil prices are rising. These increases will affect drivers, farmers, businesses, and o...
Middle East: Economic Update
09 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Charter for Budget Responsibility
24 February 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
Moves to approve the updated charter, which includes doubling the buffer against fiscal rules and introducing a fiscal lock. The motion supports reducing inflation, lowering interest rates, and boosti...
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill 2026-01-21
21 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves amendments to exempt basic rate taxpayers in England, Wales and Scotland from the £2,000 cap. Criticises the bill for not enhancing pension savings and proposes new clauses requiring assessments...
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill 2025-12-17
17 December 2025
General Debate
Led by this MP
The Minister moved that the National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill be read a Second time. He argued for reforming pension salary sacrifice due to its growing cost, whi...
Attendance
84.7%
83 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
32
32.7% of votes
No Votes
51
52.0% of votes
Abstentions
15
15.3% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
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
5
Ministerial Questions Asked
27
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
5
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 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
-63% below average
This MP:
5
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+456% above average
This MP:
27
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-47% below average
This MP:
5
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+22% above average
This MP:
84.7
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Torsten Bell's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.