Albert Owen Portrait

Albert Owen

Labour - Former Member for Ynys Môn

First elected: 7th June 2001

Left House: 6th November 2019 (Standing Down)


Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Panel of Chairs
22nd Jun 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Business and Trade Committee
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee
31st Oct 2016 - 3rd May 2017
Panel of Chairs
20th Oct 2010 - 3rd May 2017
Business and Trade Committee
31st Oct 2016 - 3rd May 2017
International Development Committee
8th Jul 2015 - 20th Feb 2017
International Development Sub-Committee on the Work of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact
14th Jul 2015 - 28th Jun 2016
Energy and Climate Change Committee
12th Jul 2010 - 30th Mar 2015
Welsh Affairs Committee
6th Mar 2006 - 6th May 2010
Welsh Affairs Committee
16th Jul 2001 - 17th Jul 2005


Division Voting information

Albert Owen has voted in 2324 divisions, and 29 times against the majority of their Party.

29 Oct 2019 - Early Parliamentary General Election Bill - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 11 Labour No votes vs 127 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 438 Noes - 20
14 Nov 2017 - European Union (Withdrawal) Bill - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Labour Aye votes vs 3 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 52 Noes - 318
8 Feb 2017 - Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 68 Labour No votes vs 85 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 409 Noes - 126
24 Nov 2014 - Recall of MPs Bill - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 4 Labour Aye votes vs 115 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 64 Noes - 271
27 Oct 2014 - Recall of MPs Bill - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 41 Labour Aye votes vs 162 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 166 Noes - 340
11 Jul 2012 - Sittings of the House - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 69 Labour Aye votes vs 138 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 241 Noes - 256
11 Jul 2012 - Sittings of the House - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 66 Labour No votes vs 139 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 267 Noes - 233
18 Jul 2011 - National Policy Statements (Energy) - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Labour Aye votes vs 8 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 267 Noes - 14
30 Mar 2011 - Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 33 Labour Aye votes vs 170 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 37 Noes - 480
15 Jun 2010 - Backbench Business Committee - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 53 Labour Aye votes vs 57 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 171 Noes - 263
21 Oct 2009 - Equitable Life - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 18 Labour Aye votes vs 287 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 269 Noes - 294
22 Oct 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 48 Labour Aye votes vs 230 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 215 Noes - 299
22 Oct 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 49 Labour Aye votes vs 227 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 206 Noes - 298
22 Oct 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 47 Labour Aye votes vs 226 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 194 Noes - 306
22 Oct 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 45 Labour Aye votes vs 226 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 183 Noes - 308
22 Oct 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 16 Labour No votes vs 261 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 355 Noes - 129
2 Jul 2008 - Finance Bill - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 6 Labour Aye votes vs 293 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 240 Noes - 303
20 May 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 39 Labour Aye votes vs 240 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 190 Noes - 332
20 May 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 42 Labour Aye votes vs 229 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 173 Noes - 309
20 May 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 56 Labour Aye votes vs 231 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 233 Noes - 304
19 May 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 61 Labour Aye votes vs 215 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 176 Noes - 336
19 May 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 62 Labour Aye votes vs 216 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 223 Noes - 286
19 May 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 58 Labour Aye votes vs 217 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 181 Noes - 314
19 May 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 51 Labour Aye votes vs 225 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 163 Noes - 342
19 May 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 51 Labour Aye votes vs 216 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 200 Noes - 293
7 Mar 2007 - House of Lords Reform - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 152 Labour No votes vs 162 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 416 Noes - 163
7 Mar 2007 - House of Lords Reform - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 132 Labour Aye votes vs 177 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 178 Noes - 392
7 Mar 2007 - House of Lords Reform - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 156 Labour Aye votes vs 157 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 305 Noes - 267
9 Jan 2007 - Welfare Reform Bill - View Vote Context
Albert Owen voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 6 Labour Aye votes vs 274 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 70 Noes - 286
View All Albert Owen Division Votes

All Debates

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Alun Cairns (Conservative)
(47 debate interactions)
David Jones (Conservative)
(46 debate interactions)
Guto Bebb (Independent)
(45 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Wales Office
(182 debate contributions)
HM Treasury
(165 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(97 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Albert Owen's debates

Latest EDMs signed by Albert Owen

15th October 2019
Albert Owen signed this EDM on Thursday 24th October 2019

Fair pay and treatment of outsourced staff at Northwick Park Hospital

Tabled by: Gareth Thomas (Labour (Co-op) - Harrow West)
That this House expresses concern that many of the 400 outsourced catering, porters, cleaners and ward hostesses employed by Medirest, which is part of the Compass Group, at Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow are being paid £8.21 an hour rather than the Living Wage Foundation rate of £9 an hour …
32 signatures
(Most recent: 24 Oct 2019)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 28
Independent: 2
Scottish National Party: 2
23rd July 2019
Albert Owen signed this EDM as a sponsor on Tuesday 23rd July 2019

WELSH SPEAKERS' RIGHT TO COMMUNICATE IN THE LANGUAGE OF THEIR CHOICE AT THEIR WORKPLACE

Tabled by: Hywel Williams (Plaid Cymru - Arfon)
That this House is critical of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) for prohibiting the use of Welsh language between members of staff and customers at its outlet in Bangor; calls on KFC to apologise and adopt a policy that enables Welsh speakers’ right to communicate in their language of choice; recognises …
17 signatures
(Most recent: 25 Jul 2019)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 8
Plaid Cymru: 3
Scottish National Party: 3
Independent: 2
Conservative: 1
View All Albert Owen's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Albert Owen, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


Albert Owen has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Albert Owen has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

Albert Owen has not introduced any legislation before Parliament


Latest 11 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
1st Jul 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what analysis his Department has undertaken of the benefits to the economy of superfast broadband access.

The UK Broadband Impact Study - Impact Report (November 2013), an expert report by analysts SQW (with Cambridge Econometrics), estimated that the availability and take-up of faster broadband speeds since 2008 will add about £17 billion to the UK’s annual Gross Value Added (GVA) by 2024. This level of uplift contributes an average of 0.07 percentage points to real annual GVA growth over this period. It also demonstrated that the benefits will be shared across the UK, helping the rebalancing of our economy.

1st Jul 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what analysis his Department has undertaken of the benefits to businesses of availability of superfast broadband across the UK.

The UK Broadband Impact Study - Impact Report (November 2013), an expert report by analysts SQW (with Cambridge Econometrics), estimated that the availability and take-up of faster broadband speeds since 2008 will add about £17 billion to the UK’s annual Gross Value Added (GVA) by 2024. This level of uplift contributes an average of 0.07 percentage points to real annual GVA growth over this period. It also demonstrated that the benefits will be shared across the UK, helping the rebalancing of our economy.

1st Jul 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what analysis his Department has undertaken of the relative benefits to the economy of access to (a) 2G, (b) 3G and (c) 4G mobile coverage.

No such specific analysis has been done but the Government commissioned research by RAND to assess the value of the provision of mobile coverage in not-spot areas. It noted that there were perceived economic benefits associated with mobile coverage and the value of this varied with the size of business in question. The findings can be accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/412201/Mobile_network_not_spots_final_report.pdf

Ofcom’s 2014 Infrastructure Report also noted that mobile communication is vital to businesses and that 79% of small and medium-sized enterprises now use mobile phones.

Improving mobile coverage is a priority for the Government it secured a landmark agreement in December 2014 with the four mobile network operators (MNOs) to provide voice and SMS text coverage to at least 90% of the UK landmass by 2017. As a result of this legally binding obligation we also expect data coverage to improve. Furthermore, Telefonica has a licence obligation to deliver indoor 4G coverage to 98% of premises in the UK by 2017. Other MNOs have indicated that they will match this commitment. Taken together these obligations will be significantly improve coverage in the UK to benefit businesses and the digital economy.

1st Jul 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what analysis his Department has undertaken of the relative benefits to businesses of access to (a) 2G, (b) 3G and (c) 4G mobile coverage.

No such specific analysis has been done but the Government commissioned research by RAND to assess the value of the provision of mobile coverage in not-spot areas. It noted that there were perceived economic benefits associated with mobile coverage and the value of this varied with the size of business in question. The findings can be accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/412201/Mobile_network_not_spots_final_report.pdf

Ofcom’s 2014 Infrastructure Report also noted that mobile communication is vital to businesses and that 79% of small and medium-sized enterprises now use mobile phones.

Improving mobile coverage is a priority for the Government it secured a landmark agreement in December 2014 with the four mobile network operators (MNOs) to provide voice and SMS text coverage to at least 90% of the UK landmass by 2017. As a result of this legally binding obligation we also expect data coverage to improve. Furthermore, Telefonica has a licence obligation to deliver indoor 4G coverage to 98% of premises in the UK by 2017. Other MNOs have indicated that they will match this commitment. Taken together these obligations will be significantly improve coverage in the UK to benefit businesses and the digital economy.

1st Jul 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions he has had with (a) the Secretary of State for Wales and (b) Ministers in the Welsh Government on the roll-out of 4G mobile telephone coverage in rural areas in Wales.

I have not had such discussions yet. As part of the 800MHz spectrum auction Telefonica has a licence condition requiring them to deliver 4G coverage to 98% of UK premises (and a minimum of 95% of premises in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) by 2017. Other mobile network operators have publicly stated an intention to match this coverage, so consumers should benefit from greater choice and greater coverage. Ofcom’s Infrastructure Report shows that as of June 2014 44% of premises in Wales had 4G coverage and 79% of Wales received 3G coverage.

20th Jul 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will publish a 25-year plan to restore biodiversity in the UK that includes (a) the biodiversity of the UK Overseas Territories and (b) an impact assessment on the effect of UK production and consumption on biodiversity in other countries.

The Government is developing a 25 year environment plan for England, which will include biodiversity. Biodiversity policy is a devolved matter but we will continue to talk to the devolved administrations throughout the development of the plan, including through the Four Countries Biodiversity Group.

UK Overseas Territory (OT) Governments are constitutionally responsible for the protection and conservation of their natural environments. The Government cherishes the environmental assets of the OTs and we work with the Territory Governments to provide the support needed to ensure these are maintained. The 2012 White Paper on the UK’s OTs “Security, Success and Sustainability” and the UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy are key tools in achieving this. The Government hopes to provide its next report on its activity to support this strategy in the autumn.

We have studied the evidence about displacement of environmental impacts associated with a global economy and this will be considered as part of our work to develop the 25 year environment plan. The Government already works to reduce the effect of UK production and consumption on the environment, for example through specific policies which promote the sustainable production and trade of palm oil, timber and woodfuel, thereby reducing the impact of their production on biodiversity in other countries.

20th Jul 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will (a) publish a 25-year plan to restore biodiversity in the UK and (b) consult with devolved Parliamentary bodies and agencies on that plan.

The Government is developing a 25 year environment plan for England, which will include biodiversity. Biodiversity policy is a devolved matter but we will continue to talk to the devolved administrations throughout the development of the plan, including through the Four Countries Biodiversity Group.

UK Overseas Territory (OT) Governments are constitutionally responsible for the protection and conservation of their natural environments. The Government cherishes the environmental assets of the OTs and we work with the Territory Governments to provide the support needed to ensure these are maintained. The 2012 White Paper on the UK’s OTs “Security, Success and Sustainability” and the UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy are key tools in achieving this. The Government hopes to provide its next report on its activity to support this strategy in the autumn.

We have studied the evidence about displacement of environmental impacts associated with a global economy and this will be considered as part of our work to develop the 25 year environment plan. The Government already works to reduce the effect of UK production and consumption on the environment, for example through specific policies which promote the sustainable production and trade of palm oil, timber and woodfuel, thereby reducing the impact of their production on biodiversity in other countries.

20th Jul 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will (a) publish separate 25-year plans to restore biodiversity and to grow more, buy more and sell more British food and (b) take steps to ensure that each such plan will contribute to the other's objectives.

We are putting in place an ambitious 25-year plan to promote and grow our world-leading food and farming industry, encouraging enterprise and boosting productivity right across the food chain.

In addition, Defra is currently investing £4.2 million over three years in the Sustainable Intensification research Platform (SIP). This is designed to investigate integrated approaches for farmers to produce more food whilst simultaneously protecting and enhancing biodiversity, and the natural environment in general. The SIP will also develop tools to enable decision-makers to balance our need to produce more British food with the need to protect our natural resources.

The Government is currently developing the framework that will guide the development of a 25-year environment plan for England, which will include biodiversity. Biodiversity policy is a devolved issue, but we will maintain a constructive dialogue with the Devolved Administrations throughout the development of the plan, through the Four Countries Biodiversity Group.

The Government will, of course, ensure that these two long-term approaches complement each other.

1st Jul 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the extent to which poor broadband access prevents farmers to accessing online CAP applications.

The rollout of superfast broadband is a key priority. The £778m Superfast Broadband Programme will provide 95% of UK premises with access to superfast broadband by the end of 2017.

The RPA online system had been designed to operate on older dial-up internet connection speeds. In addition, many farmers in rural areas have affordable access to satellite broadband connection and the RPA had mobile satellite units to assist those in very hard to reach areas. In 2015, farmers were given the option of paper-based application.

14th Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans she has to reduce the cost of living in rural communities.

Labour presided over the longest and deepest recession since the war.

We have taken action to elevate the impact on households.

For example, rural households spend a large proportion of their income on travel.

We have reduced fuel duty meaning pump prices are 13p per litre lower than they would have been under Labour's plans.

This means it is £7 cheaper for motorists every time they fill their tank.

1st Jul 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, how many people of voting age there were in each local authority area in Wales (a) in each of the last 10 years and (b) on the latest date for which figures are available.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes mid-year estimates of population for Wales. Estimates of the numbers of people aged 18 and above in each local authority area in Wales over the last ten years is provided below. The latest available data, for mid-2014, was published on 25 June 2015.

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Isle of Anglesey

54574

54998

55561

55989

56145

56215

56398

56447

56463

56533

Gwynedd

94601

95232

95643

96047

96609

97409

97845

98397

98316

98583

Conwy

89539

90249

91168

91946

92429

92681

93382

93634

94048

94564

Denbighshire

73666

73787

74460

74741

74664

74482

74395

74777

75144

75337

Flintshire

116139

116783

117566

118462

119242

119521

120031

120348

121016

121644

Wrexham

101060

102025

102897

103880

104722

105379

106015

106615

107020

107275

Powys

102428

103391

104555

105591

106272

106464

106868

107174

107236

107516

Ceredigion

61943

61944

62013

61715

61526

62313

62523

63408

63416

62875

Pembrokeshire

90963

92085

93624

95210

95983

96713

97509

98021

98378

99000

Carmarthenshire

139986

141562

143239

144403

145078

145535

146347

146779

147313

147829

Swansea

182568

184058

185708

187271

188718

190590

191909

192893

193324

194267

Neath Port Talbot

108125

109003

109786

110495

110769

111179

111671

112032

112063

112590

Bridgend

103141

104459

106225

107569

108552

109481

110509

110834

111450

112178

Vale of

Glamorgan

94527

95475

96651

97658

98421

98824

99443

99722

100113

100662

Cardiff

253146

256018

260051

263894

268034

271305

274592

276824

279269

281207

Rhondda

Cynon Taf

181948

182897

183434

183915

184268

184331

184278

185566

186077

186911

Merthyr Tydfil

43193

43652

44251

44863

45417

45888

46297

46439

46513

46587

Caerphilly

132422

133672

135127

136515

137482

138485

139249

139761

140263

141099

Blaenau Gwent

53561

54085

54391

54738

55060

55256

55476

55660

55716

55722

Torfaen

69764

70084

70444

70753

71104

71117

71371

71767

71980

72248

Monmouthshire

68886

69557

70210

70858

71511

72071

72667

73144

73745

74234

Newport

106160

107281

108221

109459

110591

111628

112550

112919

113338

113566