Oliver Ryan Portrait

Oliver Ryan

Labour (Co-op) - Burnley

3,420 (8.6%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 4th July 2024


2 APPG Officer Positions (as of 9 Sep 2025)
Multiple Sclerosis, Saudi Arabia
5 APPG Memberships
Apprenticeships, Aviation, HIV, AIDS and Sexual Health, Manufacturing, Maternity
Bank Resolution (Recapitalisation) Bill [HL]
5th Feb 2025 - 11th Feb 2025
Finance Bill
22nd Jan 2025 - 30th Jan 2025


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Oliver Ryan has voted in 272 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Oliver Ryan Division Votes

Debates during the 2024 Parliament

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
Yvette Cooper (Labour)
Foreign Secretary
(7 debate interactions)
Lucy Powell (Labour (Co-op))
(6 debate interactions)
David Lammy (Labour)
Deputy Prime Minister
(5 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Home Office
(12 debate contributions)
Ministry of Defence
(9 debate contributions)
Department for Work and Pensions
(6 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Oliver Ryan's debates

Burnley Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Oliver Ryan has not participated in any petition debates

Latest EDMs signed by Oliver Ryan

8th September 2025
Oliver Ryan signed this EDM as the primary signatory on Thursday 4th September 2025

Representative Jamie Raskin

Tabled by: Oliver Ryan (Labour (Co-op) - Burnley)
That this House recognises the significant contribution to the special relationship made by Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland's Eighth Congressional District, of the United States House of Representatives; notes that Representative Raskin is ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee and the House Oversight Committee, and has made significant strides …
2 signatures
(Most recent: 9 Sep 2025)
Signatures by party:
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
8th May 2025
Oliver Ryan signed this EDM as a sponsor on Tuesday 13th May 2025

Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia

Tabled by: Adam Jogee (Labour - Newcastle-under-Lyme)
That this House congratulates the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia, the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, on his historic victory and successful re-election in the Australian General Election held on Saturday 3 May 2025; notes the increase in seats in the House of Representatives and swing to the Australian …
8 signatures
(Most recent: 2 Jun 2025)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 6
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Independent: 1
View All Oliver Ryan's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Oliver Ryan, 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.


Oliver Ryan has not been granted any Urgent Questions

1 Adjournment Debate led by Oliver Ryan

Thursday 31st October 2024

1 Bill introduced by Oliver Ryan


A Bill to allow for certain civil and family court hearings to be conducted remotely.

Commons - 80%

Last Event - Report Stage
Friday 11th July 2025
(Read Debate)
Next Event - Report Stage
Friday 31st October 2025

Oliver Ryan has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting


Latest 20 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
11th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of support available to businesses developing technologies to reduce carbon emissions.

The Government policies supporting businesses to develop technologies to reduce carbon emissions adhere with the Department's published monitoring and evaluation framework, which sets out our commitment to robust and proportionate monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of our policies (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/desnz-monitoring-and-evaluation-framework).

Example programmes through which the Government provides support for low carbon technology development include the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio and its predecessor, the Energy Innovation Programme. Both of these are monitored through Key Performance Indicators and subject to external evaluations. An evaluation of the Energy Entrepreneurs Fund, for instance, found that it was effective at accelerating technological progress (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-entrepreneurs-fund-phases-1-7-final-evaluation).

21st Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure children in (a) key stage 1 and (b) key stage 2 have sufficient access to (i) high-quality play provision and (ii) adequate time for play at school.

Play is essential to development and learning for young children. This is recognised in the early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework, and schools, governing bodies and academy trusts are responsible for ensuring the school day includes opportunities for social interaction, physical activity and enrichment activities.

Government guidance sets out the expectation that a school week is a minimum of 32.5 hours inclusive of breaks, providing lots of opportunity for schools to incorporate time for play and other activities.

7th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will take steps to improve the (a) process and (b) tools used to diagnose SEND in children.

This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) or in alternative provision receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life. The department wants to drive a consistent and inclusive approach to supporting children and young people with SEND through early identification, effective support, high quality teaching and effective allocation of resources. The department’s approach will support families, breaking down the barriers to opportunity for their children.

The department knows that parents have struggled to get the right support for their children, particularly through long and difficult Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan processes. The department wants to make sure that EHC plan applications are processed promptly and, where required, are issued as quickly as possible so that children and young people can access the support they need. The department has listened to a wide range of people such as children and young people, parents, schools, colleges and local authorities and their partners, and it is deciding how to proceed based on these insights.

The department is also investing heavily in the SEND system, for example:

  • Investing a further £21 million to train 400 more educational psychologists across specialists.
  • Announcing that funded support for the 11,100 schools registered for the Nuffield Early Language Intervention programme would continue for 2024/25.
  • In partnership with NHS England, funding the Early Language and Support For Every Child (ELSEC) to trial new ways of working to earlier identify and support children with speech, language and communication needs in early years and primary schools, utilising Therapy Support Assistants.
  • Funding the Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) programme, which will deploy specialists from both health and education workforces within mainstream primary school settings. PINS will build teacher and staff capacity to identify and meet the needs of neurodiverse children, including those with speech and language needs, through whole-school interventions.
  • Funding up to 7,000 early years staff to gain an accredited Level 3 early years SENCO qualification to support the development of the early years' workforce.
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to provide additional funding to support repairs to the bridge on the Padiham Greenway walking and cycling route in Burnley; and how much funding her Department has provided to Lancashire County Council for (a) walking, (b) cycling and (c) active travel in the last five years.

In December 2024, Sustrans was awarded £280,000 for the ‘NCN 685 River Calder bridge reinstatement’ construction scheme in the eighth tranche of National Cycle Network funding. Active Travel England will set out future allocations to Sustrans to upgrade and maintain the NCN following department business planning decisions later this year. Sustrans will then be responsible for setting out proposals on the optimum use of this funding across the NCN, which could include funding for repairs to the Padiham Greenway.

In the last five years, Lancashire County Council has received £10,589,933 in capital funding through the Active Travel Fund and £2,940,541 in revenue funding through the Capability Fund. In addition, the authority has been allocated £4,508,882 for 25/26 through the Consolidated Active Travel Fund.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to provide additional funding to support repairs to the bridge on the Padiham Greenway walking and cycling route in Burnley; and how much funding her Department has provided to Lancashire County Council for walking, cycling and active travel in the last five years.

In December 2024, Sustrans was awarded £280,000 for the ‘NCN 685 River Calder bridge reinstatement’ construction scheme in the eighth tranche of National Cycle Network funding. Active Travel England will set out future allocations to Sustrans to upgrade and maintain the NCN following department business planning decisions later this year. Sustrans will then be responsible for setting out proposals on the optimum use of this funding across the NCN, which could include funding for repairs to the Padiham Greenway.

In the last five years, Lancashire County Council has received £10,589,933 in capital funding through the Active Travel Fund and £2,940,541 in revenue funding through the Capability Fund. In addition, the authority has been allocated £4,508,882 for 25/26 through the Consolidated Active Travel Fund.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
4th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to reduce the time taken for Access to Work benefit applications to be approved.

The Department for Work and Pensions is committed to reducing waiting times for new applications for Access to Work, as well as renewals. We are considering the best way to deliver that for customers. We have increased the number of staff processing Access to Work claims and have prioritised applications from customers who are about to start a job, and renewals.

Alison McGovern
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
1st Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to (a) address the funding disparity and (b) provide additional financial support for Pendleside Hospice in Burnley.

Most hospices are charitable, independent organisations which receive some statutory funding for providing National Health Services. The amount of funding each charitable hospice receives varies both within and between integrated care board (ICB) areas. This will vary depending on demand in that ICB area, but will also be dependent on the totality and type of palliative and end of life care provision from both NHS and non-NHS services, including charitable hospices, within each ICB area.

We are supporting the hospice sector with a £100 million capital funding boost for eligible adult and children’s hospices in England to ensure they have the best physical environment for care. Pendleside Hospice in Burnley received £95,256 from the first £25 million tranche of this funding in 2024/25. It will receive £285,768 from the second £75 million tranche of funding in 2025/26.

The Government and the NHS will closely monitor the shift towards the strategic commissioning of palliative and end of life care services to ensure that the future state of services reduces variation in access and quality, although some variation may be appropriate to reflect both innovation and the needs of local populations.

Stephen Kinnock
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to improve (a) awareness, (b) diagnosis and (c) clinical understanding of Bertolotti Syndrome within the NHS; and whether he plans to update NHS training materials or clinical guidelines to include reference to the (i) Jenkins LSTV classification system and (ii) other up-to-date approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

We are committed to giving people with long-term conditions, such as Bertolotti syndrome, the support that they need, including referral to specialist services as appropriate.

While there are no current plans to update National Health Service training materials or clinical guidelines to include reference to the Jenkins LSTV classification system, we would expect all spinal surgeons in England to be aware of Bertolotti syndrome and possible treatment options. Decision making about the risks and benefits of a treatment option is a matter of clinical judgement and shared decision-making with the patient.

Healthcare professionals are responsible for ensuring that their own clinical knowledge remains up-to-date, and for identifying learning needs as part of their continuing professional development.

Our recently published 10 Year Health Plan presents a significant opportunity to revolutionise care for people with conditions like Bertolotti syndrome by shifting from hospital-centric care to community-based and preventative approaches to manage or reduce symptoms, alongside digital advancements. The plan focuses on earlier intervention, improved access to care, and better integration of services to address the challenges faced by individuals with long-term conditions like Bertolotti syndrome.

Ashley Dalton
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to expand the Supervised Toothbrushing Scheme beyond early years settings to include older school-aged children; and whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of supporting school nurses and public health teams to provide (a) toothbrushes and (b) fluoride toothpaste during individual health assessments in areas with high levels of dental health inequality.

There are no plans to change the focus of the national supervised toothbrushing programme from three to five-year-old children living in the 20% most deprived areas of England. However, there is flexibility for local authorities to consider additional provision if the needs of this population have been met. This might include older or younger children, children with special educational needs and disabilities, or other vulnerable groups. This should be based on local oral health needs assessments and decision making.

School nurses and public health teams, working with other professionals, have an essential role in promoting children’s oral health with population and individual level interventions. This can include the provision of toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste packs based on local decision making.

Stephen Kinnock
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
17th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to promote the importance of regular eye tests and vision screening for children; and what further steps he plans to take to increase the uptake of eye tests among children.

Free National Health Service sight tests are widely available for children under 16 years old, and under 19 years old in full time education. The NHS.UK website sets out the importance of regular sight tests whilst also providing information about who is entitled to free NHS sight tests. The Department also looks for opportunities to promote the importance of NHS sight tests, such as through National Eye Health Week.

All babies should receive a routine eye screening within 72 hours of birth as part of the newborn physical examination, and again at around six weeks of age. The UK National Screening Committee also recommends vision screening in school for children aged four to five years old to look for reduced vision in one or both eyes. Providers of this service will send information to parents, carers, or guardians, setting out why vision screening is important to encourage uptake.

Stephen Kinnock
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
4th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of extending eligibility requirements for the NHS Health Check to adults aged between 25 to 39.

The NHS Health Check, a core component of England’s cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention programme, assesses the risk factors for CVD in people aged 40 to 74 years old, provides advice on how to reduce the risk of developing CVD, and refers people to behaviour support programmes, clinical assessment, and treatment where appropriate.

Data shows that the older a person is, the more likely it is they will attend their NHS Health Check, with the highest uptake in the 70 to 74 year old age group.

We are undertaking a review of the evidence for expanding eligibility to people under 40 years of age. This work will inform the ongoing policy for the NHS Health Check programme.

Ashley Dalton
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
3rd Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the classification of ketamine as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971; and if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of reviewing that classification.

No recent assessment has been made. Ketamine was moved from Class C to Class B in 2014, in accordance with advice provided by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD). The ACMD’s recommendation was based on evidence of ketamine’s potential for harm at that time. The Government continues to assess any emerging evidence of harm and keeps drugs controls under review. Any decisions about drug classification are made after seeking expert advice from the ACMD.

Diana Johnson
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
12th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 1 November 2024 to Question 10959 on British Nationality: Assessments, what her planned timescale is for reviewing the Life in the UK handbook; and if she will take steps to introduce practical citizenship classes to support the integration process.

The Life in the UK handbook is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains up to date and correct. The current impression of the handbook, published in 2023, was reviewed earlier this year. We aim to publish the next impression, with amendments, before the end of 2024. We expect to finalise the next periodic review of the handbook towards the end of 2025.

The Home Office works with its commercial partners to ensure a range of learning materials are available to support those who wish to study for the Life in the UK test. These include a mobile app, an e-learning zone and study guides available in digital and paper formats.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
23rd Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) updating the Life in the UK (i) handbook and (ii) citizenship test and (b) introducing integration classes to help people adjust to life in the UK.

The Life in the UK test is important for anyone applying to settle permanently in the UK to ensure they have an understanding of the democratic principles underlying British society and aspects of our culture and traditions. The handbook and questions are periodically reviewed to ensure the information is up to date and correct.

Individuals granted asylum have access to work and to mainstream services that support their integration, and receive a Welcome Guide to provide information to support their cultural orientation and integration into life in the UK.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
21st Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 26 July 2024 to question 726 on Emergency Services: Medals, if she will take steps to introduce a medal for seriously injured and medically retired emergency service personnel.

It is only right that we recognise the sacrifices made by the emergency services, and the Home Office is happy to consider proposals for new medals for members of the emergency services.

Any official policing medal is a gift from the Government, on behalf of His Majesty The King to recognise individuals within the service. The creation of a new medal requires cross Government consensus and approval from the Committee on The Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals (“HD Committee”), before advice is put to HM The King to make his final decision.

Diana Johnson
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
18th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to support jobs in the defence sector.

Defence is not just the cornerstone of national security, but it is also an engine for growth.

The Defence Industrial Strategy will deliver good jobs and rewarding careers in Defence, that support communities across our nations.

I am also working with my Ministerial colleagues as part of a cross-Government effort to identify and grow the skills the UK defence sector will need for the future.

22nd Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to help tackle Islamophobia.

Islamophobia, and all forms of religious and racial hatred, have absolutely no place in our society. No one should be targeted because of the colour of their skin, or their faith. This Government is clear that perpetrators of such hate crimes will face the full force of the law.

Up to £29.4 million per year will be made available for protective security at mosques and Muslim faith schools until 2027/28. The Protective Security for Mosques Scheme provides physical protective security measures (such as CCTV, intruder alarms and secure perimeter fencing) to mosques and associated Muslim faith community centres.

British Muslims are a crucial part of Britain’s history and British life today. This Government will not tolerate Islamophobia in any form and has committed to a more cohesive and integrated approach to ensure that all forms of hatred are stamped out of our communities. We will keep the House updated on this work to strengthen our communities.

10th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Homelessness code of guidance for local authorities, published on 22 February 2018, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the guidance on (a) priority need and (b) emergency accommodation provision for single men who (i) do not fit the priority categories and (ii) are rough sleeping.

Homelessness legislation and guidance makes clear people who are vulnerable have priority need. This includes a duty to provide the household with temporary accommodation until settled accommodation is secured.

Homelessness levels are far too high. We are determined to tackle this and will develop a new cross government strategy, working with mayors and councils across the country, to get us back on track to ending homelessness once and for all.

22nd Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if she will make an assessment of the (a) adequacy of safeguards against the misuse of online application forms for Lasting Power of Attorney and (b) potential merits of only providing forms following discussions with officials who are satisfied that Lasting Power of Attorney would be in the interests of vulnerable people.

Under the current system, the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a prescribed paper form, which to be used must be made validly and registered by Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). The form can be completed online but must then be printed, signed, and sent to OPG for processing.

LPAs are private agreements between individuals. While the OPG has a role in checking these documents meet the requirements for registration prior to use, and in investigating any alleged misuse, it cannot prevent an eligible person from making one.

Heidi Alexander
Secretary of State for Transport