Voting summaries

For period: All time

MPs have many roles, but one of the most important is that they make decisions. These decisions shape the laws that govern us, and can affect every aspect of how we live our lives. One of the ways MPs make decisions is by voting.

On TheyWorkForYou, we create voting summaries that group a set of decisions together, show how an MP has generally voted on a set of related votes, and if they differ from their party.

You can see these groups, randomly ordered, below.

You can read more about how this works, the kinds of votes we include, how we compare MPs to parties, and why we think this is important.

These summaries are created by the team at TheyWorkForYou. We are independent of Parliament and receive no public funding for this work.

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Jim Shannon’s voting in Parliament

Jim Shannon is a Dup MP, and on the vast majority of issues follow instructions from their party and vote the same way as other Dup MPs.

Where MPs differ is either because they have made a decision not to follow the party whip (rebelling), or where they have differed from the majority of their colleagues in a free vote.

Jim Shannon sometimes differs from their party colleagues, such as:

• Generally voted against charging a market rent to high earners renting a council home Show votes 1 vote for, 3 votes against, 1 absence, between 2015 and 2016. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Generally voted against phasing out secure tenancies for life Show votes 1 vote for, 3 votes against, 1 absence, between 2015 and 2016. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Tended to vote against (alignment score: 38%) landlords paying for the costs of building safety works Show votes 3 votes for, 5 votes against, 1 absence, between 2021 and 2022. Comparable DUP MPs tended to vote for (alignment score: 65%).
• Tended to vote for (alignment score: 62%) public health measures and social restrictions to reduce the spread of COVID-19 Show votes 8 votes for, 5 votes against, 9 absences, between 2020 and 2021. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against. Absences for this policy may be affected COVID-19 restrictions.

In the last year, Jim Shannon has an alignment score of 100% with other MPs of their party (over 271 votes). Find out more.

How Jim Shannon voted on Welfare, Benefits and Pensions #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Generally voted against a reduction in spending on welfare benefits Show votes 4 votes for, 18 votes against, 11 absences, between 2010 and 2022. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Generally voted against reducing housing benefit for social tenants deemed to have excess bedrooms (which Labour describe as the "bedroom tax") Show votes 4 votes against, 2 absences, between 2011 and 2018. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Almost always voted for paying higher benefits over longer periods for those unable to work due to illness or disability Show votes 10 votes for, 1 vote against, 3 absences, between 2011 and 2022. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Generally voted for raising welfare benefits at least in line with prices Show votes 3 votes for, 1 vote against, 3 absences, between 2013 and 2022. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Consistently voted for making local councils responsible for helping those in financial need afford their council tax and reducing the amount spent on such support Show votes 3 votes for, 1 absence, in 2012. Comparable DUP MPs almost always voted for.
• Generally voted for increasing the state pension age for women more slowly Show votes 2 votes for, 1 absence, between 2011 and 2017. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 50%) increasing the state pension age Show votes 2 votes for, 2 votes against, 1 absence, between 2011 and 2022. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Voted against means-testing/removing universality on winter fuel payments for pensioners Show votes 1 vote against, in 2024. Comparable DUP MPs voted against.
• Voted against more powers to investigate welfare fraud, including requiring banks to monitor accounts of welfare recipients Show votes 1 vote against, in 2025. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.

Last updated: 3 February 2025. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.

How Jim Shannon voted on Miscellaneous Topics #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Consistently voted for greater regulation of gambling Show votes 4 votes for, between 2011 and 2014. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Generally voted against the privatisation of Royal Mail Show votes 1 vote against, 1 absence, between 2010 and 2011. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Generally voted against capping civil service redundancy payments Show votes 1 vote for, 5 votes against, between 2010 and 2020. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Generally voted against the policies included in the 2010 Conservative - Liberal Democrat Coalition Agreement Show votes 9 votes for, 34 votes against, 15 absences, between 2010 and 2015. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 50%) requiring pub companies to offer pub landlords rent-only leases Show votes 1 vote for, 1 vote against, between 2013 and 2016. Comparable DUP MPs tended to vote against (alignment score: 33%).
• Generally voted against restricting the scope of legal aid Show votes 2 votes for, 9 votes against, between 2011 and 2022. Comparable DUP MPs tended to vote against (alignment score: 34%).
• Generally voted for allowing national security sensitive evidence to be put before courts in secret sessions Show votes 4 votes for, 2 absences, between 2012 and 2013. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Consistently voted for restrictions on fees charged to tenants by letting agents Show votes 1 vote for, between 2013 and 2018. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Consistently voted against limits on success fees paid to lawyers in no-win no fee cases Show votes 5 votes against, 1 absence, between 2011 and 2013. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Consistently voted against a statutory register of lobbyists Show votes 3 votes against, in 2013. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Consistently voted for the free movement of goods, and mutual recognition of qualifications, within the United Kingdom Show votes 13 votes for, 1 absence, between 2020 and 2021. Comparable DUP MPs almost always voted for.
• Voted against creating a publically owned energy investment company (Great British Energy) Show votes 1 vote against, in 2024. Comparable DUP MPs voted against.

Last updated: 29 October 2024. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.

How Jim Shannon voted on Education #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Consistently voted against university tuition fees Show votes 2 votes against, between 2010 and 2017. Comparable DUP MPs consistently voted against.
• Tended to vote for (alignment score: 67%) greater autonomy for schools Show votes 2 votes for, 1 vote against, 7 absences, between 2010 and 2022. Comparable DUP MPs tended to vote for (alignment score: 69%).
• Voted against raising England’s undergraduate tuition fee cap to £9,000 per year Show votes 1 vote against, in 2010. Comparable DUP MPs consistently voted against.
• Tended to vote for (alignment score: 67%) academy schools Show votes 2 votes for, 1 vote against, 4 absences, between 2010 and 2016. Comparable DUP MPs tended to vote for (alignment score: 67%).
• Consistently voted against nationalising teacher pay and the curriculum for academies, tightening child-protection duties, free breakfast clubs (Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill). Show votes 2 votes against, in 2025. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.

Last updated: 18 March 2025. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.

How Jim Shannon voted on Home Affairs #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 50%) a stricter asylum system Show votes 10 votes for, 10 votes against, 4 absences, 1 abstention, between 2015 and 2024. Comparable DUP MPs voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 48%).
• Consistently voted for requiring the mass retention of information about communications Show votes 5 votes for, between 2014 and 2016. Comparable DUP MPs almost always voted for.
• Generally voted for stronger laws and enforcement of immigration rules Show votes 18 votes for, 5 votes against, 2 absences, 1 abstention, between 2015 and 2024. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Consistently voted for mass surveillance of people’s communications and activities Show votes 4 votes for, between 2016 and 2024. Comparable DUP MPs consistently voted for.
• Consistently voted for merging police and fire services under Police and Crime Commissioners Show votes 1 vote for, in 2016. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Consistently voted for authorising criminal conduct by undercover officers and covert sources Show votes 3 votes for, 1 absence, between 2020 and 2021. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 50%) making it easier to remove those trespassing on land with an intent to reside there Show votes 1 vote for, 1 vote against, 2 absences, in 2021. Comparable DUP MPs voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 50%).
• Almost always voted for making it easier to remove someone's British citizenship Show votes 5 votes for, 2 absences, between 2014 and 2022. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.

Last updated: 22 May 2024. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.

How Jim Shannon voted on Housing #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Generally voted against charging a market rent to high earners renting a council home Show votes 1 vote for, 3 votes against, 1 absence, between 2015 and 2016. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Generally voted against phasing out secure tenancies for life Show votes 1 vote for, 3 votes against, 1 absence, between 2015 and 2016. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Tended to vote for (alignment score: 67%) stronger fire safety measures Show votes 2 votes for, 1 vote against, 1 absence, between 2020 and 2022. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Consistently voted for more proscriptive planning laws Show votes 3 votes for, 1 absence, between 2020 and 2021. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Tended to vote against (alignment score: 38%) landlords paying for the costs of building safety works Show votes 3 votes for, 5 votes against, 1 absence, between 2021 and 2022. Comparable DUP MPs tended to vote for (alignment score: 65%).
• Consistently voted against increasing stamp duty Show votes 2 votes against, in 2024. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Consistently voted for more rights for tenants and regulation on landlords Show votes 2 votes for, between 2024 and 2025. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.

Last updated: 14 January 2025. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.

How Jim Shannon voted on Business and the Economy #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Generally voted against reducing the rate of corporation tax Show votes 6 votes for, 15 votes against, 7 absences, between 2010 and 2021. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 50%) measures to reduce tax avoidance Show votes 4 votes for, 4 votes against, 1 absence, between 2013 and 2020. Comparable DUP MPs voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 55%).
• Voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 58%) stronger tax incentives for companies to invest in assets Show votes 7 votes for, 5 votes against, 2 absences, between 2010 and 2021. Comparable DUP MPs voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 47%).
• Generally voted for new high speed rail infrastructure Show votes 4 votes for, 5 absences, between 2013 and 2021. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Consistently voted for requiring imported goods to meet domestic standards Show votes 4 votes for, between 2020 and 2021. Comparable DUP MPs almost always voted for.

Last updated: 8 December 2021. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.

How Jim Shannon voted on Transport #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Consistently voted against lower taxes on fuel for motor vehicles Show votes 6 votes against, between 2010 and 2021. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Generally voted against higher taxes on plane tickets Show votes 1 vote for, 4 votes against, 4 absences, between 2012 and 2017. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 50%) a publicly owned railway system Show votes 1 vote for, 1 vote against, 1 absence, between 2014 and 2024. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Voted for adding a third runway at Heathrow Airport Show votes 1 vote for, in 2018. Comparable DUP MPs consistently voted for.

Last updated: 29 July 2024. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.

How Jim Shannon voted on Health #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Consistently voted for smoking bans Show votes 4 votes for, 1 absence, between 2010 and 2025. Comparable DUP MPs voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 54%).
• Generally voted against reforming the NHS so GPs buy services on behalf of their patients Show votes 1 vote against, 2 absences, between 2011 and 2019. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Generally voted for restricting the provision of services to private patients by the NHS Show votes 2 votes for, 1 absence, between 2011 and 2012. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Consistently voted against allowing terminally ill people to be given assistance to end their life Show votes 2 votes against, between 2015 and 2025. Comparable DUP MPs consistently voted against.
• Tended to vote for (alignment score: 62%) public health measures and social restrictions to reduce the spread of COVID-19 Show votes 8 votes for, 5 votes against, 9 absences, between 2020 and 2021. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against. Absences for this policy may be affected COVID-19 restrictions.
• Consistently voted against higher taxes specifically to fund health and social care Show votes 4 votes against, between 2021 and 2022. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Generally voted for reducing the maximum amount an individual may be required to contribute to their social care costs Show votes 3 votes for, 1 vote against, between 2013 and 2022. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Consistently voted against fewer obstacles for access to abortion Show votes 10 votes against, between 2017 and 2023. Comparable DUP MPs almost always voted against.

Last updated: 20 June 2025. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.

How Jim Shannon voted on Foreign Policy and Defence #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Consistently voted for replacing Trident with a new nuclear weapons system Show votes 1 vote for, between 2015 and 2016. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Consistently voted for a referendum on the UK's membership of the EU Show votes 6 votes for, 1 absence, between 2011 and 2016. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Almost always voted against more EU integration Show votes 8 votes for, 49 votes against, 10 absences, between 2010 and 2022. Comparable DUP MPs almost always voted against.
• Generally voted for use of UK military forces in combat operations overseas Show votes 3 votes for, 2 absences, between 2010 and 2015. Comparable DUP MPs almost always voted for.
• Generally voted for strengthening the Military Covenant Show votes 11 votes for, 2 votes against, 2 absences, between 2011 and 2022. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Consistently voted for military action against ISIL (Daesh) Show votes 3 votes for, between 2014 and 2015. Comparable DUP MPs consistently voted for.
• Generally voted against UK membership of the EU Show votes 2 votes for, 10 votes against, between 2016 and 2019. Comparable DUP MPs almost always voted against.
• Generally voted against a right to remain for EU nationals already in living in the UK Show votes 3 votes for, 13 votes against, between 2016 and 2021. Comparable DUP MPs almost always voted against.
• Consistently voted against a second referendum on the terms of the UK's withdrawal from the EU Show votes 4 votes against, between 2017 and 2019. Comparable DUP MPs consistently voted against.

Last updated: 18 May 2022. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.

How Jim Shannon voted on Social Issues #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Consistently voted for smoking bans Show votes 4 votes for, 1 absence, between 2010 and 2025. Comparable DUP MPs voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 54%).
• Consistently voted against equal gay rights Show votes 5 votes against, 1 absence, between 2013 and 2024. Comparable DUP MPs almost always voted against.
• Consistently voted against allowing marriage between two people of same sex Show votes 6 votes against, between 2013 and 2019. Comparable DUP MPs consistently voted against.
• Tended to vote against (alignment score: 38%) laws to promote equality and human rights Show votes 3 votes for, 5 votes against, 1 absence, between 2011 and 2022. Comparable DUP MPs tended to vote against (alignment score: 36%).
• Consistently voted against allowing terminally ill people to be given assistance to end their life Show votes 2 votes against, between 2015 and 2025. Comparable DUP MPs consistently voted against.
• Generally voted against shifting the balance of employment rights towards employees Show votes 1 vote against, 2 absences, between 2024 and 2025. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.

Last updated: 20 June 2025. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.

How Jim Shannon voted on Constitutional Reform #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 50%) a wholly elected House of Lords Show votes 1 vote for, 1 vote against, between 2011 and 2024. Comparable DUP MPs voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 43%).
• Consistently voted against a lower voting age Show votes 5 votes against, 1 absence, between 2015 and 2022. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Generally voted against removing hereditary peers from the House of Lords Show votes 1 vote against, 1 absence, between 2011 and 2024. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Consistently voted against a more proportional system for electing MPs Show votes 3 votes against, 1 absence, between 2010 and 2024. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Almost always voted against an equal number of electors per parliamentary constituency Show votes 1 vote for, 9 votes against, 2 absences, between 2010 and 2020. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Consistently voted against fewer MPs in the House of Commons Show votes 3 votes against, 1 absence, between 2010 and 2020. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against. Absences for this policy may be affected COVID-19 restrictions.
• Voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 43%) reducing central government funding of local government Show votes 3 votes for, 4 votes against, between 2010 and 2021. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Consistently voted against greater restrictions on campaigning by third parties, such as charities, during elections Show votes 11 votes against, between 2013 and 2022. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Generally voted for local councils keeping money raised from taxes on business premises in their areas Show votes 3 votes for, 1 vote against, 1 absence, between 2012 and 2019. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 56%) more powers for local councils Show votes 10 votes for, 8 votes against, 8 absences, between 2010 and 2024. Comparable DUP MPs voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 50%).
• Voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 40%) fixed periods between parliamentary elections Show votes 2 votes for, 3 votes against, 1 absence, between 2010 and 2021. Comparable DUP MPs voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 52%).
• Voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 41%) transferring more powers to the Senedd/Welsh Parliament Show votes 7 votes for, 10 votes against, 8 absences, between 2011 and 2022. Comparable DUP MPs tended to vote against (alignment score: 31%).
• Generally voted against transferring more powers to the Scottish Parliament Show votes 5 votes for, 18 votes against, 22 absences, between 2011 and 2024. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Tended to vote against more powers for the devolved administration in Northern Ireland Show votes 3 votes for, 7 votes against, between 2017 and 2022. Comparable DUP MPs tended to vote against (alignment score: 33%).
• Consistently voted for photographic voter identification at polling stations Show votes 4 votes for, between 2017 and 2022. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Tended to vote for (alignment score: 67%) approving reports and recommendations made by the Standards Committee Show votes 1 vote against, 2 agreements, 2 absences, between 2021 and 2023. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.

Last updated: 3 December 2024. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.

How Jim Shannon voted on Environmental Issues #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Generally voted against measures to prevent climate change Show votes 6 votes for, 17 votes against, 1 agreement, 8 absences, between 2011 and 2025. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Consistently voted against lower taxes on fuel for motor vehicles Show votes 6 votes against, between 2010 and 2021. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Generally voted against higher taxes on plane tickets Show votes 1 vote for, 4 votes against, 4 absences, between 2012 and 2017. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Tended to vote for (alignment score: 60%) financial incentives for low carbon emission electricity generation methods Show votes 3 votes for, 2 votes against, 1 absence, between 2011 and 2025. Comparable DUP MPs voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 41%).
• Generally voted against greater regulation of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to extract shale gas Show votes 1 vote against, 2 absences, between 2015 and 2022. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Generally voted for new high speed rail infrastructure Show votes 4 votes for, 5 absences, between 2013 and 2021. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Almost always voted against the preservation of environmental protections after withdrawal from the EU Show votes 1 vote for, 7 votes against, between 2016 and 2023. Comparable DUP MPs almost always voted against.
• Almost always voted against improving biodiversity Show votes 1 vote for, 6 votes against, in 2021. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Generally voted against improving air quality Show votes 1 vote for, 4 votes against, in 2021. Comparable DUP MPs voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 50%).
• Tended to vote against (alignment score: 33%) improving environmental water quality Show votes 2 votes for, 4 votes against, between 2012 and 2024. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Consistently voted against increasing windfall tax on oil and gas companies Show votes 5 votes against, between 2024 and 2025. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Tended to vote against (alignment score: 33%) measures to encourage purchase and use of electric vehicles Show votes 2 votes against, 1 agreement, 1 absence, between 2021 and 2025. Comparable DUP MPs voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 57%).

Last updated: 2 April 2025. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.

How Jim Shannon voted on Taxation and Employment #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 50%) encouraging occupational pensions Show votes 1 vote for, 1 vote against, between 2010 and 2011. Comparable DUP MPs voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 58%).
• Generally voted against increasing the rate of VAT Show votes 3 votes against, 5 absences, between 2010 and 2022. Comparable DUP MPs almost always voted against.
• Voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 41%) raising the threshold at which people start to pay income tax Show votes 11 votes for, 16 votes against, 6 absences, between 2011 and 2021. Comparable DUP MPs voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 44%).
• Consistently voted for increasing the tax rate applied to income over £150,000 Show votes 2 votes for, between 2012 and 2015. Comparable DUP MPs consistently voted for.
• Consistently voted against lower taxes on fuel for motor vehicles Show votes 6 votes against, between 2010 and 2021. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Generally voted against higher taxes on alcoholic drinks Show votes 3 votes for, 8 votes against, between 2010 and 2024. Comparable DUP MPs voted a mixture of for and against (alignment score: 42%).
• Generally voted against higher taxes on plane tickets Show votes 1 vote for, 4 votes against, 4 absences, between 2012 and 2017. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Generally voted against an annual tax on the value of expensive homes (popularly known as a mansion tax) Show votes 1 vote against, 1 absence, in 2013. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Consistently voted against allowing employees to exchange some employment rights for shares in the company they work for Show votes 5 votes against, between 2012 and 2013. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Generally voted for more restrictive regulation of trade union activity Show votes 12 votes for, 2 votes against, 2 absences, 2 abstentions, between 2010 and 2023. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted for.
• Generally voted against higher taxes on banks Show votes 3 votes for, 14 votes against, between 2011 and 2022. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Consistently voted against higher taxes specifically to fund health and social care Show votes 4 votes against, between 2021 and 2022. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Consistently voted against increasing windfall tax on oil and gas companies Show votes 5 votes against, between 2024 and 2025. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Consistently voted against increasing stamp duty Show votes 2 votes against, in 2024. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Voted against increasing in employers' national insurance contributions Show votes 1 vote against, in 2024. Comparable DUP MPs voted against.
• Almost always voted against increasing capital gains tax Show votes 1 vote for, 9 votes against, 1 absence, between 2010 and 2025. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.
• Consistently voted against charging VAT on private school fees Show votes 2 votes against, in 2025. Comparable DUP MPs generally voted against.

Last updated: 25 March 2025. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.