Jim Dickson
MP for Dartford
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Does the Prime Minister agree that the announcement of the transport structures fund shows this Government are ending Conservative decline by fixing broken roads like Galley Hill?
Context
The A226 Galley Hill Road collapsed more than two years ago, and there is no fix in sight. The MP wants to highlight the importance of infrastructure improvement.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
My hon. Friend is correct; we are rebuilding Britain's infrastructure with £1 billion allocated for repairing bridges, tunnels, and flyovers, and £92 billion for major road and rail upgrades. The Conservatives neglected this aspect of governance.
Session: PMQs 2025-10-15
View Full Session -->
After 14 years of failure by the last Government to renew and grow the UK's infrastructure, does the Prime Minister agree that additional investment is needed to kick-start economic growth? Does he agree investing in a new lower Thames crossing for Dartford residents would boost the north Kent and UK economies by £40 billion?
Context
Jim Dickson expressed concern over the lack of infrastructure growth under previous governments and its impact on economic development.
Keir Starmer
Under this Government, Britain has secured £63 billion-worth of investment which will create tens of thousands of jobs. Our top priority is economic growth.
Assessment
Investing in a new Thames crossing for Dartford residents and the potential economic boost
Under Review
Session: PMQs 2024-10-30
View Full Session -->
Residents in Dartford regularly tell me that they want every pound of public spending used to best effect. Will the Minister update the House on the progress that is being made on cracking down on fraudsters and ensuring that UK taxpayers get back the money they are owed?
Context
Residents in Dartford want to ensure that public spending is used effectively, focusing on cracking down on fraud and recovering money owed to UK taxpayers.
The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Josh Simons)
As with so many things, the previous Government gave up, accepted fraud as inevitable, and stopped tackling it properly. By contrast, this Government are delivering the most significant package of measures to tackle fraud and error in recent history. The Office for Budget Responsibility forecast that those measures will deliver £14.6 billion of savings by 2030.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-01-22
View All Questions -->
In Swanscombe and in much of my constituency, less than 50% of young people are physically active. That is only slightly lower than the national average, which is highly alarming. Under the previous Government, community sports facilities such as Swanscombe Pavilion in my constituency crumbled, with no resources to bring them back to life, reducing the available space for young people to be active. That is why I am particularly pleased to hear about the £400 million that the Government committed to grassroots sport facilities last June. Will the Minister provide an update on how that vital funding will be allocated, and will she agree to meet me to discuss this further?
Context
The MP notes that in Swanscombe and much of his constituency, less than 50% of young people are physically active. He mentions the decline of community sports facilities such as Swanscombe Pavilion due to lack of resources under the previous government.
Stephanie Peacock (The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport)
The Government recognise that grassroots facilities are at the heart of communities up and down the country, which is why we have committed £400 million to transform grassroots facilities across the UK. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss how we will be rolling that out. We recognise that too many children and young people are less active than they should be, which is why we have campaigns such as “Let’s Move!”, which aims to support children to enjoy being active in sport, play and everyday movement.
Session: Youth Activities 2026-01-15
View All Questions -->
The Government’s very welcome decision to end the two-child cap on benefits will, alongside free school meals and breakfast clubs, transform the lives of 2,500 children living in my Dartford constituency, and contribute to our manifesto goal of tackling child poverty. Will the Secretary of State tell the House when more schools in Dartford will be eligible to join the roll-out of free breakfast clubs to primary schools across the country?
Context
The Government's decision to end the two-child cap on benefits will affect thousands of children in Dartford, including a planned roll-out of free school meals and breakfast clubs. The MP wants to ensure these initiatives are implemented effectively.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
Labour’s free breakfast clubs have already served 5 million meals, including in Knockhall primary school and Sedley’s primary school in Dartford. Applications are now open to join the next wave from April, with 2,000 more schools set to join in the next financial year, making the clubs available to half a million more children. I encourage eligible schools to get their applications in by the end of the week, so that we can give children in Dartford, and across our country, the best start to their day.
Session: Child Poverty Strategy 2025-12-01
View All Questions -->
We recently had brilliant news in Dartford for young people in the constituency and across the region, with North Kent college designated as a technical excellence college, with a focus on transforming construction training. That is perfect for the lower Thames crossing just coming on stream. The college, however, is full to the brim and wants to expand. Will the Minister look at how colleges such as North Kent can gain access to crucial capital to enable them to expand?
Context
North Kent college is designated as a technical excellence college and seeks to expand due to high demand. The college needs crucial capital funding.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
I join my hon. Friend in congratulating the fantastic team at North Kent college on all their hard work, and congratulate him on his championing of great vocational and technical routes for our young people. The Government have committed £80 million of capital funding to construction technical excellence colleges. We will also be investing a further £375 million over four years to provide additional places for 16 to 19-year-olds. I will be saying more on that shortly, and I am happy to discuss it further with my hon. Friend.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-10-20
View All Questions -->
Thanks to the massive court delays inherited from the Conservatives, as the Secretary of State said, residents in Dartford continue to face huge delays in getting cases involving them to court. What assurance can she give that the delays will reduce, and that for my constituents, it will not continue to be a case of “justice delayed is justice denied”?
Context
The Crown court backlog is causing significant delays in Dartford, affecting residents who are waiting for their cases to be heard. This issue reflects the continued challenges inherited from previous governments.
Shabana Mahmood (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that the old adage, “justice delayed is justice denied”, has come true. We know that we need bold reform. We have to get the backlog down, and we have to deal with the rising and record demand coming into the system as well. That is why we have made a record allocation of Crown court sitting days, but we also need bold, once-in-a-generation reforms. His constituents and the country deserve nothing less.
Session: Crown Court Backlog 2025-07-08
View All Questions -->
I thank the Minister for her answer, and for reassuring residents in Swanscombe and the surrounding areas that, two years after the collapse of Galley Hill Road, hope for a solution is in sight, thanks to the structures fund announced as part of the comprehensive spending review. Can the Minister confirm the likely timescale for the structures fund being up and running and open for bids? Will she undertake to ensure that her officials in the Department are working closely with Kent county council to maximise the chances of a successful bid to the structures fund, as I am sure she will for other parts of the country?
Context
Jim Dickson raised concerns about the collapse of Galley Hill Road in Swanscombe, Kent, two years prior and the need for a solution.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)
I thank my hon. Friend for his steadfast advocacy for people and businesses in his constituency, which I know has been blighted by the collapse of the A226 at Galley Hill. It was visiting places such as Galley Hill that led us to invest £1 billion to enhance the road network, and create a new structures fund that will repair rundown bridges, decaying flyovers and worn-out tunnels. Details on how that fund will be allocated will be announced in due course.
Session: Road Network Condition 2025-06-26
View All Questions -->
I thank the Minister for the Indo-Pacific, my hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Friern Barnet (Catherine West), for her support for the family of Simone White, who tragically died last year after drinking a free vodka shot in Laos. I hear worrying reports that the hostel where that happened is due to reopen shortly under another name. What assurance can the Minister give me and the family that everything is being done to hold those involved accountable, and to keep travellers safe from the dangers of methanol poisoning?
Context
Simone White died after drinking a free vodka shot in Laos, raising concerns about the hostel where this happened.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Catherine West)
I thank my hon. Friend for his hard work for his constituents. I met Simone’s family on 14 May and, as he is aware, I met the Minister responsible in Vientiane. I will raise my hon. Friend’s point today, as a result of this question.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-06-24
View All Questions -->
Far too many promises made by the last Government—promises that care would be moved out of hospitals and into the community—turned out to be hollow. From speaking to residents in Dartford, I know that hospital and community services have struggled to keep pace with new housing developments in the constituency. I am pleased to say that later this year in Dartford we will be seeing an expansion of our state-of-the-art community diagnostic centre, taking care closer to where people live. Does the Secretary of State agree that this is the start of Labour getting on with finally delivering that big shift and will he visit Dartford with me?
Context
Promises by the previous government to move care out of hospitals into communities have not been fulfilled, leading to issues in Dartford where hospital and community services struggle to keep pace with new housing.
Karin Smyth
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that this is exactly the sort of thing that is being rolled out across the country and that we are committed to delivering care closer to where his residents live.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-05-06
View All Questions -->
I thank the Minister for her answer. It is a really impressive catalogue of achievement in the early months of the Government. Can the Minister set out more specific detail for my constituents and the House on big infrastructure projects such as the lower Thames crossing? I am delighted that the Government have now given consent to it, and Dartford residents are delighted too. How can these big infrastructure projects not only kick-start economic growth but provide jobs, skills and opportunities for residents in Dartford and across the Thames estuary?
Context
The Minister without Portfolio was asked about recent progress in implementing the government's plan for change, particularly regarding infrastructure projects such as the lower Thames crossing.
Ellie Reeves (Minister without Portfolio)
My hon. Friend is a great champion for the people of Dartford. Fixing Britain’s creaking infrastructure is vital for our growth mission and plan for change. We are reforming our planning rules to cut through blockages to delivering infrastructure and to help meet our target of 150 planning decisions by the end of this Parliament. The Government are committed to working with the private sector to deliver the lower Thames crossing. As well as creating jobs, it will reduce congestion and drive economic growth by improving connectivity between Kent and Essex.
Session: Plan for Change 2025-04-24
View All Questions -->
Across my constituency, from the Co-op in Dartford to the Subway on the high street and Pet & Garden Supplies on Colney Road, I hear the same frustrating tales from business owners and shopworkers about how powerless they feel to tackle shoplifting. The measures contained in the Crime and Policing Bill to tackle that problem have just been set out and they cannot come soon enough. Will the Minister bring hope to people across the Dartford constituency that we will turn the tide on shoplifting after it was clearly deprioritised by the Conservative party?
Context
Shop theft has increased significantly in the past two years, causing frustration among business owners and employees who feel powerless to address it. The measures contained in the Crime and Policing Bill aim to tackle this problem.
The Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention (Dame Diana Johnson)
Again, my hon. Friend is absolutely right. When the Conservative party left office, shop theft was at a record level, up 40% in the space of two years. The shadow Home Secretary, the right hon. Member for Croydon South (Chris Philp), now says “ZERO TOLERANCE” on shop theft, even in cases where less than £200 worth of goods has been stolen. Yet, in the two years that he was the police and crime Minister he left that £200 limit in place, allowed thieves to escape with impunity and, in the absence of any police, said that people should make their own citizen’s arrest. While shop thefts soared, all he had to say to the public was, basically, that they were on their own and should sort it out themselves.
Session: Shoplifting 2025-03-31
View All Questions -->
What steps he is taking to increase recruitment to the armed forces. Given the need to expand our armed forces, how can we help a new generation of young people in Dartford to access highly skilled and rewarding careers across all the armed forces?
Context
The Labour MP is concerned about the need to expand armed forces recruitment, especially in his constituency with a proud military history.
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Luke Pollard)
We inherited a broken recruitment system from the Conservatives. We promised to take steps to fix it and we are: the largest pay increase in 20 years for those who serve; a 35% pay increase for recruits; the scrapping of over 100 outdated medical practices; the creation of a new direct entry cyber-pathway; a conditional offer within 10 days of applying; a training start date within 30 days; and the announcement of a new tri-service recruitment scheme to attract the very best to our armed forces. Not only is a career in our armed forces good for a young person; it also offers training opportunities, with each of our single services appearing in the top five apprentice employers—the very best in our country. A career in the defence industry is also good for our young people.
Session: Armed Forces Recruitment 2025-03-24
View All Questions -->
Does economic growth depend more than on a well-oiled revolving door between the Conservative party and big business?
Context
The MP questions the economic growth strategy that relies on a revolving door between the Tory party and big business, referencing a former Transport Minister's failed attempt to join the other place.
Heidi Alexander
Delivering economic growth requires a proper plan for investment in our transport infrastructure. That is exactly what this Government are determined to deliver.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-02-13
View All Questions -->
What assessment she has made of the contribution of community spaces to civil society? I thank the Minister for her reply. Swanscombe pavilion in my constituency is at the heart of the Swanscombe community, hosting dedicated lunch clubs for older people and providing a hub for local sports teams. The building has fallen into disrepair, and the town council is searching desperately for funds to rebuild or refurbish it, having been unable to obtain funding from the youth investment fund or the community ownership fund. What guidance could the Minister offer on bringing this crucial building back into community use?
Context
Swanscombe pavilion in Jim Dickson's constituency is at the heart of the Swanscombe community, hosting lunch clubs for older people and providing space for local sports teams. The building has fallen into disrepair and the town council is seeking funds to rebuild or refurbish it.
Stephanie Peacock
My Department is allocating over £85 million of funding in 2025-26 to create fit-for-purpose, welcoming spaces for young people and I know from my constituency the important role that community spaces play in supporting local groups. The Government encourage community groups seeking funding to use the tools available on the My Community website, which suggests funding sources.
Session: Community Spaces 2025-01-16
View All Questions -->
In Dartford, residents experience opaque and unaccountable charging practices. What comfort can the Minister offer that these management companies will be brought within a fair legal framework in the near future?
Context
Residents face opaque and unaccountable charging practices by management companies, leading to significant financial burdens.
Matthew Pennycook
We are committed to bringing the injustice of “fleecehold” private estates and unfair costs to an end. We will consult in due course on the best way to achieve that. In the interim, we need to implement the new protections for homeowners on private estates in the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 1824.
Session: Leasehold Reform 2024-10-28
View All Questions -->
Are steps being taken to progress towards an independent statutory levy on the industry to fund gambling treatment and independent information? The Gambling Commission estimates that 2.5% of the population meet the threshold to be categorised as suffering from problem gambling.
Context
The question addresses the need for a levy to fund treatment and information for those affected by problem gambling.
Lisa Nandy
The Government are committed to reviewing all the available evidence and listening to first-hand constituency experience of Members. We will update the House soon on our strategy, and Baroness Twycross will discuss the issue with MPs.
Session: Gambling Harmful Effects 2024-10-17
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister use John Snow's case as a spur to improve treatment for sepsis more generally across the country? He highlighted John Snow's experience and the Dartford community's support, urging improvement in national care standards.
Context
John Snow from Dartford experienced a quadruple amputation due to sepsis and received community support. The month was dedicated to raising awareness of the condition.
Andrew Gwynne
The Minister acknowledged the importance of joined-up care but did not commit specific actions or timeline for improvements.
Session: Post-sepsis Syndrome 2024-10-15
View All Questions -->
As a result of under-investment in the lower Thames crossing project, Dartford residents face a noxious cocktail of bad air quality and disruption, living as they do near the hugely over capacity Dartford crossing. Will my right hon. Friend consider making representations to the Treasury to ensure that the lower Thames crossing, which is a vital infrastructure project, is funded?
Context
The question arises from under-investment in the lower Thames crossing project, leading to air quality issues and disruption for residents near the over-capacity Dartford crossing.
Louise Haigh
The decision around the development consent order for the lower Thames crossing is a quasi-judicial one. I am afraid I am unable to comment further than my written ministerial statement this week.
Session: Capital Investment 2024-10-10
View All Questions -->
Will the Chancellor confirm that a state pension increase will be announced at the Budget and that it will be equivalent to wage growth, inflation or 2.5%—whichever is higher?
Context
The question concerns the commitment to a state pension increase based on wage growth, inflation or 2.5%—whichever is higher.
Rachel Reeves
The Government have committed to the triple lock not just for this year, but for the duration of this Parliament. That means that pensioners are £900 better off than they were a year ago. Based on September earnings and inflation data, we will uprate pensions next year by whichever is higher: 2.5%, inflation or average earnings. We are ensuring that pensioners get the pensions that they are entitled to and have contributed to.
Session: Cost of Living Support for Pensioners 2024-09-03
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Lower Thames Crossing
29 October 2024
Responding: Lilian Greenwood
Main Concerns
["Jim Dickson is concerned about the severe traffic congestion and disruption caused by the single point of failure at the Dartford crossing. He cites a major technical fault that left Dartford at a standstill for nearly 30 hours, affecting residents' daily lives, businesses, and children's education. The crossing operates over capacity with 50,000 vehicles exceeding its design capacity daily. Dickson also highlights economic costs of £200 million annually in lost time alone due to the bottleneck."]
Specific Asks
["Dickson calls for the Government to proceed with the Lower Thames Crossing project as it is vital to delivering on the Government's core missions, adding £40 billion to the UK economy and improving road capacity. He urges the government to take a decision in May 2025 after which construction can begin."]
Tolled Crossings and Regional Connectivity 2026-02-02
02 February 2026
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
Meur ras, Madam Deputy Speaker. I am pleased to have secured a debate on this issue, which I have campaigned on consistently since becoming the Member of Parliament for South East Cornwall, and which ...
Commonhold and Leasehold Reform 2026-01-27
27 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Business Rates 2026-01-27
27 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government is taking steps to protect high street businesses from upward-only rent review clauses, introducing a strong new community right to buy to safeguard valued community assets. They are al...
Police Reform White Paper 2026-01-26
26 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Finance (No. 2) Bill 2026-01-13
13 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief 2026-01-05
05 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the changes to agricultural property relief and business property relief, explain why a U-turn was necessary after significant opposition from farmers and rural communities, ...
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill 2025-12-17
17 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
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...
Planning Reform 2025-12-16
16 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Electoral Resilience 2025-12-16
16 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
NHS Winter Preparedness 2025-12-15
15 December 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Secretary of State make a statement on winter preparedness in the NHS, given that a serious flu wave and rising respiratory syncytial virus infections are pushing the health service to its li...
Attendance
90.9%
20 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
8
36.4% of votes
No Votes
12
54.5% of votes
Abstentions
2
9.1% of votes
03 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 63 Stand part
Ayes: 348
Noes: 167
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 26
Ayes: 172
Noes: 334
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 9
Ayes: 181
Noes: 335
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 86 stand part
Ayes: 344
Noes: 173
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 25
Ayes: 187
Noes: 351
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 24
Ayes: 184
Noes: 331
Failed
12 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 7
Ayes: 188
Noes: 341
Failed
12 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 185
Noes: 344
Failed
2
PMQs Asked
18
Ministerial Questions Asked
71
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
22
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 649 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+3% above average
This MP:
2
Average:
1.9
Ministerial Questions
+127% above average
This MP:
18
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-35% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2902% above average
This MP:
71
Average:
2.4
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
5.1
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.2
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+20% above average
This MP:
90.9
Average:
75.6
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 Jim Dickson's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.