Helena Dollimore
MP for Hastings and Rye
Labour (Co-op)
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
The people I represent are fed up with Southern Water, when it comes to everything from sewage and broken pipes to water outages, even on Christmas day. In November, millions of plastic beads washed up on our beaches, and we discovered that they came from a Southern Water treatment plant. I am campaigning for water companies to stop using this outdated plastic bead method, and to bin the beads. We are really concerned about the impact on wildlife, and have a massive clean-up operation on our hands. More than 5,000 people have already supported my campaign with the Sussex Wildlife Trust. Does the Prime Minister share my horror about this dereliction of duty by Southern Water, and will he join me in calling for it to face the full force of the law for that terrible pollution incident?
Context
Millions of plastic beads washed up on beaches due to a Southern Water treatment plant, causing concern for wildlife and requiring extensive cleanup efforts.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I credit my hon. Friend with having helped to expose this scandal, and with working with everyone in her community to volunteer to clean up the beaches. That is the very best of who we are. People are right to be furious that, for far too long, water companies were allowed to get away with polluting our seas and beaches. The Environment Agency is leading a full investigation. More generally, we are ending unfair bonuses for polluting water bosses, abolishing Ofwat, and introducing tougher penalties to hold companies to account.
Assessment
While acknowledging the issue and stating general actions against pollution, no specific commitment regarding legal action was made
Session: PMQs 2026-01-14
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When we are building the new homes that we desperately need, it is important that we think about playgrounds and access to play. I have just audited all the playgrounds in Hastings and Rye. I found that many parents and children have to walk for over 20 minutes to get to a playground, particularly in new build estates, and housing associations have shamefully closed many playgrounds in recent years. Will the Minister meet me to discuss these findings, how we can ensure that new house building includes access to play and how we can put pressure on housing associations to live up to their duty to provide play?
Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of playgrounds near new build estates, particularly in Hastings and Rye.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Steve Reed)
My hon. Friend makes the important point that we are trying to build not just homes but communities. Those communities need the facilities and infrastructure that allow them to meet their wider aspirations for the places where they are located. Some of those points will be addressed in the new NPPF that we have brought forward, but I am more than happy to ensure that she gets the meeting that she wants to ensure that the detail of what her constituents want to see is included in the changes that we bring forward.
Session: New Homes 2026-01-12
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Jules Fielder is a young woman from Hastings who has tragically been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer after doctors repeatedly missed the early symptoms. Jules is now channelling her personal tragedy into action and campaigning to raise awareness of early symptoms, and she wants shops like Boots and Superdrug to use their shelf space to raise awareness. Will the Minister join me in paying tribute to Jules’s amazing campaigning work?
Context
Jules Fielder, a young woman from Hastings diagnosed with terminal lung cancer after missed early symptoms, is campaigning for greater awareness.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Mental Health and Ambulance Care (Ashley Dalton)
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this issue, and I offer my sympathy and best wishes to Jules and her family. Of course, I commend her awareness-raising work, which is really important. Her experience is one of the reasons why we are rolling out targeted lung screening and starting to use artificial intelligence to detect discrepancies in screening.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-10-21
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May I add my congratulations to the new Archbishop of Canterbury? I wrote my thesis on the campaign for women’s ordination in the Church of England, so it is brilliant to see a woman go to the highest office for the first time, and I place on the record my thanks to the women and men who campaigned for women’s ordination in the first place. Will my hon. Friend join me in celebrating the role that women are playing in the Church of England at all levels across our country?
Context
Following the historic appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury, this question celebrates women’s ordination and acknowledges their role at all levels within the Church.
Marsha De Cordova (Second Church Estates Commissioner)
My hon. Friend makes a really important point. Across this House, I think we would all congratulate and celebrate all the women in leadership within our Church. Indeed, just last night I was at the installation of the new rector for St Mary’s, Battersea—a woman.
Session: Archbishop of Canterbury Appointment Process 2025-10-16
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The Queensway Gateway roadworks have unleashed chaos on my constituents in Hastings and the surrounding area. The project was originally planned to last one month, but has dragged on for more than a year because of the failure of East Sussex county council to plan for the relocation of a major water main. Does the Minister share my concerns about the mismanagement of this taxpayer-funded project, and agree that serious questions must now be answered by the Conservative council?
Context
Roadworks on the Queensway Gateway project in Hastings have caused significant disruption, originally planned to last one month but now over a year due to issues with relocating a major water main.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
I know that my hon. Friend has raised this issue time and again with East Sussex county council. The delay to the Queensway Gateway project has wreaked havoc for her constituents. Given that the project was funded with Government money, serious questions must now be asked of East Sussex county council about these issues and the delays that have come about.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-09-11
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I recently visited the ghost terminal at Ashford International train station, where five years ago Eurostar, shamefully, ceased to have its services stop. A report last month found that bringing back those international trains to Ashford could benefit our local economy in Sussex and Kent by over £2.5 billion, which would mean more jobs and more visitors for my constituents in Hastings and Rye. Will the Chancellor join me in calling on the train operators and the rail regulator to grasp that opportunity for growth?
Context
The ghost terminal at Ashford International train station could be revitalized with international rail services, potentially benefitting the local economy by over £2.5 billion.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
I thank my hon. Friend for the work that she is doing to help grow the economy in all parts of the country, including Kent and Sussex. The Government have made significant commitments on the expansion of international rail services, and we are working closely with the German and Swiss Governments on direct links between our countries. Work is under way to understand the prospects for expansion of the number of services on the channel tunnel rail link. I absolutely agree that new opportunities at Ashford and Ebbsfleet have huge potential to help grow the economy, giving more opportunities for people in those communities to access good jobs and other leisure opportunities.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-09-09
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As we build new homes, it is important that we make sure that existing homes are as safe as they can be. I recently met representatives of a leading fire safety business in my constituency, who told me of the unacceptably long delays that it faces from the Building Safety Regulator. Will the Minister meet me and my local business to discuss those delays, and how we can tackle them?
Context
The MP met representatives of a leading fire safety business in her constituency who reported unacceptably long delays from the Building Safety Regulator.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
My hon. Friend raises an important issue. The newly established Building Safety Regulator is crucial to upholding building safety standards, but I acknowledge that its operation is causing delays in handling applications for some building projects. She will be aware that in February, the Government allocated £2 million to the BSR to accelerate the processing of applications. We are working closely with the regulator to support the plan for improved delivery, and we will continue to keep its performance under review.
Session: New Homes Sustainability 2025-04-07
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In Hastings, Rye and the villages, we have some of the worst potholes in the country, so I welcome the record £21 million awarded to east Sussex to fill potholes. Will the Secretary of State join me in calling on Conservative-run East Sussex county council to fill the potholes, and ensure that Hastings and Rye gets its fair share of that funding?
Context
The question is prompted by the need for pothole repair in Hastings, Rye, and surrounding villages, which have some of the worst potholes in the country.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
I am happy to work with my hon. Friend on this issue.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-01-09
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Parents, teachers, and students in my constituency were horrified to find out that the University of Brighton Academies Trust has been taking a whopping 20% of the Government grant meant for our local schools and education. What is the Minister doing to resolve these issues and make sure that every child in Hastings and Rye gets the best quality education?
Context
Parents, teachers, and students in Hastings and Rye are alarmed by the University of Brighton Academies Trust taking 20% of government grants intended for local schools. This issue affects educational quality.
Catherine McKinnell
I agree with my hon. Friend. Outcomes in some schools in Hastings are just not good enough. We are all determined to drive up standards. Department officials continue to work with the University of Brighton Academies Trust on that. We are committed to ending its current financial model and to collaborating with school leaders on future budget setting to ensure we can drive high and rising standards in every school, including in Hastings.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-12-09
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How can my constituents get their money back and how can we ensure that such funds are not wasted again?
Context
The project received £400,000 of taxpayer money under the Conservatives' levelling up towns fund. However, the amusement centre in Hastings town centre has closed shortly after opening.
Alex Norris
My officials are working with the council to maximise remaining funding available from its town deal. We are calling time on waste from the previous Government, moving towards multi-year funding settlements and ending competitive bidding for pots of money.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-10-28
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What are the Government doing to clean up the mess left by Southern Water?
Context
Water bills increased despite Southern Water failing to meet service standards, leading to environmental damage.
Steve Reed
One of the things we are looking at doing is doubling the rates of compensation from water companies when they let down their customers.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-09-12
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
International Rail Services: Ashford
14 October 2025
Responding: Keir Mather
Main Concerns
['When the channel tunnel first opened in 1994, it was celebrated as a triumph. However, during the pandemic, Eurostar stopped services at Ashford International terminal, turning it into an abandoned station. The service reduction has made travel more expensive and time-consuming for constituents in Sussex and Kent, with journey times increasing to over four hours and costs doubling or even quadrupling. Local businesses have also suffered from the loss of connectivity.']
Specific Asks
['The Labour Government urges Eurostar to seriously assess Ashford’s potential and return international services, arguing that it would bring economic benefits, including an estimated half a million extra visitors per year and more than £2.5 billion over five years. The government also supports the Office of Rail and Road allowing rival operators to run on the line.']
Priorities for Water Sector Reform
19 June 2025
Main Concerns
['The report highlights shocking levels of sewage pollution, corporate failures in handling major incidents such as the cryptosporidium outbreak and water outages, and a lack of accountability among water bosses. It also points to an excessive focus on profits over people and environmental stewardship.']
Specific Asks
['Calls for major changes including vetting or vetoing of owners, open-mindedness about different ownership models, tighter regulation of financial practices, better oversight over complex business structures, and reform of the price review process.']
Women’s Health
27 February 2025
Responding: Ashley Dalton
Main Concerns
["The debate highlights the issue of women's health in the UK, with over 800 public responses to a call for evidence. It discusses dismissive attitudes towards women’s pain, delayed diagnoses for serious conditions like cancer and endometriosis, and inadequate research on women’s health issues such as premenstrual syndrome and menopause."]
Specific Asks
["The MP asks the government to address inequalities in women's healthcare and improve diagnosis rates for rare cancers. She also highlights the importance of more funding for maternity services and the need to tackle retention crises among midwives."]
Water White Paper 2026-01-21
21 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Elections Cancellation 2026-01-19
19 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that the scheduled local government elections in May 2026 will not be cancelled, and explain why it is necessary to do so at this late stage despite the Government's previous...
Storm Goretti 2026-01-13
13 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that the response to Storm Goretti was adequate? The MP raises concerns about the level of media coverage and government attention given to Cornwall compared to more central ...
Water Supplies East Grinstead 2026-01-12
12 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the support for people affected by the ongoing interruption to water supplies in East Grinstead and the surrounding villages, with more than 16,000 households impacted due to...
UK-EU Common Understanding Negotiations 2025-12-17
17 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government were elected with a manifesto commitment to reset relations with European partners; to fix the bad deal passed on by the previous government; and to support jobs here in the UK. A new s...
Illegal Waste Organised Crime 2025-11-17
17 November 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the assessment of the powers, funding and staffing of the Environment Agency to tackle organised criminal gangs illegally dumping waste in the countryside. The urgency stems ...
Conflict in Sudan 2025-11-05
05 November 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the Government’s approach to the worsening conflict in Sudan, including measures to protect civilians and secure a lasting ceasefire? The atrocities of recent days, especiall...
Supporting High Streets 2025-11-04
04 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion calls on the Government to support high streets by cutting public expenditure, abolishing business rates for thousands of retail, hospitality and leisure premises; avoiding hiring freezes a...
Renters’ Rights Bill 2025-10-22
22 October 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
While the Renters’ Rights Bill has been progressing through Parliament, many tenants have faced no-fault eviction. Can the Minister provide a timeline for when these protections will be in place to pr...
Pride in Place 2025-10-15
15 October 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Labour Government announced a £5 billion pride in place programme to restore pride in local communities. The programme includes two main categories of investment: a flagship programme providing up...
Town Deal Funding: Owens in Hastings
10 March 2025
The petition addresses the misuse of town deal funding allocated to Owens entertainment centre in Hastings, which closed shortly after opening despite receiving £150,000 from taxpayers' money.
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Safety standards in the scaffolding industry
03 March 2025
The petition calls for a review of current laws and guidance regarding the scaffolding industry after an incident where an unsecured scaffold board caused the death of the petitioner’s 11-year-old son...
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Safety standards in the scaffolding industry
12 February 2025
The petition addresses the tragic death of an 11-year-old boy due to an unsecured scaffolding board that fell from a flatbed truck, highlighting安全隐患导致的严重后果，并呼吁审查和加强脚手架行业的安全标准、技能培训和风险意识。
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Attendance
90.9%
20 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
9
40.9% of votes
No Votes
11
50.0% 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
VOTED NO
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
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
VOTED AYE
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
1
PMQs Asked
10
Ministerial Questions Asked
29
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
3
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
-48% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.9
Ministerial Questions
+26% above average
This MP:
10
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+95% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1126% above average
This MP:
29
Average:
2.4
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
5.1
Petitions Presented
+34% above average
This MP:
3
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 Helena Dollimore's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.