Roger Gale
MP for Herne Bay and Sandwich
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
The problems faced by Heathrow earlier in the week have highlighted again that since the closure of Manston airport in Kent, the south-east lacks a major diversion facility. Although such a facility would not compensate for the closure of Heathrow, does the Prime Minister agree that the reopening of Manston, planned for October 2028, will be a significant contribution to the resilience of aviation in the south-east?
Context
The closure of Manston airport in Kent has left the south-east without a major diversion facility, making it vulnerable to disruptions at Heathrow.
The Prime Minister
The right hon. Gentleman is right to raise the concern about the situation at Heathrow and I think everybody is very concerned by what happened last week. There are clearly questions that need to be answered on a number of fronts in relation to what happened, and an investigation is ongoing.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not directly address the reopening of Manston airport or its contribution to aviation resilience.
Session: PMQs 2025-03-26
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How are the PM's planning reforms compatible with the desire of his own Secretary of State for Environment to achieve sustainability?
Context
The Prime Minister's planning reforms are being questioned for their compatibility with sustainability, specifically regarding fields that yield wheat for bread.
Keir Starmer
The failure on economic growth over the last 14 years has resulted in prison overcrowding and a housing crisis. The electorate rejected the previous Government profoundly.
Assessment
Compatibility of planning reforms with sustainability goals
Failure On Economic Growth
Session: PMQs 2024-07-24
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In her reply to the US Secretary of the Interior, will she give a robust indication that this Government are committed to maintaining their ban on importing hunting trophies?
Context
On January 8, the US Secretary of the Interior wrote to the UK Secretary of State on behalf of the big game hunting industry asking for the commitment to the trophy importation ban to be abandoned.
Emma Reynolds
We are committed to banning trophy hunting. It is a manifesto commitment, and we will take it forward.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-02-05
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In east Kent, an entrepreneurial chain of 25 coffee bars employs young people who otherwise would probably be unemployable. The profit margin on those 25 coffee bars for the last year was £12. The hospitality industry is on its knees. Will the Chancellor recognise the need to cut VAT on hospitality to 10%?
Context
An entrepreneurial chain of 25 coffee bars in east Kent employs young people with high unemployment risk. The profit margin on these coffee bars was only £12, indicating severe financial strain.
Lucy Rigby (The Economic Secretary to the Treasury)
As has been covered by my colleagues, we are putting in a £4 billion support package and continuing to engage with the hospitality sector. I should also add that we are easing licensing to help venues offer pavement drinks and one-off events too.
Session: Support for Entrepreneurs 2025-12-09
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I think I must have missed something in the answers the Secretary of State gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Isle of Wight East (Joe Robertson) and the shadow Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Sevenoaks (Laura Trott). Schools in my constituency do not have enough money to pay for SEND pupils. It is no good the Secretary of State talking about capital expenditure with more on this and more on that—we need to know where the money is coming from to pay the revenue costs incurred by SEND pupils.
Context
Schools in Sir Roger Gale's constituency are struggling with revenue costs related to Special Educational Needs (SEN) pupils, despite the government's capital expenditure promises.
Bridget Phillipson
That is why we have put an extra £1 billion into high needs budgets this year. The capital the right hon. Gentleman so casually dismisses is in order to deliver more specialist places for children closer to home, including in mainstream schools. He must surely recognise that the system we have at the moment just is not working; I have heard from too many parents and too many schools that change is needed.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-12-01
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Will the Minister reassure the House that the shocking release of microplastic pellets into the seas off the channel coast is a one-off and that it has not affected and will not affect any of the beaches around the rest of the Kent coast?
Context
There was a shocking release of microplastic pellets into the seas off the channel coast, raising concerns about the impact on other beaches around the Kent coast.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Hardy)
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for raising such an important issue. I share his anger at this appalling pollution incident. The studies into exactly where the plastic pellets might end up are ongoing, but I would be more than happy to keep him up to date so that he knows what is expected to happen and when. The immediate priority is to address the environmental damage and to minimise further impacts. I have been speaking with Southern Water and the Environment Agency about this and would be happy to keep the right hon. Gentleman and the House up to date.
Session: Water Pollution Kent 2025-11-13
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While discussing the spending review, will the Treasury get the Agriculture Secretary and the Energy Secretary together in the same room, and make sure that agriculture receives the funding it needs and that energy is not allowed to charge agriculture, effectively, for its loss of income? In other words, will the Chancellor ensure we are not robbing Peter to pay Paul?
Context
Agriculture faces financial challenges due to energy costs, affecting its ability to operate efficiently and sustainably.
Darren Jones (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
A meeting of that nature has already taken place as part of our mission-led approach to Government. We continue to engage with the Departments for Energy Security and Net Zero and for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on these issues, as the right hon. Gentleman suggests—it is exactly what we mean when we talk about cross-departmental collaboration. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, further details will be set out in the spending review in due course.
Session: Spending Review Cross-departmental Planning 2025-05-20
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As the Minister is well aware, the Government have supported and signed off on the development consent order for Manston airport in my constituency. It is hoped and expected that the final private funding for that package will be in place and that work will start in the very near future. Will the Minister now reaffirm his support for the contribution that Manston can and will make to freight and growth in the United Kingdom, and can he also seek to expedite the necessary licences at the appropriate time?
Context
The Government have supported and signed off on the development consent order for Manston airport in Sir Roger's constituency. It is expected that funding will be finalised soon, allowing work to start.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mike Kane)
I was delighted to spend my Easter holiday in the right hon. Member’s constituency, cycling the Cantii way. I stopped and took a look at Manston airport—and a sip of water from my bottle, because it was a hot day. I am looking forward to the outcome of the talks and the funding, and at that point I will be happy to look at the proposals from Manston and sit down with the right hon. Member to unlock that capacity.
Session: Aviation Sector 2025-05-15
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The astonishingly successful GrowUp vertical agriculture project in Sandwich, my constituency, is highly dependent on data and could be greatly assisted by artificial intelligence. Agriculture is not represented on any of the working parties; will the Minister ensure that agriculture is included and possibly visit the project?
Context
The MP referenced the GrowUp vertical agriculture project in his constituency, which relies heavily on data for its operations. He highlighted that agriculture is not represented in any working parties despite AI's potential benefits.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Feryal Clark)
As I have set out, we have inter-ministerial meetings that bring together Ministers from all Departments, including DEFRA. The Secretary of State regularly meets representatives from the National Farmers Union and other Secretaries of State to discuss these issues.
Session: Artificial Intelligence Environmental Impact 2025-05-14
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Sir Roger Gale asked about a pending proposal for a medal recognising injured retired police officers, which had support previously but seems to have stalled in the Cabinet Office. He requested an update on its status.
Context
A submission was made for a medal recognizing the service of those injured on duty and invalided out, supported by the Policing Minister at the time but has not been addressed.
Pat McFadden
The Minister will investigate the current position regarding this matter and provide a written response to the right hon. Member.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-04-24
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Mr Speaker, if I enter your house and steal the draft manuscript of your memoirs, I am guilty of a crime. Artists, writers, musicians and other creatives are all having their work stolen as we speak, and you and I have received letters about this issue. We do not have the time to wait; what are the Government going to do to protect creatives and their work?
Context
Creative professionals are having their work stolen, leading to calls for better protection.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism (Chris Bryant)
Copyright law stands firmly behind the creative industries today, and will in the future. We will do absolutely nothing to undermine the fact that this country is one of the few great countries in the world that is able to boast of itself as a content superpower, and anything we do in relation to artificial intelligence and copyright will proceed only if we can make sure that the creative industries have more control and more remuneration at the end of that process, rather than less.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-04-03
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In light of the principle of self-determination, will the Foreign Secretary use his earliest opportunity to remind the US Secretary of State that Canada has chosen Commonwealth membership and recognises King Charles as its Head of State, thereby ruling out any prospect of Canadian annexation by the United States?
Context
There's an ongoing discussion about the right to self-determination, especially in relation to Canada.
Stephen Doughty (Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Canada is indeed a strong friend and ally in both the Commonwealth and NATO. I share personal ties with Canada as well, having met recently with the Canadian Minister for Foreign Affairs. The new Prime Minister was welcomed by our Prime Minister; there has been ongoing cooperation between the UK and Canada on various global issues.
Session: Right of Self-Determination 2025-04-01
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One of the less widely recognised rural crimes is the use of catapults to maim and kill wildlife. Those weapons are also used in urban settings. I know that the Home Office takes the view that the wildlife protection legislation and the police powers ought to be adequate to deal with that, but at the moment they patently are not. Will the Minister consider reviewing that and possibly amending the Crime and Policing Bill to take account of it?
Context
Sir Roger Gale highlights a less recognized form of rural crime involving the use of catapults to maim and kill wildlife. He argues that current legislation and police powers are inadequate.
The Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention (Dame Diana Johnson)
I am always happy to review legislation and ensure that it is fit for purpose. I would be very happy to discuss that further with the right hon. Gentleman.
Session: Rural Crime 2025-03-31
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No one who cares about the future of our children and our grandchildren will gainsay the importance of carbon capture, but does the Secretary of State not understand that he is undermining that good work—notwithstanding his answer to my right hon. Friend the Member for Hertsmere (Sir Oliver Dowden)—by continuing to subsidise the Drax power station, which is cutting down forests in Canada, turning the wood into pellets, and shipping it thousands of miles across the Atlantic to burn here? That makes nonsense of what he is trying to achieve.
Context
The MP questions the government's decision to continue subsidising Drax power station.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
I do not agree with the right hon. Gentleman, for whom I have great respect. The situation that we inherited from the last Government meant that we had to consider matters such as security of supply and how we could secure the best deal for bill payers. That is what we did, and that is why we made the statement that we made on Drax. On longer term, however, the right hon. Gentleman is entirely right. We need to move away from unabated biomass and consider all the possibilities to enable us to move towards net zero, and that is what this Government are doing.
Session: Carbon Capture and Storage 2025-03-18
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The high street trader John Lewis Partnership is announcing its annual results today. It is a highly successful business but this year it will not be paying a dividend to its partners, the workforce, because it has to absorb national insurance costs. Does the Minister understand the real impact that NI contributions are having on what his party likes to describe as “ordinary working people”?
Context
The question addresses the impact of increased national insurance contributions on John Lewis Partnership, a successful high street business.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)
I say gently to the right hon. Gentleman and his Conservative colleagues that we had to take the difficult decisions in the Budget to increase employer national insurance contributions because of the mess that their party left the country in. The shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade, the hon. Member for Arundel and South Downs (Andrew Griffith), helped to write the Liz Truss Budget that did so much damage to our country—we are trying to sort out the mess. The shadow Secretary of State still has not apologised for his part in that fiasco. He should take the opportunity to do so during these questions.
Session: High Street Businesses 2025-03-13
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Given that the British taxpayer is paying billions of pounds in subsidies to fell trees in Canada and ship the wood across the Atlantic to burn in the Drax power station, can the Secretary of State tell the House where the clean energy lies within that? Has he read the KPMG report? If he has, will he come to the House and make a statement on his assessment of it?
Context
The British taxpayer is paying billions of pounds in subsidies for biomass projects, raising questions about the environmental impact.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
The last Government consulted on what, if any, future support there should be for biomass power stations. We are studying that consultation and we will make a statement in due course.
Session: Clean Power by 2030 2025-02-04
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Labour-controlled Thanet district council seeks to build a large housing estate on prime agricultural land. Can the Secretary of State have a word with the leader?
Context
The MP is concerned about a large housing estate being built on prime agricultural land by Thanet district council.
Angela Rayner
In our national planning policy framework, we protect agricultural land and address the housing crisis everywhere.
Session: Social Housing Supply 2024-12-02
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Will the United Kingdom align with our allies in permitting Ukraine to use missile defence systems supplied by us?
Context
The question addresses the alignment of the UK, preferably with European colleagues but if necessary bilaterally with the United States, in allowing Ukraine to use missile defence systems as it sees fit.
Maria Eagle
Absolutely. We intend to align with our allies in making sure that Ukraine can make use of the capability that has been offered by those who have committed support to that country in its fight.
Session: NATO Missile Defence Co-operation 2024-11-18
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There will be small point in protecting farmers in international trade agreements if Government policy is undermining those same farmers domestically. How many thousands of farmers will it take to clog up Parliament Square next Tuesday before the Government realise that their inheritance tax policy is very deeply flawed?
Context
The MP is concerned about the domestic impact of government policies on farmers, particularly regarding inheritance tax which may discourage intergenerational transfer of land.
Daniel Zeichner
Once again, I direct right the hon. Gentleman back to the figures from the Treasury, which show that the numbers affected are under 500.
Session: International Trade Agreements 2024-11-14
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Given that answer, does the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office consider that the reported presence of the United Nations Secretary-General at Putin's summit in Russia will be helpful or unhelpful to Ukraine? If the latter, what is the Minister doing about it?
Context
The UN Secretary-General attended Putin's summit in Russia.
Stephen Doughty
While I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his question, obviously the meetings that the United Nations Secretary-General chooses to attend are a matter for him, not for the Government. We continue to work with a wide range of allies to support Ukraine across the G7, as we have in relation to today's announcement, and with our partners in Europe.
Session: Ukraine 2024-10-22
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The national planning policy framework clearly militates against building on agricultural land. Notwithstanding the Minister's desire not to interfere in local democracy, will he write to the leader of Thanet district council to remind him that agricultural land is the stuff that we grow food on, and cannot be for housing if we are to remain sustainable?
Context
The national planning policy framework militates against building on agricultural land, which is essential for food production.
Matthew Pennycook
We are maintaining the existing strong protection for the best and most versatile agricultural land that is most important for food production. The line that we are removing from the NPPF was added in December 2023, and does not provide clear and meaningful guidance to authorities about what they should do, in addition to having that strong protection in place.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-09-02
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What initiatives will the Government take in resolving the frozen conflict in Cyprus on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation as per UN Security Council resolutions?
Context
The MP raised the issue of Turkey's illegal invasion and occupation of northern Cyprus, asking for steps to resolve this frozen conflict.
Stephen Doughty
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his question; I know he has an interest in this issue over many years. We remain committed to a bizonal, bicommunal federation on political equality and adherence to UN Security Council resolutions. We will continue engaging with the United Nations envoy and process.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-07-30
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Pensions and Social Security
10 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves the draft Guaranteed Minimum Pensions Increase Order 2026, which was laid before the House on 12 January.
Local Power Plan
10 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Youth Unemployment 2026-01-28
28 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Helen Whately argues that youth unemployment is rising due to the Labour Government's policies, such as increasing employer’s National Insurance contributions, reducing business rates relief for retai...
British Indian Ocean Territory 2026-01-28
28 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Conservative MP Priti Patel argues that the United Kingdom should not cede sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius, criticising Labour's £34.7 billion deal as harmful and detr...
Police Reform White Paper 2026-01-26
26 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Planning Reform 2025-12-16
16 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Seasonal Work 2025-12-10
10 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion regrets Government policies that are making seasonal, flexible and part-time work more difficult; notes the negative impact on young people in hospitality, leisure and retail sectors due to...
Pension Schemes Bill 2025-12-03
03 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Proposes a new clause that allows expenditure for the Ombudsman for the Board of the Pension Protection Fund to be paid from money raised by the general levy payable by occupational pension schemes an...
G20 and Ukraine 2025-11-25
25 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister discussed the ongoing situation in Ukraine, emphasising the need for a ceasefire and just and lasting peace. He highlighted the coalition of willing nations' efforts to maintain Ukr...
Police Reform 2025-11-13
13 November 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
40.9%
9 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
4
18.2% of votes
No Votes
5
22.7% of votes
Abstentions
13
59.1% of votes
03 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
13 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 63 Stand part
Ayes: 348
Noes: 167
Passed
13 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 26
Ayes: 172
Noes: 334
Failed
13 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 9
Ayes: 181
Noes: 335
Failed
13 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 86 stand part
Ayes: 344
Noes: 173
Passed
13 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 25
Ayes: 187
Noes: 351
Failed
13 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 24
Ayes: 184
Noes: 331
Failed
12 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 7
Ayes: 188
Noes: 341
Failed
12 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 185
Noes: 344
Failed
2
PMQs Asked
20
Ministerial Questions Asked
45
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
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
+152% above average
This MP:
20
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1803% above average
This MP:
45
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 (%)
-46% below average
This MP:
40.9
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 Roger Gale's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.