Richard Holden
MP for Basildon and Billericay
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
Soaring car insurance costs are pricing young people off the roads. One constituent was recently quoted £3,000 and another £5,000. What are the Government doing to bring down the cost of driving and make insurance affordable for young people again?
Context
Car insurance premiums are rising, with some quotes reaching £3,000 and £5,000. This is affecting the ability of young people to drive.
Lilian Greenwood
We published the motor insurance taskforce report in December, highlighting the actions being taken to tackle claims costs and, ultimately, to help reduce motorists' premiums. We are consulting on a minimum learning period for learner drivers which may help to reduce premiums if the number of collisions involving young and novice drivers falls.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-02-12
View All Questions -->
Nobody from the Department for Transport has reached out to a heroic bus driver, and the Secretary of State is clearly not really paying attention to officer numbers either, because they are down by 112. What are the most recent British Transport police figures?
Context
The case of bus driver Mark Hehir who stopped a thief but was sacked, highlighting issues with the current system. The number of British Transport Police officers has decreased.
Heidi Alexander
I can tell him that there has been a slight decrease from 2,910 to 2,852 full-time equivalents in the last year. BTP has recently been given a 15% increase to its budget, worth £63 million over the three-year settlement. That will see over 200 more police officers recruited, including for a dedicated capability to tackle violence and intimidation against women and girls.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-02-12
View All Questions -->
There is no passenger growth commitment in the Railways Bill, just the expectation of inflation-busting fare rises in the Budget. Holidaymakers are being used like a piñata, with a 13% rise in air passenger duty already in prospect, and airport business rates will be passed on to them too. Ports have been throttled by delayed decisions on connectivity with the rail infrastructure. Motorists are facing potential fuel duty rises, with insurance premium tax rises and pay-per-mile hanging over them. Which of the above measures is supporting, rather than hammering, economic growth?
Context
The MP criticizes the Railways Bill for lack of passenger growth commitment, air passenger duty rises, potential fuel duty increases, and delays in connectivity decisions.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
I can tell the right hon. Gentleman what this Government are doing to support economic growth when it comes to the transport system. We have given the green light to over 50 road and rail projects in the spending review, given planning permission to airport expansion at Luton and Gatwick, and invited proposals for a third runway at Heathrow, in stark contrast to the dither-and-delay approach of the previous Government when it came to the aviation sector. I am not going to take any lectures from him when it comes to economic growth and improving the transport system in this country.
Session: Transport System Economic Growth 2025-11-20
View All Questions -->
What is the reason why the Government are backing some but not all forms of energy?
Context
Concerns about inconsistency in government support for different types of energy production.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
Reality is that North Sea has been basin in decline, 70,000 jobs lost under previous Government. Question is whether we create jobs future as well maintaining existing fields lifetime.
Session: Clean Power Jobs 2025-07-15
View All Questions -->
Heads of Departments have said that 60% attendance in the office is the best balance for civil servants working in Government Departments, but in an answer to a recent written parliamentary question from my hon. Friend the Member for Kingswinford and South Staffordshire (Mike Wood), the Cabinet Office said that no data exists for attendance outside London HQs—it is certainly not collected centrally. However, the Office for National Statistics has produced data about its own workforce, which, via the UK Statistics Authority, comes under the Cabinet Office. That shows a daily attendance rate of as little as 3% in some of the ONS’s regional offices. Does the Minister think that an attendance rate of 3% will help career progression and thereby help relocate civil servants outside London? Does he think that 3% is acceptable? Is this not just part of a wider pattern of non-attendance in offices outside London, and is it not time his Department published the data on attendance levels?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the lack of centralised data on civil servant attendance outside London HQs, citing specific examples from the Office for National Statistics.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Pat McFadden)
There have been problems at the Office for National Statistics. We launched a report into it, which has recently reported, and there will be a change in the leadership of the Office for National Statistics, as the right hon. Gentleman is aware. That report highlighted the number of people not working in the office—a pattern that emerged when his party was in power. I hope that the new leadership addresses every part of the recent report into the ONS.
Session: Civil Service Relocation 2025-07-10
View All Questions -->
One of the most important things we can do is reduce the number of cases going into the system by reducing reoffending where possible, including intergenerational reoffending. Given that 65% of boys with a parent in prison will go on to offend, what steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that the children of prisoners are properly identified and supported so they do not become the next generation of people in prison?
Context
Research shows that 65% of boys with a parent in prison will go on to offend, indicating an intergenerational cycle of offending.
Shabana Mahmood
Focusing on the children of prisoners was a manifesto commitment of our party because there is a cycle there that society needs to break, particularly for the children of male prisoners and especially their sons. We are leading work on joining up information sharing across Government to make sure those children are identified, properly supported and able to break the cycle of offending in their family.
Session: Crown Court Backlog 2025-07-08
View All Questions -->
I welcome anything the Government bring forward to support our new bands and musicians across the country, but the big thing that so many musicians are asking for is that we get touring rights sorted out with our European counterparts. Could the Minister update the House on what progress there has been, if any, and how we can go further to get our bands out there and their bands over here?
Context
Mr Holden references the government's music growth package and the need for progress on touring rights with European counterparts.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism (Chris Bryant)
If only the right hon. Gentleman had been a Minister in the previous Government, when they failed to take the deal that was on offer from the European Union. I am absolutely determined to get this sorted. We got something—[Interruption.] If he wants to start promoting creative industries abroad, he might start thinking about film—for instance, “Chicken Run”. We want to make sure that British acts can prosper across the whole of Europe, and I am talking not just about the big names like Dua Lipa; I am also talking about young acts like Otto Aday, who performed at the Rhondda Arts Festival on Saturday and was amazing, and Caitlin Lavagna, whose song “Run a Mile” perhaps would suit the right hon. Gentleman.
Session: British Musical Acts International Promotion 2025-07-03
View All Questions -->
Cousin marriage is often used as a cover for forced marriage. Have the Government raised the issue of the incredibly high rate of first-cousin marriage with the Pakistani Government, given that so many of those marriages are between UK and Pakistani nationals?
Context
The question addresses the issue of cousin marriages being used as a cover for forced marriages.
David Lammy
As the right hon. Gentleman probably knows, I was in Pakistan recently, and we discussed a range of human rights issues.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-06-24
View All Questions -->
Supply chain problems are just one of the many issues that are having an impact on community pharmacies. My local pharmacy in Noak Bridge is one of them, but it is also being hammered with national insurance increases, and the combination of these issues means that its long-term viability is at stake. Will the review that the Minister has mentioned include all the impacts on community pharmacies that are affecting their long-term viability?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the long-term viability of community pharmacies in his constituency, highlighting issues such as supply chain problems and national insurance increases. He references a review mentioned by the Minister.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
The long-term viability of pharmacies and, indeed, the whole NHS was under threat from the right hon. Gentleman and his party, but thanks to this Government, it is being made fit for the future. This is a serious issue for all our constituents, and we want to make the system work better. The right hon. Gentleman will see from the 10-year plan that we will make the NHS fit for his constituents, mine and those of every other Member.
Session: Medicine Supply Chain Community Pharmacies 2025-06-17
View All Questions -->
I am glad to see the Government starting to tackle some of these issues. Will the Minister assure me that people on freehold housing estates with covenant issues in places like Basildon and Billericay will also be included in any legislation? They often face service charge increases of tens of per cent every single year, and they need that same assurance being provided to leaseholders that the Government will think about that and take action.
Context
Mr Holden asked about the inclusion of freeholders in any legislation concerning unfair service charge increases.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
I assure the right hon. Gentleman that the Government are thinking about the plight of residential freeholders alongside leaseholders. As I just said, we will consult this year on implementing the provisions in the 2024 Act, which provides those residential freeholders with new consumer protection provisions. They will have that immediate safety to come in, as we look at how we reduce the prevalence of such arrangements in the longer term.
Session: Leasehold Reform 2025-06-09
View All Questions -->
Has the Prime Minister deigned to meet the Intelligence and Security Committee? I also asked written questions about the independence and resources of the Committee and was told that discussions were ongoing. On a matter of this seriousness, does Parliament not deserve more than fob-off half-answers, and will the Minister provide further details now?
Context
The MP cites a public criticism by the Intelligence and Security Committee over its lack of adequate staff and independence, leading to an inability to properly oversee the £3 billion annual spend. The Committee is seeking more resources and direct access to the Prime Minister.
Pat McFadden (The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster)
I do not think the shadow Minister listened to my first answer. For the avoidance of doubt, I said that we have agreed to the Committee’s requested uplift on budgeting and resourcing. Of course, the Prime Minister will be happy to meet the Committee at a convenient time that both can agree.
Session: Intelligence and Security Committee 2025-06-05
View All Questions -->
Does the Lord Chancellor realise that her sentencing reforms will create inevitable tensions with efforts to reduce crime, and that the country will hold her accountable for any failure?
Context
The Lord Chancellor acknowledged in an interview that sentencing reforms could create tensions with the government's efforts to halve knife crime and violence against women. Mr Holden questions if these reforms are effective.
Shabana Mahmood (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
I think the country will hold to account those responsible for the absolute mess this Government inherited. The previous Government, which Mr Holden supported, brought prisons to the brink of collapse. These reforms are necessary; our prisons cannot run out of places.
Session: Reoffending on Probation 2025-06-03
View All Questions -->
I recently met with the Philpot family at the diverse and successful Barleylands farm in my constituency. Fly-tipping is a major concern for them and other local farmers, and they are working together to address it. They told me that, although fly-tipping is a major issue, it is not the existential threat that the tax increases this Labour Government are imposing on them are, with the national insurance tax increases and the massive rises in agricultural property relief and business property relief. They are right, are they not?
Context
Fly-tipping is a major concern for farmers, especially with the impact of national insurance tax increases and agricultural property relief rises. The Philpot family at Barleylands farm are among those working to address it.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mary Creagh)
I congratulate the right hon. Gentleman on weaving in a farms question on fly-tipping, but he is right—[Interruption.] Calm down. We know that fly-tipping is a very big problem for farmers. I have visited fly-tipping sites near Watford in the last month and spoken to farmers about what they have to do to clear them up. It is clear that many Tory-run county councils are not playing their part in cleaning up fly-tipping and making the prosecutions that act as a disincentive to these criminal businesses and their business models.
Session: Fly-tipping 2025-05-08
View All Questions -->
Many heads, teachers and support staff who are worried about school budgets have been in touch with me. I recently had a letter from a therapist saying she is being made redundant due to cuts, and another constituent asks: 'Why have Labour voted for unfunded pay rises and National Insurance Tax increases if they cannot support schools with the cost of these proposals?'
Context
A constituent therapist in a school trust has been informed about redundancy. The letter mentions cuts being made to stay afloat, affecting teaching assistants, social, emotional, and mental health staff, and other support staff.
The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)
The Government are committed to supporting teachers to stay in the profession and to thrive, which is why we accepted the schoolteachers pay review body 2024-25 recommendation in full, implementing a 5.5% pay award. That means that teachers and school leaders have had a combined increase of 17% over the last three years.
Session: School Costs and Employer’s National Insurance Contributions 2025-04-28
View All Questions -->
I hope to continue the positive cross-party approach to this question. I particularly like the Minister’s commitment to a clear data picture. The Sullivan review into Government data was published in March, making 59 recommendations for accuracy and consistency. Can she reassure me that the Government will issue a full formal response to the review and its recommendations to provide a clear data picture across Government within a year of the report’s publication?
Context
Professor Sullivan's review made 59 recommendations to ensure accuracy and consistency across Government.
Georgia Gould (The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
I appreciate this collegiate style of discussion. When we came into power, we set out a review that showed just how hard it is for citizens to negotiate services. We have already set out our own plans but will respond formally to external reviews as they come forward.
Session: Data 2025-04-24
View All Questions -->
Local people are concerned that they will not get a say in the structure of those local authorities, so can the Minister tell me whether they will? There is also concern about local elections being delayed by multiple years. Can the Minister also tell me whether, year after year, Basildon council will not be held accountable for the decisions it takes?
Context
Concerns about the structure and accountability of unitary authorities being created in Essex.
Jim McMahon
I pay tribute to local leaders in Essex and other places for the leadership they have shown to make sure that there is sustainable and accountable local government at the end of the devolution and reorganisation process. The right hon. Member has our absolute commitment that we will work through those issues with local leaders. As for the election question, elections have been postponed for a year, and it is our intention that routine elections will take place as planned.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-04-07
View All Questions -->
Smile Dental Centre is in one of the least affluent parts of my community in Basildon. It is looking to expand and provide more NHS dental services, but it has come up against a few issues. Will the Minister, or one of his officials, meet me and Smile Dental Centre to see what we can unblock to deliver more dental health services for local people?
Context
The Hon. Member requests support for a dental centre in his constituency aiming to expand its services.
Stephen Kinnock
We are always looking for opportunities to unblock more capacity, and I would be happy to meet the right hon. Gentleman.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-03-25
View All Questions -->
Compared with this time last year, almost 500 more people are on the claimant count in Basildon and Billericay. Almost 100 of those are under 25. How many more will have to be made unemployed before Labour Ministers listen to charities, GPs, supermarkets, manufacturers and care providers? They visited me in my constituency and said that Labour needs to think again about its catastrophic national insurance rise which, before it even hits in April, is already costing the jobs of my constituents.
Context
The question addresses the increase in unemployment figures in Basildon and Billericay compared to last year, with a focus on young people under 25.
The Minister for Employment (Alison McGovern)
We have a significant reform plan to make sure that we tailor jobcentre support towards the needs of employers, because there is still a significant number of vacancies out there that young people should be making the most of to start their career and progress in life. That is why we have a new employer strategy, so that the Department for Work and Pensions can serve businesses properly.
Session: Unemployment Trends 2025-03-17
View All Questions -->
ByteDance, the company that owns TikTok, is required as a Chinese company to have an in-house Chinese Communist party committee. We all know that attacks from China on our national infrastructure as well as on our cyber-networks are becoming increasingly common, and it is clear that elements of the Chinese Government are behind them. Yet, astonishingly, the Government are still failing to fully declare ministerial meetings with TikTok representatives. Will the Minister ensure that meetings with TikTok executives are declared by Government Ministers alongside other senior media executive registrations, given TikTok’s huge presence in the media space, the massive public influence it has and the known cyber-risks posed by this Chinese platform?
Context
Mr Holden discusses ByteDance, the company behind TikTok, noting that it is required to have an in-house Chinese Communist Party committee. He mentions increased attacks from China on UK national infrastructure and cyber-networks.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Pat McFadden)
There is a well-established process for transparency about meetings between Government Ministers and outside organisations, and TikTok will be treated in the same way as anyone else.
Session: Cyber-security 2025-03-06
View All Questions -->
Given Emily Damari’s personal testimony that she was held at United Nations Relief and Works Agency facilities in Gaza during the conflict, does the Foreign Secretary stand by the Government’s decision to restart sending UK taxpayers’ money to UNRWA when Hamas terrorists were holding British hostages at its facilities?
Context
The MP raised concerns about Emily Damari’s testimony of being held hostage at a UNRWA facility during the conflict and alleged involvement of Hamas members within UNRWA.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)
We have been in touch with the Damari family and UNRWA has instigated an investigation.
Session: Palestinians in Gaza US Policy 2025-02-25
View All Questions -->
Does the Solicitor General agree with the recent Policy Exchange research paper ‘Conflicts of Interest and the Law Officers’ Convention’ authored by Dr Conor Casey, a senior lecturer at Surrey law school, and supported by three former Ministers who are all KCs, that invoking the Law Officers’ convention on questions about the potential conflict of interest relating to the work of the Attorney General would be an error, as such questions do not fall within the scope of the convention?
Context
Recent Policy Exchange research paper by Dr Conor Casey suggests invoking the Law Officers’ convention on questions about potential conflicts of interest relating to the Attorney General would be an error.
The Solicitor General
As I have said, the Attorney General’s Office has a rigorous process for identifying and dealing with conflicts and potential conflicts that arise from the Law Officers’ former practice. The Law Officers’ convention, to which the right hon. Member referred, exists for very good reason, which is to enable the Government of this country to receive full and frank advice. In any event, the Attorney General has been clear that he does not agree with that report. In particular, he does not agree that a Law Officer would indicate whether they have recused themselves from a particular matter, because that in itself would breach the Law Officers’ convention.
Session: Attorney General's Office Transparency and Conflicts of Interest 2025-02-06
View All Questions -->
I believe in second chances, but the Policy Exchange report found that hyper-prolific offenders—those with more than 45 previous convictions—are sent to prison on fewer than half of occasions they are convicted of a subsequent indictable or either-way offence. Given their high number of crimes affecting least affluent constituents, what consideration have the Government given to the report’s recommendations, particularly on introducing a mandatory two-year sentence for hyper-prolific offenders?
Context
The situation where 10% of offenders account for 50% of all offences, blighting communities. The Policy Exchange report suggests mandatory two-year sentences for hyper-prolific offenders.
Shabana Mahmood (The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
I agree that we need a specific strategy for dealing with prolific offenders, but different organisations use different definitions of what counts as a prolific offender or hyper-prolific offender. I have asked David Gauke to look specifically at this cohort of offenders in the independent sentencing review. The point is to think about interventions that will make the biggest difference so we can cut crime and have fewer victims.
Session: Prolific Offenders 2025-01-28
View All Questions -->
Early years providers are being hammered. In many cases, their national insurance costs per staff member are almost doubling. A large number are small businesses in the private sector, while others are schools that are taking children before they go into reception classes. All of them—both primary schools in the state sector and small private providers—are worried about the extra costs being imposed on them. Can the Minister assure my constituents and, indeed, people throughout the country that families will not face higher costs and that those childcare places will still be there? Can he assure the House that we will have more childcare places at the end of this Parliament than we had at the start of it?
Context
The National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill has raised concerns among early years providers about increased costs. Providers in both the private sector and state schools are worried about additional expenses.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Stephen Morgan)
Unlike the Conservative party, we are on the side of working parents, and high-quality education will be available to every child. As for the hon. Gentleman’s substantive point, it would help if the Conservatives were honest. They would not reverse the rise.
Session: National Insurance Contributions 2025-01-27
View All Questions -->
Unbelievably, the Treasury Committee has already raised concerns about the Office for Value for Money, citing issues around its remit, cost, cross-Government duplication and more. Does the Minister agree with the financial markets which do not believe this Government’s commitment to reforming public procurement or prudent financial management, costing taxpayers an extra £10 billion a year?
Context
The Treasury Committee has raised concerns about the Office for Value for Money, citing issues around its remit, cost, cross-Government duplication.
Georgia Gould (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
Yesterday, the National Audit Office published a report on the nearly £50 billion gap in building maintenance left by the previous Labour government. The legacy of 15 years of lost wage growth and stalled productivity means we inherited crumbling buildings. In contrast, this Government has invested over £63 billion at the UK investment summit and is leading the way on artificial intelligence. Growth predictions for our economy have been upgraded to the fastest in Europe by the International Monetary Fund.
Session: Public Procurement Reform 2025-01-23
View All Questions -->
What is the annual cost to the public purse of a 0.1% increase in the cost of servicing Government debt?
Context
MP asked about the financial impact on public purse due to rising borrowing costs.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
When we entered office, debt was at highs not seen since the 1960s. My commitment to the fiscal rules is non-negotiable, and we will drive debt down to a sustainable level. There have been movements in global financial markets, and the UK is not immune. The Office for Budget Responsibility will produce a forecast in the usual way, and I will respond with a statement to Parliament on 26 March.
Session: Servicing Government Debt 2025-01-21
View All Questions -->
As the Secretary of State knows, under the defence equipment plan about half of MOD expenditure is on equipment, with around 40% of that going overseas. What impact does the Secretary of State think that the Government’s abolition of business property relief and the massive increase in national insurance will have on UK SMEs’ ability to compete in the defence sector with our AUKUS allies following the previous Government’s signing of that agreement?
Context
The AUKUS partnership is expected to create new contract opportunities for UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), but concerns have been raised about the economic impacts of recent policy changes.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
It is certainly the case, as the right hon. Gentleman rightly recognises, that in government the Conservatives were too often largely blind to where British firms were based and to where the contracts that they were ready to award went. This Government have come into power committed not just to strengthening UK security but to boosting the UK economy. That means designing, making and buying more in Britain.
Session: AUKUS Procurement SMEs 2025-01-06
View All Questions -->
Under the Conservatives, billions in pension credit went unclaimed. The burden for driving up claims often lies in fantastic organisations such as Christians Against Poverty, the Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Carers Centre and Citizens Advice Falkirk and Denny, as well as the brilliant Falkirk council welfare benefits team in my constituency. What assurance can the Minister give me that beyond 21 December her Department will work tirelessly to prevent billions in benefits from being left unclaimed?
Context
The question stems from the issue of billions in pension credit going unclaimed under the Conservative government, with local organisations and council teams driving up claims.
Emma Reynolds
Indeed, we have taken forward the biggest awareness campaign for claiming pension credit that has ever been seen. We are determined that those on the lowest incomes should claim pension credit and be awarded it, which will passport them to winter fuel payments and other related benefits.
Session: Winter Fuel Payment Pensioner Poverty 2024-12-16
View All Questions -->
What assessment has been made of the potential impact of means-testing the winter fuel payment on levels of pensioner poverty? Before the last general election, Labour suggested that removal of the winter fuel payment would mean an extra 4,000 pensioners dying from freezing in poverty each year. How many will die under this Government's policy this year?
Context
The question is prompted by the potential impact of means-testing on pensioners' winter fuel payments, with a specific concern about an estimated 880,000 poor pensioners not claiming pension credit under the previous Conservative government.
Emma Reynolds
Under the last Conservative Government, an estimated 880,000 of the poorest pensioners eligible for pension credit were not claiming it. We have launched the biggest ever pension credit awareness campaign and written to 120,000 pensioners on housing benefit, urging them to apply. As a result, claims for pension credit have more than doubled, and those who receive pension credit will also receive winter fuel payments and other related benefits. The Government remain committed to supporting low-income pensioners through the household support fund, which local authorities can use to help people with their bills. The Minister for Energy Consumers has raised £500 million from energy suppliers to help vulnerable consumers in debt.
Session: Winter Fuel Payment Pensioner Poverty 2024-12-16
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister lobby the Welsh Government on that, for Wales and for our entire United Kingdom? The lower Thames crossing is a vital link between our channel ports and Holyhead port. I know Labour is against new road building in Wales, but a north Wales corridor connecting our ports would be a vital piece of transport infrastructure for our whole country.
Context
The MP highlights the importance of a north Wales corridor for linking UK channel ports with Holyhead port, noting Labour's stance against new road building in Wales.
Nia Griffith
I remind the right hon. Member that Holyhead was recently given freeport tax status, and I assure him that the Welsh Government have not ruled out a third Northern Ireland crossing.
Session: Transport Connectivity 2024-12-11
View All Questions -->
What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help improve transport connectivity between Wales and the rest of the UK. The Government are absolutely committed to working collaboratively with the Welsh Government to improve transport connectivity within Wales and with the rest of the UK, as seen in a joint programme by Network Rail and Transport for Wales.
Context
The MP is concerned about improving transport connections between Wales and the UK, highlighting current efforts by Network Rail and Transport for Wales.
Nia Griffith
The Government are absolutely committed to working collaboratively with the Welsh Government to improve transport connectivity within Wales and with the rest of the UK. We are already making progress. Network Rail and Transport for Wales announced a joint programme, which will see 50% more timetabled services on the north Wales main line.
Session: Transport Connectivity 2024-12-11
View All Questions -->
I am concerned about the impact of raising national insurance on many indirect providers of public services like GPs and hospices, which was not fully factored into the Budget. Given over a month has passed since then, can you provide an estimate of how this will affect the cost of public procurement to the nearest £1 billion?
Context
The question stems from meetings with SMEs following the Budget, highlighting concerns about the impact of increased National Insurance contributions on indirect providers of public services such as GPs and hospices. The concern is that these impacts were not fully considered during budget planning.
Georgia Gould
Unfortunately, the last Government left public services in crisis. Every day I saw strain on these services as people waited up to 12 hours for ambulances that sometimes did not arrive. We are taking action to invest in our public services and deliver growth through our procurement regime to support SMEs by ensuring money is not lost and suppliers are paid quickly. More details will be set out to the House in February.
Session: Public Procurement Reform 2024-12-05
View All Questions -->
I welcome the Government's commitments, in response to my written parliamentary questions, to a consultation on ending fleecehold. However, my constituents just want to know when that will take place.
Context
The government has committed to consulting on ending new freehold estates.
Matthew Pennycook
As I set out in response to a previous question, we will consult on how to end the prevalence of new fleecehold estates, and we will, in the short term, ensure that residents on existing estates have the protections they need against unfair management charges.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-12-02
View All Questions -->
Since coming into office, the Government have suspended arms export licences to Israel; rolled over on the International Criminal Court, with nothing new against Hamas terrorists; and poured cash into the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, despite concerns over a significant number of its staff double-hatting with Hamas. Many of those things have been published in Arabic on the UK Government's website. Who decides what should be published in Arabic? Why are they being published in Arabic? As they relate to Israel, why is nothing being published in Hebrew?
Context
Concerns raised about the UK Government's publishing information related to Israel but not in Hebrew.
David Lammy
The art of diplomacy is speaking to foreign leaders and foreign nations as best we can in the UK's national interest. That does sometimes involve foreign languages, which is why, for example, we support the BBC World Service.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-11-26
View All Questions -->
If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. In the past month, growth was at the heart of my visit to Africa where we agreed work on a new global plan in South Africa and a new strategic partnership with Nigeria. During our UN Security Council presidency we have shown support for Ukraine 1,000 days into the war and pressed for a lasting peace in the Middle East.
Context
The question arises from the context of recent diplomatic engagements.
David Lammy
In the past month, growth was at the heart of my visit to Africa. We agreed work on a new global plan in South Africa and a new strategic partnership with Nigeria. During our UN Security Council presidency we have shown support for Ukraine 1,000 days into the war and pressed for a lasting peace in the Middle East, and I condemned Russia's shameful veto of a resolution on Sudan. Finally, throughout COP we have been restoring British leadership on climate.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-11-26
View All Questions -->
Would the Minister meet me and other affected MPs regarding issues like the 4,000 job cuts across Europe including 800 in my constituency? Concerns are raised about the lack of clear long-term support for electric vehicle take-up and extra taxes imposed on ICE and EV vehicles. Can we address these issues?
Context
Yesterday, Ford announced a significant job cut across Europe including Basildon and Billericay. Concerns have been raised about the lack of electric vehicle take-up due to insufficient long-term government support and additional taxes on ICE and EV vehicles.
Mike Kane
The right hon. Member is correct; the Secretary of State met Ford yesterday. We understand this is concerning for Ford workers, especially as it plays a crucial role in our automotive industry. £200 million was committed at Budget to support work in this area.
Session: Transport Decarbonisation 2024-11-21
View All Questions -->
South Green surgery in my constituency has been given notice by its landlord that it has to move by the end of March next year. Will the Secretary of State meet me to see what we can do to ensure that other facilities can be provided if available, or to do the best for those local patients?
Context
The MP's constituency surgery has been given notice to move by the end of March next year.
Wes Streeting
That would be a matter for the right hon. Gentleman's ICB. I know that he is new to the area, so I am happy to make some introductions.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-11-19
View All Questions -->
Since 1999, only six years have seen growth in regular force numbers. With all three armed forces currently below target, does the Minister believe there will be a year between now and 2030 with a net increase? Does he have a specific target for overall growth?
Context
The MP raised concerns about the regular forces being below target for several years, questioning whether there will be any net increase by 2030.
Luke Pollard
The recruitment target was missed every single year under the previous Government. It will take us time to fix the process, but we are making announcements about improving retention and recruitment.
Session: Armed Forces Recruitment and Retention 2024-11-18
View All Questions -->
I welcome the Government's commitment to improving recruitment and retention. Since 1999, there have been only six years when the regular forces grew in size, and all three armed forces are currently below target. Does the Minister believe there will be any year between now and 2030 with a net increase in numbers? Does he have a target for overall growth during these years?
Context
The MP noted a long-term recruitment and retention crisis in the armed forces, with only six years since 1999 seeing growth in regular force numbers. Three armed forces are currently below target.
Luke Pollard
The recruitment target was missed every single year under the previous Government. It will take us time to fix the process, but we have already made announcements about improving retention and recruitment. We will make further such announcements in the months ahead.
Session: Armed Forces Recruitment and Retention 2024-11-18
View All Questions -->
May I say how nice it is to be sitting opposite the right hon. Lady? Given consistent feedback that lack of career progression was the biggest barrier to young people taking up jobs in social care, have the Government spoken to their counterpart about impact of £50 million cuts on ambitions for more youth employment?
Context
Previous government's social care reforms created a career path for care workers. The current government scrapped more than £50 million of funding for social care training, affecting job opportunities.
Liz Kendall
I will continue working with members of integrated care boards, passionate about opportunities for getting people into work including jobs in social care. Joined-up working between departments is at heart of our plans to get Britain working again.
Session: Young People Not in Education, Employment or Training 2024-11-11
View All Questions -->
Answers to my recent written parliamentary questions have talked of the positive impact that relations with families can have on prisoner resettlement. However, in a number of cases, particularly those involving sexual violence, the prisoner has no contact with the family and their release is usually a traumatic moment for those families and children. That is why I welcomed Labour's manifesto pledge to introduce a national identification system for the children of prisoners as a vitally important measure. What are the Government doing to meet that pledge and break the offending cycle across generations?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact on families when a prisoner has no contact with their family, particularly in cases involving sexual violence. The MP welcomes Labour's pledge to introduce an identification system for the children of prisoners.
Nicholas Dakin
Identifying children with a parent in prison is important for ensuring that they receive the support they need. Strengthening family ties remains an integral aspect of our work, which is why our family support workers help to re-establish appropriate family ties and facilitate visits from prisoners' children. My officials are working closely with the Department for Education to determine how much more we can do in this space.
Session: Reducing Reoffending 2024-11-05
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Marriage between First Cousins
18 June 2025
Responding: Alex Davies-Jones
Main Concerns
['Richard Holden highlights the issue of first cousin marriages, noting historical prohibitions by the Church and societal concerns over health, social cohesion, and individual freedoms. He mentions that such marriages can be linked to oppressive patriarchal cultures and forced marriage practices.']
Specific Asks
['Holden urges the government to consider legislative changes based on public opinion polls showing support for a ban among certain communities and argues against claims of infringing personal freedom, stating that it perpetuates oppression instead.']
Children of Prisoners — [Sir Roger Gale in the Chair]
04 December 2024
Responding: Alex Davies-Jones
Main Concerns
['Around half of prisoners are parents to children aged 17 or younger, with many relying on grandparents for support. Children of imprisoned parents face a 25% higher risk of mental health issues and are more likely to experience negative school outcomes and economic hardship. A significant number do not receive free school meals before parental imprisonment, but this figure increases post-imprisonment by at least 20%. Furthermore, these children have a 65% likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior themselves. The current system fails to adequately identify and support these children, leading to cases where they are found living alone without basic necessities.']
Specific Asks
["The Government should implement a national identification system for children with parents in prison, such as the existing Operation Paramount model which cross-references HMPPS data with police records. Schools should be notified of affected children's status and safeguarding leads designated to provide support. Additional funding through pupil premium eligibility could also aid these vulnerable young people."]
Pie and Mash: Traditional Speciality Guaranteed Status
22 October 2024
Responding: Daniel Zeichner
Main Concerns
['Mr. Holden is concerned about the decline of traditional pie and mash shops, despite them thriving in areas like Basildon. He notes that there are over a hundred similar products with protected status in France and Italy but only under a hundred in the UK. He highlights the importance of safeguarding the heritage of pie and mash to promote it both domestically and internationally.']
Specific Asks
['Mr. Holden asks for the government to provide traditional speciality guaranteed status for pie and mash as soon as possible, recognising its artisan production methods and rich cultural heritage.']
Road Safety Strategy 2026-01-08
08 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Minister highlighted the new national road safety strategy aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries on British roads by 65% by 2035. She emphasised the current plateau in road safety improvem...
Budget Resolutions 2025-12-01
01 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Heathrow National Airports Review 2025-10-22
22 October 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Taxes 2025-07-15
15 July 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government was elected on the basis of a manifesto commitment not to increase taxes on working people and not to increase National Insurance or Income Tax. The Autumn Budget 2024 decision to raise...
Trial by Jury Proposed Restrictions 2025-07-09
09 July 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the Government's plans to restrict trial by jury through the creation of a Crown court bench division and related sentencing changes, given that this could undermine centurie...
Government Performance against Fiscal Rules 2025-07-07
07 July 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Chancellor confirm that she will not make any commitments that are not fully funded and fully costed, but the Chief Secretary to the Treasury has just said that we now expect to wait until th...
Department for Education 2025-06-24
24 June 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Ms. Helen Hayes addressed the House on the Department for Education’s main estimate for 2025-26, focusing on several critical areas including special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), childre...
Department of Health and Social Care 2025-06-24
24 June 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Welcomes funding increases but questions deliverability, particularly regarding capital investment for digital transformation and hospital programme. Emphasises need for clear plans to generate effici...
Crime and Policing Bill 2025-06-18
18 June 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves that the clause be read a Second time. The new clauses aim to criminalise commercial sexual exploitation, including enabling or profiting from prostitution and paying for sex acts either directl...
Planning and Infrastructure Bill 2025-06-10
10 June 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Active travel—cycling, walking and wheeling—is hugely beneficial for health and happiness. Local authorities are reticent in using compulsory purchase orders for active travel despite willingness and ...
Attendance
95.5%
21 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
12
54.5% of votes
No Votes
9
40.9% of votes
Abstentions
1
4.5% 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
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 63 Stand part
Ayes: 348
Noes: 167
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 26
Ayes: 172
Noes: 334
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 9
Ayes: 181
Noes: 335
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 86 stand part
Ayes: 344
Noes: 173
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 25
Ayes: 187
Noes: 351
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 24
Ayes: 184
Noes: 331
Failed
12 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 7
Ayes: 188
Noes: 341
Failed
12 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 185
Noes: 344
Failed
0
PMQs Asked
61
Ministerial Questions Asked
53
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
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
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
1.9
Ministerial Questions
+668% above average
This MP:
61
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+95% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2141% above average
This MP:
53
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 (%)
+26% above average
This MP:
95.5
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 Richard Holden's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.