Terry Jermy
MP for South West Norfolk
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
What more can the Government do to get buses and trains working together? We need a truly integrated transport system.
Context
Norfolk county council received significant funding for bus services, opening new rural routes. However, there is no proper link with train services.
Lilian Greenwood
We need better integration of transport systems. The forthcoming integrated national transport strategy will address this issue.
Session: Rural Transport Connections 2026-02-12
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Precision breeding is critical to improving productivity. That is why I was so pleased to see so many Norfolk-based research projects, including the fantastic John Innes Centre, receive funding from DEFRA’s farming innovation programme. It is crucial that we protect these advancements, so can the Minister outline what assurances the Department has sought on precision breeding during the SPS negotiations?
Context
The UK crop production could drop steeply if a proper implementation period was not established in the sanitary and phytosanitary agreement with the EU.
The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Dame Angela Eagle)
The agreement between the EU and the UK to search for an SPS agreement recognised explicitly that there is a case for some exceptions, and we are negotiating that agreement as I speak. We are very well aware of the advantages that precision breeding gives to this country, which is why we laid a statutory instrument on plant precision breeding in November.
Session: Farming Sector Productivity 2026-02-05
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Waste crime—an increasing concern in rural areas—often has links to serious and organised crime. There were nearly 1,300 reports of waste crime in Norfolk over a five-year period with only two convictions. In South West Norfolk, 250 bales of DIY waste were dumped on a farm at an estimated removal cost of £250,000. Will the Minister tell the House what more the Department can do to tackle waste crime in rural areas?
Context
There were nearly 1,300 reports of waste crime in Norfolk over a five-year period with only two convictions. In South West Norfolk, 250 bales of DIY waste were dumped on a farm at an estimated removal cost of £250,000.
The Minister for Policing and Crime (Sarah Jones)
My hon. Friend speaks about a very serious crime, and we must go further. Last year, the Government announced a huge crackdown on cowboy waste operators in order to tackle fly-tipping. To support local authorities, our Crime and Policing Bill will introduce a power to issue statutory guidance on fly-tipping enforcement, and there will be a new five-year prison term for waste cowboys.
Session: Rural Crime 2026-01-05
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Merry Christmas, Mr Speaker, and I hope you get to enjoy a turkey from Norfolk. Water availability is increasingly important for my farmers, and Conservative austerity and cuts to the Environment Agency made obtaining water abstraction licences and permits painfully slow and often expensive. Can the Minister provide an update on work to speed up that process so that farmers are not kept waiting for important decisions?
Context
Farmers are struggling with slow and expensive processes for obtaining water abstraction licences and permits.
Emma Hardy (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
My hon. Friend raises a really important point. I was delighted to meet a number of water abstraction groups—who might not be the WAGs most people think of—to talk about some of the work they are doing as farmers to make farms more resilient. It is a hugely important issue, and just this week, the Minister for Housing and Planning has talked about how we are going to make the rules for farmers creating their own reservoirs simpler and more straightforward, so that we can build resilience.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-12-18
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So often, farmers are the best conservationists. Many want to do even more to support the environment and animal welfare, but profitability and sustainability are key. Will the Minister confirm whether the Department will consider financial support for farmers to move towards more sustainable and strong animal welfare standards?
Context
Farmers are often the best conservationists and many wish to do more to support both environmental and animal welfare issues, but financial sustainability is a key concern.
The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Dame Angela Eagle)
We are always ready to consider how we can bring about the policies that will be set out in the animal welfare strategy when we publish it. We are pragmatic about how we can shift from outdated systems and modernise, and we are proud that we have some of the highest standards of animal welfare in the world.
Session: Farrowing Crates and Cages 2025-11-13
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Could my hon. Friend confirm what assessment has been made about the impact of proposed changes to agricultural property relief on growth opportunities in rural areas and the viability of rural communities?
Context
Concerns over proposed changes to agricultural property relief affecting rural growth opportunities and community viability.
Dan Tomlinson
As I said earlier, the proposals made by CenTax and others would result in twice as many farms paying more tax as are planned under Government’s proposals. We think our proposals are right and fair.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-11-04
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A report by the Rural Coalition highlights that with the right policy framework, the rural economy could increase productivity, leading to an additional £19 billion a year. Will the Secretary of State outline what steps the Department is taking to help to support businesses in rural areas, such as my constituency, to unlock that growth potential?
Context
A report by the Rural Coalition highlights that with the right policy framework, the rural economy could increase productivity and generate an additional £19 billion a year. The constituency of South West Norfolk faces similar challenges.
The Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Peter Kyle)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend not just for his contribution, but for his advocacy for the rural economy. This Government are committed to supporting businesses, including those in rural areas such as South West Norfolk, to thrive and grow. We know that rural areas offer significant growth potential, contributing £259 billion to England’s gross value added in 023. My Department provides support through the Help to Grow: Management business support service and the New Anglia Growth Hub. Our plan for small businesses will hardwire small business voices into Government to boost growth.
Session: Investment in Businesses 2025-10-30
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Pockets of deprivation in many rural communities, like my South West Norfolk constituency, are often masked by more affluent surroundings. Will the Minister reassure me that financial support from the Government for local councils in rural areas reflects those concerns about isolated deprivation?
Context
Pockets of deprivation in rural areas are often masked by more affluent surroundings, making it difficult for these areas to receive adequate funding.
The Minister for Local Government and English Devolution (Jim McMahon)
This month, we are consulting on an updated assessment of need that we will implement from 2026-27. Importantly, that includes the indices of multiple deprivation, a designated national statistic, and it will drill down to deprivation levels of between 400 and 1,200 households in each of those units. Our intention is to address the issues found in the pockets of deprivation in every community, including rural and coastal communities where they are sometimes drowned out because of the sea of affluence around them. It is important that we get to deprivation wherever it exists.
Session: Local Authority Funding 2025-06-09
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As a former youth worker and a former school governor, I know that this initiative will make a huge difference, and I have written to all the schools in my constituency encouraging them to apply. Will the Secretary of State please outline the next steps?
Context
The MP, a former youth worker and school governor, has encouraged schools in his constituency to apply for the scheme.
Bridget Phillipson
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for the work that he is undertaking in making his local schools aware of the opportunities that breakfast clubs present. The early adopters scheme will enable up to 750 participating schools to start providing them from April 2025 onwards. We have tripled investment in breakfast clubs following the Budget. Schools have until 20 December to apply for the scheme, and I would encourage many more to do so.
Session: Primary School Breakfast Clubs Impact 2024-12-09
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I am concerned about the potential impact of introducing free primary school breakfast clubs on children. What assessment has she made?
Context
The MP is concerned about the potential impact of introducing free primary school breakfast clubs on children.
Bridget Phillipson
Breakfast clubs break down barriers to opportunity so that children are ready to learn. They are proven to boost attendance, attainment, wellbeing and behaviour, and they also provide essential childcare options for parents. In only a few days, hundreds of schools have applied to become early adopters because they know that these clubs can improve children's life chances and, crucially, academic standards.
Session: Primary School Breakfast Clubs Impact 2024-12-09
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Many rural villages in my constituency have spent hours producing excellent neighbourhood plans, with some areas hoping to go to public referendum and adoption soon. Given that such plans help communities to shape growth, will the Minister confirm what prominence the Government will afford neighbourhood plans as part of planning reforms?
Context
The question addresses the importance of neighbourhood plans in shaping growth and asks for confirmation on how much prominence these plans will have in planning reforms.
Alex Norris
Our commitment as a Government is to bring communities into that conversation and to make sure local leadership has that say in the service of a wider national goal.
Session: Broadband Access and Mobile Signal 2024-10-28
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I am very concerned about the future of the Thetford biomass facility in my constituency. Every year, it turns half a million tonnes of poultry litter into electricity. Has the Secretary of State had meetings to discuss the potential impact of the end of the renewables obligation scheme on the disposal of poultry litter?
Context
The Thetford biomass facility in South West Norfolk turns half a million tonnes of poultry litter into electricity annually. Concerns arise over the end of the renewables obligation scheme affecting its operation and waste management.
Mary Creagh
We are in the early stages of looking at how we deal with the country's waste and considering the policies we will bring forward. This will be looked at as part of the review. We will be working with colleagues from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to ensure we get the right results.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-09-12
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Levy funding for internal drainage boards is an increasing concern for many councils. In my constituency, King's Lynn and West Norfolk borough council now contributes the equivalent of 43% of its council tax income to fund IDB levies. Will the Secretary of State update Members on any progress determining a more sustainable funding solution for those levies and whether the one-off grant scheme to support councils might be repeated?
Context
The MP highlighted the financial burden on King's Lynn and West Norfolk borough council from IDB levies, contributing 43% of its council tax income.
Jim McMahon
In the final 2024-25 local government finance settlement, a £3 million grant was announced to assist local authorities experiencing significant pressures on their internal drainage board levy. I am publishing today the allocations of funding for 15 local authorities, and I can confirm that King's Lynn and West Norfolk will receive an allocation of £254,000 from the levy. We are also working closely with our colleagues in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to explore options going forward for future allocations.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-09-02
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Renewables Obligation Certificate Scheme
05 March 2025
Responding: Kerry McCarthy
Main Concerns
['Thetford power station is Europe’s largest poultry litter-fuelled power station and has successfully generated green energy for over 20 years. It produces home-grown electricity, contributing to our energy security, and it is crucial to the farming community across East Anglia. The closure of such sites would increase environmental pollution, particularly phosphate and nitrate run-off from poultry farms.']
Specific Asks
['I urge the Minister to confirm whether the Government are committed to the renewables obligation certificate scheme, and therefore the future of not just Thetford power station, but other similar biomass facilities across the UK.']
Police Grant Report
11 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Policing Minister Sarah Jones moved to approve the Police Grant Report for England and Wales, emphasising a £1.3 billion increase in funding compared to the previous year, with £432 million coming...
Local Government Finance
11 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to approve the Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27, laying before the House on 9 February.
Local Power Plan
10 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
National Cancer Plan 2026-02-05
05 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government's national cancer plan aims to save 320,000 more lives by 2035. The plan includes modernising the NHS, harnessing science and technology, prioritising clinical trials, early detection t...
Road Safety 2026-02-05
05 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Road safety is a personal issue for me as my grandfather died in a road accident. Despite improvements, four people still die on our roads every day and 76 more are injured seriously. The fatal five c...
NHS Dentists 2026-02-05
05 February 2026
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
I am grateful for the opportunity to draw attention to the severe strain on NHS dentistry, which affects millions of British people. The issue is that fewer practices are offering NHS appointments, le...
Rural Communities 2026-01-07
07 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government’s policies have resulted in rising taxes, record closures of agriculture businesses, shops, pubs, and restaurants, falling levels of business investment, changes to funding for rural ar...
Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief 2026-01-05
05 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the changes to agricultural property relief and business property relief, explain why a U-turn was necessary after significant opposition from farmers and rural communities, ...
Business of the House 2025-12-18
18 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Expressed condolences for the Bondi Beach attack, criticised the Labour Government's failure to meet its promises, highlighted issues like rising taxes, cost of living crisis, NHS waiting lists, socia...
Planning Reform 2025-12-16
16 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
63.6%
14 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
3
13.6% of votes
No Votes
11
50.0% of votes
Abstentions
8
36.4% 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
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
21 Jan 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
0
PMQs Asked
13
Ministerial Questions Asked
32
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
22
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 649 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
1.9
Ministerial Questions
+64% above average
This MP:
13
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-35% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1253% above average
This MP:
32
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 (%)
-16% below average
This MP:
63.6
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 Terry Jermy's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.