Mike Martin
MP for Tunbridge Wells
Lib Dem
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Russia has abducted at least 19,000 Ukrainian children and transferred them to Russia. They have been told that their parents do not love them, placed in Russian homes and been re-educated. For that despicable crime and others, the International Criminal Court has issued six arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and his gang. I note the Prime Minister’s previous fulsome support for the ICC and his comments just last night about the support that the UK will offer to Ukraine in achieving a just and lasting peace. Will the Prime Minister confirm to the House that British peacekeeping troops will be deployed to Ukraine only if the peacekeeping deal includes both the return of Ukraine’s children and Putin’s prosecution?
Context
Russia has been accused of abducting Ukrainian children and transferring them to Russian territory, where they are told their parents do not love them. The International Criminal Court issued six arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and his associates.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I thank the hon. Member for raising that issue, because it is an absolutely terrible case of abduction and kidnapping. When we say a lasting, just settlement for peace in Ukraine, it must of course involve dealing with that issue. As he would expect, we are raising it continually with our allies.
Assessment
The PM did not confirm the conditions under which British troops would be deployed to Ukraine regarding child return and prosecution
Raising It Continually With Our Allies
Session: PMQs 2025-03-12
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Can the Secretary of State give the House reassurance that we are going to incorporate those new tools into the rebuild of the service so that we get that employment boost?
Context
Adzuna, a job search website founded by Mike Martin's constituent Andrew, has research showing that existing AI tools could improve the DWP’s service and create 250,000 more jobs per year. However, it is reported that these tools will not be included in the new rebuild.
Andrew Western
For commercial reasons, I cannot confirm if Adzuna’s specific tool will be part of our work forward. However, we are bringing forward a new AI tool in the coming months that includes ‘find a job’ options and CV support among other cutting-edge tools to aid people into employment.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-01-26
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Blocked beds cost Pembury hospital £18,000 every night, yet discharge teams have to manually phone care homes to place people there. My constituent Debbie has created a dashboard—it is basically like Skyscanner—to accelerate discharges by matching discharged patients to care beds. It has already received seed funding of £200,000 from Kent county council, and could save up to £7 million a year in Pembury alone. Will the Minister meet me and Debbie to discuss that idea?
Context
The MP highlighted a dashboard created by his constituent Debbie, which could save up to £7 million a year at Pembury hospital by matching discharged patients to care beds.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
The hon. Gentleman highlights the serious problem of staff operating in an analogue age in the NHS, which we keenly highlighted in the 10-year plan. We want to move the system into a more digital age. We would be very happy to hear more about the scheme that he outlines and the great work that staff are doing to get over some of the problems that they are working with.
Session: Electronic Patient Record Systems 2025-07-22
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My constituent Julian noticed that he had a mole on his chest that was growing and bleeding. Members of his family had died from skin cancer, so he was very concerned and went to his GP. He was referred to the Kent integrated dermatology service and was told that the results would come back in four weeks. They came back in 17 weeks. I know that this issue is of personal concern to the Minister, so would she please investigate what happened and write to me?
Context
A constituent named Julian experienced a prolonged wait of 17 weeks for biopsy results after being referred to the Kent integrated dermatology service, despite concerns about skin cancer.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
The hon. Member raises an awful case on behalf of his constituent. Of course, our targeting of waiting lists includes diagnostics. What happened in that case should not happen anywhere, and I will ensure that he gets a response as soon as possible.
Session: Biopsy Waiting Times 2025-06-17
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As the Foreign Secretary knows, we have substantial engagement with, and deployment to, Estonia. Talk of peace in Ukraine is of course welcome and Britain should play its role in supporting that peace, but does he accept that any deployment of British troops to Ukraine increases the risk to the UK and its forces in Estonia?
Context
The MP refers to substantial British engagement with, and deployment to, Estonia. The question arises from concerns about the risk of deploying additional troops to Ukraine.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)
The hon. Gentleman should know that the UK’s commitment to the security of Estonia is iron-clad, and made real by our NATO forward land forces deployment. Discussions regarding how our military can support Ukraine’s future security arrangements are ongoing, including with NATO allies and Secretary-General Rutte. Part of the discussion for countries committed to the coalition of the willing is about ensuring that those countries on the frontline are not left without adequate support.
Session: Support for Ukraine 2025-04-01
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I represent Tunbridge Wells, and just over the boundary in Wealden district, a large housing development is proposed. Wealden will get the houses, but the infrastructure burden will fall particularly on my constituents who live in Tunbridge Wells. Will the Secretary of State update me on the reforms to the NPPF? What is being done about this problem of cross-boundary infrastructure?
Context
Mike Martin raised concerns about cross-boundary infrastructure burdens resulting from housing developments.
Matthew Pennycook
In the NPPF, we set out the clear direction of travel towards the universal coverage of strategic planning across the whole of England. We had an Adjournment debate on that just last week. We are determined to put in place the mechanisms that will allow effective cross-boundary co-operation to ensure that the right infrastructure and housing growth takes place.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-12-02
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A group of parents have expressed concerns over their children's access to Skinners' Kent academy via the No. 2 or No. 79 bus services, noting that the No. 2 arrives too early, while the No. 79 is late by 15 minutes, resulting in a significant loss of educational time over the year.
Context
Parents in Tunbridge Wells have contacted the MP about issues with local buses and children's travel to school. The No. 2 and No. 79 buses provide insufficient service.
Mike Kane
For logistic reasons, closed school services are not currently included in the fare cap scheme. However, we expect to see significant improvements across our country's bus services following a £1 billion investment package.
Session: Local Bus Services Travel to School 2024-11-21
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In my constituency, parents have told me about difficulties that their children face in getting to Skinners' Kent academy due to timing issues with the No. 2 and No. 297 buses. The No. 2 arrives 90 minutes early, while the No. 297 is 15 minutes late. Over a school year, this amounts to 50 hours of missed education time. Kent received £23 million for bus services. What will be done to ensure that this funding increases the frequency of services so children can arrive on time?
Context
Parents in Tunbridge Wells are concerned about their children's travel to school via local buses. The No. 2 and No. 297 buses present issues with either being too early or arriving late.
Mike Kane
Kent county council has been given £23.1 million as part of our £1 billion package for buses. We expect to see a better bus service across the country in the future, particularly addressing rural underfunding issues.
Session: Local Bus Services Travel to School 2024-11-21
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Research from the University of Bath indicates fluctuating income issues for Universal Credit recipients and highlights a High Court ruling in 2019 calling for smoother assessment periods. Can the Secretary of State provide an update on implementing this judgment?
Context
A University of Bath study shows that over half of working households receiving Universal Credit have fluctuating incomes by up to £400 per month. In 2019, the High Court ruled that DWP should smooth this system.
Stephen Timms
We are reviewing universal credit and willing to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss further improvements, but no specific update was provided on implementing the High Court ruling's recommendations.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-11-11
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Does the Minister think that it sounds right that my constituent who spent six hours awake during an operation and was deemed unfit for work by her GP and a clinical psychologist went through a half-hour telephone assessment which deemed her fit to work, so she does not get universal credit and it was not backdated?
Context
A constituent experienced significant health issues following an operation and was deemed unfit for work by medical professionals but failed a universal credit health check.
Stephen Timms
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for drawing my attention to that. What he has described sounds very odd indeed, and I will be happy to look at the details if he will let me see them. We are absolutely committed to making sure that universal credit does the job that we need it to, including for people in the situation that his constituent has found herself in.
Session: Universal Credit Assessment 2024-11-11
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What assessment has she made of the effectiveness of the universal credit assessment system?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the effectiveness of the universal credit assessment process, particularly in cases involving individuals with significant health issues.
Stephen Timms
The Department has adopted an iterative approach, updating the universal credit system to reflect user needs as they develop. The new Government are committed to reviewing universal credit to make sure that it is doing the job we need it to.
Session: Universal Credit Assessment 2024-11-11
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My constituent Suzie waited for an education, health and care plan for her son Harrison for 42 weeks. By law, they have to be provided within 20 weeks. Kent county council took more than twice the amount of time that it should have done. When it came, it was full of mistakes. Would the Secretary of State support KCC going back into special measures so that students like Harrison get the support that they deserve?
Context
A constituent waited for an education, health and care plan (EHCP) for their child Harrison for 42 weeks. The plan was full of mistakes when it arrived.
Catherine McKinnell
Local authorities have been impacted by the increased demand for education, health and care plans and by workforce capacity issues. We will work as quickly as possible to ensure a more effective response and early identification for children, and I will take away the particular example he raises.
Session: Special Educational Needs and Disabilities 2024-11-04
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In 2023, the Home Office commissioned the Fairfield review into the Independent Office for Police Conduct. It deemed the delays in the IOPC as “unacceptable”. Indeed, one of my constituents has been waiting a year after the death of her daughter to have a case officer assigned. Does the Home Secretary agree with the review, and will she comment on when she will implement its 93 recommendations?
Context
The Independent Office for Police Conduct has experienced delays in decision-making processes, leading to constituents waiting a year after the death of their loved ones.
Yvette Cooper
I have met the IOPC chair to talk through the issues facing that body. The hon. Gentleman is right that we need to speed up the decision-making process. He will also recognise that there are considerable challenges in the system that we have inherited.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-10-21
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When will the Minister write to me and update on when the Act will come into force?
Context
The MP asks about the Protection from Sex-Based Harassment in Public Bill, which was passed but requires a statutory instrument for implementation.
Anneliese Dodds
The new Government is determined to halve violence against women and girls within a decade. The Home Secretary works with us on this, but no specific date for writing or updating has been committed.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls 2024-10-09
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How many prisoners are going to be released today in Kent, and can the Secretary of State guarantee that none of them will be homeless within a month?
Context
There is concern about the number of prisoners being released from prison in Kent, particularly regarding their accommodation status.
Alex Davies-Jones
As the Lord Chancellor has previously said, we cannot give exact figures for specific areas. However, we are working with other Departments, including the MHCLG, and with local authorities to ensure that those who are being released from prison today under SDS40 have the accommodation that they need. The Probation Service has been working around the clock to ensure that.
Session: Rape and Sexual Violence Victim Support 2024-09-10
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
SEND Provision: South-east England
15 July 2025
Responding: Catherine McKinnell
Main Concerns
['In Kent, more than 21,000 children have an education, health and care plan—that is 14% above the national average. As a result of rising demand and mismanagement by the previous administration, there was a SEND overspend in a recent year of nearly £100 million. Only 13% of EHCPs were completed within the statutory 20-week deadline, leading to Kent being put into special measures.']
Specific Asks
["The Government must listen to the voices of children and families to understand the system's shortcomings. Proper provision for children with SEND is crucial not only economically but morally right."]
Economic Security 2026-02-05
05 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Business and Trade Committee published a report on economic security, highlighting the need for new defences against increasing threats to the UK's economic security. The report recommends establi...
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...
Commonhold and Leasehold Reform 2026-01-27
27 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Arctic Security 2026-01-19
19 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Water Supplies East Grinstead 2026-01-12
12 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the support for people affected by the ongoing interruption to water supplies in East Grinstead and the surrounding villages, with more than 16,000 households impacted due to...
Finance (No. 2) Bill 2026-01-12
12 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Minister opened the debate on the Finance (No. 2) Bill, emphasising that the Labour Government's second Budget was a choice between austerity and decline or investment and renewal, opting for the ...
Venezuela 2026-01-05
05 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East and North Africa 2026-01-05
05 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary provided an update on the situation in Gaza, Iran, Yemen, Syria, and the case of Alaa Abd el-Fattah. He highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasising that ...
Actions of Iranian Regime UK Response 2025-07-07
07 July 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the UK's response to recent US airstrikes against Iran's nuclear facilities, including an assessment of their impact and whether discussions are ongoing about applying snapba...
Parental Leave Review 2025-07-01
01 July 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government is committed to reviewing the current parental leave system to support modern, diverse working families. They are taking action through the Employment Rights Bill which includes making ...
Accessibility at High Brooms Station
01 September 2025
The petitioners are concerned about the need for improved accessibility at High Brooms station in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, following plans drawn up under a previous government’s Access for All scheme.
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Accessibility at High Brooms Station
15 July 2025
The petition addresses the need for improved accessibility at High Brooms Station, highlighting that plans were drawn up under the previous government’s 'Access for All' scheme but have not been imple...
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Attendance
50.0%
11 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
7
31.8% of votes
No Votes
4
18.2% of votes
Abstentions
11
50.0% 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
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
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 AYE
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
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
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
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
1
PMQs Asked
14
Ministerial Questions Asked
57
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
2
Petitions Presented
22
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 649 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-48% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.9
Ministerial Questions
+76% above average
This MP:
14
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-35% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2310% above average
This MP:
57
Average:
2.4
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
5.1
Petitions Presented
-11% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.2
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-34% below average
This MP:
50.0
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 Mike Martin's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.