Calum Miller
MP for Bicester and Woodstock
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.
I welcome the Prime Minister to his place and thank him for raising this important issue in relation to water. Customers should not pay the price for mismanagement by water companies. I associate myself with his remarks about the soldier in Kent, and, of course, send my wishes to the British Olympians. At Combe in my constituency, Thames Water pumped sewage into the River Evenlode for over 2,600 hours last year. Thames Water was allowed by Ofwat to withdraw £7 billion in dividends, yet now wants to jack up my constituents' bills. I welcome the water Bill in the King's Speech, but does the Prime Minister agree with my constituents and me that the system is broken, and will he now commit to scrapping Ofwat and replacing it with a tougher regulator that will finally put people and planet ahead of water company profits?
Context
Thames Water pumped sewage into the River Evenlode for over 2,600 hours last year. Thames Water was allowed by Ofwat to withdraw £7 billion in dividends while wanting to increase constituents' bills.
Keir Starmer
I welcome the hon. Member to his place and thank him for raising this important issue in relation to water. Customers should not pay the price for mismanagement by water companies. We have already announced immediate steps to put water companies under a tougher regime. The Minister responsible for water, the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice (Emma Hardy), will meet the bosses of failing companies to hold them to account for their performance.
Assessment
Scrapping Ofwat and replacing it with a tougher regulator
Session: PMQs 2024-07-24
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Does the Minister agree that community benefits should be proportionate to the scale of solar development? Will he meet me to discuss better listening to rural communities so clean energy is delivered with their consent?
Context
The Southill Solar scheme has engaged well with the local community, paying direct returns to residents. However, Botley West faces criticism for insufficient engagement and transparency.
Michael Shanks
I have had productive meetings with the hon. Gentleman and will be happy to meet him again. We believe that communities should benefit from hosting infrastructure, and we published the local power plan to ensure these benefits flow into communities.
Session: Large-scale Solar Projects Community Engagement 2026-02-10
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What steps is the Minister taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure large-scale solar project developers effectively engage with local communities? Just across my constituency lies Southill Solar, which engages well with locals, pays direct returns to residents, funds projects, and won awards. However, Botley West faces criticism for insufficient developer engagement and transparency.
Context
The Southill Solar scheme effectively engages with local communities, providing direct returns to residents and funding local projects. In contrast, the Botley West solar farm faces criticism for insufficient developer engagement and transparency.
Michael Shanks
The Government believes in community benefits for hosting infrastructure. We have consulted on mandatory community benefits, which we will respond to soon. The local power plan ensures that communities can own energy infrastructure and benefit from it.
Session: Large-scale Solar Projects Community Engagement 2026-02-10
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My constituent Debra was advised over 20 years ago to take sodium valproate during her pregnancy. Alongside thousands of other women, that advice has had severe consequences for her family. Both her sons have faced significant challenges through their lives and remain highly dependent on their parents, as a direct result of that drug. On Saturday, I visited Debra and she shared her fears for her sons’ future and her anger that more than two years after the Hughes report was published, no action has been taken. Will the Minister meet Debra and me to hear her family’s story and to discuss how the Government intend to put right this terrible injustice?
Context
The MP mentions a constituent, Debra, who was advised to take sodium valproate during pregnancy. The drug led to severe consequences for her family. Over two years after the Hughes report was published, no action has been taken.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
It was the cases of many women like Debra, which have often been raised in this House, that led to that report, and we understand that people are facing serious and long-lasting conditions. I am happy to arrange for a Minister to get back to the hon. Member on that specific case and update him on the review.
Session: Health Inequalities Women 2026-01-28
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The composition of Donald Trump’s board of peace looks increasingly like a rogues’ gallery, with President Putin now having been invited to join. Meanwhile, the Palestinians have been left out of that board entirely, and it is increasingly clear that this is not about peace at all. I have two questions for the Foreign Secretary, which she has not yet answered. Can she tell the House whether Government Ministers have spoken with Tony Blair about his role, and will she categorically condemn these current plans and call instead for the United Nations to lead peacebuilding and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, with Palestinians at the heart of this?
Context
The composition of Donald Trump’s board of peace looks increasingly like a rogues’ gallery, with President Putin now having been invited to join. Meanwhile, the Palestinians have been left out of that board entirely.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Yvette Cooper)
Let us be clear that nothing can replace the UN or its charter. The UN is the bedrock of multilateral co-operation and international law... On the wider question, Putin is not a man of peace and does not belong in any organisation with the word “peace” in the name.
Session: Gaza and the West Bank Humanitarian Situation 2026-01-20
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The MP requested the Minister to meet him and his constituent to discuss extending the Assaults on Emergency Workers Act 2018 to cover probation officers.
Context
A female probation officer is concerned about her safety at work after a colleague was stabbed multiple times by someone on probation.
Lammy
We will do everything we can to keep our probation officers safe. The Prisons Minister will meet him as requested.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-12-16
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Ukraine needs the support of its allies to counter Russia’s threat, but Belgium and the European Central Bank are holding out against the European Union’s using frozen Russian assets to give it the funds that it needs. It is time for the UK to show international leadership, even as Belgium, the ECB and the US vacillate, so will the Foreign Secretary support my Bill that would allow the UK to seize the £30 billion in frozen Russian assets held in this country and put them at Kyiv’s disposal for its defence?
Context
Belgium and the European Central Bank are hesitant to use frozen Russian assets for supporting Ukraine. The question highlights a proposal where US firms could receive payments from these assets.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Yvette Cooper)
We have been clear about the importance of mobilising the Russian sovereign assets in order to invest in and support Ukraine. The proposal put forward by the EU, which we support, is for reparation loans based on those sovereign assets that would allow us to maintain the appropriate stability and approach to the financial markets, and also to mobilise those assets to support Ukraine. The purpose is to ensure that Russia pays for the damage that it has done, as it should.
Session: Ukraine 2025-12-02
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My constituents are very concerned about the Home Office’s race to reopen the Campsfield House immigration removal centre. The first contract for opening the centre was announced in June 2024, when this House was not sitting. The then Home Secretary announced that she intended to expand the facility in August 2024, when again the House was not sitting. I believe that contract has not yet been tendered. Will the Minister please provide my constituents with some reassurance that Ministers are not just racing to make announcements about this ahead of real need and in order to catch a headline, but are actually serious about using taxpayers’ money in an appropriate manner to look after and contain these issues?
Context
The constituent concern about the Home Office's decision to reopen Campsfield House immigration removal centre without proper tendering process during parliamentary recess. The first contract announcement was in June 2024, followed by an expansion plan announced in August.
The Minister for Border Security and Asylum (Alex Norris)
'Real need' is a very important phrase. The reality is that over this Government’s time in office, we have deported over 50,000 people who have no right to be here—the best period of time in 10 years in this regard. We do need that detention capacity. Things are moving at Campsfield, so perhaps I should meet the hon. Gentleman to give him a full brief on our plans there.
Session: Immigration Removal Centre Contracts 2025-11-17
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Criminals have dumped a mountain of illegal plastic waste 20 feet high and weighing hundreds of tonnes in my constituency on the floodplain adjacent to the River Cherwell. This raises significant environmental risks including rising river levels and potential fire hazards. Given limited resources, will the Minister meet me urgently to discuss what support the Government can offer?
Context
A large quantity of illegal plastic waste was dumped on the floodplain adjacent to the River Cherwell, raising concerns about environmental disaster due to resource limitations for enforcement.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mary Creagh)
We have a waste crime unit that undertook 21 money laundering investigations, six account-freezing orders, and 13 confiscation orders in the last financial year. I am aware of this incident and will meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss it further.
Session: Littering 2025-11-13
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I welcome the Minister to her place. Becky, who runs the Red Lion in Eynsham, and Donna, who runs the Oxfordshire Yeoman in Freeland, tell me that they are working upwards of 80 hours a week just to keep their pubs open. Despite loyal customers and rising turnover, they are struggling to meet soaring bills from employment costs, food, energy, business rates and a tied tenancy, which means that prices are over £100 more per barrel. In small villages across my constituency, pubs are the lifeblood and fabric of the community. Will the Minister meet Becky, Donna and me to discuss what more the Government can do to support the vital village pub?
Context
The question addresses the struggles faced by hospitality businesses, specifically pubs, in meeting high operational costs despite loyal customers and rising turnover. It highlights examples of village pubs like the Red Lion in Eynsham and Oxfordshire Yeoman in Freeland, run by Becky and Donna respectively.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Kate Dearden)
I agree with the hon. Member that pubs are the lifeblood of our local communities. We recognise the challenges facing the hospitality sector, particularly our pubs. They play such an important role in our local communities as places where people can come together to celebrate, connect and build communities, and that is especially true of the pubs that he mentioned in his constituency. I would of course be happy to meet him and his pub managers to celebrate their contribution to his constituency. We continue to work closely with the Hospitality Sector Council and industry leaders across the country to understand the pressures facing pubs, and to co-create solutions for the long-term stability and local economic growth that are vital for our communities and our country.
Session: Hospitality Sector Bicester and Woodstock 2025-10-30
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At this hopeful but fragile moment for Gaza, all sides must fulfil their ceasefire obligations. That includes Hamas returning hostages' bodies and Israel reopening aid routes into Gaza. We must also preserve conditions for a two-state solution; last week's Knesset vote in favour of annexing the West Bank undermines Palestinians' right to self-determination. Given US Secretary of State Rubio's condemnation, will the Foreign Secretary work with the American Administration to bring forward a UN Security Council resolution unreservedly condemning that vote and reaffirming the illegality of seizing territory by force?
Context
In the context of a ceasefire in Gaza, concerns about the future of Palestine were raised. The Knesset voted to annex parts of the West Bank, drawing criticism from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Yvette Cooper)
As I hope I have been clear, the future of Palestine needs to include the west bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza. We have always strongly condemned any proposals to annex the west bank, as well as illegal settlements in the west bank, and it is significant that not only Secretary of State Rubio but President Trump and Vice-President Pence have made clear their condemnation of the proposals for the annexation of the west bank. In order to have security and peace for Israelis alongside security and peace for Palestinians, we ultimately need to work towards a two-state solution—two states living side by side.
Session: Gaza Peace Plan 2025-10-28
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In the United States, President Trump continues to use his public power to advance his private financial interests. In the UK, as well as rooting out traitors like Nathan Gill, who take funds from our enemies, we must prevent this corrosive cronyism from entering our politics. I wrote yesterday to the new Ethics and Integrity Commission, calling on it to investigate whether Department for Culture, Media and Sport officials lobbied for Trump’s golf courses. I intend to bring a Bill to this place that would create enhanced protections against UK Ministers and officials lobbying for foreign powers. Will the Secretary of State commit to supporting the principle of the Bill?
Context
Miller expressed concern over foreign influence in UK politics, specifically regarding potential lobbying for Trump's golf courses.
Yvette Cooper
Not having seen the hon. Member’s proposals, I will not comment on them at this stage, but we take all evidence of foreign interference in this country very seriously. I work closely with Ministers across Government, including the Home Office and the Security Minister, to keep these issues under regular assessment.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-10-28
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I am sickened by the frequency with which I hear from victims and survivors of domestic abuse about the ways in which the criminal justice system has aggravated their trauma. One constituent recently told me that she was living in fear after her abuser was released early and the Probation Service failed to enforce probation conditions. Another has seen the charges against her ex-partner scheduled for criminal trial in two years’ time, and in the meantime he continues to exert control through the family courts. Will the Minister meet me to review what has gone wrong in those two cases and what lessons can be learned about how to use identifiers of aggravation to give victims and survivors more protection?
Context
The MP is concerned about the treatment of victims by the criminal justice system, citing specific cases where early release of offenders or delays in trials have caused further trauma.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)
I thank the hon. Gentleman for that question and for all his work to amplify the voices of victims and survivors. Like him, I am sickened by the treatment of the majority of women and girls who go through this in our criminal justice system. He will know that we inherited a criminal justice system in absolute crisis. That is why we conducted a once-in-a-generation review of our courts process—the Leveson review—which the Government will respond to shortly, and a once-in-a-generation sentencing review, to consider exactly the issues that he is talking about. I will happily meet him to discuss this further.
Session: Domestic Abuse Aggravated Offences 2025-09-03
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One hundred and sixty-eight days ago, the Foreign Secretary described the Netanyahu Government’s aid blockade of Gaza as a “breach of international law”, before correcting himself to describe it as only risking a breach. Yesterday, the Foreign Secretary told the House that Gaza faces a “man-made famine” and that he was “outraged” by the Israeli Government’s block on aid, so do the Government now accept that Israel has breached international law?
Context
The Foreign Secretary previously described the Netanyahu Government’s aid blockade as a potential breach of international law, and recently stated that Gaza faces a man-made famine due to Israeli Government’s block on aid.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
Yesterday, the Foreign Secretary set out the long-standing position of Ministers on such determinations. Under the previous Government, the threshold that this House set Governments was whether there was a real risk. We have applied ourselves to that test, and we have found that there is a real risk. Our actions from September onwards have flowed from that determination.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Aid 2025-09-02
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The Business Secretary is due to travel to China next week to restart trade talks. His trip will fall 50 days after Beijing announced its latest round of extraterritorial bounties, targeting 19 pro-democracy Hongkongers, including several more UK-based activists. In an earlier answer, the Minister laid out the many steps to sanction the Georgian Government for their assault on democracy. Will the Foreign Secretary implore the Business Secretary to cancel his trip and press for a block on all UK ministerial visits to China until Beijing rescinds those bounties?
Context
The Business Secretary is due to travel to China next week, following Beijing’s announcement of arrest warrants and bounties targeting pro-democracy Hongkongers.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Catherine West)
In June, the Minister for Security, my hon. Friend the Member for Barnsley North (Dan Jarvis), and I met the UK activists targeted by the Hong Kong arrest warrants and bounties. We have raised concerns regarding the arrest warrants and bounties directly with the Chinese ambassador here in London, reaffirming that the safety and security of Hongkongers in the UK is of the utmost importance to the Government. The matter is being raised at all levels—by Ministers and by the Foreign Secretary, and will indeed be raised, if there is such an occasion in the future, leader to leader.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-09-02
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What steps are being taken to increase electricity grid capacity? In my constituency, Tritax Big Box wants to put solar panels on 100% of usable roof areas for new buildings but expects to cover only 25%. They cannot get a permit to generate or export electricity. How can we turn this into a win-win opportunity?
Context
Local plans in Bicester and Woodstock anticipate significant new employment sites for job creation and economic growth. Tritax Big Box has expressed interest in installing solar panels on 100% of usable roof areas but faces difficulties getting a permit to generate electricity or consent to export to the grid, currently expecting only to install panels on 25%.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Michael Shanks)
Our ambition is to see solar panels on as many rooftops across the country as possible, making it a win-win. I am happy to discuss this with the hon. Gentleman if he writes to me with specifics. We are also looking at reforming processes to ensure more power can be generated and exported.
Session: Electricity Grid Capacity 2025-07-15
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Calum Miller expressed concern about the potential decrease of 42% in net resources available to his local council due to proposed changes in business rates. He asked if there will be protected support for tackling homelessness included in the fair funding review.
Context
Homelessness is a significant issue in the Cherwell district council area, with high housing costs leading to difficulties in finding social and affordable homes.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Rushanara Ali)
Rushanara Ali reminded Calum Miller that they inherited a homelessness crisis with record numbers in temporary accommodation. She highlighted rough sleeping has increased by 164% since 2010 but noted the previous Labour government significantly reduced homelessness and rough sleeping rates.
Session: Homelessness Prevention 2025-07-14
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On Thursday, I received a message from Mohammed, an NHS doctor with family in Gaza. He wrote: “My 16-year-old nephew was missing for five days after heading out to retrieve humanitarian aid at a location announced by Israeli forces. We found him dead yesterday; his body mutilated, eaten by stray dogs. He died alone. No one could reach him or others like him in time. He was only a boy who desperately wanted to get food for his starving family.†On 10 June, the Minister sanctioned two Israeli Ministers who advocated for the blockade of Gaza, noting that that would not remove Hamas or ensure that the hostages were released. But nothing has changed. What further steps are the Government taking today to signal to the Government of Israel that the UK will not stand idly by while children in Gaza are starved, denied medicine or killed as they seek food for their families?
Context
The MP shares a personal story from an NHS doctor with family in Gaza, describing how his nephew was killed after being sent to retrieve humanitarian aid. This illustrates the severe consequences of the ongoing crisis.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
The hon. Gentleman shares with the House a heartbreaking story. I know that it is one of thousands of such stories about lives lost in Gaza. The situation is intolerable, and we will continue to take further action. As I have said, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary raised this matter with the Foreign Minister on Sunday. Clearly, there have been significant developments in the middle east since 10 June. This is now the time for Israel to implement a ceasefire and to allow aid in; for Hamas to release hostages; and for us to try to draw a line under the horrifying suffering of Mohammed and many others like him.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Situation 2025-06-24
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Over the weekend, while the world’s attention was fixed on the escalating conflict in the middle east, President Putin restated publicly his desire to conquer the whole of Ukraine and his readiness to use nuclear weapons against Kyiv. I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s assurance that he is maintaining a focus on Putin’s barbaric war against Ukraine. The Foreign Secretary previously told the House that Germany and Belgium were the blockers to international agreement on seizing frozen Russian assets. Will he set out how he and the Prime Minister will raise this proposal with his Belgian and German counterparts at the NATO summit? Has he considered replicating the EU’s proposals to extract billions of euros more from those assets by moving them into higher yielding investments?
Context
The MP inquires about the UK's stance on seizing frozen Russian assets, noting previous claims that Germany and Belgium were blocking international agreement. He suggests moving these assets into higher yielding investments.
David Lammy
It is important to recognise that the European Union has just come forward with a new sanctions package—its 18th. I congratulate it on that, given that, as the hon. Member will recognise, countries like Hungary have been backmarkers and blockers on this issue. He has heard what I have said on Russian assets: it has been important for new Governments to be able to consider these things afresh and get up to technical speed. The way forward must be to pool those assets so that all of us bear joint liability, as it were. The discussions continue apace.
Session: Frozen Russian Assets 2025-06-24
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On 21 May, the Government published their working paper on community benefits, but contributions are unlikely to be made mandatory before a decision is made about the huge Botley West plant in my constituency. Does the Minister agree that a responsible developer would offer my constituents a level of benefit in line with that proposed by the Government?
Context
The Government published their working paper on community benefits, but contributions are unlikely to be made mandatory before a decision is made about the Botley West plant.
Michael Shanks
Yes, and I was grateful for the opportunity to meet the hon. Gentleman recently to discuss exactly those points. We encourage all developers to provide a range of local community benefits, and we are consulting on whether that should go further, but in the meantime we want to see community benefit schemes that are as strong as possible for all energy projects, right across the country.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-06-10
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Gaza has been starved of humanitarian aid for over 70 days now. Ministers have repeatedly expressed disappointment but there is no evidence that Israel will listen or intend to reopen supply routes. In March, the Foreign Secretary withdrew his assessment that the blockade is a breach of international law. Will the Minister state how many days the blockade must continue before the Government recognise it as a breach of international law? To make clear the UK’s support for Palestine’s right to self-determination and opposition to annexation by force, will the Government commit to working with France towards joint recognition of the state of Palestine at the conference next month?
Context
Gaza has been starved of humanitarian aid for over 70 days. The Foreign Secretary withdrew his assessment that the blockade is a breach of international law in March.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
The Foreign Secretary has been clear repeatedly, as have all Ministers from the Dispatch Box, that it is the long-standing policy of British Governments that we do not make legal determinations. We made an assessment when we arrived that there was a real risk of serious breaches of international humanitarian law, and that continues to be our finding. Given the events that many in this House have rightly raised, we continue to make those assessments and include all those events in them. On the French-Saudi conference in June, we continue to talk with all our partners. As I said in my previous answer, this is a period for diplomacy. A ceasefire is desperately needed, and it is diplomacy that will get us through to the next stage.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Situation 2025-05-13
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Of all the horrors that Vladimir Putin has inflicted on Ukraine, the abduction of more than 20,000 Ukrainian children is one of the most vile. It threatens to rob Ukraine of its future, which is surely Putin’s ultimate goal. The Prime Minister praised the work of Kyiv’s Bring Kids Back initiative last week. Will the Foreign Secretary now commit to the UK filling the funding gap left by the Trump Administration’s withdrawal of funding for Yale’s humanitarian research lab, so that it can continue to research Russia’s war crimes, especially to track the whereabouts of these children, so that they can be brought back home?
Context
The MP references the abduction of over 20,000 Ukrainian children by Vladimir Putin's regime and emphasizes the importance of tracking these children to ensure their safe return.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)
It was important for me to meet Madam Zelensky to discuss this issue when I was last in Ukraine. The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff South and Penarth (Stephen Doughty), also met the relevant Minister in Ukraine to discuss this issue just a few days ago. I can absolutely give an undertaking to continue to support the group. It is not our assessment that we can meet the shortfall left by the withdrawal of USAID—United States Agency for International Development—funding, but we will continue to work with partners across Europe on this important issue, which is very personal to me.
Session: Support for Ukraine 2025-04-01
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I recently visited the Heyford and Bicester veterans group in my constituency, which was set up by Ian Ridley to support fellow veterans throughout the region. This fantastic initiative brings together a range of services from charities, the NHS and local authorities to support veterans. However, when speaking to Ian, I was amazed to discover that the group receives no funding from the MOD, and that veterans in our region are not signposted to its services when they leave the armed forces. I therefore invite the Minister to visit the group with me and see the work that it does, so that we can discuss how to make it more routine for services such as those that it offers to be made available to our fantastic veterans.
Context
The MP visited the Heyford and Bicester veterans group, which was set up by Ian Ridley to provide comprehensive services for veterans in the region. However, this initiative lacks funding from the MOD and does not receive referrals from the armed forces.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Al Carns)
I thank all the people, most of whom are probably volunteers, who are supporting veterans in the hon. Member’s constituency. Two days ago I visited another tri-service veterans hub that is delivering, I think, exactly the same types of services. We often find that while there is a great deal support out there, it is difficult for veterans to navigate the process of finding the right place, and we are working on plans to help them with that.
Session: Support for Veterans 2025-03-24
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The whole House will be shocked to learn the worrying news that the mother of British-Egyptian political prisoner Alaa Abd el-Fattah, Laila Soueif, was admitted to St Thomas’ hospital last night. She is 68 years old and has been on hunger strike now for 149 days. Will the Foreign Secretary update us on whether the Prime Minister has spoken to the Egyptian President to secure the release of Alaa Abd el-Fattah and allow Laila to break her strike?
Context
The question addresses the situation of British-Egyptian political prisoner Alaa Abd el-Fattah.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
The whole House is engaged in this case, and we are all hoping for Laila’s health. The Prime Minister recently met Laila and the rest of her family—a meeting I was pleased to join—and has undertaken to make every effort to ensure Alaa’s release. We will continue to do so.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-02-25
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It was shocking yesterday to see the United States vote with the despots of North Korea, Belarus and Russia against a UN resolution proposed by the UK and other European democracies. Liberal Democrats want to see the UK lead in Europe against Putin’s war on Ukraine, so we were pleased to hear the Foreign Secretary say yesterday that he was taking forward our Liberal Democrat proposal that the £40 billion of frozen Russian assets held in European central banks be seized and given to Ukraine. Can the Minister confirm that the Foreign Secretary will push the US Administration to join in that initiative when he visits Washington later this week?
Context
The US voted against a UN resolution proposed by the UK and other European democracies, raising concerns about international cooperation in supporting Ukraine.
Stephen Doughty (Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I am genuinely glad of the continued cross-party co-operation on Ukraine, which we saw during the Foreign Secretary’s statement yesterday. Of course, that includes getting important resources. I am not quite sure that the proposal was a Liberal Democrat proposal, but I think there is a united front across this House on getting Ukraine the resources that it needs.
Session: Europe Diplomatic Co-operation 2025-02-25
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This winter, many of my constituents are concerned about energy outages. Last Thursday, the Cooper school and Glory Farm school had to close for the entire day when they lost all electricity supply. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how we can ensure the grid has the capacity to avoid these outages, which are so damaging to homes, businesses and critical public services?
Context
Energy outages are a concern for many constituents, particularly in educational settings like schools.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Miatta Fahnbulleh)
Yes, we will meet the hon. Gentleman. We are working to ensure that outages are not the norm. This is obviously linked to weather issues that we are having to respond to, but the team has been working to ensure that households are not put in a difficult situation, and when they are, that we are responding as quickly as possible.
Session: Energy Suppliers Winter Support for Consumers 2025-02-04
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There is strong evidence that Russia has sought to influence the outcome of elections in Georgia, Moldova and Romania, and it may now be doing so in Germany. Is the Foreign Secretary confident that the current measures to track Russian money and misinformation in the UK is sufficient to protect the UK from similar interference, and does he think that the role of Russian money in funding UK political parties should be investigated to ensure that our elections remain free and fair?
Context
There is concern about Russia's influence on elections in Georgia, Moldova, Romania, and potentially Germany.
The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Stephen Doughty)
The hon. Gentleman will be aware of the important work of the defending democracy taskforce, which works across Government here in the United Kingdom. We closely monitor developments in other countries; we have stood alongside our European partners, including Moldova specifically, in response to these efforts at interference; and of course, we recently appointed Margaret Hodge as our illicit finance and kleptocracy champion, to tackle many of the issues the hon. Gentleman has raised in relation to money.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-01-14
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May I ask what steps your Government has taken to 'Trump-proof' UK foreign policy? What specific steps have been taken to accelerate an improvement in UK’s relationship with European partners since 5 November?
Context
The President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, has made unpredictable statements about territorial acquisition, tariffs on neighbouring countries, and his approach to international relations.
Stephen Doughty (Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We have made commitments to European security through NATO and shown leadership in tackling Russian shadow fleets. The special relationship with the US will endure, and we look forward to working with President-elect Trump and his team on a range of issues.
Session: Strengthening NATO 2025-01-14
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Woodstock surgery in my constituency is not fit for purpose; staff see patients in a broom cupboard following roof collapse caused by heavy rain. GPs want to increase capacity but cannot access sufficient capital from ICBs. Will the Secretary of State meet me and Woodstock GPs to discuss building a new surgery, so they can see more patients faster?
Context
The Woodstock surgery in Calum Miller's constituency is not fit for purpose, with the roof collapsing due to heavy rain. The practice sees patients in a broom cupboard and needs capital funding from the integrated care board.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
I am grateful for the question. We are looking creatively at this issue due to enormous capital pressures right across the NHS estate, regularly lobbied on hospitals, general practice, mental health, etc. We will do as much as we can as fast as we can to get more capital investment in and would be happy to discuss further with the hon. Member.
Session: Access to Primary Care 2025-01-07
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I am sure the Secretary of State will share my shock and anger about the number of young people in my constituency who are waiting more than four years for a first assessment by child and adult mental health services. Can he confirm that yesterday’s commitment by the Prime Minister that patients would not wait more than 18 weeks for a first appointment will apply to CAMHS in Oxfordshire?
Context
The MP is concerned about the long wait times for first assessments by child and adult mental health services in his constituency.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
We are determined to improve children and young people’s experience of both mental and physical health services, and we are determined to do more to ensure that mental health and paediatric waits are put under the spotlight and given the same attention as the overall elective backlog. I am sure we will have more to say about that when we publish the 10-year plan.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-01-07
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Farmers in my constituency maintain the highest animal welfare standards. They want reassurance that those will not be undercut by any future UK-US trade deal as they were by some of the deals done by the previous Government. Will the Minister assure me that the mandate and the detail of a trade deal will come to the House before the Government sign it, as many Members on the Government Front Bench agreed when they were in opposition? If not, why not?
Context
Farmers in Calum Miller's constituency maintain high animal welfare standards. There is concern that these could be undercut by future UK-US trade deals, similar to previous agreements.
Douglas Alexander
There is an established process in taking forward the Government's discussions in relation to the mandate. On animal welfare standards, the Secretary of State has already alluded to how there was clearly considerable divergence during the previous attempts to conclude a free trade agreement with the United States.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-12-12
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I welcome the Foreign Secretary's announcement that the UK will sanction Russia's so-called shadow fleet, but I understand that the UK has not levied a single fine for breach of the existing sanctions on Russia's oil. Will the Foreign Secretary and the Chancellor now take more robust action to ensure that UK sanctions are complied with?
Context
Concerns about the effectiveness of UK sanctions enforcement against Russia.
David Lammy
I was very pleased to see President Zelensky recognise just yesterday the UK's leadership in challenging the shadow fleet. As the hon. Gentleman will know, I have made this part of my personal mission, and it has involved a record number of oil tankers.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-11-26
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Given Finance Minister Smotrich's comments and continuing devastation in Gaza, does the Foreign Secretary agree now is the time to recognise Palestine?
Context
Finance Minister Smotrich's comments advocating West Bank annexation have reinforced the idea that some Israeli Cabinet members oppose a two-state solution.
David Lammy
Yesterday at the G7 meeting, Foreign Ministers discussed this issue and were united in condemning any suggestion of annexation. We would stand against such moves.
Session: Israeli Settler Violence Sanctions 2024-11-26
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My constituent Kevin had to stop work in 2018 due to a medical condition. He is desperate to find a job but consistently finds he is not eligible for support from his local jobcentre. Kevin asked me how someone who has fallen out of work can get back into work. Will the Secretary of State or a Minister meet me to discuss Kevin's case?
Context
A constituent, Kevin, has struggled to find job support due to a medical condition.
Liz Kendall
The hon. Gentleman raises an extremely important point. It is not right that his constituent, who wants to work, has suffered from a mental health problem but does not have the support that he needs. In parts of the country, steps have been taken to help provide the healthcare and other support that people need, but we need to go further, faster. My hon. Friend the Minister for Employment will indeed meet the hon. Gentleman.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-11-11
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If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. The Budget took steps towards driving up opportunity and reducing poverty across the country, including additional funding for plans to get Britain working, improvements to universal credit repayment rates, and measures to reduce fraud and error in benefits systems.
Context
The government's budget introduced changes in the Department for Work and Pensions.
Liz Kendall
The Budget took steps towards driving up opportunity and reducing poverty across the country, including additional funding for plans to get Britain working, improvements to universal credit repayment rates, and measures to reduce fraud and error in benefits systems.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-11-11
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I noted the Minister's answer to the hon. Member for Dulwich and West Norwood (Helen Hayes), but will she clarify whether the £1 billion announced in the Budget last week for SEND goes to new expenditure? What will the Government do about the statutory override that is preventing local authorities from going bust, with a total of nearly £4 billion owing?
Context
The Minister's previous answer raised concerns about the £1 billion investment for SEND, and whether it is new expenditure.
Bridget Phillipson
We expect the additional funding to go directly to providing provision for children and young people. We will set out wider plans about the issues the hon. Gentleman raises in due course.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-11-04
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Given reports of significant destruction and danger for healthcare workers in Gaza, does the UK agree that all arms exports to Israel should now cease?
Context
The question discusses attacks on residential areas in northern Gaza, with Dr Eid Sabbah's account given to the BBC. It cites warnings from a UN envoy about safety.
Anneliese Dodds
The legal grounds for decision on arms export licences were stated, ensuring they are not used as suggested. The Government upholds international responsibilities and supports healthcare workers.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Situation 2024-10-22
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Laila Soueif is in the Gallery with us today. She is currently on hunger strike in protest against the continued imprisonment of her son, the British-Egyptian citizen Alaa Abd el-Fattah, in Egypt despite the end of his five-year sentence on 29 September. In 2022, the then shadow Foreign Secretary talked about serious diplomatic consequences for Egypt failing to release Alaa, and of leveraging our trading partnership with Egypt to progress the case. Does the Minister agree with the now Foreign Secretary on those points, and will the Government take steps—
Context
The MP is concerned about the imprisonment of a British-Egyptian citizen, Alaa Abd el-Fattah.
Hamish Falconer
I welcome Laila to the House. I saw her in Cairo last week, and raised these issues with the Egyptian Foreign Minister. Alaa's case is very much in our mind, and we will do everything we can to secure his release as quickly as we can.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-10-22
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Ministry of Defence: Palantir Contracts
10 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
British Indian Ocean Territory 2026-01-28
28 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Conservative MP Priti Patel argues that the United Kingdom should not cede sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius, criticising Labour's £34.7 billion deal as harmful and detr...
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill 2026-01-26
26 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that the Government’s plans for the Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill are secure despite criticisms? The urgency lies in concerns over nation...
Police Reform White Paper 2026-01-26
26 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Water White Paper 2026-01-21
21 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Iran Protests 2026-01-19
19 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the British Government’s response to the Iranian regime’s brutal crackdown on protests? The UK is deeply concerned about reports of protesters being killed in cold blood and ...
Chinese Embassy 2026-01-13
13 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the status of the release of unredacted plans for the proposed Chinese embassy at Royal Mint Court, given concerns about security risks and the proximity to critical communic...
Iran 2026-01-13
13 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
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 ...
River Cherwell Clearing Illegal Waste 2026-01-06
06 January 2026
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
It is my privilege to represent a beautiful part of England’s countryside... [Full speech omitted for brevity, but includes the problem of illegal waste dumping, its impact on the environment and loca...
Illegal Waste Dumping
13 January 2026
The petition addresses the discovery of a large illegal waste dump near Kidlington, which is located close to the River Cherwell and a known floodplain, posing risks of contaminated waste entering the...
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Illegal waste dumping
09 December 2025
The petition addresses the concern of illegal waste dumping near Kidlington, which is located close to the River Cherwell and poses an immediate risk of pollution and fire.
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Construction of an underpass at the Bicester level crossing
19 June 2025
The petition addresses the concern that proposals for closing the London Road Level Crossing in Bicester as part of the East West Rail development do not reflect local preferences for an underpass tha...
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Construction of an Underpass at the Bicester Level Crossing
03 June 2025
The petition addresses residents' concern over the closure of the London Road Level Crossing in Bicester as part of the East West Rail development, which they believe has not adequately considered loc...
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Attendance
77.3%
17 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
10
45.5% of votes
No Votes
7
31.8% of votes
Abstentions
5
22.7% of votes
03 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
VOTED NO
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
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
1
PMQs Asked
37
Ministerial Questions Asked
111
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
4
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
+366% above average
This MP:
37
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+4594% above average
This MP:
111
Average:
2.4
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
5.1
Petitions Presented
+78% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.2
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+2% above average
This MP:
77.3
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 Calum Miller's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.