Tristan Osborne
MP for Chatham and Aylesford
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.
I thank the Minister for that answer. Under the last Government, social enterprises were decimated by cuts to their budgets during austerity. We have many good social enterprises in my constituency, such as Medway Community Healthcare, Emmaus and Medway Voluntary Action. What more can be done to support social enterprises after 14 years of austerity?
Context
The question addresses the impact of austerity on social enterprises within local authorities. It mentions specific examples like Medway Community Healthcare, Emmaus, and Medway Voluntary Action that were affected by budget cuts.
Chris Ward (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
I agree that social enterprises are the backbone of many communities. I pay tribute to the ones my hon. Friend mentions, and there are some in my constituency as well. I agree that we need to do more to open up procurement and to support social enterprises, as well as SMEs and the voluntary sector more widely. We published a procurement statement last year to help to address that, but we will go further on it soon.
Session: Local Authorities Business Investment 2026-01-22
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The Public Accounts Committee has recently scrutinised the state of clinical negligence in the UK. At £60 billion, the Government liability for clinical negligence significantly increased under the last Government. The Government have commissioned David Lock to review the issue. Does the Secretary of State agree that reform is desperately needed in this space?
Stephen Kinnock
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. As announced in the 10-year health plan, David Lock KC is providing expert policy advice on the rising legal costs of clinical negligence and how we can improve patients’ experience of claims. That review is ongoing, and following initial advice to Ministers and the recent report from the National Audit Office, the results of David Lock’s work will inform future policymaking in this area. I am happy to update my hon. Friend as soon as that happens.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-11-25
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Prosecutions and convictions for domestic abuse dramatically fell under the last Government, which impacted constituents across all of our areas, including in Chatham and Aylesford. What steps are the Government taking to increase the level of prosecutions and convictions for this heinous crime?
Context
Prosecutions and convictions for domestic abuse fell under the previous Government, impacting constituents across various areas.
The Solicitor General
For several years now, the CPS has maintained a high and steady charge rate of around 80%, and a conviction rate of 75%. This Government are taking radical action to ensure that more cases come into the system and progress through it. We have introduced Raneem’s law, which embeds domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms, and have launched domestic abuse protection orders, which go further than any other order to protect victims.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls 2025-11-13
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In west Kent, an initiative to share the resource of Maidstone Crown court with Woolwich Crown court is spreading cases into areas where there is not such a backlog. Can the Government indicate whether that is being openly considered in other parts of the country so that we can spread the backlog across different areas?
Context
An initiative in Kent involves sharing resources between Maidstone Crown court and Woolwich Crown court to spread cases into areas with less backlog.
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Mr David Lammy)
It is absolutely the case that where courts are coming together and being proactive, we are seeing progress. I look forward to looking more closely at the example of Maidstone and Woolwich. My hon. Friend is absolutely right that that is the way forward.
Session: Court Backlogs 2025-09-16
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Medway has a proud tradition with its former dockyard in Chatham. Last week, I visited the BAE Systems aviation centre in Rochester in my constituency to see its graduates and apprentices. What more can be done to support graduates and apprentices in defence? Will the Minister take the opportunity to visit the BAE Systems site to look at that work in person?
Context
Medway has a proud tradition with its former dockyard. The BAE Systems aviation centre in Rochester recently hosted the MP to see its graduates and apprentices.
Luke Pollard (The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence)
I thank my hon. Friend for his question and for championing the BAE site in Rochester. We want more defence companies to invest more in skills. In the defence industrial strategy we are publishing today, we will not only make further investments in defence technical education colleges—with £182 million to deliver that—but provide additional support for school-based activities and university partnerships. I would be very happy to come to Rochester to see for myself the amazing work of the apprentices.
Session: Defence Industrial Base 2025-09-08
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As a former teacher, I know that new school buildings not only help student progress but encourage teacher retention. Can the Minister confirm that new school buildings are indeed part of this Government’s programme for change? Will she commit to visiting Bradfields academy in my constituency, a specialist SEND school investing millions as part of the schools rebuilding programme?
Context
School buildings can help with student progress and teacher retention.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend; I know he cares deeply about outcomes for children in Chatham and Aylesford, and that he brings real experience to this House. He is right to demonstrate the important role of the specialist sector. Bradfields academy has already secured a place on the schools rebuilding programme; with the approval of the trust, I would be delighted to arrange for me or one of my colleagues to visit and see the brilliant work they are doing.
Session: Teacher Recruitment 2025-07-21
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What other investments are being made under the strategic defence review in autonomous vehicles, unmanned submarine technologies, and glider technologies?
Context
Launch of XV Excalibur autonomous submarine vehicle in south England. Inquiry into future investments in autonomous vehicles, unmanned submarines and gliders.
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Luke Pollard)
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that. Excalibur will be an incredible autonomous asset. The strategic defence review sets out that crewed, uncrewed and autonomous systems will be standard across our armed forces, and at the heart of the review is investment in the people who will be manufacturing and standing behind those systems. That is why, when the defence investment plan comes out later this year, there will be more opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, primes and businesses right across the country to invest in our uncrewed and autonomous future in a hybrid military.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-06-30
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Happy birthday, Mr Speaker. In my Chatham and Aylesford constituency, Clarion Housing is working with Octopus Energy in Snodland to install roof solar panels and heat pumps in social housing units. Can the Minister confirm how we can expand on such schemes, using the tenant power tariff for example, to reduce energy costs for our most vulnerable constituents?
Context
Clarion Housing is working with Octopus Energy in Snodland to install roof solar panels and heat pumps in social housing units. There is potential for expanding such schemes using the tenant power tariff to reduce energy costs.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
My hon. Friend makes a really important point, and this is something that we are working on. There is huge potential in working with energy companies, with social housing providers and others to find ways in which this can be a true part of an anti-poverty strategy. This is something that we are working on, and we will have more to say about in the weeks and months ahead.
Session: Rooftop Solar Power 2025-06-10
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I thank the Home Secretary for her response. In Kent we are using section 59 powers to confiscate bikes, including in Snodland and Walderslade in my constituency. However, the police have stated that the legislation is not powerful enough, and they welcome additional powers to seize bikes. Can you ensure that police inspectors and police and crime commissioners are given guidance so that the number of vehicles seized can be monitored, thereby stopping this problem once and for all?
Context
In Kent, Tristan Osborne mentions the use of section 59 powers by police to confiscate bikes in areas like Snodland and Walderslade. He notes that current legislation is insufficient and requires additional support for swift action.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Yvette Cooper)
My hon. Friend is right; we need to ensure that the police have the necessary powers and can act swiftly. We want to make it easier for them to crush bikes more quickly as well as seize them and take them off the streets, which requires additional neighbourhood police officers in Kent—65 additional officers—and similar numbers for Hampshire.
Session: Vehicle Nuisance 2025-06-02
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What recent progress her Department has made on constructing the lower Thames crossing. I welcome that response, the certainty the decision has provided to people living in the Thames estuary, and the visit yesterday to supply-chain businesses by our right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. Will the Secretary of State for Transport confirm that she will meet me and a delegation of Kent and south-east London MPs to discuss how we can ensure that investment and skills are secured for local supply chains and the development of further education colleges?
Context
In March, the government approved National Highways' planning application for the lower Thames crossing, ending a long period of inaction by previous governments.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
I would be very happy to have that meeting with my hon. Friend and his colleagues.
Session: Lower Thames Crossing 2025-05-15
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Pharmacy First is an incredibly popular service that has allowed many residents in Chatham and Aylesford to be referred for illnesses or urgent repeat medicine supplies. Can the Minister indicate whether there warrants a further review and expansion of this offering, to include further access to medicines, including those to treat common dental conditions with bacterial infections, so that patients with these very painful emergency needs can seek immediate over-the-counter appointments?
Context
The MP is inquiring about the potential for expanding the Pharmacy First service to include access to medicines for common dental conditions.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
We are making a priority of resuming consultations with the sector to stabilise community pharmacy. Pharmacy First has built on existing services to increase the clinical scope. The conditions treated under Pharmacy First vary across the UK, and the NHS will keep this under review.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-01-07
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I am concerned about BAE Systems' recent announcement of an extra £200 million avionics investment for the F-35 programme, which will secure 200 jobs. Will the Minister commit to reviewing our investment in defence industry to ensure more jobs are secured by well-trained young people across the country? Additionally, can he visit the site to witness and celebrate this expansion?
Context
BAE Systems recently announced an extra £200 million investment to support the F-35 programme, securing 200 jobs in Chatham and Aylesford.
The Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry (Maria Eagle)
Yes, she will make a commitment to visit the site. I agree with my hon. Friend: our defence industrial strategy will enhance incentives for long-term investment in the UK defence sector by encouraging private firms alongside public money. This will align national security imperatives and ensure necessary skills are secured.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-01-06
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How can we make 'Mission: Impossible' possible across our country when it comes to new films?
Context
The MP highlighted several films filmed in his constituency, emphasizing the economic benefits of such productions. He specifically mentioned that 'Mission: Impossible' was filmed locally and asked how to support film production across the country.
Gareth Thomas
The Chancellor confirmed a new independent film tax credit in the Budget to help enable more businesses to set up and generate growth and wealth for the country.
Session: Creative Industries 2024-12-12
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What recent estimate has been made of the contribution of creative industries to the economy?
Context
The MP inquired about the economic impact of creative industries, specifically asking for a recent estimate.
Gareth Thomas
The creative industries were responsible for 2.4 million jobs last year and contributed over £124 billion to GDP in 2022. They are one of eight growth sectors in the industrial strategy, and the government is working with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to identify further potential for growth.
Session: Creative Industries 2024-12-12
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Last week, I listened to the Chancellor's speech on cybersecurity. My local council suffered a cyber-attack by a possible foreign actor within the past four weeks. What measures has he taken to improve cybersecurity resilience in local councils and critical national infrastructure?
Context
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster spoke at a cyber-security conference, while the questioner's local council faced a recent foreign actor-led cyber-attack.
Pat McFadden
I am very sorry to hear about the cyber-attack against my hon. Friend's local authority. Such attacks can have a serious impact on local residents. The Government are determined to strengthen cyber-resilience in the UK. We publish guidance and meet with stakeholders.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-12-05
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Last week, the House passed the Second Reading of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. Will the Minister confirm whether the Government are considering using a digital platform tax for that duty?
Context
The Government are committed to implementing the vaping products duty, which complements the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
James Murray
As my hon. Friend set out, the Government confirmed the introduction of a vaping products duty to ensure that young people and non-smokers do not take up vaping. Registration for the duty will open on the digital platform from 1 April 2026, and the duty will take effect from 1 October that year.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-12-03
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After 14 years of local government cuts, Medway council faced a 91% cut in direct support grants and financial difficulties. Will the Minister meet with me and Medway council colleagues and finance officers to discuss available support after 14 years of Conservative austerity?
Context
Medway council has suffered a significant cut in direct support grants due to austerity policies.
Jim McMahon
We are working constructively with Medway council as part of our framework to support councils in the most difficulty. This Government are clear that the process will be collaborative and supportive and, on that basis, we are more than happy to meet to discuss it further.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-12-02
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Will my right hon. Friend meet me and other Members from across Medway to discuss the challenges their part of the south-east faces, and explain why our predecessors could not keep their promises?
Context
The MP requests a meeting to discuss the much-needed NHS investment following irresponsible promises made by the Opposition about capital investment.
Wes Streeting
The Government will meet Members from across Medway to explain the challenges faced and how they plan to address them without making fictitious promises, unlike previous Governments who let communities down.
Session: NHS Health and Social Care Reform 2024-11-19
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
UK Wine Industry
21 January 2026
Responding: Dame Angela Eagle
Main Concerns
['The UK wine sector has grown significantly over the past decade with a 123% increase in vineyard numbers to 1,030 in 2024. The 2025 harvest is expected to produce around 15 million to 16 million bottles, potentially the second largest harvest ever in UK history. Despite this success, there are challenges such as tax thresholds and regulatory issues that hinder innovation.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP asks for government support in areas like wine tourism duty relief, skills development through agricultural colleges, and addressing anomalies in packaging regulations.']
Court Waiting Times: Kent
08 April 2025
Responding: Sarah Sackman
Main Concerns
["The court waiting times issue is symptomatic of deeper structural challenges across the entire justice system. According to open-source information, Maidstone Crown Court currently has 2,367 outstanding cases compared with Canterbury's 894, while Kent police and crime commissioner data shows a 269% increase in court backlogs from July to September last year, leaving a total of 3,261 Crown court cases waiting to be heard as of September."]
Specific Asks
['Tristan Osborne asks the Minister to look at a more centralised approach to case distribution and expanding digital and video recording equipment investment. He also requests a review of sentencing to reduce throughput into Crown courts and a conversation about family courts moving out of Crown court locations, since they do not need cell capacity.']
Fly-tipping
26 November 2024
Responding: Mary Creagh
Main Concerns
['Fly-tipping is a major environmental issue, costing millions annually and posing health and safety risks. Economic factors such as high waste management costs and reduced waste disposal services contribute to the problem. There has been a significant increase in fly-tipping since 2010, with BBC statistics showing a rise of around 40%. Enforcement numbers have declined due to budget cuts, leading to inconsistencies across councils.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should standardise data collection for fly-tipping incidents and monitor fixed penalty notices and court enforcements in each council area. Additionally, the Minister should consider including persistent environmental crimes in respect orders and review fines based on the size and nature of fly-tips to deter commercial dumping.']
Police Reform White Paper 2026-01-26
26 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Budget Resolutions 2025-12-02
02 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Angiolini Inquiry 2025-12-02
02 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill 2025-10-16
16 October 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The BBNJ Bill will implement obligations in the United Nations BBNJ agreement, marking a significant step towards ratification. The Minister acknowledges contributions from Members and stakeholders, i...
Sentencing Bill 2025-09-16
16 September 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Welcomes the introduction of the Sentencing Bill, which addresses the mess left by previous governments. Emphasises the need for punishment that works to prevent crime and ensure public safety. Highli...
Employment Rights Bill 2025-09-15
15 September 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Asylum Hotels Migrant Criminal Activity 2025-07-21
21 July 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that criminal activity is occurring in asylum hotels, and will she take specific actions to address this issue? The MP asks about publishing immigration status of offenders, ...
Nuclear-certified Aircraft Procurement 2025-06-25
25 June 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the Government's plan to procure nuclear-certified F-35A aircraft and provide details on in-service dates, refuelling capabilities, and impact on other procurement plans?
Pride Month 2025-06-23
23 June 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Independent Sentencing Review 2025-05-22
22 May 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Lord Chancellor opened the debate by presenting the Government's response to the independent sentencing review, chaired by David Gauke. She highlighted that despite building prisons and increasing...
Attendance
100.0%
22 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
9
40.9% of votes
No Votes
13
59.1% of votes
Abstentions
0
0.0% 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
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
VOTED NO
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 AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
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
18
Ministerial Questions Asked
23
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
22
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 649 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
1.9
Ministerial Questions
+127% above average
This MP:
18
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+95% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+873% above average
This MP:
23
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 (%)
+32% above average
This MP:
100.0
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 Tristan Osborne's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.