Tom Rutland
MP for East Worthing and Shoreham
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Seeing dentists is crucial not just for people’s dental health but for their broader health and wellbeing, but access to NHS dentistry has been a growing problem for a number of years. In my constituency, only two out of 10 dentists are taking on new adult NHS patients—the number is the same for children. Will the Deputy Prime Minister set out what the Government are doing to improve access to NHS dentistry and put healthy smiles on my constituents’ faces?
Context
The hon. Member is concerned about access to NHS dentistry in his constituency.
David Lammy
My hon. Friend is right to raise that issue, which is important up and down the country. We are taking action to address the appalling inheritance we received by rolling out extra urgent and emergency appointments across the country. We are also reforming the dental contract, recruiting more dentists and ensuring that they work in the national health service for a minimum of three years.
Session: PMQs 2025-11-05
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I am pleased that we have made progress on the NHS. We promised 2 million extra appointments in the first year of a Labour Government, and there are now fewer patients on waiting lists at my local trust. But there is still more to do, including making it easier for constituents to see their GP. Will the Prime Minister set out how the Government will give my constituents access to the healthcare they deserve?
Context
There are 20,000 fewer patients on waiting lists at Tom Rutland's local trust since the election. However, more needs to be done regarding GP access.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I am pleased that we have made progress on the NHS. We promised 2 million extra appointments in the first year of a Labour Government, and we have delivered over 4 million extra appointments with 2,000 extra GPs. We are also clearing up dangerous reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in hospitals, publishing national league tables to ensure investment goes where it is needed most, and implementing our 10-year health plan which will see neighbourhood health centres in every community treating patients closer to home.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not specify how his government would make it easier for constituents to see a GP.
Session: PMQs 2025-09-10
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I am proud of our country’s history of offering refuge to those fleeing persecution and want this to continue, as do many of my constituents in East Worthing and Shoreham. Can the Home Secretary set out how she will establish safe and legal routes for people while taking action to secure our borders from the criminal gangs profiting from dangerous small boat crossings?
Context
The MP expressed concern about balancing safe and legal migration with border security.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Shabana Mahmood)
Alongside restoring order and control of our borders, we will open new safe and legal routes for refugees and displaced people who are fleeing danger. We are currently developing routes for refugee students and workers alongside a community sponsorship route. A cap will be set each year in Parliament, and further details on the design of these routes will be set out in due course.
Session: Migrants Safe and Legal Routes 2026-01-05
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In my constituency more than 10,000 residents are renting privately. These families, couples, friends and individuals have too often been the victims of excessive rent hikes, no-fault evictions, substandard conditions, and a private rented sector that benefits bad landlords and disadvantages fair landlords and good tenants. Can my right hon. Friend tell me when the measures in the Renters’ Rights Act will come into effect and give security to my constituents who rent privately?
Context
The Labour Renters’ Rights Act 2025 aims to strengthen tenant protections. In East Worthing and Shoreham, over 10,000 residents rent privately, facing issues such as excessive rent hikes and no-fault evictions.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Steve Reed)
My hon. Friend is, I know, an outstanding advocate for his constituents. We will deliver our reforms in three phases. On 1 May next year, we will implement reforms to reshape the tenancy system and remove barriers to renting, including abolishing section 21 no-fault evictions, limiting rent increases to just one a year, and outlawing bidding wars. The implementation dates for Awaab’s law and the decent homes standard are subject to consultation.
Session: Private Rented Sector 2025-11-24
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Over the recess, we witnessed the horrific antisemitic attack on one of Manchester’s synagogues and then, just days later, an Islamophobic attack on one of our Sussex mosques. It is in these difficult and worrying times that religious leaders can continue to play an important role in bringing communities together. What support can the Church provide to its leaders to continue to work across communities and across faiths, and to foster the supportive, inclusive and diverse tolerant communities that we are all proud to represent in this place?
Context
Manchester experienced an antisemitic attack on a synagogue, followed by an Islamophobic attack at a mosque in Sussex. These incidents raised concerns about the role of religious leaders in promoting community unity.
Marsha De Cordova
My thoughts and prayers are with those communities affected by the tragic attack at Heaton Park synagogue, as well as that at the mosque in Sussex. The Church of England responded by offering direct support through its Manchester interfaith adviser, who worked closely with the authorities and is known and respected in the local community. The Church Urban Fund, including the near neighbours programme, has played a vital role in strengthening community relations, as does the Church’s presence and engagement initiative.
Session: Community Relations Impact of Church Leaders 2025-10-16
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I have been working with disabled constituents, our local jobcentre and employers to ensure that everyone is working together to maximise opportunities for disabled people, and that they are not just recruited but retained and thriving in jobs locally. However, some people will never be able to work or return to work, including many people with advanced progressive multiple sclerosis, and it is right that they are properly supported. Will my right hon. Friend confirm what support will be in place for people like my constituents living with this disease?
Context
Tom Rutland is concerned about the support provided to severely disabled individuals who cannot work. He cites working with disabled constituents, local jobcentre, and employers.
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Liz Kendall)
Those with severe lifelong conditions—progressive conditions that will never improve, and which mean they will never work—will be protected. Even more importantly, they will never again be reassessed for their benefits, removing that unnecessary and unacceptable anxiety and stress, and giving them the dignity and security they deserve.
Session: Severely Disabled People East Worthing and Shoreham 2025-06-23
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This month, we marked eight years since the Westminster bridge attack, a cowardly assault on our parliamentary democracy that killed five people, including the late PC Keith Palmer, and injured almost 50 others. As the survivors seek to rebuild their lives, what measures is the Department putting in place to support the survivors and honour the victims of terrorist attacks?
Context
Eight years since the Westminster bridge attack, survivors are seeking support to rebuild their lives.
The Minister for Security (Dan Jarvis)
The victims and survivors of terrorism need and deserve the highest levels of support to recover and rebuild their lives. The Government will set up a new, dedicated support hub for victims and survivors, supporting their needs in the immediate and long-term aftermath of a terrorist attack. Proposals for a new national day for victims and survivors of terrorism will also be consulted on, helping the country to remember and honour those who have been tragically killed or impacted by terrorist attacks.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-03-31
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Does the Secretary of State agree that it is crucial to wider European security, and to our own security here in the UK, that we continue to support Ukraine and ramp up the pressure on Putin?
Context
The UK is providing more financial aid through military support than at any time since Putin’s illegal invasion.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
I do indeed. Putting the Ukrainians in the strongest possible position as they choose to go into discussions is part of the responsibility and commitment of this Government. We plan very closely with Ukraine the support we provide, and our 2025 plan to support Ukraine has been developed with the Ukrainians and reflects what they need most: drones, air defences and ammunition. That is why this month the Prime Minister announced a £1.6 billion deal to supply more than 5,000 lightweight multi-role missiles for air defence that were built in the UK.
Session: Military Aid to Ukraine 2025-03-24
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We are blessed to be nestled between the beautiful River Adur and the sea in my constituency, but that leaves us prone to flooding. Last year, my constituents in Shoreham found their homes and businesses flooded. I welcome the Government’s £2.65 billion for flood defences and must stress the importance of East Worthing and Shoreham getting its fair share of that funding. Will the Minister confirm when the Government will announce funding allocations for local flood defence projects?
Context
The Government has announced £2.65 billion for flood defence funding.
Emma Hardy
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that important issue. We are taking decisive action to halt the steady decline in the condition of flood defences that we saw under the previous Government, including shifting an extra £108 million into maintenance. We will announce further projects in due course.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-03-20
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Food wholesale and distribution company Bidfood, which has been awarded public sector contracts and has a site in my constituency, recently unilaterally tore up union recognition agreements that have been in place for more than 30 years. What steps are Ministers taking to ensure that trade union recognition and access is valued and considered as part of the process of awarding public sector contracts?
Context
Bidfood, a food wholesale and distribution company with a site in East Worthing and Shoreham constituency, has unilaterally torn up union recognition agreements that have been in place for over 30 years.
Georgia Gould
The Employment Rights Bill will introduce new measures that will give staff and their chosen trade union a meaningful shot at gaining statutory recognition. I hope those provisions will ensure that GMB Union members across the country can have their voices heard in their workplaces.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-03-06
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Many of my constituents face extortionate hikes in service charges while getting little in return, with repairs not being carried out, poor service and a lack of transparency and accountability from their managing agent, FirstPort. Can the Minister outline what the Government are doing to bring an end to the scandalous fleecehold system that is ripping off leaseholders across the country?
Context
Many residents face significant hikes in service charges with little to show for it, including poor maintenance and lack of transparency from their managing agent.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
To add to the responses I gave earlier, we intend to take action to provide leaseholders with the transparency of standardised service charge invoices, so that they can better challenge unreasonable rent hikes. We also need to strengthen the regulation of managing agents, including those such as FirstPort that, as is clear from the feeling in the House, are not performing the necessary services for their residents.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-03-03
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The brilliant Adur Ukraine Support Association has raised concerns with me that the 18-month limit on the extension of Ukrainians’ permission to remain in the UK is causing issues in securing tenancies, jobs and undergraduate university courses. Will the Minister meet me to discuss that issue facing Ukrainians in my constituency?
Context
The MP raises concerns about Ukrainian refugees facing issues securing tenancies, jobs, and university courses due to an 18-month limit on their permission to remain.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Seema Malhotra)
The UK’s support for Ukraine remains steadfast. The scheme will provide an additional 18 months’ temporary permission to Ukrainians here under one of the existing Ukraine schemes. When a person’s leave expires during their course and they are granted further leave to remain—for example, on a student visa—they will continue to be able to complete their studies. I am happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss that issue further.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-01-13
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I welcome the review into the overpayment of carer's allowance, which will come as a huge relief to many people in East Worthing and Shoreham. Can the Minister confirm that the Department will do everything it can to prevent family carers unnecessarily getting into debt?
Context
The MP welcomes the review into carer's allowance overpayments. He wants confirmation on preventing unnecessary debt for family carers.
Stephen Timms
Yes, I can confirm that. We place a very high value on the contribution of family carers. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State said, the Budget announcement on the carer's allowance earning threshold will help avert inadvertent overpayments, and will make an additional 60,000 carers eligible for carer's allowance.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-12-16
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After years of failure by West Sussex county council to plan properly for secondary school places, parents in Shoreham face another year of waiting to find out if their children will have to travel a long distance for their education. Will the Minister meet me to discuss their concerns?
Context
Parents in Shoreham face uncertainty regarding their children's secondary education placement due to poor local authority planning.
Catherine McKinnell
Local authorities have a statutory duty to ensure that there are sufficient secondary school places and that children can go to school, and travel should not be a barrier to their getting to school. I know how important this issue is for parents, and I would be happy to arrange a meeting for my hon. Friend to discuss it further.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-12-09
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How does my right hon. Friend plan to tackle this issue, so that shoppers and businesses can operate with confidence?
Context
Shoplifting has become so severe that it is now described as an epidemic in the constituency of East Worthing and Shoreham.
Diana R. Johnson
The Government plans to restore neighbourhood policing by introducing 13,000 new officers, respect orders, abolishing the £200 threshold limit, and establishing a stand-alone offence of assaulting a shop worker.
Session: Retail Crime 2024-11-25
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The puffins and other native seabirds in my constituency on the Isle of May were very grateful for the ban on sand eel fishing and trawling, but that ban is now subject to legal challenge. Will the Secretary of State commit to fighting that legal challenge?
Context
The ban on sand eel fishing and trawling has been subject to a legal challenge. Puffins and other native seabirds are grateful for the protection.
Daniel Zeichner
The hon. Lady raises an important question. That is a delicate issue because it has been raised by the European Union, but we are absolutely determined to maintain our position.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-11-14
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Will the Minister meet me to discuss the serious repair issues facing St Nicolas and St Mary primary school?
Context
St Nicolas and St Mary primary school in East Worthing faces serious repair issues, affecting children's ability to thrive.
Stephen Morgan
We are proud of our investment in school buildings. I would be delighted not only to meet my hon. Friend but to visit his constituency.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-11-04
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What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure UK meets its NATO obligations and strengthen leadership in NATO?
Context
The Prime Minister hosted President Zelensky and welcomed new NATO Secretary-General to London.
John Healey
First priority, will be centrepiece of defence plan. Strategic Defence Review heart of it. President Zelensky promoted victory plan; UK must support Ukraine during coming weeks.
Session: Ukraine Military Support 2024-10-14
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What steps is the government taking to increase military support to Ukraine?
Context
The question follows Russia's brutal, illegal invasion of Ukraine.
John Healey
Travelling to Odesa on second day in job, met President Zelensky. Stepped up military aid, sped up battlefield supply deliveries. Confirming £3 billion per year in military aid for this year and every year needed.
Session: Ukraine Military Support 2024-10-14
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The great turbines of the Rampion wind farm are off my beautiful coastal constituency. Although the UK has done well on offshore generation, the jobs in this sector have not always been here in the UK. What plans do the Government have to expand offshore wind, and to ensure that UK workers and supply chains benefit from that expansion?
Context
UK has done well on offshore generation but jobs in the sector have not always been local. Rampion wind farm turbines are visible off the coast of East Worthing and Shoreham.
Sarah Jones
My hon. Friend asks an important question. Of course, we and the Opposition have fundamentally different views. We believe in an industrial strategy that will help to deliver our supply chains. We believe in Great British Energy, and we believe in a sovereign wealth fund, which so many other countries have and the previous Government failed to deliver. We will make sure we have resilient supply chains that create jobs, deliver energy security and maximise the economic benefits of the transition.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-10-08
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With the Chancellor announcing a new covid fraud commissioner this week, can the Minister outline how his Department will work with the Treasury to ensure that money lost through fraudulent practices is recovered?
Context
The MP highlighted the estimated £7.6 billion cost of covid contract fraud, mentioning VIP lanes for dodgy contracts.
Pat McFadden
My hon. Friend is right; we will do everything possible to recover funds, and my Department will work closely with the Treasury on this issue to ensure best value for the taxpayer.
Session: Government Departments and Agencies Fraud and Error 2024-07-25
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Last week, Worthing hospital came close to having to consider downgrading its maternity services due to a shortage of specialist neonatal nurses and midwives. Will the Minister please update the House on the Government's plans to build an NHS that is fit for the future, including by addressing staffing shortages?
Context
Worthing hospital nearly downgraded its maternity services due to a shortage of neonatal nurses and midwives.
Karin Smyth
We will listen to women and deliver evidence-based improvements to make maternity and neonatal services safer and more equitable for women and their babies, and we have committed to delivering the long-term workforce plan.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-07-23
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
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 ...
Independent Water Commission 2025-07-21
21 July 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Welfare Reform 2025-06-30
30 June 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Glastonbury Festival BBC Coverage 2025-06-30
30 June 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Women’s State Pension Age Communication: PHSO Report
17 December 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
LGBT Veterans: Etherton Review
12 December 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The report by Lord Etherton highlights a dark period in Britain's military history from 1967 to 2000 when LGBT personnel were banned, bullied, demoted or dismissed. The current Labour Government is co...
Remembrance and Veterans
28 October 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
This debate is about honouring and supporting veterans, focusing on the legacy Act in Northern Ireland and its impact on veterans' rights. It also highlights the importance of remembrance events, lear...
Attendance
72.7%
16 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
5
22.7% of votes
No Votes
11
50.0% of votes
Abstentions
6
27.3% 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
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 63 Stand part
Ayes: 348
Noes: 167
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 26
Ayes: 172
Noes: 334
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 9
Ayes: 181
Noes: 335
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 86 stand part
Ayes: 344
Noes: 173
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 25
Ayes: 187
Noes: 351
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 24
Ayes: 184
Noes: 331
Failed
12 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 7
Ayes: 188
Noes: 341
Failed
12 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 185
Noes: 344
Failed
2
PMQs Asked
20
Ministerial Questions Asked
7
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
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
+3% above average
This MP:
2
Average:
1.9
Ministerial Questions
+152% above average
This MP:
20
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+196% above average
This MP:
7
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 (%)
-4% below average
This MP:
72.7
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 Tom Rutland's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.