Luke Taylor
MP for Sutton and Cheam
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.
Will the Prime Minister apologise to my constituents as they wait years for a new hospital building and will he visit St Helier with me to witness at first hand the dire situation our residents face?
Context
The MP references the Prime Minister's recent visit to Epsom hospital, where he made commitments regarding NHS funding. St Helier hospital faces delays in its redevelopment plans.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
The hon. Gentleman is right to raise the concerns of his constituents; I am not surprised they are frustrated and even angry at the lack of delivery under the previous Government. There was no credible plan—the IPA’s verdict on what we inherited was that there were “major issues” with the definition, schedule, budget, quality and delivery. It was a fiction—always was.
Assessment
The PM did not address the specific ask for an apology or to visit St Helier hospital.
Changing Subject
Criticizing Previous Government
Session: PMQs 2025-01-22
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I am concerned about grassroots music venues across the country, particularly in London, finding it increasingly difficult to survive as customers spend less when they come to gigs due to the cost-of-living crisis. Will the Minister explain the progress on the levy? Will he consider Lib Dem calls to reverse the national insurance rise on small businesses to give venues such as Sound Lounge and CryerArts Centre in Sutton, which are valued by our local community, a better chance to survive and thrive?
Context
Grassroots music venues across the country, particularly in London, are struggling due to customers spending less during gigs because of the cost-of-living crisis. The questioner highlights specific challenges faced by venues like Sound Lounge and CryerArts Centre in Sutton.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts (Ian Murray)
We want to see 50% of all ticket sales for stadium and arena shows in 2026 enter that music levy; this is our Government’s aspiration and we encourage all ticket providers to do so. In the autumn 2024 Budget, the Chancellor set out plans to transform the business rates system over this Parliament, providing certainty and support to businesses including music venues. We have been engaging with the live music sector on these reforms and will provide further policy details in next month’s Budget.
Session: Grassroots Music Venues 2025-10-16
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My constituent’s Crown court case has been delayed until 2028, with delays attributed to court closures and insufficient local capacity. What does the Minister have to say to my constituent about their long wait for justice?
Context
A constituent's Crown court case is delayed until 2028, six years after the alleged offence occurred. The delay was due to court closures and a lack of capacity locally.
Sarah Sackman
The delays experienced by the hon. Gentleman’s constituent are unacceptable. We acknowledge this issue and have started a significant reform process, including record investment in criminal legal aid and sitting days. However, detailed reforms will be driven by Sir Brian Leveson's report.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-09-16
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Earlier this week I was contacted by a long-suffering commuter using Worcester Park station. She wrote: 'As a teacher my days are already demanding... What should be a straightforward journey has become an exhausting and frustrating part of my day.' Now that South Western Railway is under Government control, will the Minister tell my constituents when we can expect to see the service and timetable finally improve for Worcester Park station?
Context
A constituent wrote to the MP expressing concerns about overcrowded trains during peak hours at Worcester Park station, which is causing significant stress and discomfort. The South Western Railway has been placed under Government control.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
Services returning to public ownership is a watershed moment for our railways and the beginning of our efforts to build Great British Railways, a new publicly owned organisation that runs our trains. We want passengers to see improvements to their services now and, starting with SWR, each operator will have to meet rigorous bespoke performance standards on things such as punctuality, cancellations and passenger experience, so that we can begin to build a world-class public service.
Session: Train Frequency Sutton and Cheam 2025-06-26
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The Beddington energy recovery facility has an outstanding request to increase its annual permit tonnage to 382,000 tonnes from the originally approved 300,000 tonnes when planning was approved. I know the Secretary of State is familiar with this, as the facility is a mere 100 metres from his constituency. May I ask him whether the Environment Agency will listen to local residents, including his own, and to councils across Sutton, Merton, Croydon and Kingston and refuse the permit expansion, as sufficient incinerator capacity already exists in London?
Context
The Beddington energy recovery facility in Sutton seeks to increase its annual permit tonnage from 300,000 tonnes to 382,000 tonnes. Local residents and councils are concerned about the impact of this expansion.
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Steve Reed)
As the hon. Member says, I do know of this situation because the facility is adjacent to my constituency as well. He will know that I cannot comment on what the Environment Agency is intending to do, because it is its decision. None the less, I certainly agree with him that the EA must listen to constituents and people living in the local area who will be affected by this decision.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-06-19
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In April, I wrote to the Minister for School Standards about the Angel Hill free school, which will provide desperately needed places for children with SEND. Can she give an update on when construction is expected to begin?
Context
The MP wrote to the Minister for School Standards about the Angel Hill free school, which will provide desperately needed places for children with SEND.
Catherine McKinnell
As the Minister of State, Department for Education, I am not in a position to provide detailed updates on specific projects. However, we are committed to supporting schools that cater to children with special educational needs and disabilities. If you could send me an update through my team, I will ensure it is passed along to the relevant department.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-06-16
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Reports about the Met police raid and arrests at the Quaker meeting house in Westminster last Thursday have caused great alarm, particularly because Quakers are renowned for their non-violent and pacifist principles. The incident raises serious concerns about the police’s approach to freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest. What explanation have the Met police given the Minister for their actions that night?
Context
Reports indicated that the Metropolitan Police carried out a raid on Quaker meeting houses in Westminster, raising concerns about freedom of assembly.
Diana Johnson
As the hon. Gentleman will realise, this is an operational matter for the Metropolitan police, and I am sure that they will provide further commentary at some point.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-03-31
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What resources are being provided to schools to support restorative justice initiatives in relation to knife crime, especially victim-led approaches such as workshops or peer mentoring to engage young people in conversations about its prevention?
Context
Concerns about the prevalence of knife crime among young people.
Catherine McKinnell
We hear about far too many cases of young people being affected by knife crime, and I will take away the specific issue that the hon. Gentleman has raised. We are undertaking a curriculum and assessment review, looking closely at relationships, sex and health education, and considering how we can empower young people to be discerning and respect one another and create a society based on values and tolerance.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-03-10
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Does the Chancellor think again about providing an exemption for healthcare providers from the national insurance rise given that it will lead to further cuts in staff services?
Context
St Raph’s hospice faces a £140,000 increase in staff costs due to national insurance hikes.
James Murray
The Chancellor set out the Budget, changes apply differently to public sector organizations which are reimbursed. Changes do not apply to hospices as they are largely charities or non-public sectors; £100 million extra investment in improving hospices was announced.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-03-04
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My fantastic local football club, Sutton United, provides excellent opportunities in grassroots sports through its junior, women and disabled teams, and it even has a walking football club for those of us, Mr Speaker, who need a gentler pace of play. However, it tells me that it desperately needs access to more training facilities to ensure there is year-round football for all players. The training pitch the club uses in the local park is often waterlogged and unusable. Will the Minister support Sutton United in securing a new all-weather pitch? Will she meet me and the club to discuss potential sources of funding to make that a reality?
Context
Sutton United is a local football club that provides various teams including junior, women's, disabled, and walking football. The club needs better training facilities to ensure year-round activities.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)
Those are issues that I have heard in my own constituency. I would be delighted to meet him and will perhaps set up a meeting with the Football Foundation too.
Session: Grassroots Sport Clubs and Facilities 2025-02-27
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Given the statistics from Marie Curie indicating that 15% of three-quarters of a million end-of-life carers live below the poverty line and this rises to 22% a year after bereavement, will the Minister consider extending the time that carers can claim Carer’s Allowance from two months to six months after bereavement?
Context
Marie Curie research indicates that 15% of end-of-life carers are living below the poverty line, rising to 22% a year after bereavement.
Stephen Timms
We keep these matters under review. I have not looked at that particular proposal before, but if the hon. Gentleman would like to drop me a line I will certainly give it a careful look.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-02-03
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The use of illegal high-powered Sur-Ron type e-bikes by criminal gangs on and around our high streets is causing significant concern, particularly in London, with incidents of antisocial behaviour, violent muggings and phone theft becoming increasingly more common. Can the Home Secretary please update the House on discussions her Department has had with the Mayor of London and the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police on what they are doing to reduce these incidents and make our streets safer across London?
Context
Incidents of antisocial behaviour, violent muggings, and phone theft are increasingly common in London due to the use of illegal high-powered Sur-Ron type e-bikes by criminal gangs.
Yvette Cooper
The hon. Member is right to refer to the issues around antisocial and criminal use not just of e-bikes—sometimes e-scooters are used illegally on pavements and off-road bikes cause havoc in local neighbourhoods. That is why we will strengthen the law around vehicles used for antisocial behaviour, so that they can be seized when that antisocial behaviour takes place and the police do not have to go through a whole ritual of a series of warnings which delays action.
Session: Antisocial Behaviour Town Centres 2024-11-25
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We know that no impact assessment was carried out prior to the decision to cut the winter fuel payment, but was any consideration given to the burden that the daunting application form places on the elderly, and the extra burden on charities such as Age UK, which advise them on completing it? Evidence of that daunting burden is the 60% limit to uptake over the past decade. Will she work with her colleagues to simplify the application process, ease the burden on those who are losing the winter fuel payment, and help them receive the broad benefits that pension credit provides?
Context
The question addresses concerns about the winter fuel payment cut, lack of impact assessment before decision, and the burden on elderly due to complex application forms.
Emma Reynolds
The Government did an equality analysis on the change, which was published in September. I recommend that the hon. Gentleman take a look at it. It was such a long question that I have forgotten what he asked. On application forms—
Session: Cost of Living Support for Pensioners 2024-10-29
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What fiscal steps is she taking to support pensioners with the cost of living?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the cost of living affecting pensioners.
Emma Reynolds
More than 12 million pensioners will be protected by this Government's commitment to the triple lock, with the new full state pension expected to increase by around £1,700 over the course of this Parliament. Pensioners also benefit from free eye test, free NHS prescriptions and free bus passes.
Session: Cost of Living Support for Pensioners 2024-10-29
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Figures from London councils show that three in 10 Londoners who were turned away from polling stations due to a lack of appropriate voter ID did not return to vote. What assessment has been made of the impact on overall turnout of the voter ID laws implemented by the last Government, particularly when it is understood that those measures disproportionately affect already disenfranchised communities, such as those renting from a social landlord, the unemployed, lower social grades, disabled people and young people?
Pat McFadden
It is very important that the voter ID system does not prevent people who have a legitimate right to vote from exercising their democratic right, so we are keeping it under review, and we are already making a change to make it easier for veterans to get the ID necessary to vote.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-10-24
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The recent London stalking review published by the London victims' commissioner reveals some pretty alarming statistics: in our capital, 45% of stalking victims felt compelled to withdraw from the justice system and 41% said that no action was taken on their complaint by police. What specific measures are being taken to better support victims of stalking? Are there plans to offer specific training to officers to deal with these cases?
Context
The London stalking review reveals that 45% of stalking victims felt compelled to withdraw from the justice system.
Jess Phillips
We are absolutely looking at how we can strengthen stalking protection orders. We will look at our stalking laws in the round, but also at how policing handles all cases of violence against women and girls and at the training that will be needed.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-10-21
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Residents in my constituency are concerned about services at Worcester Park. Prices have increased by 20% over five years, and the last train has been brought back from almost 1 am to before midnight. This is throttling London's night-time economy and causing issues for local residents who rely on sustainable transport. Will the Minister explain when we can expect improvements in services following renationalisation?
Context
Services at Worcester Park have been significantly reduced over the past few years, causing issues for local residents and the night-time economy.
Louise Haigh
The hon. Member has outlined exactly the kind of issues that we seek to address through public ownership reforms and the creation of Great British Railways. The Department is already working with operators like Southern to ensure decisions are joined up with Network Rail and start driving improvements immediately.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-10-10
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Consumer Energy Bills: Government Support
27 January 2026
Responding: Martin McCluskey
Main Concerns
['More than 12 million households are struggling with high energy bills. The End Fuel Poverty Coalition estimated that 4,950 excess winter deaths in the UK were caused by living in cold homes during the first chaotic winter of 2022-23.']
Specific Asks
['The Government needs to take immediate action and go further on measures beyond what was outlined last week. The warm homes plan is welcome, but more must be done quickly to address the issue.']
Chronic Urinary Tract Infections
21 May 2025
Responding: Ashley Dalton
Main Concerns
['The condition of chronic urinary tract infections has left thousands suffering daily, often with no relief from the pain. Over 95% of sufferers are women who face severe disability, loss of independence, and mental health challenges due to the illness. The lack of recognition by healthcare professionals exacerbates the issue.']
Specific Asks
['The MP asks for every healthcare professional in the UK to be properly briefed on recognising and treating chronic UTIs. Additionally, he requests a meeting with the Minister, Phoebe, and representatives of campaign groups to discuss how they have been let down by the system.']
Thames Water: Government Support
03 April 2025
Responding: Rebecca Pow
Main Concerns
["Sixteen million Britons are affected by the poor performance of Thames Water, which has caused environmental damage and financial strain on residents. The company's historic under-investment and operational failures have led to a significant increase in untreated sewage being pumped into waterways, affecting river ecosystems and public health. Customer satisfaction ratings are among the worst for the fourth consecutive year, with bill hikes during a cost of living crisis."]
Specific Asks
['The Government must support Thames Water by putting it into special administration to ensure that financial mismanagement is addressed appropriately and not passed on to future bill payers.']
Knife Crime in London
12 February 2025
Responding: Dame Diana Johnson
Main Concerns
['The number of police community support officers in the Metropolitan Police force has declined from 4,247 in 2008 to just 1,215 in 2023. In my constituency and across London, we see safer neighbourhood officers being abstracted from their beats, resulting in fewer police officers on the streets to deter crime.']
Specific Asks
['I urge the Minister to outline what steps the Government are taking to get back to proper community policing, reduce abstraction rates of safer neighbourhood officers, and support Commissioner Rowley as he implements reforms at the Metropolitan Police.']
Lord Mandelson 2026-02-04
04 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, that an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, that he will be graciously pleased to give directions to require the Government to lay before this House all papers relating to Lord ...
US Department of Justice Release of Files 2026-02-02
02 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
As I know right hon. and hon. Members across the House will agree, Jeffrey Epstein was a despicable criminal who committed disgusting crimes and destroyed the lives of countless women and girls. His v...
China and Japan 2026-02-02
02 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister outlined the importance of engaging with both China and Japan to safeguard national interests. He discussed his recent visit, highlighting the strengthening of UK-US relations, rese...
Business of the House 2026-01-22
22 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr. Norman discussed various topics including the launch of a new autonomous robotics degree at his constituency's university, criticised the hon. Member for Clacton for attending Davos, raised concer...
Warm Homes Plan 2026-01-21
21 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Chinese Embassy 2026-01-20
20 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Arctic Security 2026-01-19
19 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
UK-EU Common Understanding Negotiations 2025-12-17
17 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government were elected with a manifesto commitment to reset relations with European partners; to fix the bad deal passed on by the previous government; and to support jobs here in the UK. A new s...
Jimmy Lai Conviction 2025-12-15
15 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Violence against Women and Girls Strategy 2025-12-15
15 December 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that the violence against women and girls strategy will be published this Thursday, despite it being delayed three times this year? What steps are being taken to ensure the s...
Attendance
63.6%
14 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
10
45.5% of votes
No Votes
4
18.2% of votes
Abstentions
8
36.4% of votes
03 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
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 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
16
Ministerial Questions Asked
56
House of Commons Debates Involved
4
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
-48% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.9
Ministerial Questions
+102% above average
This MP:
16
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+160% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2268% above average
This MP:
56
Average:
2.4
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
5.1
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.2
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-16% below average
This MP:
63.6
Average:
75.6
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Luke Taylor's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.