Freddie van Mierlo
MP for Henley and Thame
Lib Dem
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.
With the increased frequency of stormy weather as a result of climate change, the rural communities I know are sadly all too familiar with long periods without power. What are the Government doing to ensure that older and more vulnerable residents get the support that they need during cuts? Will the Minister commit to delivering a strategic plan to improve the resilience of rural power networks?
Context
Increased frequency of stormy weather due to climate change has led to more frequent power outages affecting rural communities. The question focuses on the needs of older and vulnerable residents during these disruptions.
The Minister for Energy (Michael Shanks)
We review lessons learned after every significant power failure, particularly after storms. There was a significant review after Storm Arwen in 2022, but after every storm we look at whether there are any areas in which we can improve. I regularly meet the Energy Networks Association, which does much of the work with the distribution network operators to ensure that welfare provisions, in particular, are provided as quickly and efficiently as possible. There is much more we can do, but one of the fundamental things is to invest in the future of the grid, which means building grid infrastructure and improving existing infrastructure.
Session: Power Cuts Rural Areas 2026-01-06
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Will the Secretary of State meet me, Duchenne UK, and the all-party parliamentary group on access to medicines and medical devices to discuss lessons learned from the early access programme?
Context
Oxford University Hospitals Trust does not provide givinostat through the early access programme, affecting a constituent's child who needs it.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
I have had the privilege of meeting some of the campaigners, and particularly the young people affected by that cruel condition, and I understand the hon. Gentleman’s frustrations. The medication is being put through the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence process, and I hope that that will deliver a positive outcome.
Session: NHS Trusts Performance 2025-10-21
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Will he comment on that, and on when the second part of the Leveson report will come into effect so that we know when action will be taken on the greater complexity that is yet to be evaluated?
Context
Crown courtrooms are sitting empty for up to 75% of the time, leading to significant delays in bringing cases to trial.
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Mr David Lammy)
The right hon. Gentleman is right that we have to build the system’s capacity to use courtrooms better. I can tell him that Sir Brian Leveson—I was very grateful to Sir Brian for coming to see me, as Foreign Secretary, while he was completing his review because of my experience in the criminal justice system—is completing his review by the end of the year.
Session: Court Backlogs 2025-09-16
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The Thames valley is one of the most important economic zones in this country. At a recent meeting that I held with the business leaders of the Thames Valley chamber of commerce, the overwhelming message was that Brexit has been a disaster for business, and that Boris Johnson and the Tories did them dirty. Will the Minister commit to correcting that wrong, and start negotiations to join a European Union customs union?
Context
The Thames valley is an important economic zone in the UK, but businesses there have reported negative impacts from Brexit.
Stephen Doughty (Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We have been very clear that we do not seek to rejoin the customs union, but our co-operation is already delivering results, particularly in relation to growth and business. We recently secured a £250 million Czech investment in Rolls-Royce small modular nuclear reactors, and a further £600 million investment by Polish firm InPost in its UK operations.
Session: Europe Diplomatic Co-operation 2025-02-25
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A Thame to Haddenham cycleway would transform how residents of Thame get to the local railway station. However, active travel funding from central Government is essential to get such schemes off the ground. Will the Secretary of State commit to increasing the active travel budget beyond what has been announced to truly revolutionise rural cycling?
Context
The question is prompted by the need for active travel funding to support a cycleway project from Thame to Haddenham.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
We are committed to supporting active travel. We will work closely with Active Travel England and local authorities to ensure that funding is used effectively.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-01-09
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A Thame to Haddenham cycleway would transform how residents of Thame get to the local railway station. However, active travel funding from central Government is essential to get such schemes off the ground. Will the Secretary of State commit to increasing the active travel budget beyond what has been announced to truly revolutionise rural cycling?
Context
The question is prompted by the need for central government funding to support a cycleway project from Thame to Haddenham.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
The hon. Member will be aware that close to £100 million was announced in the recent Budget. We will work closely with Active Travel England to ensure that that money is put to good effect across the country.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-01-09
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If she will take steps to help reduce overcrowding on Chiltern Railways services. The Secretary of State for Transport, Lord Hendy and officials continue to work closely with Chiltern Railways to support delivery of an improved passenger experience.
Context
Chiltern Railways is working with the Department for Transport to support delivery of an improved passenger experience, including addressing crowding.
Lilian Greenwood
The Secretary of State for Transport, Lord Hendy and officials continue to work closely with Chiltern Railways to support delivery of an improved passenger experience. To reduce crowding, Chiltern periodically adjusts its timetable, responding to passenger demand.
Session: Chiltern Railways Overcrowding 2024-11-21
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If she will take steps to help reduce overcrowding on Chiltern Railways services. Haddenham and Thame Parkway train station is a key transport hub for my residents who commute regularly to London. However, constituents face overcrowded trains; some even report fainting on hot, stuffy trains.
Context
Chiltern Railways services are experiencing overcrowding, with some constituents fainting due to hot, stuffy conditions.
Lilian Greenwood
The hon. Gentleman's question has been noted by the Rail Minister who assures me that the cascaded rolling stock is under active consideration in the Department, and we will complete the process as soon as possible.
Session: Chiltern Railways Overcrowding 2024-11-21
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Will the Secretary of State meet me and the Environment Agency to discuss the closure of Marsh Lock bridge on the Thames path in Henley-on-Thames?
Context
The closure of Marsh Lock bridge on the Thames path in Henley-on-Thames has raised concerns among local residents regarding access to recreational areas.
Emma Hardy
I would be happy to meet the hon. Gentleman and the Environment Agency to discuss the matter in more detail.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-09-12
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
National Trails
09 September 2025
Responding: Mary Creagh
Main Concerns
["National trails have faced significant funding cuts over the past decade, resulting in a 30% real-terms cut. Funding began to rise with inflation in 2023 but does not account for the lost decade. The Thames Path and Ridgeway in Freddie van Mierlo's constituency face issues such as closed bridges and damage from recreational vehicles."]
Specific Asks
['Funding is needed to repair the Marsh Lock bridge near Henley-on-Thames, estimated at £2.5 million. Further action is required to prohibit recreational motorised vehicles on the Ridgeway trail to prevent damage.']
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
10 June 2025
Responding: Karin Smyth
Main Concerns
['In Oxfordshire, there are long waiting lists for ADHD diagnosis and treatment, with over 2,385 individuals on the waiting list in March. The average wait time is seven and a half years, leading to situations where patients, upon reaching adulthood, find no further service available. Additionally, annual reviews of condition management through NHS provision are not consistently available, causing disruptions in medication access for diagnosed individuals.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP calls on the Government to review the shared care model and ensure that private diagnoses are accepted by schools and healthcare providers, addressing the barriers faced by those with ADHD in accessing necessary treatment and support.']
Rural Cycling Infrastructure
10 December 2024
Responding: Simon Lightwood
Main Concerns
['The mortality rates on rural roads are 2.7 times higher per mile cycled than on urban roads. The slashing of the active travel fund from £200 million to £50 million is considered shameful, leaving rural areas at risk of being left behind in policy development. There is a lack of central government funding for projects that remain just lines on a map. Compulsory purchase powers are often wielded for road projects but not used for cycle infrastructure, which stifles the progress of many ideas beyond the idea phase.']
Specific Asks
["I am calling on the Government to commit to investing in safe, off-road cycling routes and segregated cycle lanes in rural areas. The funding should be increased further for the 2025-26 period during the Department's current planning discussion to deliver concrete benefits for the economy, environment, health and wellbeing."]
Pharmacy First: Withholding Payments
12 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Concerns have been raised about the withholding of Pharmacy First payments to pharmacies, with many pharmacies not realising that some of their money is missing. This issue is particularly problematic...
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 ...
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (First sitting) 2026-02-03
03 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (Second sitting) 2026-02-03
03 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Business Rates 2026-01-27
27 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government is taking steps to protect high street businesses from upward-only rent review clauses, introducing a strong new community right to buy to safeguard valued community assets. They are al...
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill 2026-01-27
27 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Curriculum and Assessment Review 2025-11-05
05 November 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Conflict in Sudan 2025-11-05
05 November 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the Government’s approach to the worsening conflict in Sudan, including measures to protect civilians and secure a lasting ceasefire? The atrocities of recent days, especiall...
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...
Russian Drones Violation of Polish Airspace 2025-09-10
10 September 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the violation of Poland’s airspace by Russian drones and express solidarity with Poland, while also providing details on the Government's response to this incident?
Horspath Outreach Post Office
02 September 2025
The petitioners are concerned about the closure of Horspath Outreach Post Office on 28th March 2025, which has negatively impacted residents, particularly elderly people, parents, and those with mobil...
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Horspath Outreach Post Office
16 July 2025
The petition addresses the closure of Horspath Outreach Post Office in March 2025, which has negatively impacted residents, particularly elderly people and those with mobility issues, by limiting acce...
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Repairs to Marsh Lock Horsebridge
30 June 2025
The petition calls for the repair and reopening of Marsh Lock Horsebridge, which has been closed since May 2022, impacting local residents' access to the Thames path and swimming spots, as well as aff...
View Full Petition -->
Repairs to Marsh Lock Horsebridge
14 May 2025
The petition calls for the repair and reopening of Marsh Lock Horsebridge in Henley, which has been closed since May 2022. The bridge is crucial for connecting Henley to Shiplake and forms part of the...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
59.1%
13 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
9
40.9% of votes
No Votes
4
18.2% of votes
Abstentions
9
40.9% of votes
03 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 7
Ayes: 188
Noes: 341
Failed
12 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 185
Noes: 344
Failed
0
PMQs Asked
9
Ministerial Questions Asked
35
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
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
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
1.9
Ministerial Questions
+13% above average
This MP:
9
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+95% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1380% above average
This MP:
35
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 (%)
-22% below average
This MP:
59.1
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 Freddie van Mierlo's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.