Tony Vaughan
MP for Folkestone and Hythe
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.
Does the Secretary of State agree that we need to reform how we protect nature for new nuclear projects, as recommended by the nuclear regulatory taskforce?
Context
The nuclear regulatory taskforce recommended reforms to protect nature while providing skilled jobs and energy security.
Michael Shanks
We want to improve regulations and processes for new nuclear projects while continuing to protect the environment. We will present a full Government response, and an implementation plan, by the end of this month.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-02-10
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What steps are the Government taking to ensure that young people in my constituency are well prepared for the integration of AI into their daily working lives, so that we can minimise the chances of unemployment in the future?
Context
Research estimates that by 2035 approximately 10 million UK workers will be in jobs where AI is part of their responsibilities, with PwC estimating a high probability of automation for 18% of existing UK jobs. This highlights the need for comprehensive preparation for the integration of AI into daily working lives to minimize unemployment risks.
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Liz Kendall)
This Government are determined to ensure that young people can seize the opportunities that AI brings. That is why we are giving 1 million secondary school pupils skills in tech and AI as part of our TechFirst skills programme. It is why we are replacing the currently over-narrow computer science GCSE and exploring a new qualification in data science and AI for 16 to 18-year-olds, so that we can tear down the barriers to success and give young people the chances and choices they deserve to get the jobs of the future. Additionally, alongside these changes, we will upskill 7.5 million workers in AI skills over the course of the next five years, so that people in every part of our country and all walks of life can shape their own future, not just be shaped by it.
Session: Artificial Intelligence Skills 2025-12-17
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What urgent measures will the Minister take to ensure clear accountability for water companies, rapid infrastructure upgrades and a transparent timetable for lifting no swim advisories, and will she meet me to discuss how we can create safer seas for my constituents—and possibly join me for a swim when it is safe to do so?
Context
Littlestone and Dymchurch are two popular beaches in Folkestone and Hythe constituency, but they face no swim advisories which harm local tourism, residents, and businesses.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Hardy)
I thank my hon. and learned Friend for the kind offer, although I might not take him up on an outdoor swim in November or December. This is a really important issue. We have pledged to halve sewage pollution by 2030 and bathing water sites are being prioritised for upgrades because we recognise how important they are for health, leisure and tourism. My hon. and learned Friend will be pleased to know that the local Environment Agency area director has agreed to meet him on this matter urgently; of course, I will be happy to meet him too.
Session: Water Pollution Kent 2025-11-13
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When it comes to UK’s relations with China, it is not a simple binary choice between national security and growth—national security must always be our non-negotiable red line—but subject to that, does the Foreign Secretary agree that when there are specific sectors where economic engagement with China promotes growth, we should be open to that?
Context
MP discusses the necessity of prioritising national security in UK-China relations while acknowledging opportunities for economic engagement.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Yvette Cooper)
We already have substantial trade and investment with China. We remain a trading nation working globally but national security is always the first priority. Security threats are taken seriously.
Session: China Assessment of Threat Level 2025-10-28
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I thank my right hon. Friend the Minister for his answer. Given that he leads on UK-EU relations, will he outline how the Cabinet Office will ensure that the new sanitary and phytosanitary agreement will reduce the level of checks on goods at both the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkstone, in my constituency, and the Port of Dover, and improve the flow of trade? What steps are being taken to further break down barriers to trade in goods with the EU?
Context
The MP references the new sanitary and phytosanitary agreement between the UK and EU which impacts trade, safety, and economic benefits for his constituents.
Nick Thomas-Symonds (Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office)
My hon. and learned Friend is a powerful advocate for his constituents in Folkestone and Hythe. The SPS agreement will remove routine border checks and certification, including for goods travelling through Folkestone and the Port of Dover. It will mean that fresh produce will hit supermarket shelves more quickly, with less paperwork and fewer costs.
Session: Relations with the European Union 2025-07-10
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Alcaline Transport in my constituency was fined £10,000 after it reported that a clandestine migrant was found in one of its vehicles. When will improvements to the clandestine entrant civil penalty scheme be fully implemented, so that hauliers who report issues responsibly are supported, not penalised?
Context
Alcaline Transport was fined £10,000 after reporting that a clandestine migrant was found in one of its vehicles. There are calls for improvements to the penalization process.
The Minister for Border Security and Asylum (Dame Angela Eagle)
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this issue. While the clandestine entrant penalty scheme has to be rigorously enforced in order to be effective, it also provides a very fair process of appeal for hauliers against penalties that are not justified by the facts of a case. I am sure that my hon. Friend will assist the company in his constituency through that appeal process.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-07-07
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What steps she is taking to improve the accessibility of bus services in Kent? Conservative-run Kent county council recently confirmed that £9 million of the £10 million grant provided by central Government to improve bus services will go solely to propping up existing services. That is despite the decline in access to bus services over the past 14 years in Kent, as key routes have been abolished or restricted. My constituents in Broadmead have no weekend bus service into town, for example. Does the Minister agree that that is a shocking indictment of the services that the Tories have presided over and that change in May at the local elections is how we improve bus services for our constituents?
Context
Conservative-run Kent county council allocated £9 million of a £10 million grant from central government to prop up existing bus services, despite a 14-year decline in access to services. Constituents face lack of weekend bus service into town.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
I could not agree more with my hon. and learned Friend. I am absolutely clear that too often local bus services are not delivering for passengers right across the country. That is why our ambitious reforms to bus services, including through the buses Bill, will give local leaders the powers they desperately need to reform services to best meet the needs of passengers, including in Kent. I am proud that our reform to bus funding allocations has meant additional funds for buses across the country, unlike under the Conservatives, who presided over 4.7 million fewer bus miles in Kent alone between 2010 and 2023.
Session: Bus Service Accessibility Kent 2025-03-27
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My constituent George Stevens runs a microbusiness in Lydd making handcrafted stringed instruments; it has been running for over 30 years and he has many EU customers. He is deeply worried about Brexit-related red tape, which is holding back his EU exports. Can the Minister give him an assurance that, as a result of the proposed measures, he will now find it easier to trade with the EU?
Context
A constituent, George Stevens, runs a microbusiness making handcrafted stringed instruments in Lydd. He has EU customers and is worried about Brexit-related red tape affecting his exports.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Justin Madders)
Microbusinesses such as that of Mr Stevens are central to the Government’s growth mission. We are committed to strengthening our relationship with the EU and to tackle trade barriers and frictions, and we regularly engage directly with businesses and their representative organisations to understand the difficulties they face. Our export support services help small and medium-sized enterprises navigate opportunities in EU markets and get the practical help they need to do so.
Session: Product Safety Regulations 2025-03-13
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The UK is a global leader in AI development, which brings many opportunities, but we know that the risks associated with AI can be managed only by global co-operation. What steps is the Department taking to ensure that the UK works with other main leaders in AI development, including the US and China, to ensure that the most advanced frontier AI models are safe for global consumers?
Context
The question addresses the importance of global collaboration to ensure the safety of advanced AI models.
Peter Kyle
My hon. Friend is completely right to say that safety has to be there from the outset. We want our country to safely explore all the opportunities that AI offers, but it can do so only if people are reassured that safety is there from the outset. The UK safety institute is at the forefront of this. It is the first safety institute, and we are at the forefront of delivering international as well as domestic safety. We are currently working on an international review of the science of AI safety, which draws on the expertise of 30 countries.
Session: Frontier AI Safety 2024-11-20
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If he will take steps to support the creation of a global network of scientific research on frontier artificial intelligence safety.
Context
The question arises from the need to ensure that advancements in artificial intelligence are safe globally.
Peter Kyle
The UK is a founding member of the AI Safety Institute international network. The network convenes for the first time today in San Francisco.
Session: Frontier AI Safety 2024-11-20
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Will the Department support my campaign to shift more freight from trucks to trains, starting with the channel tunnel in my constituency? This would help businesses get goods to market more quickly.
Context
Proposal to shift more freight from trucks to trains starting with the channel tunnel in Folkestone and Hythe, where only 10% of its capacity is used.
Gareth Thomas
We certainly support the expansion of rail freight as it helps build resilience in supply chains. I would be happy to meet him or facilitate a meeting with Transport Ministers to hear more about his campaign.
Session: Small Businesses Scaling Up 2024-10-31
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Indefinite Leave to Remain
02 February 2026
Responding: Mike Tapp
Main Concerns
["The debate concerns e-petitions 727372 and 746363 with over 330,000 signatures. It addresses the Government's proposal to change rules around indefinite leave to remain (ILR), extending wait times from five years to ten or fifteen for certain sectors like social care. The lead MP highlights personal anecdotes about his mother who came to work in UK hospitals and gained ILR after five years. He emphasises that retrospective changes would be unfair on people who have moved their lives here based on previous agreements."]
Specific Asks
['The lead MP asks the Government not to implement changes retrospectively, maintaining trust with those already settled under existing rules. He also calls for a specific NHS impact assessment before proceeding with policy changes.']
Free Bus Travel: Over-60s
05 January 2026
Responding: Simon Lightwood
Main Concerns
['The petition received 101,000 signatures. Many over-60s live in poverty: based on households below average income data, 875,000 people aged 60 to 64 are living in poverty. The pension age has risen since 2010, increasing financial insecurity for those early in their retirement.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should support local authorities in funding bus services adequately and ensure that each local authority decides on the best way to run its bus network.']
SEND Provision: Kent
12 November 2025
Responding: Georgia Gould
Main Concerns
["Children in Folkestone and Hythe are being failed by the SEND system run by Reform UK. Parents receive outdated paperwork that does not reflect current needs, schools cannot meet children's needs due to lack of resources, families face delays in drawing up EHCPs, and some children have been driven to despair."]
Specific Asks
['The government is urged to consult on wholesale changes to the SEND system and prioritise funding for educational opportunities for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).']
Asylum Seekers: Support and Accommodation
20 October 2025
Responding: Alex Norris
Main Concerns
['Petitions call for shutting migrant hotels down now and deporting illegal migrants housed there, or stopping financial support for asylum seekers. The petitions have received over 256,000 and 427,000 signatures respectively. Tony Vaughan acknowledged the historical compassion of British people towards refugees and highlighted the work of local charity Napier Friends in supporting residents at Napier barracks.']
Specific Asks
['Tony Vaughan supports shortening the waiting period for asylum applicants to around six months, similar to other European countries. He also calls for ensuring that asylum seekers have proper access to legal aid to speed up the process and reduce costs.']
Decriminalising Abortion
02 June 2025
Responding: Alex Davies-Jones
Main Concerns
['Gemma Clark is concerned about the criminalisation of abortion in England, Wales, and Scotland, which includes sentences of up to life imprisonment for offences such as procuring miscarriage and child destruction. She highlights a case involving Nicola Packer who faced charges under section 58 of the Offences against the Person Act 1861 despite being less than 24 weeks pregnant.']
Specific Asks
["The lead MP asks that abortion laws be reviewed to ensure they are in line with modern standards and societal norms, particularly noting concerns about misinformation regarding late-term abortions and the potential impact on young women's rights."]
Social Media Use: Minimum Age
24 February 2025
Main Concerns
['The e-petition 700086 has gained over 130,000 signatures. It raises concerns about the harmful content available on social media platforms that can radicalise young people, catalyse mental health crises and lead to addiction. The head of MI5 warned about extremist ideologies reaching children as young as 12 through social media.']
Specific Asks
['The debate questions whether legislation has kept up with changes in technology and discusses the need for action to protect young people from harmful content online, while acknowledging that a total ban might not be enforceable without proper measures to verify age.']
Indefinite Leave to Remain: Healthcare Workers
18 November 2024
Responding: Seema Malhotra
Main Concerns
['Thomas Thulani Mthetho, a qualified nurse from South Africa working in the UK on a health and care worker visa, faced extreme pressure including unpaid overtime and threats of deportation. He encountered difficulties leaving his employer due to financial penalties and reported abuse by employers exploiting healthcare workers with impunity. The Work Rights Centre found that up to 32% of care workers are migrants facing poor conditions, low pay, and breaches of employment rights.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP asks the Government to review the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain from five years to two years to reduce employer exploitation. He also seeks confirmation that a new agency will enforce labour standards including modern slavery in immigration-controlled sectors. Lastly, he questions whether there can be more clarity and flexibility on bridging arrangements when healthcare workers face exploitation.']
Educational Opportunities — [Mark Pritchard in the Chair]
13 November 2024
Responding: Janet Daby
Main Concerns
['In the UK today, most 18-year-olds—around 64%—do not go to university. I want to focus on the barriers facing the 64% of young people in accessing the education and training that they need to lead fulfilling working lives. In my constituency of Folkestone and Hythe, there are significant vocational opportunities but only five apprenticeship starts in leisure, tourism and travel despite the size of that sector. The number of apprenticeship starts in construction fell by 49% between 2015-16 and 2022-23. Our country has some incredible further education colleges; however, not all students who complete courses go on to work in those fields due to the lack of jobs and apprenticeships available in the labour market.']
Specific Asks
['Can the Minister provide more detail on the timeline for when we can expect the different phases of development of Skills England? I would also be grateful to know how the Government plan to align Invest 2035 with their post-16 education strategy. Both those strategies require prioritisation, so what sectors do the Government plan to focus on to drive up the number of apprenticeship starts?']
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...
Jury Trials 2026-01-07
07 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That this House believes that it is wrong to abolish jury trials for crimes with anticipated sentences of three years or less because jury trials are a fundamental part of the UK consti...
Asylum Policy 2025-11-17
17 November 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Prisoner Releases in Error 2025-11-11
11 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Lord Chancellor acknowledged the release of Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, Hadush Kebatu, and other prisoners in error. He emphasised the need for stronger checks, better data management, and a radical ov...
China Spying Case 2025-10-28
28 October 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Calls for transparency regarding the China spy case, including the release of minutes from meetings involving the National Security Adviser on 1 September 2025. The case against two alleged Chinese sp...
Official Secrets Act Case Witness Statements 2025-10-16
16 October 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the three witness statements in relation to an alleged breach of the Official Secrets Act on behalf of China have been published unredacted? What are the implications for nat...
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...
Welfare Reform 2025-06-30
30 June 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Solar Farms 2025-05-15
15 May 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Dr Caroline Johnson argues that large-scale solar farms on prime agricultural land are controversial due to the carbon footprint of producing solar panels, issues with recycling, human rights concerns...
Gaza UK Assessment 2025-05-14
14 May 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the UK's assessment on the risk of genocide in Gaza? Adrian Ramsay is asking about the likelihood of genocide based on recent events, including the humanitarian crisis and ai...
Attendance
59.1%
13 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
7
31.8% of votes
No Votes
6
27.3% 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
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
11
Ministerial Questions Asked
21
House of Commons Debates Involved
8
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
+39% above average
This MP:
11
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+420% above average
This MP:
8
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+788% above average
This MP:
21
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 (%)
-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 Tony Vaughan's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.