John Whittingdale
MP for Maldon
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Will the Prime Minister look at the case of my constituents Mr and Mrs Adrian Fenton who returned home from visiting France in their motorhome to discover an illegal immigrant concealed in the bike rack? They reported the matter immediately to the police, only to receive a fine of £1,500 from Border Force. Does he agree that my constituents ought to be thanked rather than punished and does he accept that this action will deter anybody from acting responsibly in the future?
Context
Mr and Mrs Adrian Fenton discovered an illegal immigrant concealed in their motorhome upon returning from France. They reported the matter to police but were fined £1,500 by Border Force.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I am concerned about the case. I do think it is important that the Home Office looks into it, and we will ensure he is updated in due course.
Assessment
No clear commitment to investigate the appropriateness of fines given for reporting illegal immigrants was provided.
Concern Expressed
Will Look Into Case
Session: PMQs 2025-03-12
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Both the Ship Inn, which has hotel rooms, and Peaberries on the high street are looking at significant business rate increases threatening their existence. Will the Minister say whether the package announced later will benefit them?
Context
The Ship Inn and Peaberries in Burnham-on-Crouch face existential threats due to business rates.
The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Dan Tomlinson)
I do not think it would be wise to pre-empt the announcements later, but I can reiterate that at the Budget we implemented differential multipliers for larger businesses paying more than smaller high street businesses.
Session: Support for Businesses 2026-01-27
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While wishing the Minister, and indeed all hon. Members and staff, a very happy Christmas, may I tell her that many of my farming constituents will not be celebrating as they gather with their families because their hopes of passing on their farms to their children have been made impossible by Labour's family farm tax? She has already heard from some of them when she and I did 'Any Questions?' in Essex a few months ago, but will she now, once again, try to persuade the Chancellor to withdraw this punitive and damaging measure?
Context
Farmers in Maldon constituency are struggling with Labour's family farm tax, which impacts their ability to pass on farms to the next generation. This issue was previously discussed during a radio debate.
Emma Reynolds (Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
We are making these changes because the top 7% of estates account for 40% of inheritance tax reliefs—that is £219 million for the top 37 landowners—and we think that is unfair.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-12-18
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I welcome the Minister’s answer, but is she aware that in the space of one week the Solicitors Regulation Authority has lost two tribunal cases relating to SLAPPs? Do the Government consider the SRA fit for purpose in this area? Is further legislation not needed to prevent lawyers from pursuing abusive cases?
Context
SLAPPs are lawsuits used to silence critics and have a negative impact on democracy. The Solicitors Regulation Authority has recently lost two tribunal cases relating to SLAPPs.
The Minister for Courts and Legal Services (Sarah Sackman)
We are actively considering where we can further extend the definition of SLAPPs to those that range beyond economic crime. The Solicitors Regulation Authority is independent of Government, but I welcome its guidance reminding solicitors of their duties and of the consequences of breaches, and I hope that it upholds that guidance robustly.
Session: Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation 2025-12-16
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Yesterday I had a roundtable meeting with a number of UK-based AI firms that have reached licensing agreements with owners of rights in the creative industries and publishing industries. Rather than just talking to big tech, will she and the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology meet those UK-based companies that are trying to do the right thing?
Context
The MP discussed roundtable meetings with UK-based AI firms regarding licensing agreements.
Lisa Nandy (Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport)
Yes, of course, and in fact we already are. The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology and I have convened a series of roundtables, and we are not just talking to big tech companies, but a full range of tech companies, hearing a range of views.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-11-27
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The Secretary of State will be aware that as the Public Accounts Committee has pointed out, last year the BBC lost more than £1 billion as a result of evasion and households declaring that they no longer need a licence. That figure is going to grow over the course of the next charter, so will she look at finding other ways in which we can close the funding gap?
Context
The Public Accounts Committee has noted that the BBC lost more than £1 billion last year due to evasion and households no longer needing a licence, with this figure expected to increase. The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy) is having daily conversations with the BBC leadership on charter renewal.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
Yes. As the right hon. Gentleman would imagine, we are looking at a whole range of options around BBC funding to ensure that it is sustainably funded for many years to come. In particular, we are very keen to ensure that people feel a sense of ownership and belonging over the BBC, which is why the point about the nations and regions is so important. Ofcom recently produced a report in which it showed that of the top Scottish producers who fulfil the Scottish quota, for example, only one third are actually based in Scotland among the public sector broadcasters.
Session: BBC Charter Renewal 2025-11-27
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In an earlier answer, the Minister referred to the increasing use by police of live facial recognition. While that may well have some effect on tackling crime, it is being used without any legal framework and no national instructions. Will she say when those will be put in place?
Context
Police use of live facial recognition technology is being questioned due to the lack of a legal framework and national instructions.
Sarah Jones (The Minister for Policing)
Facial recognition is being used in a controlled way for high harm individuals. There is guidance about how it should be used, but I am happy to have a further conversation with the right hon. Gentleman about that, as I am aware that Members from across the House have raised the issue of the framework within which it operates.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-09-15
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Visited a small manufacturing company where electricity represents the biggest cost. What measures are being taken to listen to and support such businesses?
Context
Small manufacturing company C&M Precision Ltd in Sir John Whittingdale's constituency faces high electricity costs. The voice of SMEs is not being heard.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Miatta Fahnbulleh)
Listening to business complaints, Ofgem is working on blend-and-extend contracts. Expanding the ombudsman service to 99% of businesses with awards up to £20,000. Consulted on regulation of third-party intermediaries to address broker issues.
Session: Industrial Electricity Prices 2025-07-15
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Is the Minister aware of the concerns about the proposed creative content exchange, which appeared without consultation in the creative industries sector plan? Will he confirm that any AI legislation will not seek to impose a statutory licensing model but instead facilitate a market-led, dynamic licensing model based on robust copyright law and enforceable through meaningful transparency?
Context
The Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms is asked about concerns regarding the proposed creative content exchange in the creative industries sector plan, which was introduced without prior consultation.
The Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms (Chris Bryant)
The right hon. Member has become terribly Eeyore-ish of late—he has been eating too many thistles, I think. The truth of the matter is that this is a really good idea. It is only at an embryonic stage. It was consulted on in the creative industries taskforce, which is led by Baroness Shriti Vadera and Sir Peter Bazalgette. Of course we will consult with everybody else in the sector about how we can make this work, but it could be an answer to ensuring more licensing of creative content by AI companies and, importantly, remuneration for the creative industries.
Session: Artificial Intelligence Legislative Proposals 2025-06-25
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Does the Minister agree that avian influenza remains an existential threat to the poultry industry, and—now that the French have decided to vaccinate their ducks—will he agree to the National Farmers Union request that we introduce the vaccination of seasonal turkeys in order to protect the entire industry?
Context
The right hon. Member for Maldon raised concerns about the existential threat avian influenza poses to the poultry industry, noting France's decision to vaccinate ducks.
The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Daniel Zeichner)
Vaccination has been considered for some time. There are trade issues, but given that France is changing its position, we are committed to exploring options for vaccination. A cross-Government and industry avian influenza vaccination taskforce has been established which published an initial statement on 7 March and will report more fully this summer.
Session: Avian Influenza 2025-05-08
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What discussions she has had with representatives of the creative industries on the use of AI. The Secretary of State will be aware of suggestions that the Government may offer concessions around AI regulation in a deal to reduce US tariffs. Will she assure the creative and news media sectors that any negotiations will not include an offer to weaken our copyright framework, which would be opposed by creative industries both in the UK and in the US?
Context
The MP is concerned about potential concessions around AI regulation in deals with the US, which could weaken the UK's copyright framework and harm the creative sector.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
Our creatives are second to none in the world, as I just said, and our copyright framework is an essential part of their success. We have been clear that if it does not work for creatives, it does not work for us and we will not do it. On negotiations with the United States, the Prime Minister has been clear that this is the start of the process, but we will always work in the national interest, and we are considering all steps as we look to the future.
Session: Use of AI Creative Industries 2025-04-03
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Although I recognise that the use of facial recognition technology can lead to more offenders being caught, does the Minister accept that deployment of a permanent network of fixed cameras across Croydon represents a significant escalation in their use, which makes it all the more important that a clear legislative framework governing their use is debated and approved by Parliament?
Context
Following a Westminster Hall debate, Sir John Whittingdale is concerned about the potential escalation in use of live facial recognition technology with the deployment of fixed cameras in Croydon.
The Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention (Dame Diana Johnson)
I fully accept that there is a need to consider live facial recognition. At the moment the law governing the use of that technology comes from various different things—human rights and equalities legislation, and other measures—and we want to see whether that should be brought together. That is why I have been having a series of meetings over the last few months. As I said, we will set out our plans for live facial recognition in the coming months.
Session: Live Facial Recognition 2025-03-31
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Given the recent statements from the CBI, the IoD and the London Chamber of Commerce about plummeting business confidence, is it surprising that this has happened with a tsunami of NICs, business rates and employment cost rises? Are the Government actually destroying growth rather than promoting it?
Context
The CBI, the Institute of Directors and the London chamber of commerce have all recently stated that business confidence is plummeting due to increases in national insurance contributions, business rates, and employment costs.
Gareth Thomas
Business leaders have backed our measures for growth, including plans to boost capital investment by over £100 billion over the next five years. The BCC, CBI and FSB made positive comments about our plans, and PwC's annual survey of global CEOs ranked Britain second in attractiveness for investment.
Session: Business Confidence 2025-01-30
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Despite the very brief answer given, is he aware that there is widespread concern among small and medium-sized tech firms and trade associations about the replacement of the chair of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) by a former Amazon executive? Will the Government make clear their commitment to the operational independence of the CMA and the Digital Markets Unit, and to obtaining stronger competition in digital markets?
Context
Concerns among small and medium-sized tech firms and trade associations about the replacement of CMA chair by a former Amazon executive.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Justin Madders)
I can give the right hon. Member that reassurance. The independence of the CMA is very important. That will remain in place and a new strategic steer will be issued shortly that will reaffirm that independence.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-01-30
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Does the Minister agree that transparency is crucial if creators are to understand where their works are being used by AI developers? Can he therefore assure me that the Government will legislate on transparency whatever the outcome of the consultation on copyright reform?
Context
Creators need to understand where their works are being used by AI developers for transparency and proper remuneration.
The Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms (Chris Bryant)
The right hon. Gentleman makes a good point about transparency, which is a key element of our consultation. We have presented a package because we want to ensure there is a win-win here. We want AI developers to have the legal certainty that they need to develop their products in the UK as UK producers, and for creative industries to know when their works are being used, so that if they want to say no they can say no, and if they want to say yes they will be properly remunerated for it.
Session: AI Copyright in the Creative Industries 2025-01-08
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Merry Christmas. Our hard-working farmers in Calder Valley want a living wage from farming not land tax avoidance. After 14 years of neglect by the last Government, farmers now face unprofitability issues. I welcome our new Labour deal for farmers and the 25-year roadmap to profitability. Can you assure me that Calder Valley farmers will receive their fair share in this new deal and the improved countryside stewardship higher-tier scheme next year?
Context
The MP highlights the unprofitability of farming due to previous government policies, and welcomes Labour's new deal aiming to improve profitability over 25 years.
Steve Reed
My hon. Friend, while acknowledging the shadow Secretary's past statements, confirms that farmers need to be profitable businesses and our new deal includes supply chain fairness to ensure profitability for the future.
Session: Budget Family Farms 2024-12-19
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What assessment has been made of the impact of the autumn Budget 2024 on family farms. I am concerned that research shows 75% of commercial farms will exceed the £1 million threshold for inheritance tax and face potential bills up to £1.5 million, jeopardising their future.
Context
The MP notes concerns about the Autumn Budget's impact on family farms, particularly regarding inheritance tax.
Steve Reed
The Government has committed £5 billion to agriculture over two years and is investing £60 million in the farming recovery fund. Concerns about inheritance tax are acknowledged, but over 75% of claimants would not be affected according to the last available data.
Session: Budget Family Farms 2024-12-19
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Will the Minister at least consider delaying the implementation of the national insurance contribution increase to 2026-27?
Context
The MP mentions a UKHospitality estimate that the Budget measures will increase employee costs by £2,500 and could lead to higher prices or fewer jobs.
Gareth Thomas
I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman will have noticed that in the Budget, the Chancellor more than doubled the employment allowance to £10,500. That will mean that more than a million small businesses, many of them hospitality businesses, will see no increase in their national insurance liabilities next year.
Session: Hospitality Businesses 2024-12-12
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What steps he is taking to support the hospitality sector. Businesses in Maldon rely on government measures to thrive and contribute to economic growth.
Context
The MP is concerned about supporting local businesses in his constituency that are part of the hospitality industry.
Gareth Thomas
Hospitality businesses are at the heart of our communities and vital for economic growth. The Government are creating a fairer business rates system, reducing alcohol duty on qualifying draught products and reforming the apprenticeship levy to support businesses and boost opportunities.
Session: Hospitality Businesses 2024-12-12
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May I commend the report from the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee, entitled “The future of news”? It highlights the threat from the unauthorised use of news content to train AI models. Will the Secretary of State consider, as a matter of urgency, strengthening the legislation in this area, and consider the introduction of a licensing scheme, as the report recommends?
Context
The House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee report highlights the threat from unauthorized use of news content to train AI models, urging for stronger legislation.
Lisa Nandy
I know that this matter is of huge concern not just to the right hon. Gentleman but to the Chair of the Select Committee, the hon. Member for Gosport (Dame Caroline Dinenage), and to many other Members. As he knows, the Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism has responsibilities in both this Department and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and has taken a keen interest in the issue. We have read the report and are considering its recommendations, and I will shortly be in a position to update the right hon. Gentleman on the action that the Government intend to take.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-11-28
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The Labour manifesto spoke of the need for a consensus on social care, and the Secretary of State has said that he wants to reach out across the political divide—although the message does not seem quite to have reached the Minister yet. During Health and Social Care questions in July, the Minister said there would be announcements in the near future, but since then we have heard nothing. We are ready to talk; when will the Government be ready?
Context
Health and Social Care questions in July saw the promise of future announcements.
Stephen Kinnock
I am not sure if the right hon. Gentleman was listening to my previous answer. We have just set out groundbreaking legislation to settle the issue of adult social care pay, which is more than the last lot did in 14 years. We are absolutely committed to building cross-party consensus and will engage with all hon. Members on this issue.
Session: Adult Social Care 2024-10-15
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The A12 is the major artery between London and the east coast. It is already busier than most motorways with horrendous congestion and delays. Will the Minister therefore press ahead with the widening scheme which is at an advanced stage without which the Government's projected growth targets and housing targets simply will not be met?
Context
The A12 is experiencing severe congestion and delays, impacting growth targets and housing development.
Lilian Greenwood
I understand the pressures in relation to the A12 but as the right hon. Member will know, the Secretary of State has announced a review of our Department's capital portfolio that will support the development of our long-term strategy for transport and there is a Budget and a spending review coming up.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-10-10
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When it comes to insulating millions more homes across the country and reducing bills for families, will we take a “wait and see” approach?
Context
The previous Minister admitted that the last Government could have gone further and faster on home insulation, but said he would wait to see how the new Government tackles this.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
Whether it is ending the onshore wind ban, CCUS funding announced last week, our plans for Great British Energy, or warm homes plan, we are hitting the ground running to deliver energy security and financial security. The Conservatives dithered and delayed for 14 years.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-10-08
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Will he look at what further sanctions might be used to put pressure on the Russian Government to release Vladimir Kara-Murza and other political prisoners?
Context
Vladimir Kara-Murza, a British citizen and opponent of the Russian government, is detained along with Evan Gershkovich, an American journalist. The questioner seeks further sanctions to press for their release.
Stephen Doughty
We call for the release of all those detained in Russia on political grounds, including Kara-Murza and Gershkovich. We have met many families concerned about their loved ones' detention and will continue to take this very seriously.
Session: Russian Sanctions Regime 2024-07-30
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I ask if Ministers will confirm whether they intend to open cross-party talks and, if so, whether free personal care will be on the table as one potential option. This is in line with our Liberal Democrat commitment during the election.
Context
The question concerns cross-party discussions regarding the introduction of free personal care, which was a key pledge during the general election campaign.
Andrew Gwynne
I thank the hon. Lady for the way in which the Liberal Democrats approached the issue of health and social care during the election campaign. We will work with all in the House who want to fix our broken health and social care system. Of course we will work collegiately across parties, and all issues relating to how we fix our broken social care system will be discussed.
Session: Health and Social Care Reform 2024-07-23
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
BBC Charter Renewal
06 January 2026
Responding: Stephanie Peacock
Main Concerns
["Since the last debate on BBC funding, major editorial failings have occurred, including 'Panorama' reporting issues and coverage controversies. There were also shocking revelations about harassment and bullying within the organisation. The number of people declaring unwillingness to pay the licence fee has increased by 300,000, contributing to a £1.1 billion loss to the BBC due to non-payment or declaration of non-use. This is exacerbated by high costs of living and more choices available through streaming services."]
Specific Asks
['The Government should consider alternatives to the licence fee system and discuss what the future role of the BBC should be before deciding on funding methods. The debate around a smaller BBC should not be dismissed as it questions whether maintaining eight national television channels and ten radio stations is still necessary with increased alternative media options.']
[David Mundell in the Chair]
18 December 2024
Responding: Stephanie Peacock
Main Concerns
['The funding of the BBC through the licence fee is becoming increasingly unsustainable. Since the last charter renewal, there has been an explosion in streaming platforms that invest heavily in content, leading to a decline in traditional broadcast television viewing, particularly among young people. The number of TV licences held fell by 500,000 over the past year, and this trend will likely continue as more viewers choose subscription-based services instead of paying for a TV licence.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should consider transitioning to alternative funding models such as subscription-based services once the majority of the population has access to IPTV. It is also necessary to discuss how core public service content, including radio and the World Service, can be funded outside of the licence fee system, potentially through general taxation.']
Facial Recognition: Police Use
13 November 2024
Responding: Diana R. Johnson
Main Concerns
['The use of live facial recognition technology by police forces is increasing, but there are concerns about its regulation and potential misuse. John Whittingdale highlighted a lack of national guidelines and the risk of false positives, which can lead to breaches of data protection and privacy rights. He cited an example where Shaun Thompson was detained for 30 minutes due to a false positive and emphasised that racial bias may be involved. Campaign organisations such as Big Brother Watch have raised concerns about indiscriminate surveillance and undermining the presumption of innocence.']
Specific Asks
['Whittingdale calls for clarity in law regarding the use of live facial recognition technology, suggesting it is essential to provide guidelines for police forces to ensure they are using the technology proportionately and legally. He also highlights the need for national standards to monitor the efficacy and lawfulness of LFR.']
Standards in Public Life
09 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Jimmy Lai: Prison Sentence
09 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
National Cancer Plan 2026-02-05
05 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government's national cancer plan aims to save 320,000 more lives by 2035. The plan includes modernising the NHS, harnessing science and technology, prioritising clinical trials, early detection t...
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 ...
Iran 2026-02-03
03 February 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the Government’s actions regarding the brutal crackdown on protesters in Iran? The MP is concerned about the scale of violence and brutality, including reports of tens of tho...
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...
Local Government Reorganisation 2026-01-22
22 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Business Rates Retail, Hospitality and Leisure 2026-01-19
19 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that the planned changes to business rates for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors will not result in crippling rises? Given the significant negative impact these cha...
Local Elections Cancellation 2026-01-19
19 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that the scheduled local government elections in May 2026 will not be cancelled, and explain why it is necessary to do so at this late stage despite the Government's previous...
Digital ID 2026-01-15
15 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that the mandatory digital ID policy will continue as planned? The MP expresses concern about the policy's cost, effectiveness, and whether it is still necessary given its ev...
Attendance
95.5%
21 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
12
54.5% of votes
No Votes
9
40.9% of votes
Abstentions
1
4.5% of votes
03 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
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
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
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
24
Ministerial Questions Asked
63
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
22
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 649 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-48% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.9
Ministerial Questions
+202% above average
This MP:
24
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+95% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2564% above average
This MP:
63
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 (%)
+26% above average
This MP:
95.5
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 John Whittingdale's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.