Adam Dance
MP for Yeovil
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.
In January last year, Somerset received around 2,000 pothole reports. This January, there were nearly 7,000—a 250% increase. I recently stood on the Fosse Way in my constituency, where one resident had blown a tyre and another was checking the damage under his car. Families and small businesses are paying the price. Rural counties like Somerset have some of the largest rural networks in the country, yet the funding does not reflect that reality. Will the Prime Minister commit to fairer funding for rural areas so that we can properly maintain and resurface our roads, rather than constantly patching them up?
Context
There was a significant increase of pothole reports from Somerset, going from around 2,000 to nearly 7,000 within one year.
Keir Starmer
I know how important it is that we fix the crumbling roads that we inherited from the Conservative party. The hon. Gentleman's county council will receive over £225 million as part of our £7.3 billion investment to tackle potholes. We are also implementing tough new standards so that councils have to prove that they are fixing the roads properly, and delivering £78 billion for councils to ensure that they can deliver excellent local services.
Session: PMQs
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I hope the Prime Minister will agree with me that the defence industry in Somerset is a key engine for growth, jobs and innovation. Leonardo in Yeovil is making fantastic progress with the Proteus uncrewed helicopter, but the future of that project, thousands of jobs at the site in Yeovil and the £320 million that Leonardo contributes to local GDP are dependent on the new medium helicopter contract. Will the Prime Minister reassure my constituents that he supports the industry in Yeovil, and will his Government finally get around to awarding this long overdue contract?
Context
The future of the Proteus uncrewed helicopter project at Leonardo in Yeovil is dependent on the new medium helicopter contract, which would support thousands of jobs and local GDP.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I pay tribute to those in Somerset and the hon. Gentleman’s constituency in the defence sector, which is hugely important to our country and our security. I can confirm that we are continuing with the established procurement process for the new medium helicopter programme to deliver modern equipment for our armed forces.
Session: PMQs
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Maternity services in Yeovil are due to shut on Monday after a deeply flawed CQC inspection and move to Musgrove Park hospital in Taunton which does not have capacity for an extra 1,300 births annually. Although the closure is initially for six months, I have received no guarantee that the services will open again, creating huge fear. Will the Prime Minister or relevant Minister agree to meet me and colleagues from the south-west to stop this decision?
Context
The maternity services in Yeovil are set to shut down following a Care Quality Commission inspection, moving patients to Musgrove Park Hospital which lacks capacity for an additional 1,300 births annually. The initial closure is six months but no guarantee exists for reopening.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I am grateful to the hon. Member for raising this issue, which must be of concern. I am not across the details at this stage, but I will make sure that he gets a meeting with the relevant Minister to get to the bottom of the issue.
Session: PMQs
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The universal credit team have admitted that they made the wrong decision on whether my constituent had to pay the bedroom tax for a room to care for his son, but they have only backdated payments to 25 May 2025, rather than 1 July 2024. Can the Minister ensure that my constituent gets a full refund, and set out how we are going to stop future errors on universal credit decisions?
Context
A constituent's universal credit team made a wrong decision on whether they had to pay the bedroom tax for a room to care for their son, but payments were only backdated to May 2025 instead of July 2024.
Stephen Timms
There is a limit on how far back applications can be backdated, but if the hon. Gentleman would like to drop me a line with the details, I will make sure that we have a good look at the case he raises.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-06-29
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Red diesel costs have rocketed from 78p a litre on 26 February to around 98p a litre now. For Nick, who farms in South Petherton, price rises mean an extra £7,000 per week cost that he basically has to take on the chin. Can the Secretary of State tell Yeovil farmers what steps he is taking to support them with the cost of red diesel?
Context
Red diesel prices have risen from 78p to 98p per litre, costing South Petherton farmers £7,000 more per week.
Ed Miliband
We take this issue incredibly seriously, and we are talking to the Competition and Markets Authority to make sure that the pricing is fair. We continue to monitor this, and to look at what further action may be necessary.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps is the Secretary of State taking through the criminal justice system to support victims of violence against women, particularly those who report historical cases of sexual violence? Several young constituents faced terrible communication, years of delay, and ultimately no prosecution by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Context
Several young constituents reported issues with communication, delay, and non-prosecution by the Crown Prosecution Service when reporting historical cases of sexual violence.
Catherine Atkinson
We will be delivering the new victims' code which sets out service, support, and information that victims are entitled to. We are also supporting victims with the largest ever investment of £550 million in victim support services.
Session: Topical Questions
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Why is my office still awaiting responses from the DWP after more than six months? Will the Minister commit to expediting these responses and increase resources dedicated to responding to Member inquiries, especially regarding universal credit?
Context
The questioner's office has been waiting over six months for DWP replies to certain cases. Citizens Advice also faces similar delays, highlighting systemic issues in the department.
Pat McFadden
Responding to hon. Members' inquiries is important, and I raise that with the Department constantly. The Minister will ensure that specific cases are looked at right away if details are provided.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does he accept that if bigger defence firms cannot get contracts like the one for the new medium-lift helicopter, we risk losing not just Leonardo but smaller defence firms too?
Context
Many small and medium-sized enterprises rely on larger defence firms such as Leonardo for contracts. If larger firms do not get contracts, smaller suppliers may also lose out.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
Firms such as Leonardo are getting defence contracts. I was in Edinburgh just the week before last to award a £450 million contract to Leonardo for a really important part of upgrading our Typhoon jets for the future. Of course, the hon. Gentleman is right that the supply chain to smaller and medium-sized firms is often mediated by primes such as Leonardo, which is why it is important that, since the election, we have let over 1,100 major contracts in defence, 84% of which have gone to British-based firms.
Session: Support for Defence SMEs
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What steps is the Secretary of State taking to improve access to mental health services in Yeovil?
Context
The MP highlighted the challenge of accessing mental health services in rural areas due to stretched and underfunded services.
Wes Streeting
The Government increased investment in mental health by an extra £688 million in 2025, with all systems forecast to deliver the mental health investment standard. Integrated care boards are required to protect mental health spending in real terms, rising in line with inflation.
Session: Topical Questions
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A 25-year-old constituent of mine went missing in Sardinia on the evening of Saturday 13 July. The Italian authorities called off the search on Friday, so will the Foreign Secretary meet me to urge the Italian authorities to help to find my constituent?
Context
A constituent of the MP went missing in Sardinia and the Italian authorities have ended active search efforts.
Stephen Doughty
I thank the hon. Gentleman for representing his constituent's family concerns. Consular officials are providing support and have remained in contact with Italian authorities. The ambassador has raised this case, but they have ended active search efforts.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Fraud Strategy 2026-29
07 July 2026
Responding: Angela Eagle
Main Concerns
['Fraud has escalated significantly, costing the UK economy over £1 billion annually. Adam Dance highlighted several incidents of fraud affecting his constituents: a small business scammed out of £3,000; an elderly mother defrauded by an estranged relative resulting in bailiff visits; and another constituent tricked into investing hundreds of thousands of pounds. The Member noted the rise to £1.2 billion in consumer losses in 2025, the highest in four years.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP called for a meeting with the minister to discuss issues raised during the debate and asked if cases previously closed by Action Fraud could be reopened using new systems. He also questioned whether £250 million was sufficient funding for combating fraud and urged the Minister to commit to pushing Ofcom to prioritise enforcement against fraudulent social media advertising.']
New Medium Helicopter Programme
11 February 2026
Responding: Luke Pollard
Main Concerns
['The UK has a capability gap following the retirement of the Puma helicopter, necessitating a new medium-lift helicopter for armed forces operations. Adam Dance highlighted that not awarding the £1 billion contract to Leonardo could put over 3,000 jobs and 12,000 indirect jobs at risk in Yeovil, along with significant economic impacts including a loss of £320 million to local GDP and investment of £1.2 million for training in the defence sector.']
Specific Asks
['The Minister should clarify how high the new medium helicopter is on the priority list compared to other programmes. He should also explain why the tender proceeded despite knowing Leonardo was the only bidder, address rumours about delays in the DIP, and detail conversations with No. 10 and the Treasury regarding funding.']
Support for Dyslexic Pupils
11 November 2025
Responding: Georgia Gould
Main Concerns
['Dyslexia affects around one in ten people and presents significant challenges to dyslexic pupils, with only four in five pupils receiving a formal diagnosis. The cost of diagnosis is £600, unaffordable for many families, creating substantial inequality. Schools are underfunded and teachers lack proper training and resources to support dyslexic pupils.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should implement a universal screening programme and provide necessary funding to schools to ensure early identification and support for dyslexic students.']
Summer Health and Resilience
09 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Education and Skills Reform
09 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Rewiring the State
02 September 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister has set out priorities to address 40 years of overly centralised decision making and over-privatisation, which have stripped power and resources away from communities. The Governmen...
NHS Corridor Care
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Expressed deep concern about the issue of 'corridor care' in NHS, highlighting that treatment in corridors is not care due to lack of proper equipment and dignity. Stressed the importance of accurate ...
National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Investment Plan
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Prisoner Early Release
29 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Farming Road Map and Profitability Review
24 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Steel Tariffs
17 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
15 June 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
Moves to express concern over the state of NHS dentistry, noting that nearly 14 million people in England could not access dental care. Highlights issues such as lack of availability for children in S...
Hundredstone Post Office
08 July 2026
The petition addresses the closure of the Hundredstone post office in Yeovil, which will leave locals without in-person postal and banking services as the current site is set to close by 29 July 2026.
View Full Petition -->
Hyper-Acute Stroke Unit at Yeovil District Hospital
23 March 2026
The petition addresses concerns about the planned closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s hyper-acute stroke unit (HASU) without sufficient local evidence, particularly regarding travel times to alterna...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
68.1%
64 of 94 votes
Aye Votes
49
52.1% of votes
No Votes
15
16.0% of votes
Abstentions
30
31.9% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
03 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
3
PMQs Asked
7
Ministerial Questions Asked
42
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
2
Petitions Presented
94
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
-48% below average
This MP:
7
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+764% above average
This MP:
42
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-18% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-1% below average
This MP:
68.1
Average:
68.8
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 Adam Dance's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.