Brian Mathew
MP for Melksham and Devizes
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.
Can the Minister confirm that all is being done to further support these local responses and initiatives?
Context
A meeting with University of Stellenbosch experts highlighted the importance of local responses in combating the DRC Ebola outbreak, particularly in Africa, citing £100,000 funding committed locally.
Chris Elmore
The UK listens to African countries about how to respond, investing £160 million with Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations to develop vaccines. The hon Member is welcome to write further regarding local support needs.
Session: Ebola Outbreaks
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Can the Foreign Secretary detail diplomatic, economic, and political measures being used to end violence in Sudan, particularly with allies like the UAE?
Context
The Berlin conference did not achieve a Sudan ceasefire.
Yvette Cooper
We have discussed this matter extensively at the Berlin conference and with various countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the US.
Session: Topical Questions
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I have heard lots of stories from learners in my constituency about their long wait for driving tests, and waits for medical driving licences are also going up. I am delighted that this Government are taking the driving test backlog seriously. Monmouthshire residents will be relieved to know that I have heard that a new examiner is being trained up in Monmouth test centre as we speak, with another joining in Abergavenny soon. Will the Minister update me on what further steps the Department is taking to ensure that examiners are recruited, trained and out doing driving tests as soon as possible?
Context
Examiners are being recruited in Monmouth test centre, with another joining soon. Examiners are essential for reducing waiting times.
Simon Lightwood
The DVSA continues its recruitment campaigns for new driving examiners. Examiner capacity is rising, with 1,553 full-time equivalent examiners in post as of February 2026—that is an increase of 108 when compared with the number of driving examiners in February 2025. DVSA has also had difficulty in retaining experienced driving examiners, some of whom retire or leave the DVSA for other roles. We are encouraging them to stay, with exceptional payments of £5,000 to examiners in eligible roles, divided into two payments over the next 12 months.
Session: Driving Test Waiting Times
View All Questions -->
Young constituents in Melksham and Devizes who are waiting months for driving tests are resorting to paying premium prices for cancellation apps, often getting slots halfway across the country, just to get on the road. One 20-year-old told me that the costs of the wait killed his motivation entirely and that driving was becoming financially out of reach. Given that in rural areas such as mine driving is not a luxury but a necessity, will the Minister commit not only to reducing waiting times in rural areas but to reviewing the affordability of the testing system for young people?
Context
Driving test waiting times remain high, affecting many constituents in Melksham and Devizes. Young people are resorting to paying premium prices for cancellation apps to get driving tests.
Simon Lightwood
This Government will continue to do all we can to drive down the waiting times, and of course, we will always keep the affordability of driving tests under review.
Session: Driving Test Waiting Times
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I welcome the new animal welfare strategy for England, particularly the banning of snare traps, but what progress is being made on protecting hares during the breeding season, and delivering on the pledge to consult on ending trail hunting where it is used as a cover for illegally killing foxes?
Context
The question follows from the new animal welfare strategy for England which includes a ban on snares. The MP is concerned about protecting hares during their breeding season and ending trail hunting as a cover for illegal fox killing.
Emma Reynolds
I thank the hon. Member for his interest, and share his view that the use of snare traps is cruel and indiscriminate. We are looking at and consulting on whether we can introduce a closed season for hares.
Session: Snare Traps
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What progress has been made on banning snare traps as outlined in our manifesto and animal welfare strategy?
Context
The question pertains to the commitment made by the government in their manifesto regarding the banning of snare traps. There is a pressing need for action due to the indiscriminate nature of these traps.
Emma Reynolds
As outlined in our manifesto, this Government are committed to bringing an end to the use of snare traps. We set out this commitment in our animal welfare strategy, and are actively looking to bring a ban on snares into force as quickly as possible.
Session: Snare Traps
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The Government's changes to employer national insurance contributions have made it more expensive for employers to take on staff, particularly in the hospitality sector, which employs a high proportion of young people and part-time workers. Does the Minister agree that these changes have made it more difficult for young people in Melksham and Devizes and across the country to get a foot on the career ladder and start their working lives?
Context
Concern about the impact of employer national insurance changes on youth employment.
Torsten Bell
I think all of us recognise that our hospitality and retail sectors have had a difficult time in recent years. For retail, that goes back before the pandemic, with the growth of online shopping. The squeeze on energy costs in the outrun of the pandemic has squeezed how much people are spending on hospitality. Specifically on the hon. Member's question about national insurance, I am sure he is aware that those under the age of 21 and on youth apprenticeships are exempt from national insurance entirely. I would gently point out that the youth employment pattern we see in the labour market long predates the changes to national insurance last year.
Session: Youth Unemployment Autumn Budget 2025
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What assessment has the Minister made of the potential impact of the autumn Budget 2025 on levels of youth unemployment?
Context
Concern about the impact of the autumn Budget 2025 on youth unemployment.
Torsten Bell
Last week, the Office for Budget Responsibility set out its updated forecast for the UK economy, including for unemployment to peak this year before falling in each and every year thereafter. Longer-term problems for young people have been building in our labour market for far too long, with employment rates that are too low and levels of those not in education, employment or training soaring in the last Parliament. We will not allow a generation of young people to be left behind, which is why the Government have committed £820 million for the youth guarantee, strengthening employment support and guaranteeing jobs for the long-term unemployed.
Session: Youth Unemployment Autumn Budget 2025
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I thank the Minister for his answer. Network Rail's Wiltshire strategic study identifies a clear strategic and economic case for upgrading the railway through Melksham, with a new passing loop unlocking capacity for an hourly passenger service, increased freight movements and improved network resilience when other lines are closed. The study also highlights how the proposed gateway station would deliver economic growth for Devizes and boost connectivity for towns and villages along the Kennet valley.
Context
Network Rail's Wiltshire strategic study identifies a clear case for upgrading the railway through Melksham to unlock hourly passenger service and boost economic growth.
Keir Mather
I thank the hon. Member for his important question. I am aware of both the Bath and Wiltshire metro scheme and the Devizes gateway project. While there are currently no specific plans to deliver on those aspirations, we would encourage both him and local stakeholders, including local authorities, Great Western Rail and Network Rail to continue to work together to develop those plans, including sourcing funding opportunities.
Session: Passenger Railway Services
View All Questions -->
What steps she is taking to improve railway services for passengers. Rail performance is improving following a decade of decline. The government is working with the rail industry on a performance restoration framework focusing on five areas: timetable resilience, staffing, and keeping trains moving during disruptive events.
Context
Rail performance has been declining for a decade, prompting the question about steps to improve railway services.
Keir Mather
Rail performance is improving following a decade of decline. We are working with the rail industry on a performance restoration framework, focusing on five areas: timetable resilience, staffing, and keeping trains safely moving during disruptive events.
Session: Passenger Railway Services
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Over the past week, many of us have seen and felt the proof that our weather is becoming more extreme. That is why it is ever more important to be proactive and forward-thinking in our housing strategy. Does the Minister agree that sites that flood frequently, such as the old golf course in Bradford-on-Avon in my constituency of Melksham and Devizes, should not be included in local plans and not be called upon for development?
Context
Recent extreme weather events have highlighted the need for proactive flood management in housing development. Constituency-specific issue: The old golf course in Bradford-on-Avon, Melksham and Devizes frequently floods.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
I would say a number of things to the hon. Gentleman. First, local plans are tested for their soundness by the Planning Inspectorate. He will appreciate that I cannot comment on individual sites, but I again draw the attention of the House to the strong protections in national planning policy which mean that development that could be vulnerable to flooding should not be allowed in areas of high flood risk.
Session: Flood Resilience New Housing
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What steps is the Church of England taking to help support persecuted Christians in other countries? Next month marks the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church when congregations across the world will pray for those persecuted for their faith. This includes those in Sudan, where many Christians have been abducted and killed and more than 100 churches have been targeted for damage in recent years.
Context
Next month marks the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, a time when congregations pray for those facing persecution. In Sudan, many Christians have been abducted and killed, with over 100 churches targeted.
The Second Church Estates Commissioner (Marsha De Cordova)
The Church of England supports efforts to defend international religious freedoms for Christians or whichever religious group faces persecution. The Church has created parliamentary caucuses involving religious leaders in east and west Africa, and in south-east Asia to support legislation to protect religious freedoms. In Sudan, the Church of England dioceses have given financial support and practical aid, working through local agencies and international charities to support the local clergy there. The Bishop of Leeds has visited the country many times, most recently within the past year, and continues to raise the situation in the other place.
Session: Persecuted Christians
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Recent polling by WaterAid and YouGov shows that access to water, sanitation and hygiene is the No. 1 priority that the UK public want to see funded through UK aid. That makes sense, given that water underpins global health, keeps girls in school and builds climate-resilient communities. Does the Minister agree that it is one of the smartest and most cost-effective ways to deliver the UK’s development goals? Without access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene, there can be no meaningful progress in any of those areas.
Context
Polling by WaterAid and YouGov shows that UK public prioritises funding for water, sanitation, and hygiene through UK aid. This aligns with the importance of these services to global health, education, and climate resilience.
Stephen Doughty (Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The hon. Gentleman makes important points. I had the pleasure of seeing many important water and sanitation projects in my previous career. We are concentrating on maintaining our impact by focusing on partnerships with Governments and multilaterals, and establishing the conditions that can secure additional domestic funding and private investment in those areas. He rightly makes the link between water and sanitation and health, and that will be considered as we approach future funding allocations.
Session: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
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With the Russians using drones to drop CS gas into the trenches of the Donbas, and Avon Protection in my constituency ready to manufacture the residue of the 75,000 gas masks that Ukraine requested, will the Government put in an order as soon as possible, please?
Context
The Russians are using drones to drop CS gas into the trenches of Donbas. Avon Protection in Melksham and Devizes is ready to manufacture 300,000 gas masks requested by Ukraine.
Maria Eagle
We have taken many steps to try to improve the capabilities of the Ukrainians when it comes to drone technology, and I am perfectly happy to look at the point that the hon. Gentleman has raised.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
USAID Funding Pause
10 June 2025
Responding: Catherine West
Main Concerns
['The recent cuts to the United States Agency for International Development—USAID—pose a grave risk to millions of people around the world, as well as to global stability. The UK has effectively lost a key partner in aid due to USAID’s funding pause, and other donors are also reducing their aid spend. According to WaterAid, the UK’s annual budget for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) has been cut by approximately 82%, from £206 million per year down to just £37 million a year in 16-17.']
Specific Asks
['The UK should not follow suit in cutting aid; the Government must ensure that funding for WASH and other vital sectors is maintained to prevent further suffering among the world’s poorest people.']
Sudan
25 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
15 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
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...
Russian Shadow Fleet
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Transport (Scotland) Bill - Schedule 4 - Minor and Consequential amendments
10 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment seeks to make minor and consequential changes to the bill, ensuring consistency in the provisions. It includes technical adjustments to align with existing regulations and improve clarit...
Lebanon: Israel Defence Forces Operations
03 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs to make a statement on the Israel Defence Forces’ operations in Lebanon. Emphasised that the IDF is expanding its i...
Health and Social Care Bill
01 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, James Murray, moved the Second Reading of the Health and Social Care Bill. He emphasised the personal significance of the NHS in his life due to a ra...
Defence Readiness
20 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
23 April 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The DVLA is not fit for purpose in how it delivers its responsibilities, particularly regarding medical driving licences. Last year alone, the agency issued over 12 million driving licences and handle...
Strategic Defence Review: Funding
15 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
International Development
19 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
67.5%
56 of 83 votes
Aye Votes
41
49.4% of votes
No Votes
15
18.1% of votes
Abstentions
27
32.5% of votes
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
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 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
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 AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
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
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: 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
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
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: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
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
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
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
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
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
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
04 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
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 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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: 184
Passed
0
PMQs Asked
14
Ministerial Questions Asked
41
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
83
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
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+2% above average
This MP:
14
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+747% above average
This MP:
41
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-3% below average
This MP:
67.5
Average:
69.5
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 Brian Mathew's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.