Callum Anderson
MP for Buckingham and Bletchley
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.
The Government's renewed commitment to devolution is welcome in Bletchley and Milton Keynes; we are eager to deepen our partnership with the neighbouring local authorities in Luton and Bedfordshire, with whom we share a strong labour market and a broader economic geography. In that vein, will the Minister meet me and parliamentary colleagues to discuss how we can create a combined authority, with a directly elected mayor, at the very heart of the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor?
Context
The questioner seeks to deepen partnership with neighbouring local authorities and create a combined authority with a directly elected mayor in the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor.
Matthew Pennycook
I am always happy to meet my hon. Friend. I think that the matters in question will fall to another Minister, thankfully, but I am more than happy to join that meeting if housing issues are involved.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-07
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In my Oxfordshire constituency, Challow and Childrey cricket club's partnership with local state school King Alfred's Academy is providing cricket opportunities to students who may not otherwise have access to the sport. However, affordability and perceptions of cricket mean that a participation gap remains between state-funded schools and independent schools. What further steps can the Government take to improve opportunities to participate in sport?
Context
Olly Glover mentioned the partnership between Challow and Childrey cricket club and King Alfred's Academy in his constituency to provide cricket opportunities to students.
Stephanie Peacock
Cricket is incredibly popular, and I know how important it is in my own constituency—I visited Worsbrough to see the England and Wales Cricket Board's schools programme in action. Programmes like that are incredibly important for getting people, and in particular young people, involved and active in sport.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-03
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I welcome the Foreign Secretary's decision to show personal leadership in acting as the UK Governor to the World Bank, given the wildfires that we have seen in Europe across the summer and the flooding in Nepal. Will he tell us how he intends to use the UK's influence to ensure that adaptation and resilience finance is accessible much more quickly to those countries that need it most?
Context
The Foreign Secretary's decision to act as the UK Governor to the World Bank in light of wildfires in Europe and flooding in Nepal.
Ed Miliband
My hon. Friend raises a really important point. The reason I took up this role is that I want the World Bank to do more to make adaptation and resilience go further and faster and to make it simpler and more accessible. We know from events around the world how vulnerable countries on the frontline of climate breakdown are, and I undertake to him and to the House that I will make that a top priority.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-01
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Will the Secretary of State update the House on what support the Government are providing to incentivise small and microbusinesses in helping to give opportunities to young people?
Context
The MP met small business owners who expressed concerns about the up-front costs of training and supervision when considering hiring young people.
Peter Kyle
We have created a specific fund to support SMEs and young people to start up businesses, incredibly important that people from all backgrounds get to explore their entrepreneurial talents.
Session: Youth Employment 2026-07-02
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Thank you, Mr Speaker. I regularly hear from farmers in my constituency. The shadow Farming Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Keighley and Ilkley (Robbie Moore), is today at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026, where he will no doubt hear about the challenges that farmers face as a direct result of this Government's damaging policies. Add to that soaring energy and fertiliser costs, and it is no wonder that food prices continue to rise under this Government. Will the Minister demonstrate that she understands the urgency of this issue for farmers and consumers and urge the Chancellor to follow the Conservative plan to scrap the fertiliser tax—the carbon border adjustment mechanism—so that we can keep food affordable and back British farmers?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of rising energy and fertiliser costs on food prices.
Angela Eagle
I am in close contact with domestic fertiliser suppliers. I held a ministerial roundtable with them and industry leaders across food farming and the supply chain to hear about the pressures and confirm our readiness to act when required, so the hon. Lady can be assured that we will do that.
Session: Cost of Fertiliser
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Around half of working-age people are under-saving for retirement, which is why I welcomed the relaunch of the Pensions Commission last year. Can the Minister update the House on how the commission’s forthcoming interim report will set out a credible path to raising contribution rates, in a sustainable way, for those who need that most?
Torsten Bell
I welcome my hon. Friend’s question, and he is absolutely right. We have seen progress in the last 15 years; 23 million employees now save into a pension, and that is restarting the business of workplace pension savings in the UK, but the job is not done. It is not done because of the issue that he raises about the adequacy of the amount saved by those who are saving, and because 45% of working-age adults are saving nothing at all. That is why there has been cross-party consensus that we should bring back the Pensions Commission to look at the question of adequacy, and I am pleased to say that its interim report will be published in the coming months.
Session: Topical Questions
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The UK rightly committed 1.5% of GDP to boosting our national resilience, along with our NATO partners. Ahead of the next NATO summit in Ankara in July, can the Minister confirm whether the Government will publish a departmental breakdown of how the UK will meet its commitments?
Dan Jarvis
In the national security strategy, the Government made an historic commitment to spend 5% of our GDP on national security by 2025. That includes funding to protect critical infrastructure, ensure civil preparedness and resilience, unleash innovation and strengthen our defence industrial base. We are currently working through proposals for the UK to meet the 1.5% NATO commitment, and we will set out our detailed plans in due course.
Session: Topical Questions
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Residents across Winslow and Bletchley are increasingly frustrated at the lack of East West Rail passenger services. Can you update on discussions with rail partners to resolve outstanding issues, and provide a clear timetable for service start?
Context
Residents frustrated with lack of East West Rail passenger services.
Heidi Alexander
I sympathise with the frustration. Discussions continue between Chiltern and trade unions on operational arrangements and preparatory works to trains and stations. I assure him that as soon as we have a start date, he will be the first to know.
Session: Topical Questions
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I recently visited the Gawcott Fields Community Solar project, which will invest £2.8 million over 25 years into local environmental initiatives. Can the Minister update the House on how the Government's local power plan will enable more communities, especially rural and low-income ones, to manage their own energy?
Context
The Gawcott Fields Community Solar project aims to invest £2.8 million over 25 years in energy-saving projects.
Michael Shanks
I congratulate all those in my hon. Friend's constituency on what sounds like a fantastic project, and it is an example of what we want to see all across the country. The local power plan unlocks £1 billion of investment, with the ambition that communities right across the UK should be able to own and operate their own energy infrastructure, and the profits from that should flow into local communities.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Secretary of State provide specific steps taken to ensure continuity of support for farmers transitioning from expiring agreements to the new SFI 2026 window?
Context
Farmers with SFI 2023 and countryside stewardship mid-tier agreements are concerned about support gaps as their current agreements expire. This issue is particularly pressing for farmers in Buckinghamshire.
Emma Reynolds
Farmers in different parts of the country, including Buckinghamshire, are concerned about gaps in their support as mid-tier agreements expire towards the end of the year. We are looking into how we can address this issue to ensure continuity.
Session: Sustainable Farming Incentive
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I am concerned about the steps being taken to reform the SFI so that it can support smaller farms better and ensure continuity of funding for those with expiring agreements in 2023 or countryside stewardship mid-tier agreements. What specific measures are being implemented?
Context
The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) is a major policy for farmers to transition towards more sustainable practices. The programme has faced criticism regarding its complexity and accessibility, particularly concerning small farms.
Emma Reynolds
I met with farmers in Buckingham and Bletchley for a rural summit where we discussed SFI and other issues. The Government extended expiring mid-tier agreements at the end of last year, addressing farmer concerns about any potential gap in support.
Session: Sustainable Farming Incentive
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Will the Minister meet me and taskforce members to ensure that the Government are working hand in hand with local partners?
Context
The Bletchley investment taskforce is working on an investment prospectus to attract businesses, investments, jobs, and apprenticeships for the local community. The taskforce has seen benefits for local businesses such as Envisics, Carnot, and Pulsar.
Chris McDonald
I congratulate my hon. Friend on his work with the Bletchley investment taskforce. I know that businesses in his constituency, such as Envisics, Carnot and Pulsar, have benefited from the work he has done, and I would be very happy to ensure that he gets a meeting with the relevant Minister.
Session: Private Sector Investment Buckingham and Bletchley
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What steps are being taken to help increase levels of private sector investment in Buckingham and Bletchley constituency?
Context
The MP launched the Bletchley investment taskforce last year to attract businesses, investments, jobs, and apprenticeships for the local community. The taskforce is working on an investment prospectus to deliver these goals.
Chris McDonald
We are supporting private sector investment in Buckingham and Bletchley by working with partners across the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor to find new opportunities for businesses. I acknowledge the work of my hon. Friend in launching the Bletchley investment taskforce, which is bringing together private capital and local partners, using infrastructure such as East West Rail to improve connectivity, and working with OxCam partners so that local businesses benefit from innovation, skills and inward investment.
Session: Private Sector Investment Buckingham and Bletchley
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My constituent is waiting for a root canal and crown treatment. She was quoted £400 for NHS treatment with a 60% chance of success vs £1300 for private care with a 90% success rate. This disparity risks undermining confidence. What reforms are being made to the NHS dental contract?
Context
The MP highlighted a constituent awaiting NHS treatment with a low success rate compared to private care, questioning if this mismatch undermines confidence in the service.
Stephen Kinnock
I am sorry about my hon. Friend's constituent's situation. The Tory neglect has led to a two-tier system; our 2026 reforms will help patients with complex needs via new care pathways, backed by tariffs of £250-700 which could save up to £225 in fees. Combined measures and contract reform aim for timely, high-quality treatment within reach.
Session: Access to NHS Dental Services
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I thank the Foreign Secretary for her statement yesterday. I welcome the renewed recognition of the Arctic’s strategic importance to Europe’s collective security, and of the need for NATO to develop a more credible deterrence posture. Will she provide a further update to the House on how the Government are using their diplomatic influence in NATO to drive a more coherent, long-term strategy for Arctic security, rather than relying on individual national responses?
Context
The MP recognises the renewed recognition of the Arctic’s strategic importance to Europe's collective security and the need for NATO to develop a more credible deterrence posture.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Yvette Cooper)
We have proposed a stronger role for NATO on Arctic security. Just as NATO has a successful Baltic Sentry and an Eastern Sentry, we are arguing for an Arctic sentry that co-ordinates operations and intelligence for countries right across the Arctic, and also countries like the UK, which are heavily affected by Arctic security, even though we are not part of Arctic security. That is why we are substantially increasing our presence in northern Norway and working with Norway on new, groundbreaking frigates.
Session: Security of Greenland and the Arctic
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Through the town deal and the Bletchley investment taskforce, our town is already working hard to attract private investment. We see an opportunity to go even further by bringing in socially minded investors to back local growth. What further steps is the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister taking through the Office for the Impact Economy to connect social investors with our town so that we can realise our full potential?
Context
The question is about attracting socially minded investors to support local growth in the town of Buckingham through initiatives like the Office for the Impact Economy.
Darren Jones
I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing so much investment in his constituency. The Office for the Impact Economy will be working with philanthropists and social investors, as well as corporate givers and others, to support programmes led by the Government, such as Pride in Place and other public investments, to deliver a better bang for our buck and the renewal of communities across the country, including in Bletchley. I look forward to working with my hon. Friend to deliver on that promise of change.
Session: Topical Questions
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Buckingham and Bletchley youth centre has been a trusted hub for our town for over 60 years, supporting 400 young people in the town every week by providing affordable activities and outreach to prevent antisocial behaviour, but that service has been stretched due to years of underfunding by the previous Government. There is hope, however, with the new Labour Government and their youth strategy. Will the Minister set out what steps her Department is taking to ensure that Bletchley youth centre and others like it receive the support that they need to help our young people?
Context
The Bletchley youth centre has been a trusted hub for over 60 years, providing affordable activities to support 400 young people weekly in the town. The service has been stretched due to years of underfunding by the previous government.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)
Our national youth strategy focuses on rebuilding youth services so that young people have access to people who care, something to do and places to go. A key aspect of our forthcoming youth strategy will be to ensure that funding goes to grassroots organisations such as Bletchley youth centre, and I would be delighted to visit when my diary allows.
Session: Youth Services Buckingham and Bletchley
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Will the Minister set out in a bit more detail how the fair funding review will take into account the specific needs and pressures faced by councils serving rural communities?
Context
The MP highlights the importance of multi-year funding settlements for councils to ensure continuity in essential services, especially in rural areas.
The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)
I know how important it is for my hon. Friend to champion those towns and villages. He is right to say that the three-year funding settlement for councils will help, including with forward planning. Where we are considering cost pressures—those in adult social care, for example—it will help us to change the way in which services are delivered so that we can support people and ensure that councils across the country, such as Buckinghamshire, have more stable finances in the future.
Session: Buckinghamshire Council Funding
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Will the Secretary of State meet me and key strategic partners to discuss how we can realise the opportunity provided by East West Rail for the revitalisation of Bletchley?
Context
East West Rail promises transformative changes for the town of Bletchley, unlocking economic potential through improved rail connectivity between key cities.
Heidi Alexander
I am very happy to ask the Rail Minister to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the transformative potential of East West Rail for his constituency, as I have seen from his recent Instagram post explaining some improvements at Bletchley station.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for her response. Last winter’s floods exposed how years of under-investment by the previous Conservative Government had left Buckingham’s flood defences inadequate, which impacted many businesses and residents in our town. I have had the pleasure of working with the Flood Action 4 Buckingham group and others to ensure that local voices are heard and to identify ways we can act together to ensure we are resilient in the future. Can the Minister advise me and my constituents on how we can access our fair share of future flood resilience funding so that we are not in this position again?
Context
Last winter’s floods in Buckingham exposed years of under-investment by the previous Conservative Government, leaving local flood defences inadequate and impacting many businesses and residents. The Flood Action 4 Buckingham group has been working to identify ways to ensure future resilience.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Hardy)
I thank my hon. Friend for his important question. I recognise that, at this time of the year, there is anxiety about flooding, and I thank him and the Flood Action 4 Buckingham group for their work. He will be pleased to know that our flood funding policy reforms, announced in October, will make it quicker and easier to deliver the flood defences that he desperately needs, and I would be happy to meet him to discuss this issue in more detail.
Session: Flood Resilience Buckingham and Bletchley
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The establishment of the Sterling 20 sends a strong signal that this country is serious about mobilising more of its own domestic capital into productive domestic assets. As the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor’s anchor, my Buckingham and Bletchley constituency is primed to offer high-quality investment opportunities. Can the Minister set out more detail about how he is working with local authorities, such as the Labour-run Milton Keynes city council, to ensure that we provide that pipeline, and will he meet me to discuss how we can take it further?
Context
The Sterling 20 partnership was established to mobilise domestic capital into productive assets in the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor.
Torsten Bell (The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury)
Sterling 20 is a new, investor-led partnership between the UK’s 20 largest pension funds and insurers. We are working closely with the partnership to deliver exactly the kind of investment that my hon. Friend talks about.
Session: Regional Economic Growth Pension Funds
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The on-time, on-budget delivery of 183 new council homes for local families on the Lakes estate in Bletchley is a good demonstration of what Labour can achieve in local government. Is my right hon. Friend willing to visit Bletchley over the coming weeks and months to discuss how further investment from the social and affordable homes programme could help ambitious, pro-housebuilding councils like Milton Keynes to go even further for local people?
Context
The MP highlights the successful delivery of 183 new council homes in his constituency, demonstrating Labour's ability in local government. The on-time, on-budget nature of this project is noted as a positive example.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Steve Reed)
I am sure that it will come as no surprise to my hon. Friend that I wholeheartedly welcome the delivery of 183 new council homes in his constituency. I fully agree that the Lakes estate demonstrates the ambition of Milton Keynes city council to build the homes that its communities want and need. I also value such councils’ support in helping the Government to meet our ambitious housebuilding targets, which include targets for the biggest boost to social and affordable housing in this country in a generation.
Session: New Social Housing Buckingham and Bletchley
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Britain’s commitment to the 5% NATO target clearly sends a strong signal of our resolve, but that pledge must command public confidence that the money will be spent wisely. Can the Secretary of State provide more detail on how he is working with the Treasury, the Cabinet Office and others to ensure that every additional pound of public investment in defence delivers value for money for the taxpayer?
Context
The UK has committed to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035 as per the NATO target.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
My hon. Friend is right. This is about not just how much the Government spend, but how well they spend. Mr Speaker, you will remember that under the previous Government, the Public Accounts Committee branded our defence procurement system as “broken”. We are reforming procurement, and that will be part of the statement this afternoon on the defence industrial strategy by my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport (Luke Pollard). At the heart of this, we made a commitment to the British people at the last election that we would raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, and we are doing that three years early.
Session: NATO Defence Spending Target
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The Government’s £500 million investment to support under-represented entrepreneurs was hugely welcomed by business leaders in my constituency, but access to capital is only part of the challenge. Many still face entrenched barriers around networks, mentoring and market access. Will the Minister set out the steps that the Government are taking to ensure that that investment is complemented by wider reforms to break down any structural obstacles to scaling businesses in Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire?
Context
The Government’s £500 million investment to support under-represented entrepreneurs was welcomed but there are still challenges in accessing networks, mentoring and market access.
Gareth Thomas
The Government-backed invest in women taskforce is addressing many of these issues through its ecosystem working group, which promotes better access to networks, support and procurement opportunities. My hon. Friend is absolutely right, though, to say that we need to go further. The small business strategy will set out a range of further measures in that regard.
Session: Topical Questions
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Innovative high-growth companies such as Envisics in Bletchley are developing and exporting world-leading technology-driven products but face difficulties securing the domestic capital needed to scale up. Too often, overseas investors and sometimes governments offer both finance and other incentives for them to relocate. Will the Minister set out in more detail how his Department is working across Whitehall to ensure that domestic financial institutions, including Government-backed entities, are helping companies like Envisics to firmly anchor their innovations here in the UK?
Context
The Department published a trade strategy on June 26, expanding UK Export Finance's capacity to £80 billion. This includes measures for smaller firms to have better access to export protection insurance.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)
We heard during our SME consultation that one of the biggest issues facing small and medium-sized businesses that want to scale up relates to access to finance. Indeed, since 2011, the stock of bank lending to SMEs relative to GDP has fallen by around 50%, which graphically demonstrates the significance of my hon. Friend’s point. We have been working closely with Treasury colleagues in particular, and when we launched the industrial strategy, we also launched a funding arrangement for the British Business Bank that will provide £4 billion of capital to our high-growth innovative businesses to ensure that they remain anchored in the UK and are able to scale up here.
Session: Capital and Export Finance SMEs
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As people are living longer, they face more complex financial choices. The new, simplified advice regime announced by the Government and the Financial Conduct Authority yesterday is hugely welcome and will help more people make better informed investment decisions. Will the Minister provide more detail on the steps the Government will be taking to help firms deliver better advice at scale, especially to young people and the self-employed?
Context
MP welcomed the announcement of a simplified advice regime to help people make better-informed investment decisions, particularly for younger individuals and self-employed.
Emma Reynolds
We are really excited about targeted support, because it means that firms will be able to make suggestions to consumers with similarities, so that they have the confidence to invest in the long term and can get better support—not advice—on their pensions.
Session: Topical Questions
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Closing the disability employment gap is a matter of opportunity for disabled people in my constituency. I recently visited M&M Supplies, a stand-out company in Bletchley, not only for its many exporting successes but because a quarter of its workforce are adults with learning disabilities and difficulties—and that is thanks mainly to the vision of managing director Frank Purcell, who works with organisations like MK SNAP to run a work experience programme for adults with disabilities. What assurances can my right hon. Friend give me that this Government are committed to working with employers to ensure that no disabled people in my constituency are written off?
Context
Callum Anderson highlighted the work of M&M Supplies in his constituency, which employs a quarter of its workforce with learning disabilities due to the vision of Frank Purcell and collaboration with MK SNAP.
Liz Kendall
I congratulate, through my hon. Friend, those in his constituency on the fantastic work that he has described. I recently visited an incredible supported internship programme that helps young people with learning disabilities to get work and stay in work, including in our local NHS and with our local hotel voco in the heart of Leicester. This Government are determined to tackle the disability employment gap, which fell under the last Labour Government, although movement stalled under the Tories. We are going to turn this around with the biggest ever investment in employment support, introducing mandatory disability pay gap reporting and looking at what more we can do to support brilliant employers, like the one my hon. Friend described, to recruit and retain more disabled people.
Session: Topical Questions
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Just two in five young people recall receiving any financial education at school, and those who did so often received less than an hour per month. While I welcome the Government’s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which will require all schools to teach financial literacy, does the Minister agree that the curriculum and assessment review gives us an opportunity to go even further? Will she meet me to discuss how Government, industry and civil society can ensure that children in my constituency get this vital life skill?
Context
The MP notes that only two out of five young people recall receiving financial education at school, often less than an hour per month.
Catherine McKinnell
I absolutely agree with the importance of financial education. We are looking at the curriculum and assessment system and making sure that we take the advice of the independent review on these matters. I would be more than happy, given my hon. Friend’s enthusiasm—and parents’ enthusiasm—for this subject, to discuss it further with him.
Session: Topical Questions
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If we want young people, including those in my constituency, to believe in the value of long-term investing, they need to see that their pensions are helping to build the country that they live in and are not just distant markets. Will the Minister set out what steps he is taking to ensure that the Government’s pensions reforms encourage funds to invest more in UK infrastructure and hybrid companies?
Context
Concerns are being raised about the visibility of pension funds' investments within the local economy, particularly regarding their role in supporting infrastructure development.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Torsten Bell)
My hon. Friend raises an important point. Although we celebrate the success of auto-enrolment, as the hon. Member for Mid Bedfordshire (Blake Stephenson) has just done, we must complete the job. We need bigger and better pension funds that are better able to deliver returns for their members, support our economy and invest in infrastructure and private assets in the months and years ahead.
Session: Private Pension Pots Young People
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What assessment has been made of the potential impact of the Department's regulatory policies on trends in the level of investment? Investors are influenced by decisions from multiple agencies, regulators, and government departments, which highlights the importance of consistency in regulatory frameworks to protect consumers while boosting UK economic competitiveness.
Context
UK businesses have criticized the regulatory system for hindering growth and investment. The Treasury published a regulation action plan.
The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Emma Reynolds)
We have secured 60 commitments from key regulators to improve the business environment. The Government are streamlining regulation and removing duplication to deliver a regulatory system that encourages new investment, innovation, and growth.
Session: Investment Regulatory Policies
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Grassroots football clubs such as Bletchley Scot FC are inspiring the next generation of girls and boys to take up the beautiful game. When I visited them last month, they told me that securing funding for modern sports facilities was their top priority, but that engaging with the Football Association was incredibly challenging. Can the Minister set out what steps she is taking to work with the FA at the local and national levels?
Context
The MP visited a grassroots football club, Bletchley Scot FC, which expressed the need for modern sports facilities.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)
Our investment through the multi-sport grassroots facilities programme is delivered through the Football Foundation in England, which engages with local Football Association and community stakeholders to identify needs in each area. I encourage clubs such as Bletchley Scot FC to approach the Football Foundation directly to explore potential funding opportunities, and I am very happy to set up a meeting for my hon. Friend.
Session: Topical Questions
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Over eight years and four Prime Ministers, the last Conservative Government commissioned review after review into UK corporate governance and audit reform, and delivered absolutely nothing. For UK plc to be globally competitive, we need robust corporate governance frameworks which balance the needs of investors and society for information with the administrative burdens on companies. Will the Minister update the House on what progress his Department is making on bringing forward an audit reform and corporate governance Bill?
Context
The question follows a series of reviews into UK corporate governance and audit reform that have not resulted in concrete action over eight years.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Justin Madders)
As my hon. Friend is right to recognise, this issue has been around for some time, and the Government have announced their intention to publish a draft audit reform and corporate governance Bill for scrutiny in this Session. Investors and the public need access to truthful reporting from our most important businesses on their finances and related issues. My Department continues to progress that important work, and a timetable for the publication of the Bill will be confirmed in the usual way for draft legislation in due course.
Session: Regulatory Environment
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Football clubs are far more than 90 minutes of entertainment on match day; they are also powerful engines of community outreach, which provide a lifeline for vulnerable people. In the Buckingham and Bletchley constituency, Milton Keynes Dons Sport and Education Trust offers a variety of programmes for those battling dementia or who have suffered from brain trauma or stroke. Can the Secretary of State explain to the House how the Football Governance Bill will help the ability of clubs to continue providing those programmes?
Context
The importance of football clubs in community outreach and support for vulnerable people, specifically mentioning the Milton Keynes Dons Sport and Education Trust.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
May I say how grateful I am to my hon. Friend for his support not just for his local club, but for the Football Governance Bill that this Government have introduced? The Bill will ensure financial sustainability in the game, put fans back at the heart of decisions that are made about their own clubs, and ensure that fit and proper owners are in charge of these vital social assets.
Session: Topical Questions
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Earlier this month, the Chancellor rightly went to China to put our UK-China relations on a more pragmatic footing. Will my right hon. Friend update the House on what assessment he has made of the National Security and Investment Act 2021 to ensure that it remains fit for purpose in safeguarding the UK’s economic and national security as we cultivate new commercial links?
Context
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster recently visited China to reassess UK-China economic ties. There is concern about ensuring that national security measures are in place while fostering commercial links.
Pat McFadden (The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster)
The Chancellor was right to go to China. It is an important economic relationship, but there is a security aspect too. The National Security and Investment Act has an important role to play; it is there to safeguard critical areas of the economy. We keep it under regular review, and we will approach the relationship keeping both the security and economic interests of the country in mind.
Session: Topical Questions
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Recent developments in the UK investment trust sector have once again shone a light on the crucial role that retail investors play in our financial markets. In her Mansion House speech last November, the Chancellor rightly prioritised leveraging domestic pension capital to drive the Government’s economic growth mission. Does the Minister agree that greater retail participation in UK financial markets also supports growth and democratises wealth, and will she meet me to discuss how the Government can better support access to financial markets for individuals, including in my constituency?
Context
Recent developments have highlighted the importance of retail investors in UK financial markets. The Chancellor prioritised leveraging domestic pension capital to drive economic growth.
The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Emma Reynolds)
I am always happy to meet my hon. Friend, who is a near constituency neighbour. We absolutely agree that retail investment is crucial. I want more progress on the advice guidance boundary and targeted support. I will be working closely, in my new role, with the Financial Conduct Authority to take that forward.
Session: Topical Questions
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High-growth companies across Buckingham and Bletchley rely on foreign direct investment for their growth and innovation. Will the Minister set out the steps her Department and the Minister for Investment are taking to ensure that the Office for Investment can attract more foreign private investment to help the high-potential industries in which Britain excels?
Context
The MP highlighted the reliance of high-growth companies in his area on foreign direct investment for growth and innovation, asking about specific steps to attract more such investments.
Sarah Jones
We have an expanded Office for Investment, which brings together the Department for Business and Trade, No. 10 and the Treasury. Our Investment Minister is working at pace travelling around the world to bring in investment. I met her and the Office for Investment this week, and we are in constant dialogue about how we can bring more foreign direct investment into the country, building on the £63 billion announced at the investment summit, and how we can kick-start the economy after 14 years of failure.
Session: Chancellor’s Mansion House Speech Funding Plans
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
UK Financial Services — [Derek Twigg in the Chair]
01 September 2026
Responding: Lucy Rigby
Main Concerns
["Callum Anderson is concerned about the need to mobilise more domestic capital towards domestic assets, especially for high-growth businesses and those aligned with the industrial strategy. He highlighted the trend of passive global indexing that has reduced UK equity allocations to around 4%, which could further decline without intervention, leading to a self-reinforcing cycle of declining investment in British companies. Anderson also discussed the challenges of managing AI and digital revolution in financial services, the clean energy transition, financial inclusion, and skills gaps in the sector. He emphasized the importance of policy certainty and the need for the Government to work with industry to provide a supportive regulatory framework and innovative spirit to strengthen the UK's financial services sector. Jeremy Hunt expressed concern about the negative impact of the financial crisis on the UK economy, noting that the government had to support the sector with £1 trillion. He highlighted the sector's current strengths, including employing 2.5 million people and generating over £110 billion in tax revenues. Hunt also raised the issue of high bank taxes compared to international competitors, which could potentially damage the sector's competitiveness."]
Specific Asks
['Anderson encourages the Government to look again at incentivising the largest pools of domestic capital, such as pension funds and insurance, to invest more in UK companies. He also calls for the Government to establish a long-term retail investment strategy, publish a clear road map for DLT-enabled capital markets, and maintain the urgent momentum on implementing the financial services AI adoption plan. Additionally, Anderson suggests doubling the size of the co-operative and mutual sector and preparing clear, measurable performance indicators for the financial inclusion strategy. Hunt urged the government to do no harm to the financial sector with additional taxes, to make regulation more proportionate, to encourage more saving, and to keep Britain open to the world. He requested the Economic Secretary to the Treasury to address measures for the Budget, undertake a review of international tax competitiveness, and outline steps the FCA and PRA can take to deliver their competitiveness and growth objectives.']
Economic Growth
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
National Savings & Investments
26 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Spring Forecast
03 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Warm Homes Plan 2026-01-21
21 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Bletchley Railway Station Eastern Entrance 2026-01-07
07 January 2026
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
Good things come to those who wait, Madam Deputy Speaker. Despite the late hour, I am grateful for the opportunity to champion an issue of strategic importance to Bletchley—namely, the case for a new ...
Finance (No. 2) Bill 2025-12-16
16 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Exchequer Secretary outlined the key aspects of the Budget delivered on 26 November, highlighting no return to austerity and a focus on reducing cost-of-living pressures. The Minister emphasised s...
Office for Budget Responsibility Forecasts 2025-12-01
01 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Chancellor has been consistent and up front with the public about her priorities at the Budget, which were to cut NHS waiting lists, reduce cost of living, and reduce debt and borrowing. She was c...
Defence Industrial Strategy 2025-09-08
08 September 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence announced the publication of the defence industrial strategy. He emphasised £773 million investment to strengthen UK security and grow its economy, focusing ...
Financial Services Reform 2025-07-16
16 July 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government's financial services growth and competitiveness strategy is a 10-year plan to make the UK the global centre of choice for financial services investment by 2035. The sector, worth 9% of ...
Pension Schemes Bill 2025-07-07
07 July 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill aims to deliver fundamental reforms to the pensions landscape, building on a broad consensus across the House. It focuses on higher returns for pension savers, responds to specific responsibi...
Attendance
92.9%
91 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
34
34.7% of votes
No Votes
57
58.2% of votes
Abstentions
7
7.1% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
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 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
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
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
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 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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 NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
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 AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
0
PMQs Asked
36
Ministerial Questions Asked
20
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
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
+169% above average
This MP:
36
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+312% above average
This MP:
20
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+34% above average
This MP:
92.9
Average:
69.2
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 Callum Anderson's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.