Cameron Thomas
MP for Tewkesbury
Ind
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
In 1957, my constituent Ronald Clark was among 22,000 UK personnel exposed to nuclear testing on Christmas Island. Those veterans and their descendants have suffered various cancers, crippling illnesses and deformities, but the Ministry of Defence has never accepted liability. I note the Deputy Prime Minister’s response to the hon. Member for Salford (Rebecca Long Bailey), but it does not go quite far enough. Time is running out. Will the Deputy Prime Minister meet me, my constituent and those veterans to determine appropriate compensation?
Context
Veterans exposed to nuclear testing on Christmas Island have suffered various health issues, but the Ministry of Defence has never accepted liability for their conditions.
The Deputy Prime Minister (Angela Rayner)
Again, I know the strength of feeling. I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman’s constituent Ronald and all the service personnel who participated in the British nuclear testing programme. I am sure that the Minister for Veterans would be happy to meet him and the veterans to discuss this issue.
Session: PMQs
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Trump donor Larry Ellison and his son David own CBS News, will soon own CNN, and part-own TikTok. One year after Oracle paid a six-figure sum to Hanover Communications, the BBC faced a $5 billion lawsuit from Donald Trump. Rupert Murdoch and GB News founder Robbie Gibb know that when you own the news, you own the people. The independent broadcaster is under attack. How are the Government going to protect it?
Context
The Liberal Democrat MP questioned the government's commitment to supporting the BBC, highlighting concerns over its independence and financial stability. He mentioned specific instances of political influence and ownership in media companies.
Lisa Nandy
We intend to put the BBC on a permanent charter through the charter review process, ensuring its independence and ability to hold all parties accountable without political interference. I have the power to review board appointments during this period.
Session: BBC
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I am concerned about Trump donor Larry Ellison owning CBS News, soon owning CNN, part-owning TikTok, and paying a six-figure sum to Hanover Communications for the BBC's lawsuit from Donald Trump. The BBC is under attack both internally and externally. How will the Government protect it?
Context
The Liberal Democrat MP questioned the government's commitment to supporting the BBC, highlighting concerns over its independence and financial stability. He mentioned specific instances of political influence and ownership in media companies.
Lisa Nandy
We intend to put the BBC on a permanent charter through the charter review process, ensuring its independence and ability to hold all parties accountable without political interference. I have the power to review board appointments during this period.
Session: BBC
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What steps he is taking to ensure the autonomy of the UK’s nuclear deterrent. The French nuclear deterrent is the only truly independent nuclear deterrent. What steps are the Government taking to minimise the UK’s reliance on the US for nuclear deterrent servicing?
Context
The question addresses concerns about the operational autonomy of the UK’s nuclear weapons system and the reliance on US support for maintenance and servicing.
The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry (Luke Pollard)
Our nuclear deterrent is operationally independent. It supports thousands of jobs up and down the country. We will continue to invest in the skills and technologies required to keep our continuous nuclear deterrent at sea. We will continue to invest in that sovereign capability, but we will also continue to participate across defence programmes with our partners, both in the United States and in Europe.
Session: Nuclear Deterrent
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I still regularly have to stand in a corridor or aisle for hours on end if I am able to board the GWR service at all from Paddington to Gloucestershire. Can the Minister tell me when we can expect things to get better?
Context
The member frequently experiences crowded and unreliable train services on Great Western Railway between Paddington and Gloucestershire, leading to hours of standing in corridors or aisles when able to board trains at all.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Keir Mather)
Nobody should have to face conditions such as described. The Railways Bill will create an independent passenger watchdog that will ensure minimum consumer standards for passengers on the railway, ensuring their travel is affordable, reliable, and pleasant.
Session: Passenger Rail Services
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While the suspension rate for pupils without identified special educational needs declined by 75% in the 2024 autumn term, suspensions for pupils with an education, health and care plan increased, according to the Department for Education’s own data. I have previously urged the Government to tackle this crisis centrally, as local authorities across the country continue to prove to be unable to manage. With their SEND reforms already delayed until 2026, how will the Government bridge this divide to ensure that every child is able to succeed at school?
Context
The question concerns the increase in suspensions for pupils with an education, health and care plan while those without such plans have seen a decline. The issue is further complicated by delayed reforms.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Olivia Bailey)
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question and for his interest in this important issue, and I recognise the statistics to which he refers. The Government take the issue extremely seriously and we will be setting out our plans in the White Paper in due course. We are investing in the early years, which is my own area, and ensuring that we have the Best Start in Life family hubs in our communities and SEND-trained professionals, so that we can identify special educational needs early and give children the support that they need before problems escalate.
Session: SEND Pupils Suspensions and Exclusions
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Vladimir Putin is in Beijing this week, where he has hailed the unprecedented levels of ties between China and Russia. For once I hope that the Government will actually take him at his word before China builds the super-embassy in our capital. China has ceased exports of drone components to Ukraine, and both Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un are propping up Putin economically. I commend the Prime Minister for uniting a coalition of the willing, but what tangible action is it taking to ensure that Ukraine wins against three adversaries?
Context
The MP references Vladimir Putin's visit to Beijing and the increased ties between China and Russia, highlighting potential economic support for Putin from both China and North Korea. The questioner is concerned about the impact of this relationship on Ukraine.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)
I thought that one of our proudest moments was watching President Zelensky walk up the steps of No 10, and reflecting on the role that the Prime Minister has played in corralling the global community around the coalition of the willing. The hon. Gentleman will have seen the Prime Minister with President Zelensky again in Washington DC just a few weeks ago. In all that we are doing—on the oil price cap, in raising the issue of Russian sovereign assets with our G7 and European partners to try to resolve that issue, and through sanctions—we are leading the world.
Session: Russia Economic Sanctions
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North Gloucestershire is ready to jump-start economic growth, with its existing advanced engineering and defence industries ready to drive the UK toward economic and defence objectives. Babcock, GE Aerospace, Moog and Safran are already developing world-leading technologies, and the Garden Town project includes a further 100 hectares of employment area. Will the Minister join me in Gloucestershire so we can demonstrate this expertise and the potential for growth on the ground?
Context
North Gloucestershire has advanced engineering and defence industries ready to drive economic and defence objectives.
Emma Reynolds (Economic Secretary to the Treasury)
Defence companies are an incredibly important part of the economy, and the hon. Member will know that we are increasing defence spending to up to 2.6% by the end of this Parliament. It has only ever reached those levels before under a Labour Government.
Session: Supporting Economic Growth
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I am concerned about the potential merits of holding cross-party talks on increasing defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2030. There is a great deal of experience across these Benches, and most of us recognise the imminence of the need to hit 3%. My expertise is in force protection, and I know that Brize Norton cannot draw support from the Military Provost Guard Service under the land top level budget, such as at nearby Dalton barracks and South Cerney. That is more acute still at RAF Lossiemouth. Will the Minister meet me to discuss the command structure of the MPGS and bring our experience to the table to find that 3% of GDP imminently?
Context
The MP notes the urgency of reaching 3% of GDP for defence spending and highlights specific challenges in force protection, such as Brize Norton's inability to draw support from the Military Provost Guard Service under current budget constraints.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
My hon. Friend the Minister for the Armed Forces will be happy to meet the hon. Gentleman—he would be a much better person to meet than me on this matter.
Session: Defence Spending Cross-party Talks
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While visiting the Netherlands with the Environmental Audit Committee, I saw the benefits of long-term, joined-up, strategic planning. In Rotterdam city centre, rooftop gardens provide mental health benefits and allotment space, while at ground level, sunken community spaces and underground car parks mitigate flooding. The Tewkesbury garden town will bring 4,000 new homes to my constituency. Will the Minister meet me and stakeholders who support the garden town, so that we can set the standard for development across the country?
Context
The MP noted his visit to the Netherlands, highlighting sustainable urban planning and design practices in Rotterdam. He mentioned a Tewkesbury garden town project that will bring 4,000 new homes to his constituency.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
The approach of the Netherlands, not least to spatial planning and design standards, has much to commend it, but we would need a stand-alone debate to do that subject justice. As for the Tewkesbury garden communities, they are precisely the kind of sustainable and infrastructure-led development that the Government want to see more of, and that we are backing through legislation and policy. I would be more than happy to meet the hon. Member and local stakeholders to discuss what more might be done to deliver on the aspirations set out in the Tewkesbury garden communities charter, which was published last year.
Session: New Homes Sustainability
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I thank the Minister for her response. In 2015, Baroness May of Maidenhead accused police forces of “crying wolf” over funding cuts. Since then, Gloucestershire constabulary has never truly recovered and is among the worst funded in the country due to an unfit-for-purpose funding formula. Last week, the chief constable announced 60 staff cuts as she battles with a £12 million deficit. Will the Minister meet me and my chief constable to discuss those challenges?
Context
Gloucestershire constabulary faces a £12 million deficit, resulting in the announcement of 60 staff cuts. The region has not recovered from previous funding cuts.
The Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention (Dame Diana Johnson)
Yes, of course I will.
Session: Police Forces Gloucestershire
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The Government recently announced a UK-silicon valley project linking Oxfordshire, Milton Keynes and Cambridge. There was no mention of Gloucestershire, with its burgeoning cyber-tech and engineering sectors. From Gloucestershire, our primary arterial road eastward to Oxfordshire is the A40 and it is woefully inadequate as a single carriageway. Will the Minister meet me to develop improved links eastward from Gloucestershire to the benefit of our neighbours in the east?
Context
The government recently announced a UK-silicon valley project linking Oxfordshire, Milton Keynes and Cambridge but did not include Gloucestershire despite its growing cyber-tech and engineering sectors. The A40 is the primary arterial road eastward to Oxfordshire from Gloucestershire, currently a single carriageway.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)
Yes, of course.
Session: Gloucestershire Eastward Transport Links
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
The Battle of Britain
02 September 2025
Responding: Al Carns
Main Concerns
['The debate seeks to commemorate the Battle of Britain, highlighting its significance in halting the fascist advance and establishing British victory. It emphasises the importance of remembering this pivotal moment for future generations.']
Specific Asks
['Calls on the government to ensure that the lessons from the Battle of Britain are not forgotten and applied today, especially regarding military preparedness in light of potential conflicts like the war in Ukraine.']
Dedicated Schools Grant
06 May 2025
Responding: Catherine McKinnell
Main Concerns
['Schools in Gloucestershire and other low-funded councils are under pressure due to the inequitable Dedicated Schools Grant and rising costs of special educational needs provision. Consecutive Governments have failed children by inadequately resourcing education, leading to a mental health crisis and an explosion in demand for special educational needs and disabilities provision.']
Specific Asks
['Calls for more equitable allocation of funding through the dedicated schools grant to support disadvantaged counties like Gloucestershire.']
Defence Investment Plan
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Gurkha Veterans
26 March 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
Rises to speak on the subject of support for Gurkha veterans and their dependants. Shares the story of Ghanendra Limbu, a Gurkha veteran who suffered severe injuries during his service in the Falkland...
Defence
24 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Conservative MP regrets that the Government has not published the Defence Investment Plan despite repeated promises to do so. He criticises the delay for freezing procurement and leaving the UK vu...
Water White Paper 2026-01-21
21 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ukraine 2026-01-14
14 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office commends the support for Ukraine against Russian aggression and outlines the UK's commitment to peace negotiations. He highlights th...
Chinese Embassy 2026-01-13
13 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the status of the release of unredacted plans for the proposed Chinese embassy at Royal Mint Court, given concerns about security risks and the proximity to critical communic...
Rural Communities 2026-01-07
07 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government’s policies have resulted in rising taxes, record closures of agriculture businesses, shops, pubs, and restaurants, falling levels of business investment, changes to funding for rural ar...
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill 2026-01-06
06 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief 2026-01-05
05 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the changes to agricultural property relief and business property relief, explain why a U-turn was necessary after significant opposition from farmers and rural communities, ...
UK-EU Common Understanding Negotiations 2025-12-17
17 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government were elected with a manifesto commitment to reset relations with European partners; to fix the bad deal passed on by the previous government; and to support jobs here in the UK. A new s...
Attendance
56.1%
55 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
43
43.9% of votes
No Votes
12
12.2% of votes
Abstentions
43
43.9% 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
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
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 AYE
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 AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
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 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
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 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
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
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: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
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
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
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
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
1
PMQs Asked
11
Ministerial Questions Asked
51
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
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
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
-18% below average
This MP:
11
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+949% above average
This MP:
51
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 (%)
-19% below average
This MP:
56.1
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 Cameron Thomas's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.