Caroline Dinenage
MP for Gosport
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
My constituent Suzanne is going to miss out on her winter fuel allowance this winter because she is just £10 above the pension credit threshold. As well as losing out on that vital money to keep her house warm, she does not get the £150 warm home discount, the £169 free TV licence or free NHS prescriptions. For the sake of a tenner, is this fair?
Context
A constituent named Suzanne is concerned about losing out on winter fuel allowance due to being £10 above the pension credit threshold. This affects eligibility for additional benefits including warm home discount, free TV licences, and NHS prescriptions.
Keir Starmer
We introduced a Budget to fix the foundations of this country and to rebuild our country. One of the issues we had to confront was the £22 billion black hole left by the last Government. We have taken the tough decisions that will stabilise our economy. This means we can commit to the triple lock, which means that pensioners will be better off, seeing an increase in their pension, than they would have been under the Conservative party.
Assessment
Did not directly address whether it is fair for Suzanne to miss out on benefits due to being £10 above the pension credit threshold
Under Review
Taken Tough Decisions
Session: PMQs
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In April, more than 50 homes and businesses in Gosport found themselves underwater when Storm Pierrick hit; some people have still not been able to return to their properties. This has now been upgraded to a one-in-20-year risk. We have still not had a decision from the Environment Agency about flood and coastal erosion risk management funding, for which we have applied. Despite requests, I have still been unable to secure a meeting with the Prime Minister's DEFRA team. Winter is coming and my constituents are worried. When is he going to grip this?
Context
After Storm Pierrick, over 50 homes and businesses in Gosport were underwater; some residents have not returned. The flood and coastal erosion risk management funding application has not been decided by the Environment Agency.
Keir Starmer
This is a really important issue in terms—[Interruption.] Look, we are not going to take lessons from the Conservative party. Year after year, we visited constituencies and areas that were flooded because there had been a failure to take adequate protection. What I said in the election campaign was that we would set up a flood resilience taskforce to get ahead of the issue. We will do that, and I will ensure that the hon. Lady can get such further information as she needs.
Assessment
Did not specify a timeline for decision on funding or meeting with DEFRA team
We Are Not Going To Take Lessons From The Conservative Party
Session: PMQs
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September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, but it also marks two years since the death of my constituent Sophie Fairall. She was only 10 years old. Every day in the UK, 10 young people will be diagnosed with cancer, and two of those will not survive. Those who do face a lifetime of side effects from treatments that are just not designed for small bodies. When will the Prime Minister publish a childhood cancer action plan?
Context
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Caroline Dinenage raises the issue of childhood cancer diagnoses and survival rates.
Rishi Sunak
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this issue. I extend my sympathies to her constituent's family, as she raised. She is right to continue campaigning in this important area. I hope she will understand that I cannot pre-empt the specific contents of the strategy, but I can tell her that it will draw on previous work, including submissions from childhood cancer charities and stakeholders to our recent calls for evidence. Of course, we want to hear from them to highlight and get a sense of the issues that she specifically raised, but I will ensure that we write to her to give her a sense of the timing.
Assessment
Did not provide a specific date for publication of the childhood cancer action plan
Session: PMQs
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I would like to associate myself with the words of the hon. Member for Rhondda (Sir Chris Bryant). Paul O'Grady was a great champion of animal welfare as well. The suffering that any child must go through when they get a condition such as cancer at such an early age is difficult to believe, and the pressure on the families is incredible.
Context
The biggest cause of death for children under the age of 14 in this country is cancer.
Dominic Raab
I certainly will. The Department of Health and Social Care will publish a major conditions strategy to look at improving outcomes and experiences for all cancer patients, including children in particular.
Assessment
Does not commit to childhood cancer mission specifically
Under Review
Strategy Under Development
Session: PMQs
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I welcome the Prime Minister to her role. September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, with cancer still the leading cause of death among children under 14. Will she commit to publishing a 10-year cancer strategy that embeds a childhood cancer mission?
Context
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the need for a dedicated focus on children's cancer.
Elizabeth Truss
Cancer is heartbreaking, especially in children. We will proceed with the strategy mentioned by my hon. Friend, and I know our new Health Secretary will assist those with cancer.
Assessment
Did not commit to 10-year cancer strategy specifics
Referred To Existing Commitments
Session: PMQs
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Sophie's GP failed to diagnose her cancer despite it being the biggest killer of children under 14. I would like to ask the Prime Minister to advocate for more and better training for general practice to identify childhood cancers as part of World Cancer Day on Friday.
Context
Sophie Fairall, aged 10, died due to a tumour missed by her GP and only discovered at A&E. Cancer is the leading cause of death for children under 14.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend for her question. I am very sorry to hear about Sophie's case and my thoughts are with her family and friends. She is right that research is crucial, but it is also vital that we do tests early enough, so not only has NICE updated its guidance on referring childhood cancers in February last year, but we are investing in 100 new diagnostic centres.
Assessment
Did not explicitly commit to advocating for more training for GPs to identify cancer in children
Session: PMQs
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I know that the Minister cares deeply about increasing sporting participation, so she must be as disappointed as I am that the Government's rhetoric just does not match the facts. School sport funding has been cut; business rates rises mean that clubs and facilities are raising their participation fees, some by as much as 85%, making them less accessible for the poorest; local authorities are shutting their facilities; and the UK ranks near the bottom of EU expenditure on sport and physical activity. The Government say that this is important, but how can we believe them when existing facilities are shutting faster than they can invest in new ones?
Context
The MP pointed out the discrepancy between the Government's rhetoric and the reduction in sports funding and facilities, highlighting specific statistics and figures.
Stephanie Peacock
I am grateful to the Chair of the Select Committee for all the work that her Committee does and for its report in the last year on this very issue. On school sport, £1 billion will go in over the next few years. There has been a change: it is revenue, it is capital and it is primary and secondary. However, we have to acknowledge that under the current system, not enough young people are getting active. We are investing £400 million into community facilities, but as our new Prime Minister has said, we absolutely want to go further and do more on sport.
Session: Access to Sport Poorer Families 2026-09-03
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I welcome the Minister for his new role. In Gosport, there is a high proportion of veterans facing issues such as long waiting lists for council houses and NHS treatment. How will Operation Valour invest in essential services rather than being just window-dressing?
Context
The question addresses concerns about Operation Valour's effectiveness in providing services like housing and healthcare to veterans.
Calvin Bailey
Operation Valour aims to empower the third sector without usurping it. It does not seek to solve the issues of council house shortages or NHS waiting lists, which are legacies of past administrations.
Session: Operation Valour 2026-07-06
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I cannot help thinking that, with youth hubs, the Government are trying to fix a problem of their own creation. The amount of young unemployed people in my constituency has gone up 23% since the Government took office in July 2024.
Context
The MP criticizes the government for increasing youth unemployment and questions the impact of new initiatives.
Pat McFadden
As Alan Milburn pointed out in his recent report, the UK's NEET crisis is much more long-term and deep-seated than any decisions taken in the last few years. There are 400,000 more people in work than last year. The number of young people in employment is up by 74,000 since the election.
Session: Youth Hubs 2026-06-29
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What assessment has the Department made of the number of families paying VAT on remaining fees, and how many talented young artists are now unable to attend as a result? Could the Secretary of State confirm that bursaries will continue in the 2026-27 academic year?
Context
The MP highlighted the VAT changes that affect specialist schools and conservatoires, making it difficult for talented young performers from lower-income backgrounds.
Lisa Nandy
The bursaries will continue in the 2026-27 academic year, and funding has been increased to £36.5 million last year with an additional £1.3 million for this financial year.
Session: Access to Music and Dance Training
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Many of our Commonwealth hopefuls started their careers in community events like parkruns and local sports clubs, and yet the sport and recreation sector is in a state of utter confusion because of the Government's chaotic roll-out of the new rules on medical provision. The Government have said that they do not want small events to be “overregulated”. What does that even mean? There is a wholesale lack of information from the Department of Health and Social Care and the Care Quality Commission about who will be impacted and what it will cost, and there has been no meaningful impact assessment. The Government have warm words about local sport provision, but their actions never stand up to the test. Can this Minister please give us a definitive answer?
Context
The sport and recreation sector is experiencing confusion due to the Government's chaotic roll-out of new rules regarding medical provision at events. There is a need for clear information from relevant departments about who will be impacted and what costs are involved.
Stephanie Peacock
The hon. Lady makes a really important point. We are obviously keen to make this a success, and I would be delighted to meet her to discuss it further.
Session: Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
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On the Secretary of State's watch, the proportion of young people not in education, employment or training in Gosport has now reached around 5%—the highest in 15 years. Is that any wonder when so many of the job opportunities that used to be there for our young people, such as in retail, hospitality, and hair and beauty, are being battered by this Government? Surely one of the best ways to tackle inequality and poverty is to give people the right education and the right job opportunities, so what are her Government and her Department going to do?
Context
Caroline Dinenage pointed out that the proportion of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) in Gosport has reached a 15-year high under the government's watch.
Bridget Phillipson
We face a serious challenge about the big numbers of young people who are not in education, employment or training, and we are committed to tackling that. That is why Alan Milburn is leading a review for this Government of what more we can do to support young people, why we have launched our schools White Paper, why we are investing in further education and why we are expanding new routes into apprenticeships. I would say that this problem did not emerge overnight: it has developed over many years, and the Conservatives would do well to reflect on the contribution that they made to the shocking numbers of young people who are NEET.
Session: Promoting Equality
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What are the Government doing to address the situation? Can the Minister give examples in our urban communities where things are improving?
Context
There is a reduction in the number of urban cricket domes, scrapping of the National Citizen Service, and an argument over funding for school sport.
Stephanie Peacock
The previous Government did not fund cricket domes but this Government has, announcing two new ones and £400 million for grassroots sports. The National Citizen Service was replaced by the national youth strategy, which is the first in over 10 years.
Session: Youth Activities Urban Communities
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Why has the government left it up to headteachers to enforce mobile phone bans despite growing evidence of negative impacts? Will the Secretary of State publish an assessment of the impact of a statutory ban?
Context
There is growing evidence that smartphones in schools are harming behaviour, concentration and outcomes, but leaving it up to headteachers is driving inconsistencies, with only 11% of senior schools having an effective mobile phone ban.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Olivia Bailey)
The Government are completely clear and Government guidance is completely clear that mobile phones have absolutely no place in schools at any point throughout the day. Obviously, we continue to look closely to ensure that the guidance is enforced properly across the country.
Session: Topical Questions
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When will the AI Bill be brought forward and when can we expect implementation to address issues like intimate image abuse?
Context
The Government delayed implementing an AI bill that could prevent intimate image abuse.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts (Ian Murray)
There will be an update to Parliament on 18 March as required by the Data (Use and Access) Act. The Government is committed to implementing the Online Safety Act with a no-tolerance approach towards AI abuses.
Session: Creative Industries AI
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Does the Minister share my disappointment that local people are not going to be served in the correct way by pharmacy provision, and will he meet me to discuss this?
Context
The MP mentioned the rejection of a new pharmacy by the Hampshire ICB despite local support and demand.
Stephen Kinnock
That does sound baffling given there is demand for the service. I would be happy to meet the hon. Lady to discuss the details further.
Session: Topical Questions
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So many of my Gosport constituents are locked into lousy leaseholds, and are so tired of seeing service charges rise while the quality of service falls. Bills are often eye-watering, and are quite often completely opaque. As the Minister said, the Conservatives passed the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act, which gave leaseholders more powers to better scrutinise and challenge those costs. However, on the Minister’s watch, implementation is painfully slow. Why the delay? When will leaseholders begin to see the benefits of legislation that was designed to put an end to a practice that he himself has described as “unfair and unreasonable”?
Context
Service charges are rising and quality of service is falling for many leaseholders, with the Act designed to put an end to such practices.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
I fully appreciate the wish of leaseholders in the hon. Lady’s constituency and those across the country to see these reforms introduced. She is absolutely right that the 2024 Act included measures to enhance transparency around service charges, to make it easier for leaseholders to challenge unreasonable service charge increases. Last July, we consulted on how to introduce those measures.
Session: Leasehold Reform
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Given that her job is to uphold the rule of law, would she push back against some of her colleagues' more authoritarian tendencies in view of cancelled elections and scrapping jury trials despite a 40% success rate for appeals?
Context
The Government has cancelled elections and is scrapping jury trials, limiting the right to appeal to a Crown court despite a 40% success rate for such appeals. The Solicitor General's job is to uphold the rule of law.
The Solicitor General (Ellie Reeves)
Justice delayed is justice denied. The previous Conservative Government allowed this crisis to develop in our criminal courts, with rape victims waiting up to three years for their cases to be heard. On appeals, Sir Brian Leveson recommended a permission stage on appeal which would mean that appeal claims with merit will have the opportunity to be heard.
Session: Jury Trials
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A constituent of mine recently had successful high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment for prostate cancer, which was at Charing Cross hospital because it is not even offered to men at Portsmouth hospitals, despite being a less invasive treatment with fewer long-term health implications. As if to underline that inequality, imagine his surprise when he turned up at the hospital and found that the same doctor who had diagnosed him in Portsmouth was actually carrying out the procedure in London. What more are the Government doing to ensure that there is no postcode lottery when it comes to HIFU, and what will the Minister do to ensure that more men can access it?
Context
The MP highlighted a constituent's experience with successful HIFU treatment at Charing Cross hospital, while the same procedure is not available locally in Portsmouth.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
I thank the hon. Lady for that question and for her work on this issue. She makes a really important point about consistency of care. We understand that services are different in different parts of the country—sometimes the needs are different—but we want to ensure that, where there is good practice and proven evidence, care is rolled out. As we say, bring the best of the NHS to the rest of the NHS. I am sure that the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, my hon. Friend the Member for West Lancashire (Ashley Dalton), will take note of that point.
Session: Cancer Care
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The number of EHCPs being maintained by Hampshire county council is rising exponentially, but the funding is simply not keeping pace with the demand and the cost. Surprisingly, the proportion of pupils receiving SEND support in mainstream schools is going down, which demonstrates to me that teachers simply do not feel sufficiently supported to support those children. The last Government introduced the Oliver McGowan mandatory training in neurodivergence for all health and care professionals. I met the Minister’s predecessor to discuss introducing a similar programme for education professionals. Would the Minister look again at how that programme could support teachers who are struggling in some of the most difficult educational circumstances?
Context
The MP discusses the rising number of EHCPs managed by Hampshire County Council and the challenge faced by teachers in supporting those children.
Georgia Gould (The Minister for School Standards)
The Government have invested an extra £1 billion into the high-needs block, and we have changed the teacher training package to ensure that it includes material on supporting children with special educational needs. The PINS programme—partnerships for inclusion of neurodiversity in schools—is working across the NHS and education to provide more training for teachers on neurodiversity. We are absolutely aware that teacher training is a huge issue and will continue to listen to ideas from both sides of the House.
Session: Children with SEND Mainstream Schools
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Earlier this week, the Committee heard from Henry Hughes and Nathan Young, two brilliant swimmers who are travelling to Tokyo next month to represent Britain as part of the Deaflympics. The competition has been running for over 100 years—longer than the Paralympics in fact—but deaf athletes are the only disabled elite sports group who have no access to either Government or UK Sport funding. Will the Secretary of State join me in wishing all our deaf Olympians the very best of luck in Tokyo next month? Will she also agree to meet them on their return with UK Deaf Sport to discuss how this terrible situation can be improved and how they can be supported much better in the future?
Context
The MP raised concerns about deaf elite sports group having no access to Government or UK Sport funding, despite participating in long-standing competitions like the Deaflympics.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
I thank the hon. Member as always for raising an issue that has been raised with both me and the Minister for Sport. We are working with UK Sport to try to resolve it. Of course we will be cheering our athletes on in Tokyo—I am really looking forward to that—but we know that those opportunities are not available to all. I would be happy to meet the hon. Member to discuss this further.
Session: Grassroots Sports Facilities
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The Secretary of State will know that Royal Ascot last week attracted a viewing population of tens of millions, and “Glorious Goodwood” is about to do the same. Horseracing supports about 85,000 jobs across the UK and generates about £4 billion a year for the UK economy, but the Secretary of State will know that it faces a looming and imminent crisis. When will the Government really start to back British horseracing?
Context
The MP noted that Royal Ascot last week attracted a viewing population of tens of millions and the upcoming Glorious Goodwood event. She highlighted horseracing's support for 85,000 jobs and generation of £4 billion annually but mentioned an imminent crisis facing it.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
Let me reassure the hon. Member on this point: we understand not just the joy that horseracing brings to millions of people in the UK and across the world but the huge economic benefits that it produces. We are absolutely determined to back British horseracing to the hilt. The Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, my hon. Friend the Member for Barnsley South (Stephanie Peacock), has had several meetings and discussions with industry, and we will continue to ensure we are present, walking alongside them in order to support them.
Session: Major Sporting Events
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When will parents begin to see the practical changes promised by the Online Safety Act? She stated that parents in her constituency are still worried about young children stumbling upon inappropriate material online.
Context
Parents in Gosport constituency are worried about young children accessing inappropriate content. The Online Safety Act has passed into law, but concerns remain about when practical changes will be seen.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Feryal Clark)
When the Online Safety Act is fully enacted in July, we will see a step change in what children can see online. Ofcom will monitor this and ensure that where such material continues to be visible, action will be taken.
Session: Online Safety Children
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While the Secretary of State is AWOL today, rumours abound that the whole Department for Culture, Media and Sport is for the chop. The Minister must see that this sends a terrible message to those sectors about how little their Government value the power of those industries. Will he take this opportunity to put that rumour to bed?
Context
Rumors are circulating that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport may be dissolved. This would have a significant impact on the UK's cultural and creative industries.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism (Chris Bryant)
If we were to get rid of the Department, one of the worst consequences would be our having to get rid of the Select Committee as well. Secondly, I am not going to put this rumour to bed—I am going to bury it. I am absolutely certain that in a year’s time we will be able to sing, in the words of Stephen Sondheim from the musical “Follies”, “I’m still here”.
Session: UK-India Cultural Co-operation Agreement
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As the Select Committee looks into school and community sports, it has learned that the previous Government’s opening school facilities fund helped deliver sport to 300,000 people outside of school hours, seeing more girls, more disadvantaged pupils and more of those with special educational needs taking part. That fund ended on Monday, and I have already heard from two schools in my constituency that they will be scaling back their community provision. The Government talk a lot about the importance of communities and supporting young people, but this flies in the face of that, does it not?
Context
The previous government's opening school facilities fund helped deliver sport to 300,000 people outside of school hours. The fund ended on Monday.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
I thank the hon. Lady for raising that issue, and I will certainly look into the specific fund she has mentioned. The Education Secretary and I are committed to putting sport back at the heart of the curriculum and our classrooms. We will be in a position to announce more about that shortly, but we share the hon. Lady’s vision of schools that are the hubs of their communities and are open longer hours to enable them to provide those opportunities for young people.
Session: Topical Questions
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The litany of complaints I receive from service families in accommodation in Gosport include damp, black mould, unsafe electrical wiring and waste water flowing into homes. One constituent wrote to me that: “The overall condition of our flat is unfit for purpose, unhygienic and quite frankly a threat to our safety.” This has been going on for decades, under successive Governments, and our service people and their families quite simply deserve better. What I want to know from the Secretary of State, on behalf of my constituents, is when we will begin to see tangible differences. Pinnacle and VIVO are not fit for purpose; when will we see them replaced with an organisation that can do those repairs, and do them properly? I invite him to visit Gosport to see some of that appalling service family accommodation for himself.
Context
The question highlights the poor condition of service family homes in Gosport, including issues with dampness, mould, and unsafe electrical wiring. It demands a tangible difference from the government.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
The hon. Lady is right; it is shameful. Her Government had 14 years to fix the problem; we are now doing that job. We have a policy in place that means that no one should be let a home with apparent damp and mould problems. There is a special, dedicated report line for those problems, and if they are severe, service families should be offered alternative accommodation. The defence housing review, which is now under way and will report in the summer, will set out plans for a long-term overhaul of these deep-seated problems, which are overdue and have been neglected.
Session: Service Accommodation
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The BBC has definitely got questions to answer here, not just on the dealings over this film but on the wider concerns about the representation and reporting of the Gaza conflict. As the Secretary of State said, Hamas are a proscribed terrorist organisation yet they are referred to as such in just 7.7% of instances of reporting by the BBC. It took four days after broadcast for this programme to be taken off iPlayer, and at that point the BBC said there had to be further due diligence with the production company. How confident is the Secretary of State that the board is providing the necessary challenge to executives to maintain that due diligence and to maintain the trust in the organisation?
Context
The BBC has faced criticism for its handling of a documentary related to the Gaza conflict. Questions have been raised about the organization’s due diligence processes.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
The hon. Lady is absolutely right that the BBC board plays the critical role in ensuring that the BBC reaches the highest possible standards, which she and I, and indeed all Members of this House, expect. They will have heard her words and mine loud and clear: we expect them to play that role. They must do that, and part of my job is to hold them to account for what they do and do not do in relation to this.
Session: Gaza BBC Coverage
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The hon. Member highlighted that the video games industry is a significant contributor to the UK economy but noted growing concerns over losing competitiveness compared to other nations. She asked what measures are being taken by the government to ensure the current tax relief regime is sufficient to maintain the UK's competitive edge in this sector.
Context
The video games industry contributes £6 billion a year to the UK economy and supports 73,000 jobs. However, there are concerns about losing competitive edge due to lower tax relief rates compared to other countries like Ireland, France, Australia, and Canada.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
The hon. Lady will be aware of a global slowdown in the video games industry overall. The government has responded by providing additional support through measures such as the video games expenditure credit with £5.5 million allocated to the UK games fund next year. We regularly review our tax relief regime and are cognisant of the highly competitive nature of this sector, not only in video games but also in film, TV, and other areas. The government remains committed to providing comprehensive support for the industry's ecosystem so that it can continue to thrive.
Session: Video Games Industry Gross Value Added
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We are facing a massive increase in our housing numbers, with planners putting in applications to build across the very last green spaces, causing air quality issues and overstretching local infrastructure. We do have an abundance of disused military sites. What priority is given by the Minister to encourage development on brownfield sites rather than using the last remaining green fields?
Context
The area faces a massive increase in housing numbers and developers are seeking to build on the last remaining green spaces, which have air quality issues and overstretched infrastructure. There is an abundance of disused military sites.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
We have a “brownfield first” approach to development. We strengthened this in the recently revised national planning policy framework. Last year, we published a working paper exploring ways to prioritise brownfield land release. Local authorities are asked to take a sequential approach—brownfield first, densify those sites if possible and work cross-boundary where feasible; only then explore grey belt release and greenfield release in extremis.
Session: Planning Reform
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Merry Christmas, Mr Speaker. Violence against women and girls takes many forms—verbal, physical, emotional, financial—and at all ages, but one of the most insidious forms is online abuse. With technology developing faster than legislation can respond, the ways it is being used, such as deepfakes, are also developing faster than legislation can respond, and the use of generative AI to create fake intimate images leaves many women vulnerable. I know the Minister cares deeply about this, so can she tell us what steps the Government will take to ensure that it is tackled properly? Will she work with Cabinet colleagues to create a new online crime agency to deal with that threat?
Context
The MP discussed the various forms of violence against women, including online abuse and the use of generative AI to create fake intimate images.
Jess Phillips
Funnily enough, I am meeting Cabinet Office colleagues later today to talk exactly about how we ensure the violence against women and girls strategy is across different Departments. Without doubt, one of the most important pillars of that strategy is how we will deal with the online harms. We all wait with bated breath to see how the legislation and the new regulations play out, but we will not draw the line at the legislation that already exists, and where we need to adapt, we will.
Session: Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls
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Grassroots sports provide numerous health, economic, welfare, and community benefits. The Culture, Media and Sport Committee is launching an inquiry called 'Game On' to investigate these areas. What conversations is the Minister having with her counterpart in the Department for Education about how to work collaboratively to build a lifelong love and passion for sport among young people?
Context
The question arises from the launch of an inquiry by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee into community, grassroots, and school sports.
Stephanie Peacock
We collaborate closely with the Department for Education, including chairing roundtables and convening meetings on women's sport. Representatives from the Department for Education were present at these discussions.
Session: Grassroots Sport
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What can be said to reassure RFA members that they are valued? The Royal Fleet Auxiliary is often overlooked yet it plays a critical role in our maritime operations. What can the Secretary of State say to members of the RFA to reassure them that they are valued?
Context
The RFA is vital to the sustainability of the Royal Navy, but its pay and conditions often do not match those of the armed forces or civil service.
John Healey
Over the last decade or more, we have been expecting more of those members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. They play a critical role in our maritime operations and they are highly valued as part of our services community. We see an important future for that service as part of building Britain's defences for the future, and we are putting forces personnel and RFA personnel at the heart of our plans to ensure that we are more secure at home and strong abroad.
Session: Improving Service Life Personnel and Families
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How many criminals convicted of rape, sexual abuse, domestic abuse, and domestic violence are now back on our streets as a result of her Department's early release scheme?
Context
The question addresses the number of serious offenders released under the early release scheme and their reoffending rates.
Alex Davies-Jones
The Government excluded the most serious domestic abuse offenders from SDS40, an exemption not made under the previous Government's end-of-custody supervised licence scheme. All data on releases will be published as usual by the Lord Chancellor.
Session: Supporting Victims of Rape and Sexual Violence
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Access to those facilities is vital for mental health and community cohesion, no more so than in the small towns and villages that make up my constituency. Does the Minister agree that even in places like that we must have equal access to such facilities?
Context
The question arises from a concern about the availability and quality of multi-sport grassroots facilities in local communities.
Stephanie Peacock
I completely agree with my hon. Friend. Wherever communities are, across the country, we want to ensure they have access to local facilities. It is so important to get people active, particularly for mental health and wellbeing.
Session: Multi-sport Grassroots Facilities
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Dozens of homes and businesses were flooded by polluted water from the Alver creek during Storm Pierrick. Without urgent measures, this could be a one-in-20-years scenario. What reassurance can be given about the £3.5 million grant status?
Context
Polluted water flooded homes and businesses in Alverstoke due to a tidal surge. Additional funding is needed for flood protection.
Steve Reed
The Secretary of State will meet to discuss this issue in detail. The first meeting of the new flood resilience taskforce is later today, aiming to ensure better coordination between Whitehall and frontline agencies.
Session: Water Pollution Accountability
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I welcome the Secretary of State's commitment to supporting Ukraine. The provision of military and humanitarian aid is important, but it will not be enough to secure long-term peace. Will he reassure me that if and when the Ukrainians seek peace talks, the UK will stand by them and support their efforts?
Context
The question arises from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the need for international support.
David Lammy
I welcome the Ukrainians' desire to have peace summits. The best way to achieve peace is for Russia to leave, for us to continue standing with Ukraine, and for this to be a cross-party issue in the UK Parliament.
Session: Support for Ukraine
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What steps he is taking to support Ukraine. The provision of military and humanitarian aid is important, but it will not be enough to secure long-term peace. Will he reassure me that if and when the Ukrainians seek peace talks, the UK will stand by them and support their efforts?
Context
The question arises from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the need for international support.
David Lammy
I welcome the Ukrainians' desire to have peace summits. The best way to achieve peace is for Russia to leave, for us to continue standing with Ukraine, and for this to be a cross-party issue in the UK Parliament.
Session: Support for Ukraine
View All Questions -->
On behalf of the 12% of people in my constituency who have served, I ask why there is no veterans Minister on the Front Bench this morning.
Context
There is a question about the lack of representation for veterans on the Front Bench.
Pat McFadden
Responsibility for veterans will be transferred to the Ministry of Defence, which is a better home for it. Looking after our veterans will be a priority in the Ministry.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What thought has the Minister given to providing a VAT cut for grassroots music venues?
Context
Small music venues are closing at an alarming rate, and a VAT cut is being proposed to support these businesses.
Laura Trott
I know my hon. Friend cares deeply about this matter. I know she has a report coming out in a few weeks, and I look forward to reading it.
Session: Cost of Living
View All Questions -->
Will the Secretary of State join me in congratulating the magnificent and mighty Portsmouth football club on winning League One and securing promotion to the championship this week? Does she agree with me that Pompey's fantastic victory demonstrates the magic of football in bringing communities together, inspiring young people and encouraging health and fitness?
Context
The question arises from Portsmouth FC's recent victory in League One, securing promotion to the Championship.
Lucy Frazer
I am very pleased to congratulate Portsmouth football club on its success. My hon Friend is absolutely right to highlight the importance of local clubs and what they do in their communities. It is not just the match on a Saturday; it is also about what they do to encourage people to get involved in their community and to get fit and active. Going around the country, I have seen some fabulous examples of what sports clubs—not just football but rugby and cricket—do for their local areas.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
When it comes to valuable heritage assets, I am really concerned about those housed in the grounds of our many military estates which are not bound by any of the obligations to maintain and care for them. In many cases, the Ministry of Defence and others are pursuing a policy of managed decline, which is allowing those valuable heritage assets to rot under our very noses.
Context
The question highlights the concern about valuable heritage assets housed in military estates being left to decline without maintenance due to managed decline policies.
Julia Lopez
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that important point. It is something we support when an asset is in the community rather than on the existing military estate. I recently visited the battle of Britain bunker at RAF Uxbridge, where there has been an amazing partnership with the local council.
Session: Heritage Sector Net Zero
View All Questions -->
The 2016 better defence estate plans earmarked Fort Blockhouse in Gosport for disposal, yet eight years later after numerous delays, the site is still rotting at the taxpayer's expense. It is doing nothing for the local economy, the local community or the MOD. Will the Minister please update me on when can we will finally see some progress on that site?
Context
Fort Blockhouse in Gosport was earmarked for disposal but delays have occurred over eight years.
James Cartlidge
I enjoyed my visit to my hon. Friend's constituency, where we looked at a range of infrastructure and accommodation. I appreciate that she wants to see progress, but I stress that while we are engaging as closely as possible with Gosport Council on this and want to make progress, it is a complex site with significant defence events assets still in place relating to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and the Royal Navy. I am committed to looking at what more we can do and to engaging further with her.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Creators are concerned about AI developers using their works without consent or compensation. The inability of the Government's working group to agree a code of practice fuels these concerns. How will the Government ensure fair payment to creators when their work is exploited?
Context
The MP discusses the inability of a Government working group to agree on a code of practice for AI and IP, raising concerns about compensation for creators.
Lucy Frazer
I understand these matters, and we are committed to ensuring AI supports creativity. We will focus on greater transparency from developers and proper attribution of AI outputs.
Session: AI Creative Industries
View All Questions -->
What discussions she has had with representatives of the creative industries on the impact of AI on that sector. Creators are concerned about AI developers using their works without consent or compensation, as some developers are worth $100 billion.
Context
The MP raises concerns about the lack of discussions and agreements regarding AI's impact on creators.
Lucy Frazer
I understand this issue and want to assure that the conclusion of the working group is not the end. We are committed to ensuring AI development supports creativity, focusing on greater transparency from developers and proper attribution of AI outputs.
Session: AI Creative Industries
View All Questions -->
The Government have delayed producing the information required for the invitation to negotiate for the new medium-lift helicopter four times since September 2022. Can the Minister explain what has caused this 18-month delay? Given the reports last week about his Department freezing capital spending until at least the new financial year, when will the Government get their act together to get this competition under way? Can he promise that the delay will not push back the delivery date for this vital capability for our forces?
Context
The Government have delayed producing the information required for the invitation to negotiate for the new medium-lift helicopter four times since September 2022, causing a significant delay. This delay is concerning given recent reports of capital spending freezes.
James Cartlidge
I am pleased to say two things to the hon Lady. First, we will have the announcement on the next stage of the new medium helicopter very soon. I am also pleased to confirm that we have been clear on our spending position. To echo my right hon Friend the Minister for Defence People and Families if the hon Lady wants to talk about stuff that is rumoured in the press we do not have those sorts of capital spending controls can she confirm whether the shadow Chancellor will honour our defence spending commitments?
Session: Rotary Wing Enterprise
View All Questions -->
Mr Speaker, as you know, Fleetlands in Gosport has been the home of military helicopter maintenance for more than 65 years. This highly skilled engineering work is really key to levelling up the area, providing much-needed jobs and opportunities. Does the Minister agree that the MOD's rotary wing enterprise and new medium helicopter programme would benefit greatly from these generations of expertise and skills right there in Gosport?
Context
Fleetlands in Gosport has been the home of military helicopter maintenance for over 65 years, providing skilled engineering work crucial for local economic development and job creation.
James Cartlidge
I know from my recent visit that my right hon Friend is a champion not only for defence in her constituency but for defence jobs in particular. She is right about StandardAero Fleetlands which is a valued actor in the maintenance of our rotary wing platforms. The rotary wing enterprise is due to enter its detailed design this year. As part of that, it will consider wider social value including the extent to which economic prosperity is supported. But as this is a specific potential procurement, I cannot comment any further.
Session: Rotary Wing Enterprise
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Membership-based Charity Organisations
17 December 2025
Responding: Stephanie Peacock
Main Concerns
['Charity organisations are under strain due to financial pressures, increased service demands, and declining donations. The National Trust has seen an increase in costs leading to changes such as replacing homemade scones, while the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is operating at 120% capacity.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should provide support to help these organisations cope with financial challenges and ensure they can continue their important work without further strain.']
Autism and Learning Disability Training
21 November 2023
Responding: David Johnston
Main Concerns
["The speaker is concerned about the lack of training for education staff in autism and learning disabilities, citing statistics that only 26% of autistic pupils feel happy at school and over three-quarters of parents or carers say their child's school place does not fully meet needs. She notes that teachers are passionate but need better support to help neurodivergent children thrive."]
Specific Asks
["The speaker asks the Minister for an assessment of learning disability training quality, conversations with charities and experts by experience, confidence levels among education professionals in teaching neurodivergent children, and extent to which students' experiences are considered. She also requests consideration of a mandatory training model similar to Oliver McGowan training used in health and care staff."]
Youth Programmes and Girlguiding
19 September 2023
Responding: Stuart Andrew
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people's mental health, with NHS figures showing a rise of almost 50% in children seeking help for their mental health. I worry that Girlguiding's proposed closure of all five outdoor activity centres and the full shutdown of British Girlguiding Overseas will limit opportunities for girls to learn life skills and build friendships."]
Specific Asks
['I ask the Minister what his Department is doing to provide more opportunities for young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to get out and do something fun and adventurous. I want to know how the Government can help Girlguiding maintain its important capacity for outdoor activities across the UK at a low cost.']
Medical Technology Regulations and the NHS
28 March 2023
Responding: Will Quince
Main Concerns
['The MP is concerned about the challenges faced by the NHS in accessing life-saving and life-enhancing health technologies due to post-Brexit regulatory changes. She highlights that over 54,000 people are waiting for treatment in her local area with an average wait of 16.9 weeks. Additionally, there are delays in bringing dementia drugs to market which could significantly impact patient outcomes.']
Specific Asks
['The MP asks the Minister to confirm the timescales for the new model to ensure continued patient access to health tech and to assure her that the MHRA stands ready to accelerate the approval of promising dementia treatments as soon as they become available. She also seeks assurance that systems like NICE will not be obstacles to swift drug availability.']
Supporting UK Artists and Culture
22 November 2022
Responding: Stuart Andrew
Main Concerns
['The UK arts and creative industries employ 2.1 million people and contribute £116 billion to the economy annually, with exports worth more than £37.9 billion in 2019. Despite this, support for these sectors has not been adequate, with issues such as underfunding and a lack of strategy hindering their potential. There is also concern over the impact of funding cuts on organisations like English National Opera (ENO) that engage younger audiences.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP asks the government to look again at the idea of dedicated British music or creative industry export hubs, support a strong copyright framework for royalties, and consider implementing a Smart fund proposal that could raise up to £300 million annually for creators in the UK.']
Not specified in the provided text - Clause being read a Second time
08 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Karin Smyth, a Labour MP for Bristol South, moved that the clause be read a Second time. The specific details of the amendment and its implications are not provided in the given text.
Not specified in the provided text - Clause not specified, but it is related to Schedule 12
08 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Karin Smyth is moving that the clause be read a Second time. She has not provided detailed arguments or statistics in this excerpt, but her intent is to advance the debate on the amendments within Sch...
Online Safety
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Health and Care Bill - Schedule 12 - Minor and consequential amendments
08 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to make minor and consequential changes to ensure the smooth implementation of the Health and Care Bill. These changes are nec...
Not specified in the provided text - Clause being debated is not specified in the provided text
08 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The provided text does not contain detailed arguments from Karin Smyth beyond the formal motion to read the clause a second time. Further details are needed for a comprehensive analysis.
Dover and Portsmouth: Protests
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Major Events (Hosting Powers and Ticketing) Bill - Second Reading
03 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill will provide a framework for delivering major events, sending a clear message to event organisers across the world that the UK is serious about being a world leader in major sporting events. ...
Defence Investment Plan
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Estimates Day - [2nd Allotted Day]Estimates Day
30 June 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
The Government's response to the Select Committee’s “Game On” report acknowledged the importance of physical activity but failed to deliver on its promises due to a lack of funding and clear action. T...
Attendance
63.3%
62 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
35
35.7% of votes
No Votes
27
27.6% of votes
Abstentions
36
36.7% of votes
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
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 NO
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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 NO
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
VOTED NO
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
VOTED NO
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
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
6
PMQs Asked
82
Ministerial Questions Asked
104
House of Commons Debates Involved
5
Westminster Hall Debates Led
7
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
+64% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+512% above average
This MP:
82
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+99% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2040% above average
This MP:
104
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-26% below average
This MP:
7
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-9% below average
This MP:
63.3
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 Caroline Dinenage's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.