Caroline Johnson
MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I am pleased to tell the House that Lincoln medical school is in a position to take on its first cohort from 2027. Will the Prime Minister provide the necessary funding for this cohort of students to start to help improve the oral health of people right across Lincolnshire?
Context
Caroline Johnson has been campaigning for a Lincoln dental school for several years. Professor Juster, Professor Read, and Susie MacPherson have made significant progress.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I am pleased to hear about the progress on the dental school in the hon. Member’s constituency. We have put in further funding for dentistry and are fixing dental deserts across many parts of the country.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not commit to providing specific funding for the first cohort of students at Lincoln medical school's dental program.
Session: PMQs
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What concrete steps is the Prime Minister taking to prevent the strikes, and will he bring forward minimum service legislation?
Context
The MP criticised planned strikes by junior doctors during the festive period and asked about preventing these strikes.
Rishi Sunak
The Government have reached settlements with every other part of the public sector. We are grateful for constructive engagement from consultants and condemn the planned strike action by junior doctors. Minimum service levels have been introduced to ensure a safe level of care.
Session: PMQs
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E-cigarettes were introduced as stop-smoking devices, but remarkably cheap, brightly coloured vapes, with flavours such as unicorn milkshake, bubble-gum and green gummy bear, have proven remarkably attractive to children, hooking them to a lifetime of potentially harmful nicotine addiction. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to talk about how work across Government Departments can help stop our children becoming hooked on vapes, and will he back my ten-minute rule Bill to ban disposable vapes?
Context
Brightly colored, cheap e-cigarettes are appealing to children, potentially leading to nicotine addiction.
Rishi Sunak
I commend my hon. Friend for her work in this area. I absolutely recognise the concern that she raises, both on the environmental impact of disposable vapes and on their appeal to children. The Department of Health and Social Care has announced a call for evidence to look at reducing youth vaping, including on vape appearance, flavours and marketing. We have also been clear that all electrical waste should be disposed of properly, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is looking actively at what changes in legislation might be needed to ensure that the vaping sector foots the bill for the collection and treatment of its used products.
Assessment
The PM did not commit to backing the ten-minute rule Bill
I Commend My Hon. Friend For Her Work In This Area
We Are Looking Actively At What Changes
Session: PMQs
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Rising energy bills are a challenge for all of us. My constituents are grateful for the support that has been given by the Government, but with temperatures this week falling below freezing in Lincolnshire, those living in park homes are particularly concerned about when they will receive their support. Can my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister tell me when and how people living in park homes will receive the £400 to which they are entitled?
Context
Park home residents are concerned about receiving the £400 energy support as temperatures fall below freezing.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend has consistently and rightly championed her rural constituents, making sure they get access to the energy support that we are providing. This is something that the Chancellor prioritised in last week's autumn statement, and I will ensure that we get the money out as quickly as possible. My hon. Friend should also be reassured that the cold weather payment system provides extra financial support to those vulnerable constituents when temperatures drop below a certain point.
Assessment
Did not specify exact date for distribution, only general commitment to speed up process.
Mentioned Prioritisation But No Specific Timeline
Session: PMQs
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My constituents worry about high utility and fuel costs. Rural areas like Sleaford and North Hykeham face unique challenges due to lower temperatures, lack of gas grid, reliance on cars for transport, and distant public services. What additional measures can be taken to ensure affordable energy and fuel sources in rural communities?
Context
The MP's constituents are concerned about rising utility bills and fuel costs, particularly impacting those living in colder regions without gas grid access.
Boris Johnson
We have frozen fuel duty for 12 years, capped energy prices, and invested in sustainable clean energy. Our efforts aim to help with home energy efficiency and support affordability through cheaper, cleaner forms of energy.
Assessment
The MP asked for specific actions to address rural communities; the PM did not provide concrete steps but outlined general measures already taken.
General Policy Statement
Session: PMQs
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Is it accurate that the Government have never committed to doubling the number of medical school places? Is this a promise they intend to break?
Context
The MP raised concerns about the Government's commitment to double the number of medical school places, citing previous promises made by Labour members.
Sharon Hodgson
The 10-year workforce plan will prioritise British graduates entering the workforce, but no specific mention of doubling medical school places was provided.
Session: Health Inequalities Staffordshire 2026-07-14
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Does the Minister agree with the Government's plans to abolish Healthwatch or does she share concerns that it will reduce the independent voice?
Context
The MP questioned the Government's plans to abolish Healthwatch, citing concerns about reducing independent feedback.
Sharon Hodgson
The Government are putting the patient voice at the heart of the health service, although they may be seen as scrapping something, they believe it will make it better.
Session: Health Inequalities Staffordshire 2026-07-14
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I understand that the total is 441, which over a two-year period is the worst on record and means that, in less than 24 months, Labour has released more prisoners in error than were released in the previous six years combined. That is a disgrace. How many of those released in error early were convicted of rape?
Context
There is a concern that the number of prisoners released in error has increased, with 441 incidents over two years being described as the worst on record.
David Lammy
The hon. Lady was not listening to the figures I gave. We are seeing a reduction in the numbers because of the review that I asked Dame Lynne Owens to lead. We are implementing the recommendations so that the numbers come down, but I have to ask the hon. Lady: who left us with the mess? Who saw 800 releases under their watch? When did they update Parliament? When did they set up a review? They did absolutely nothing. We have a paper-based system. That is why we are introducing digital ID.
Session: Prisoner Releases in Error 2026-06-30
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Does the Secretary of State share concerns about such reports and will he look into them?
Context
There are reports that some children are being denied NHS services because they attend private schools.
James Murray
I am surprised by the hon. Lady's remarks, because where a child goes to school should have no bearing on their ability to access NHS services. If she would like to write to me with further details, I would be happy to look into that matter.
Session: Health Inequalities
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Does the Secretary of State agree that state-funded healthcare should be provided to all children based on clinical need?
Context
Children's access to state-funded healthcare should be based on clinical need, not economic or educational status.
James Murray
It is an essential part of our NHS and its founding principles that the NHS is available to all on the basis of need, not their ability to pay. That is a fundamental principle that we in the Labour party support.
Session: Health Inequalities
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The Government appear to have decided that referrals will no longer be triaged by a consultant and that a set proportion will be rejected. What evidence do the Government have that this system is safe? If a set proportion of patients are to be rejected, does this mean doctors must change their clinical thresholds? What evidence supports the safety of these changes?
Context
There is concern that the new triage system for NHS referrals may lead to a set proportion of patients being rejected, potentially compromising patient safety. The Minister previously stated that referrals would no longer be triaged by consultants.
Sharon Hodgson
Unlike the Conservative party, we trust our GPs. This will be consultant-led advice and guidance, on which GPs will then decide.
Session: Cancer Treatment
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Before the election, the Secretary of State said that he would double the number of medical school places and provide thousands more medical training jobs, but now it appears he has rowed back on these promises. The NHS workforce plan was promised for summer 2025 and then autumn 2025, yet we are in spring 2026. When will the workforce plan be published? Does the Secretary of State still intend to double the number of medical school places?
Context
The previous Secretary of State promised to double medical school places and publish a comprehensive NHS workforce plan, but these promises appear to have been abandoned. There is ongoing concern about the quality of cancer care due to workforce shortages.
Sharon Hodgson
We are well aware that there are issues with the workforce across the NHS, which is why we are working on a new workforce plan. This plan will be published very soon.
Session: Cancer Treatment
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That is a very interesting answer. Before Christmas, the Secretary of State had confidence in an allegedly vigorous and rigorous process. Fertility preservation techniques have not deteriorated over the last few months. The ages at which children reach the Tanner stages of puberty have not changed over the last few months, but the MHRA's view has. Why? Given that this is such a scrutinised trial, does that not call into question the MHRA's wider competence and due diligence? Will the Minister publish the MHRA's letter from November referred to in the more recent correspondence published on Friday?
Context
The MHRA's view on the puberty blockers trial has changed. The Minister is asked to explain why.
Ashley Dalton
Why the MHRA has changed its view is a question for the MHRA. That is why we run such trials. It is an independent regulator.
Session: Preventing Ill Health
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What specific steps have been taken to mandate the release of data for the data linkage study?
Context
The Secretary of State previously stated acceptance of all recommendations in Dr Cass’s review, including mandating release of data from a previous study.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
We are working with NHS England to ensure that the release of data is mandated as per Dr Cass’s recommendations. Specific steps include ensuring that this directive is enforced by relevant authorities.
Session: Puberty Suppressants
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The maternity and neonatal plan is due in the spring, nearly two years after the Secretary of State took office. The maternity review has been delayed. There are no signs of the 1,000 additional midwives the Secretary of State said he would train. Gynaecology waiting lists are rising, with the number waiting for admission 6% higher than it was a year ago. May I ask him to concentrate on making more improvements in maternity care?
Context
The maternity and neonatal plan is due in the spring, nearly two years after the Secretary of State took office. The maternity review has been delayed. There are no signs of the 1,000 additional midwives the Secretary of State said he would train. Gynaecology waiting lists are rising, with the number waiting for admission 6% higher than it was a year ago.
Wes Streeting
In the 18 months for which I have had the privilege of holding this post, we have invested more than £131 million in 122 infrastructure projects across 49 NHS trusts to improve the safety of neonatal care facilities. We have implemented a new programme to reduce the two leading causes of avoidable brain injury during labour. We have piloted Martha’s rule in maternity and neonatal units in 14 trusts across six regions to give patients and families the right to request a second opinion. We have launched a package of initiatives and interventions to reduce the number of still births, brain injuries, neonatal deaths and pre-term births. We have held a culture and leadership programme. We have created targeted tools and schemes to promote midwife retention. We have increased the provision of maternal mental health services to help women.
Session: Maternity and Neonatal Care
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Waiting lists for procedures and operations requiring day care or overnight admission are both rising and higher than they were a year ago. Orthopaedic surgery waiting lists are up, yet this Government scrapped our major conditions strategy and say that they have no plans for a musculoskeletal conditions framework. Gynaecology surgery waiting lists are up, yet the Government scrapped and are now reviewing the women’s health strategy. Waits for procedures and operations in ophthalmology, general surgery, neurology and gastroenterology are going up too. When is the Secretary of State going to get a grip of the surgical waiting lists?
Context
Concerns about rising surgical waiting lists for procedures requiring day care or overnight admission, as well as orthopaedic surgery, gynaecology, ophthalmology, general surgery, neurology, and gastroenterology.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
I honestly cannot believe the brass neck of Conservative Members; their time in government led to the longest waiting times and lowest patient satisfaction in the history of the national health service. The best news I can offer the shadow Minister, and others like her who are on a waiting list, is that we have a Labour Government who are reducing waiting lists for the first time in more than 15 years.
Session: NHS Waiting Lists
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I would like to say I am sorry that the Minister for Public Health and Prevention is unwell and convey to her the best wishes of the Opposition. I would like the Secretary of State to consider a patient who has waited a year for a procedure and then, after three waiting list validation calls, finally sees the consultant to check that the procedure is still necessary. If the consultant agrees that it is, do the Government figures show that patient as waiting for a year or a much shorter period?
Context
Concerns about the accuracy of waiting list figures, especially when patients are called for validation after a year of waiting.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
A clock stop would be in place from the moment the patient saw the consultant. The reason we have had to do waiting list validation is that, in addition to driving waiting lists up, the Conservative party presided over a total shambles where patients were often waiting in duplicate slots on the waiting list, removed from waiting lists unnecessarily or waiting far too long. That is the mess we inherited from the Conservative party.
Session: NHS Waiting Lists
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I am concerned that the disruption caused by an uncosted, unplanned simultaneous reorganisation of NHS England and the ICBs is affecting patient care. Before the summer, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommended that the RSV vaccine should be given to those over 80 and those in adult care homes. In July, I asked the Secretary of State to confirm that this vaccine will be available in time for the winter season, and he said 'I can certainly reassure the shadow Minister on this.'—[Official Report, 22 July 2025; Vol. 771, c. 677.] The winter vaccine programme started three weeks ago. Why has he not delivered on his promise?
Context
The disruption caused by NHS reorganisation is affecting patient care. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommended that the RSV vaccine be given to those over 80 and those in adult care homes before summer, but delivery is delayed.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
On the hon. Lady’s first point, this Government, unlike the previous Government, do believe in experts, and we follow the clinical advice that we are given. On her second point, as she is so keen on reading our manifesto commitments, the commitment was to do that by 2030. It is currently 2025. Our reforms to ICBs and providers, bringing NHS England inside the Department of Health and Social Care to make it more democratically accountable for taxpayers, will reverse the shocking increase in funding that the previous Government put into a leaky bucket. We are fixing the foundations of the NHS. We are targeting resources at people in line with our 10-year plan.
Session: NHS Reorganisation
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Last month, the Government published their 10-year plan. It took a year to write, and it contains promises to make even more plans—a cancer plan, a maternity and neonatal plan, a workforce plan and an HIV plan—which we are still waiting for. Careful planning is important, but taking too long will delay improvements in care, so when do the Government expect to publish those plans and to start delivering?
Context
The question addresses the delays in publishing various healthcare plans, such as the cancer plan, maternity and neonatal plan, workforce plan, and HIV plan.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ashley Dalton)
We are already delivering. The hon. Lady is absolutely right to identify that a number of plans are being brought forward. We take this matter very seriously, and we want to ensure that we get it right. We plan: we plan so that we perform effectively, and we plan for success. The national cancer plan will be coming later this year, and I am sure that we will be able to outline a timetable for all other plans. I assure her that planning is not doing nothing; planning is making sure that we get this right and that we deliver.
Session: 10-Year Health Plan Prevention of Ill Health
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Degree apprenticeships are great for social mobility and for matching skills to the economy, and I am such a fan of them that I created one in my parliamentary office. Would the Secretary of State like to take the time for congratulate Jack Kellas, who has achieved not just a distinction in his apprenticeship but a first-class honours degree from the University of Lincoln, and will she do all that she can to ensure that more people have opportunities to take part in degree apprenticeships and achieve the same success as Jack?
Context
Degree apprenticeships are a focus for social mobility and align skills with the economy. Dr Johnson highlights an example of success in her constituency, mentioning Jack Kellas who achieved distinction and a first-class honours degree through a degree apprenticeship.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Janet Daby)
I thank the hon. Member for sharing Jack Kellas’s wonderful achievement. Level 6 apprenticeships are a core part of our offer, and we continue to fund them.
Session: Apprenticeships
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Many of those on waiting lists are elderly and have chronic conditions; rather than seeing consultants at regular intervals, which may coincide with them being relatively well, they are often kept on open appointments so that they can call when they are ill. This is efficient and responsive care. Is the Minister aware that this provision is being stopped in some areas in order to improve figures? I will quote from a letter about an elderly patient: “I regret cannot keep him on my waiting list under the open appointment” for treatment, and, “I have explained the politics of everything and where we are at.” Being re-referred to a GP each time is expensive and a waste of time. Can the Minister explain why doctors are being asked to make decisions for political reasons, instead of clinical ones?
Context
Elderly patients on waiting lists are often kept on open appointments so they can call when ill, which is efficient care. However, some areas are stopping this provision to improve figures.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
I do not think any decisions are being made for political reasons—our medical and health staff are very much focused on doing the right thing from a clinical point of view. The hon. Lady raises an important point about continuity of care, with people constantly having to be re-referred into the system. Part of the reason for that is the utter incompetence with which the previous Government managed our primary care system, which has resulted in people being passed from pillar to post, the additional roles reimbursement scheme not actually being about having GPs on the frontline, but about having other staff, which creates more friction in the system, and poorer continuity of care. This Government are going to bring back the family doctor—that is the way to get our general practice back on its feet.
Session: Health of the Elderly
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Last health questions, I asked about delays to crucial medications in A&E and the Secretary of State said he was interested to hear more, but his office said he would delegate it to a Minister and we still have not been offered a date, so could I encourage him to look into that, please? The U-turn on winter fuel will help the elderly to stay warm and healthy this winter, but another way to help elderly people would be to protect them from the respiratory syncytial virus. Will the Government extend the vaccination to the over-80s?
Context
The U-turn on winter fuel will help the elderly stay warm. A previous health question raised concerns about delays in crucial medications, with a delegation to a Minister without a date.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
I thank the hon. Lady for that question, but I did not quite catch the word she used. The virus was called? [Interruption.] Oh—RSV, yes. We are certainly looking at increasing the coverage of the RSV vaccination. I do not have the statistics to hand at the moment, but I would be happy to write to her on that point.
Session: Health of the Elderly
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Taking medicines on time is important, especially for those with conditions such as diabetes and epilepsy. Will the Secretary of State lend that project his support and commit to reviewing how time-critical medicines are delivered on wards?
Context
The MP referenced a quality improvement programme by Dr Acheson, an A&E consultant with Parkinson's disease, aimed at ensuring timely access to time-critical medicines.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
I thank the shadow Minister for her constructive question. I would be delighted to hear more about that initiative. She is absolutely right about timely access to medicines, and through a combination of service reform and the modernisation of technology, we can assist clinicians and patients to help them to manage their medication and ensure that people get timely access to medicines.
Session: Topical Questions
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The UK Health Security Agency, for which the Secretary of State is responsible, publishes health statistics. This includes data on sexually transmitted infections, which is published by sexual orientation and sex. However, a footnote states that women are defined in the dataset as ‘women and trans women’, which does somewhat undermine the value of the data. What will the Secretary of State do to ensure that data is not just collected properly, but published and presented in a way that is most clinically useful?
Context
The UK Health Security Agency publishes data on sexually transmitted infections, but a footnote defines women as ‘women and trans women’, which can undermine the value of the data.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
The shadow Minister raises a good example of how conflation of sex and gender identity is not helpful both in terms of data analysis and of recognising health inequalities. It is also not helpful in making sure that we understand variances between people based on their different backgrounds and characteristics and that we provide targeted, personalised and effective healthcare that deals with healthcare inequalities. That is why we are carefully studying the recommendations made by Professor Sullivan, with a view to making sure that we are meeting the needs of everyone, including the trans community.
Session: Independent Review of Data, Statistics and Research on Sex and Gender
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Given the findings of the Sullivan review on patient and health safety, which came about as a result of inaccurate and poor data collection, can the right hon. Gentleman confirm what meetings he has had with Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology to discuss the reliability of the data on sex that is intended to be used by the digital verification platform in the Data (Use and Access) Bill?
Context
The Sullivan review highlights issues with data reliability, affecting the digital verification platform in the Data (Use and Access) Bill.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
I am grateful to the shadow Minister for her question. I speak to the Science Secretary on too frequent a basis—on a daily basis. He and I are both looking very carefully at the findings of the Sullivan review and working through its implications for both the health and care services, for which I am responsible, and for the Government digital and data services, for which he is responsible.
Session: Independent Review of Data, Statistics and Research on Sex and Gender
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Sleaford has a beautiful grade II listed railway station in popular use. However, it is very difficult for those with disabilities to access the second platform because there is no lift. I have long campaigned for a lift, and I worked with East Midlands Railway, with the financial support of the previous Government, on a feasibility study for a lift that is in keeping with the heritage station. Will this Government back access for my constituents and access for people to come and visit our beautiful town?
Context
The MP has campaigned for a lift at the Sleaford railway station to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)
I thank the hon. Lady for that question. Improving accessibility in our railways stations is incredibly important. I am sure that the Rail Minister will be happy to write to her on the specifics of her station and to consider the proposals that have been made.
Session: Transport Infrastructure Rural Communities
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What plan does the Labour Government have to tackle antimicrobial resistance? Are they on track to meet targets set by the Conservative Government and if not, what will the Secretary of State do about it?
Context
There were almost 67,000 cases of serious antimicrobial-resistant infections in the UK in 2023. War is increasing such infections globally, with 80% of patients in one Kyiv hospital suffering from them.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
I am delighted that Dame Sally Davies continues her work on antimicrobial resistance. That is an absolutely critical issue, and I pay tribute to the previous Government, particularly Minister Quince, for their work on it.
Session: Global Health and Immunisation
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Will she exempt these vital charities, so that they can continue their vital, life-saving work?
Context
The Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance alone will need to find another £70,000 just to pay the national insurance rises.
Rachel Reeves
The tax rises in the Budget were used to provide a £22.6 billion uplift in the Department of Health and Social Care budget to ensure that our NHS is properly funded.
Session: Topical Questions
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Of course, changes to national insurance contributions affect not just the NHS directly, but suppliers, contractors, charities and other NHS care providers. I know you are a great supporter of your local air ambulance service, Mr Speaker, as I am of the Lincs & Notts air ambulance, which now needs to raise £70,000 extra just to fund this Government's ill-advised changes to NICs. That £70,000 is a lot of cakes to sell, cars to wash and fun runs to complete, and that is just one example of pressures placed on lifesaving services right across the country.
Context
Johnson highlighted the impact of NI changes on charities and other healthcare providers.
Wes Streeting
Again, we have not yet announced how we are allocating the budget for the year ahead, but I remind the Conservatives that it is thanks to the choices the Chancellor made in her Budget that she is able to invest £26 billion in health and social care. Would they cut the £26 billion this Labour Government are investing in the NHS? If not, how would they pay for it?
Session: Health and Care Staffing Costs Employer NI Contributions
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I have tried repeatedly through written parliamentary questions to get an answer to this without success, so I will try asking it face to face: will the Secretary of State tell the House how much his Chancellor's changes to national insurance contributions will cost the NHS?
Context
Johnson asked about the cost to the NHS from the Chancellor's national insurance contribution changes.
Wes Streeting
The hon. Member talks about the employer national insurance contributions as if they were a burden on the NHS. It is thanks to the decisions taken by the Chancellor that we can invest £26 billion in health and social care. The Conservatives welcome the investment but oppose the means of raising it. Do they support the investment or not? They cannot duck the question; they have to answer.
Session: Health and Care Staffing Costs Employer NI Contributions
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We have heard about the challenges facing Whipps Cross hospital. The Secretary of State's decisions to pause capital projects across the country and put them under review has caused worry and uncertainty for staff in hospitals nationwide. Can he say when the review will be completed, so that we have certainty about when things will go ahead?
Context
The Secretary of State's decision to pause capital projects across the country has caused uncertainty for staff in hospitals nationwide. This includes concerns about when these reviews will be completed.
Andrew Gwynne
The review will be completed when all the information has been analysed. The hon. Lady should not just be a little more patient; she should be a little more apologetic for the fact that the Government found a hospital rebuilding programme that was not worth the paper it was written on, because the ultimate paper we needed—the cash—was not there.
Session: District Hospitals
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What is the Secretary of State's response to the approach taken by the Conservatives regarding centralised control over hospital projects?
Context
Under the previous government, the new hospital programme stalled. Many trusts have capital funds that they want to spend but are unable due to outdated rules.
Wes Streeting
The condition of the NHS estate is poor, with backlog maintenance at £11.6 billion. The previous government left a significant legacy to deal with.
Session: New Hospital Programme
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Whether she has made a cost-benefit analysis of her net zero policies. The cost of net zero is being borne by our hard-pressed constituents, at the same time as China increases its carbon dioxide emissions by more than the UK's total emissions every year. Wholesale electricity prices are currently £65 per megawatt, but we are paying £102 per megawatt for fixed offshore wind, offering £246 for floating offshore wind, and £89 for solar.
Context
Question about the cost-benefit analysis of implementing net zero policies.
Justin Tomlinson
The hon. Member and I agree that we must champion the importance of delivering cheaper bills for consumers. This does not have to be a binary choice between tackling climate change and delivering cheaper consumer bills. By investing in a cleaner, more efficient energy system, we can do both.
Session: Net Zero Cost-Benefit Analysis
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The Sir Robert Pattinson Academy in my constituency is a great school providing an excellent education to children. However, it is struggling with the challenges of aged infrastructure, and an urgent bid for it to rectify the heating and wiring challenges has been refused. An urgent meeting on Friday with officials was unproductive, not least because the data they were looking at was out of date. Can I ask the Secretary of State to please ensure that the senior leadership team gets an urgent meeting with senior officials and that she personally ensures that this bid is looked at properly and quickly?
Context
The Sir Robert Pattinson Academy is facing infrastructure challenges that have been refused urgent funding.
Damian Hinds
I will indeed do that. My hon. Friend has brought up this subject with me and with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. There was that meeting with Mr Hardy on Friday. I know there are two separate cases around the condition improvement fund bid and the urgent capital support bid. We will continue to work with the school, and I will ensure that my hon. Friend gets that high-level meeting that she asks for.
Session: Topical Questions
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What is the Minister doing to ensure that constituents in rural areas are well looked after?
Context
Residents in rural areas face additional challenges accessing specialist medical services, especially during winter months.
Helen Whately
We are investing in more ambulance hours and quicker response times, reducing delays and improving A&E performance with faster care delivery.
Session: Winter Pressure on NHS Services
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My constituent Elaine Lynch was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in September 2021. The drug she needs, Enhertu, is available free on the NHS to treat breast cancer, but not lung cancer, so it is costing my constituent £10,000 a month to get the treatment, without which she will die. The public petition on this matter has received more than 200,000 signatures, so it is very much in the public interest. As the company Daiichi Sankyo does not offer the drug on compassionate grounds, will the Minister meet me to see how we can make this drug available for Elaine as soon as possible, because this is literally a matter of life or death?
Context
A constituent with stage 4 lung cancer needs Enhertu, a drug available on NHS for breast cancer but not lung cancer, costing £10,000 monthly without which she will die. A public petition has received over 200,000 signatures.
Will Quince
I have huge sympathy and empathy with the case that my hon. Friend raises. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence is rightly independent, and strict and robust processes are in place on drug repurposing and clinical trials. Nevertheless, I would of course be happy to meet him to see what can be done.
Session: Cancer Treatment Waiting Times
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The Prime Minister promised not to lose swathes of good farmland to solar farms, yet vast areas are open for planning, affecting whole villages and high-grade land. Will my right hon Friend meet me?
Context
Prime Minister's past promise to avoid losing best farmland to solar farms contradicts current developments in the constituency.
Graham Stuart
Planning policy encourages large-scale solar projects on previously developed or lower-value land. Where greenfield sites are used, developers must justify and mitigate impacts. I am happy to meet the hon Friend.
Session: Topical Questions
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Today Dr Mike McKean said that vaping is 'fast becoming an epidemic' among children. The RCPCH said we should ban disposable cigarettes—e-cigarettes—'without a doubt'. Will the Minister do all he can to prevent children from starting vaping and will he back my ten-minute rule Bill, which was introduced in February, to ban disposable e-cigarettes?
Context
Dr Mike McKean, a respiratory consultant and vice-president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, stated that vaping is becoming an epidemic among children.
Neil O'Brien
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for her leadership on this issue. Many of the ideas that she has been putting forward are already in the plan we set out to tackle youth vaping, including the creation of a 'flying squad', ongoing call for evidence on youth vaping.
Session: Topical Questions
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On 1 March this year more than 22,000 armed forces personnel had been described as being in dental categories 2 or 3, which means that their dental fitness was suboptimal. In addition, constituents of mine who are spouses or dependants of military personnel are struggling to obtain treatment from NHS dentists owing to their frequent house moves. What are my right hon. Friend and the Department doing to ensure that we meet our obligations to service personnel and their families?
Context
More than 22,000 armed forces personnel had been described as being in dental categories 2 or 3, indicating suboptimal dental fitness. Spouses and dependants face difficulties due to frequent house moves.
James Heappey
I understand that my hon. Friend recently met the Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, my right hon. Friend the Member for South West Wiltshire (Dr Murrison), to discuss this matter. Defence service personnel have more access to dentistry than would be expected by the general population. When people are awaiting dental care ahead of deployment, their care is prioritised. As for the wider issue relating to dental provision for service families, my hon. Friend has made an important point, and I will ensure that it is conveyed to Ministers in the Department of Health and Social Care. It does, of course, involve armed forces covenant issues.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What are the Government doing to prevent disposable vapes from becoming a fad among children?
Context
The MP raises concerns about vaping becoming a trend for non-smoking youth, despite being designed as a stop-smoking aid.
Neil O'Brien
My hon. Friend is quite right. It is something that we are looking at very closely, as she knows from previous conversations. While vaping can be an aid in quitting smoking—it helped about 800,000 people to do so last year—we must stop its use being driven up among children.
Session: Health Inequalities
View All Questions -->
Does my hon. Friend agree that it is not morally right for the state to tax landowners on compensation given under compulsory purchase orders?
Context
Constituents face having their land and livelihoods taken by compulsory purchase order to build a reservoir, taxed as capital gain upon compensation.
Victoria Atkins
My hon. Friend has raised this with me before orals today and, if she writes to me, I will be happy to look into it further for her.
Session: Tax System Fairness
View All Questions -->
What is my hon. Friend doing to ensure that the time is shorter for all concerned?
Context
The MP is concerned about the long time it takes for raped women to come to court.
Michael Tomlinson
The number of days between police referral and CPS charge has been moving in the right direction, but evidence gathering can take time to ensure correctness.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls Prosecution Rates
View All Questions -->
The pandemic has had a devastating effect on the number of people waiting for treatment. In 2019, there were 54 women waiting more than a year to see a gynaecologist. That number is now more than 40,000. What is my right hon. Friend doing to reduce this wait?
Context
The pandemic has led to a significant increase in the number of people waiting for NHS treatment.
Steve Barclay
This is a good illustration of the challenge the country faces with backlogs that are very much driven by the pandemic. We are working with senior figures such as Jim Mackey and Professor Tim Briggs and the Getting It Right First Time programme to look at patient pathways, how we use our diagnostics and our surgical hubs and streamlining the way we get services to patients where backlogs have built up.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The Government have done a great deal to help people with their cost of living challenges, but elderly residents in my constituency are troubled by reports in the newspapers suggesting that we may not meet our manifesto commitment to retain the pensions triple lock. Pensioners face a triple whammy of dwindling savings value due to low interest rates, rising costs due to inflation and, owing to their age, an inability to go out and earn any more. Will my right hon. Friend please confirm that we will increase pensions in line with inflation?
Context
Pressure on pensioners due to low interest rates, inflation and age.
Mel Stride
I admire my hon. Friend's persistence on this matter, but I am afraid I must give her the same response that I have given on numerous occasions this afternoon, namely, that we will have to wait until at least 17 November for an answer.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The Holy Trinity or West Allington church is beautiful and historic, but access to it is quite poor. The lovely grass slope going up to the church means that, in winter and in poor, wet weather, the church is inaccessible to the elderly and those with disabilities, and some of my constituents have missed family funerals as a result. What can the Church Commissioners do to help?
Context
A local church is beautiful but has poor accessibility issues, particularly in winter and wet weather. The grass slope makes the church inaccessible to elderly individuals and those with disabilities, leading some constituents to miss family funerals.
Andrew Selous
It is typical of my hon. Friend's conscientiousness that she has visited Holy Trinity, Allington to help get these much-needed improvements. If she contacts the archdeacon of Boston, the archdeacon will work with her and the parish, with the assistance of the church buildings department, to improve their bid for the necessary funds to help revitalise the church as a resource for the whole community.
Session: Accessibility of Churches
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Large-scale Solar Farms
18 April 2024
Responding: Andrew Bowie
Main Concerns
["The MP is concerned about the impact of large-scale solar farms on food security, particularly in Lincolnshire which produces a significant portion of the UK's vegetables and poultry. She notes that many proposals are targeting prime farmland, with some covering up to 9,109 hectares and reducing UK's valuable food production capacity. The MP highlights the loss of arable land due to solar farms and the potential reliance on foreign food sources with less stringent environmental standards."]
Specific Asks
['The MP asks for a comprehensive land use strategy that prioritises agricultural needs over energy security, encourages the use of brownfield sites and rooftops instead of farmland, addresses the backlog in grid connection prioritisation, assesses costs accurately, and ensures strict guidance to avoid the best agricultural lands.']
Planning and Solar Farms — [Caroline Nokes in the Chair]
19 July 2023
Responding: Andrew Bowie
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the industrialisation of our countryside through large-scale solar farms, which dramatically alter landscapes, destroy beautiful and productive agricultural land, and lack effective means for communities to stop such plans. Some applications cover up to 1400 hectares, with no adequate consultation or engagement from local communities. The Planning Act 2008's NSIP process removes decision-making power from local authorities and intimidates landowners with compulsory purchase orders. Furthermore, the use of high-quality agricultural land for solar farms is concerning, given that Lincolnshire produces a significant portion of UK food despite covering only a small percentage of the country's land mass. Mr Leigh is concerned about the overdevelopment of solar farms in Lincolnshire and Leicestershire, with ten thousand acres of applications surrounding Gainsborough. He worries that this would undermine local farming communities, destroy farmland, and impact food security. Mr Leigh also expresses concern about developers dividing projects into separate applications to bypass local planning processes and that some companies may have Chinese backing."]
Specific Asks
['The Government should reflect on why their planning system drives large-scale NSIP applications and address the concerns about the loss of productive agricultural land. Additionally, they should prioritize industrial, residential, and brownfield sites for solar farms to reduce the impact on rural landscapes. Mr Leigh asks the Government to consolidate solar farm applications into one whole for public inquiry consideration and extend the exemption from development on highly graded agricultural land to include grade 3b. He also suggests creating a new subsidy regime that incentivizes smaller-scale solar installations on warehouses, industrial buildings, schools, and houses.']
Electronic Cigarettes
29 June 2023
Responding: Neil O'Brien
Main Concerns
['E-cigarettes have moved from being a stop-smoking device to an alternative addiction, attracting non-smokers. The vaping market is worth £4 billion annually with around 5 million users in the UK, of which approximately 2 million were not smokers before using e-cigarettes. There are significant health risks associated with vaping, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, increased blood pressure, and asthma triggers for children. In Sleaford alone, eight cases of children collapsing after vaping have been reported. Vapes often contain harmful substances like coolant and antifreeze, posing serious dangers to users.']
Specific Asks
['The Minister should consider the regulation of e-cigarettes by restricting advertising on platforms such as TikTok, banning sports club sponsorships, implementing stricter health warnings, and introducing taxation measures to deter children from purchasing vapes. Additionally, the Minister should support a ban on disposable vapes based on environmental and health concerns.']
Health and Care Bill - Schedule 1
07 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to confer primary care functions on integrated care boards, thereby ensuring better coordination and integration of health ser...
Local Government Reorganisation
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
NHS Corridor Care
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Expressed deep concern about the issue of 'corridor care' in NHS, highlighting that treatment in corridors is not care due to lack of proper equipment and dignity. Stressed the importance of accurate ...
Prisoner Early Release
29 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Puberty Blockers
23 June 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
As a consultant paediatrician, Caroline Johnson highlights the ethical concerns surrounding the PATHWAYS clinical trial that involves administering puberty-suppressing hormones to children with gender...
Pathways Study: Puberty Suppression
22 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
15 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to express concern over the state of NHS dentistry, noting that nearly 14 million people in England could not access dental care. Highlights issues such as lack of availability for children in S...
Compassionate Use Medicine Schemes: VAT
11 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Health and Social Care Bill
01 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, James Murray, moved the Second Reading of the Health and Social Care Bill. He emphasised the personal significance of the NHS in his life due to a ra...
Referral of Prime Minister to Committee of Privileges
28 April 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion calls for the matter of Peter Mandelson's appointment as US Ambassador to be referred to the Privileges Committee due to claims that the Prime Minister misled the House. Kemi Badenoch argue...
Attendance
73.5%
72 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
38
38.8% of votes
No Votes
34
34.7% of votes
Abstentions
26
26.5% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
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
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
VOTED NO
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
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
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 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
VOTED NO
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
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
5
PMQs Asked
52
Ministerial Questions Asked
182
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
2
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
+37% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+288% above average
This MP:
52
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3645% above average
This MP:
182
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-79% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+6% above average
This MP:
73.5
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 Johnson's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.