Caroline Nokes
MP for Romsey and Southampton North
Con
Conservative
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6 May 2010 - 30 Mar 2015
Conservative
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7 May 2015 - 3 May 2017
Conservative
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8 Jun 2017 - 4 Sep 2019
Independent
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3 Sep 2019 - Present
Conservative
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30 Oct 2019 - 6 Nov 2019
Conservative
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12 Dec 2019 - 30 May 2024
Conservative
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4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I was very proud that it was a Conservative Government who appointed the Patient Safety Commissioner, and that we commissioned the Hughes report on medical devices and medicines, which was published this morning. Will my right hon. Friend also make me proud by addressing the points that the commissioner has raised and bringing forward a redress scheme in a timely manner?
Context
The Patient Safety Commissioner has raised points in a recent report on medical devices and medicines, prompting calls for action.
Rishi Sunak
I am grateful to the Patient Safety Commissioner and her team for their work on this important issue—one that I know my right hon. Friend has spoken about in the past. Of course, first and foremost, our sympathies remain with those affected by sodium valproate. We are focused on improving the system and how it listens to patients, and it is right that the Government carefully consider the report's recommendations. The Department of Health and Social Care will respond to the report in due course, and the Health Secretary will keep the House updated on a regular basis.
Assessment
The questioner asked for a redress scheme based on the report's recommendations, but this specific request was not addressed directly. Instead, the Prime Minister noted that the Government would carefully consider the recommendations and respond in due course.
Did Not Address Redress Scheme
Session: PMQs
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Georgia Harrison is an incredibly brave young woman who only got justice when she was a victim of revenge porn because she could prove that the perpetrator intended to cause her distress. Most victims cannot prove that, and perpetrators are using platforms to use revenge porn for financial gain. That is not covered in the legislation. Will my right hon. Friend commit to looking at the case studies Georgia has compiled and to reviewing the legislation to strengthen it and make it more effective?
Context
Georgia Harrison successfully fought against revenge porn through proving the intent to cause distress, a requirement not applicable to most victims who cannot prove this intent.
Dominic Raab
I thank my right hon. Friend for all that she has done in this area. There have been a considerable number of changes to the Online Safety Bill, not least because of her forensic attention to detail. They will include the creation of a new base offence of sharing intimate images without consent that does not require proof of an intention to cause distress. The Government also support the revenge porn helpline, which offers free and confidential advice. If there are any further changes that she thinks need to be made, I would be happy to look at them with her.
Assessment
The specific review of Georgia Harrison's case studies is not addressed.
Session: PMQs
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I would like to pass on my condolences to the Prime Minister on the sad loss of his mother. Raising children is very expensive—more so when they are disabled. The children impacted by sodium valproate have suffered physically, mentally and indeed financially. When the Cumberlege report was published, there was real hope that they would get support. However, on the last day before the summer recess, a written ministerial statement indicated that recommendation 4 of that report would not be actioned. May I please ask my right hon. Friend to urge the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to look again at that and give the parents of those children the financial redress that they so desperately need?
Context
The Cumberlege report was published with recommendations including financial support for the parents of disabled children impacted by sodium valproate. However, on the last day before summer recess, recommendation 4 which proposed financial redress was not actioned.
Boris Johnson
I thank my right hon. Friend for her kind words. On her substantive point, she is entirely right to raise the issues investigated by Baroness Cumberlege. We have given the report full consideration, accept its overarching conclusions and are committed to making rapid progress in addressing all the areas that it mentions, including the one that my right hon. Friend covered today.
Assessment
Specific commitment on financial redress under recommendation 4 was not addressed
Session: PMQs
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The River Test is one of the finest chalk streams in the world, but since May, diesel has been spilling into the river. What matters most is that the flow is stopped and that there is an effective clean-up, but there are many agencies involved, which has made a co-ordinated response challenging. Please will my right hon. Friend ensure that the Environment Agency, Natural England, Southern Water, local authorities and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are all involved in solving this environmental catastrophe together?
Context
Diesel has been spilling into the River Test since May, affecting a significant environmental resource.
Boris Johnson
My right hon. Friend is completely right. All those bodies are involved, but the lead agency is the Environment Agency, and I know that it is in touch with her. I must say that I have a very high regard for the agency and for its work.
Assessment
The answer did not confirm coordination between agencies specifically to stop spillage.
Hedging
Session: PMQs
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Covid has an unequal impact on various communities. Can the PM update the House on steps being taken to empower people against fat-shaming and promote individual wellbeing without relying solely on BMI?
Context
The unequal impact of COVID-19 on certain groups, including those affected by body mass index inaccuracies.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Thanking Caroline Nokes for her tactful question, the PM acknowledges significant comorbidities associated with obesity and plans to bring forward a strategy addressing this issue.
Session: PMQs
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Will you ensure that DEFRA, MHCLG, Natural England and EA work together to protect waterways while supporting housing development?
Context
Local authorities are unable to grant planning permission due to concerns about green algae accumulation.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
We will employ the ministerial Dyno-Rod to sort out the blockage. We aim to deal with nitrate neutrality and ensure her community gets needed housing.
Session: PMQs
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American company Wheelabrator has a track record of breaching environmental legislation in the USA and now seeks to build a massive incinerator in the beautiful Test Valley. Local residents are looking to this Government because of their concerns about emissions levels and are seeking reassurance from my right hon. Friend that regulations on emissions from incineration will be further enhanced and greener alternatives encouraged.
Context
Concerns about an American company's track record of breaching environmental regulations in the USA, seeking to build a massive incinerator with potential adverse effects on local residents.
The Prime Minister
I see my right hon. Friend's point with great concern. As we move to a net zero economy by 2050 under this groundbreaking Conservative Government, it is vital that we tackle those kinds of emissions. That is why we are establishing the Office for Environmental Protection, and I will chair a new Cabinet Committee to drive forward action on climate change across the whole of Government.
Session: PMQs
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Why does she think the plan is not working when there are fewer disabled people in employment compared to last year?
Context
In December, the issue of the disability pay gap was raised. Despite initial claims that the Government are closing the disability employment gap, statistics show a decrease in disabled people employed from January to March 2024 compared with the same period in 2023.
Mims Davies
The hon. Lady and I could trade statistics, but what I am interested in is opportunities for disabled people and people with health conditions, hence the work we are doing on the Buckland review, entrepreneurship, and the Lilac review. We will update the House soon.
Session: Support for People with Disabilities
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My hon. Friend takes domestic abuse very seriously, but is she aware that perpetrators all too frequently seek to use the civil courts to perpetrate further abuse of their victims, often with the support of legal aid and often using “experts” with no relevant qualifications to make accusations of, for instance, parental alienation or child grooming? Can she please reassure me that the Government are taking this matter seriously, to ensure that perpetrators do not continue to use our courts system to retraumatise their victims?
Context
The question addresses concerns about domestic abusers using legal proceedings to maintain control over victims, particularly through misuse of the civil court system and unqualified experts making false accusations.
Laura Farris
My right hon. Friend asks an excellent question, but let me first remind her that this is precisely the issue at which the section 91(14) prohibition orders are directed. Moreover, one of the changes made under the Domestic Abuse Act gave the courts themselves the power to make those orders of their own volition, rather than waiting for an application from the victim. To the extent that we are making changes to legal aid, all those changes are in favour of the victim, including removing illiquid and contested assets from consideration of means and allowing protective orders without any assessment of means.
Session: Domestic Abuse
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What steps he is taking to prevent domestic abuse perpetrators from using the justice system to extend control over victims. My hon. Friend takes domestic abuse very seriously, but is she aware that perpetrators all too frequently seek to use the civil courts to perpetrate further abuse of their victims, often with the support of legal aid and often using “experts” with no relevant qualifications to make accusations of, for instance, parental alienation or child grooming? Can she please reassure me that the Government are taking this matter seriously, to ensure that perpetrators do not continue to use our courts system to retraumatise their victims?
Context
The question addresses the issue of domestic abusers using legal proceedings to maintain control over victims, including concerns about misuse of civil courts and unqualified experts making false accusations.
Laura Farris
The Government have taken significant steps to prevent domestic abusers from using the justice system to extend control over their victims, including Section 65 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 which prevents cross-examination and requires special measures in court. Prohibition orders under section 91(14) of the Children Act 1989 bar individuals from making further applications to court without permission when abusive partners are judged to be bringing victims back to court without reasonable purpose. Additionally, changes made under the Domestic Abuse Act allow courts to make prohibition orders on their own volition and legal aid means test reviews have been undertaken to make the test more generous for victims.
Session: Domestic Abuse
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Yesterday, I was with the community interest company, Women on Boards, and its clear message to the Minister is, “Please can we have more action and fewer initiatives, to ensure that we make real progress in getting women in our companies, at every level?”
Context
The question arises from discussions about gender inequality issues beyond pay gaps, such as pension gaps, women's representation on boards, and talent pipelines.
Maria Caulfield
We absolutely are taking action. We are planning to introduce the pay transparency pilot, because in high-paid jobs, salaries are often not advertised, and women end up being paid less than men for the same role. It is such action that will make a difference to women across the country.
Session: Gender Pay Gap
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We know that the Cabinet Office is often focused on making sure that procurement contracts go to small and medium-sized enterprises, but can my hon. Friend tell me what work is being done to make sure that female-led businesses get a chance at those contracts?
Context
The MP is concerned about the inclusivity of procurement contracts awarded by the Cabinet Office to small and medium-sized enterprises.
Alex Burghart
I think my right hon. Friend is referring to social value, which is obviously an important part of our procurement regime. Social value was discussed extensively during the passage of the Procurement Act 2023, and contracting authorities in local areas must pay regard to it.
Session: Topical Questions
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In some instances, there are good reasons why immigration control should be able to work with forces of law enforcement when it comes to domestic abuse. My constituent Emma has been serially abused, harassed and stalked by a US national, who crosses the border with no visa—he does not need one—to continue his campaign of harassment. Will my right hon. Friend please work closely with the Home Office to ensure that British women are protected from foreign abusers who have found ways around our immigration system?
Context
The MP is discussing a specific case of serial abuse by a US national who avoids the immigration system, highlighting the need for better cooperation between law enforcement and immigration control.
Kemi Badenoch
My right hon. Friend is right to raise that. I ask her to let her constituent know that the Government are doing all they can. The safeguarding Minister has said that she will write to my right hon. Friend so that this specific case can be further investigated.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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I welcome my hon. Friend to her new expanded role in the Department for Work and Pensions. The last time I raised Access to Work with her, it was about a particular blockage in my constituency, and I thank her for resolving that. She will know as well as I do that one of the biggest challenges for young disabled people is the transition into work. What reassurance can she give me that she is prioritising the applications of young people, so that when they move into their first job, that is not impeded by too slow a reaction from Access to Work?
Context
The transition from education to employment is a significant challenge for young disabled individuals.
Mims Davies
I thank my right hon. Friend, and I hope I am the Minister for getting things done in this brief, as I have been in all my other briefs in my almost five years at the DWP. I will be leaning very much into those details.
Session: Access to Work
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What work is being done to help disabled individuals get better employment opportunities?
Context
The Times reported on the invisibility of disabled people in employment applications.
Mims Davies
As the Minister responsible for social mobility, I am taking direct leadership on access to employment. We have billions of pounds in our back to work plan and are supporting vulnerable people by uprating benefits by 6.7% in April equally.
Session: Disabled People Inequality
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Funds are available through Access to Work but there are significant delays. Disabled people face additional costs like £6,000 for powered wheels and must pay upfront on credit cards. Will the Minister work with DWP colleagues to ensure no delays in accessing necessary funds?
Context
Caroline Nokes is concerned about the delays in Access to Work grants, which can cause financial strain for disabled individuals needing equipment such as powered wheels.
Mims Davies
An additional £300 cost of living payment will be given from next Tuesday. Waiting times for Access to Work customers are being improved through digitisation. The Minister spoke about this matter with a constituent, and they will hear concerns again.
Session: Disabled People Additional Costs
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Energy-intensive industries come in many forms. Can my right hon. Friend provide any reassurance that the Government will review the classifications of what constitutes an energy-intensive industry? SB Joinery in my constituency contains a large sawmill and planing facility, but has been deemed ineligible for high levels of the energy bills discount scheme. Would my right hon. Friend be prepared to look at that case personally?
Context
SB Joinery in Caroline Nokes' constituency contains a large sawmill and planing facility but has been deemed ineligible for high levels of the energy bills discount scheme.
Claire Coutinho
I would be delighted to meet my right hon. Friend and discuss that particular case. We keep looking at everything we can do to support business, as we have done this entire time.
Session: Energy-intensive Industries Decarbonisation
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Does my right hon. Friend agree with me and, indeed, with the former Prime Minister that conversion therapy is 'abhorrent'?
Context
Former Prime Minister stated that conversion therapy is 'abhorrent'. The question seeks confirmation.
Stuart Andrew
I thank the Chair of the Select Committee for her question. I absolutely agree that it is abhorrent; moreover, it does not work—that is a serious point. Yes, I do believe that that is with regard to everyone.
Session: Conversion Practices Legislative Ban
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What work is underway across Government to ensure that the UK is actively addressing global violence against girls, particularly through proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran?
Context
Violence against women and girls is prevalent not just in the UK but globally, especially in countries like Iran and Afghanistan. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office leads support for human rights.
Sarah Dines
This issue is managed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The Government use sanctions as a key tool to address oppression of women abroad, including considering proscribing organizations such as the Iranian authorities involved in human rights violations.
Session: Harassment and Violence against Women and Girls
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that action should be taken to stamp out gendered abuse, harassment, and intimidation in this Chamber? The questioner referenced allegations of misconduct against Members of Parliament and asked for a commitment to take decisive action.
Context
Gendered abuse, harassment, and bullying can occur anywhere, including this Chamber.
Kemi Badenoch
I completely agree that this is a very serious issue. We condemn any Member who tries to intimidate, harass or abuse other Members of Parliament when they are simply representing their constituents. This is a place where we have freedom of speech and expression.
Session: Workplace Inequality Gender and Race
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Requests a meeting to discuss specifics of high sewage disposal costs and explore possible Government support.
Context
Concern about the cost of sewage disposal, with a housing association levying charges up to £300 per month.
Dehenna Davison
Grateful for the raise, will meet to learn more and see what more can be done to support constituents on sewage disposal costs.
Session: Levelling Up Cost of Living in Rural Areas
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I assure the Minister that the people of Nether Wallop, Over Wallop and Barton Stacey do not feel that Project Gigabit is delivering for them. They have seen changed criteria; an inability to split postcodes; delays in processing applications; being told they will not be able to reapply until 01/23 because the project will still not be procured for those areas. The voucher scheme remains suspended. They want answers and delivery, not news that the project is delivering in Cumbria.
Context
The MP's constituents in Nether Wallop, Over Wallop and Barton Stacey have faced changed criteria, delays, and inability to split postcodes for their broadband applications.
Julia Lopez
We have launched two of our procurements in areas covering Romsey and Southampton North. The value of vouchers has been increased, allowing people to apply for up to £4,500 towards the cost of installing gigabit-capable broadband in rural and particularly hard-to-reach areas.
Session: Rural Broadband
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Does she agree with these organizations and will she either back the Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Bill or bring forward her own legislation?
Context
The Law Commission recommended a year ago that public sexual harassment should be made a specific crime. The questioner asks if the Minister agrees with Plan International, Girl Guides, Soroptimist International, Our Streets Now, and many other organisations in supporting the Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Bill.
Sarah Dines
The Minister thanks the right hon. Friend for her work and says that organisations such as the Girl Guides usually have merit in their recommendations. She asks to be patient, expecting some news in this space very soon.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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Biometrics are important but going back to spousal visas, my constituent's Afghan wife is stuck in Iran where refugees are not treated well. The Home Office says it will not expedite this case. Will the Minister look into this if I write to him after this session?
Context
The MP mentioned a constituent whose wife, an Afghan citizen in Iran, is facing difficulties and the Home Office does not intend to expedite this case.
Robert Jenrick
I would be very happy to do so.
Session: Biometric Residence Permits
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I thank my right hon. Friend for those statistics, which appear to be somewhat at odds with the experience of my constituents: Oksana Vakaliuk from Ukraine has waited since May 1st; Adnam Hameed granted tier 2 in May still waiting last month; Mohammed Poswall wife visa stuck since July. These individuals could work, meet skills shortages and pay tax. Will he meet me to go through these cases to understand delays specific to my region?
Context
The MP noted specific cases of constituents experiencing delays: Oksana Vakaliuk, a refugee from Ukraine, has been waiting since 1 May; Adnam Hameed was granted his tier 2 visa in May and still awaits his BRP last month; Mohammed Poswall's wife has been waiting since July for her spousal visa.
Robert Jenrick
I would be happy to meet my right hon. Friend. As I said, data suggests most customers receive their BRPs within seven days and system works well. If cases fall through cracks, we aim to fix them.
Session: Biometric Residence Permits
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Will the Minister update us on how Nottinghamshire's pilot to record misogyny as a hate crime is progressing? What progress has been made in tackling public sexual harassment?
Context
Nottinghamshire police is piloting the recording of misogyny as a hate crime. This raises questions about government support for this approach.
Mims Davies
My right hon. Friend will be pleased to know that I am very interested in both those issues. The consultation on public sexual harassment has been completed, and I am currently looking at it. On misogyny as a hate crime, I am aware of the Nottinghamshire police work. It is absolutely right that a number of police forces are choosing of their own volition to record those particular crimes.
Session: Hate Crime
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Whether it is the menopause, child rearing, or caring for elderly relatives, women are impacted across their careers in the contributions that they make to their pensions. Most of all, they need better work opportunities. What work is the Minister doing with the Minister for Employment to ensure that women's careers are at the forefront of the Government's efforts?
Context
The questioner raises issues related to women's careers impacting their pension contributions.
Chloe Smith
I will ask my colleague the employment Minister to write to my right hon. Friend to ensure she has a full update, and I touch briefly on an example such as mandatory pay gap reporting, which is helping to drive progress.
Session: Gender Pension Gap
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Will the Government take effective steps to close loopholes impacting all users, especially those with vulnerabilities?
Context
There is concern that loot boxes can impact not just children but also other vulnerable groups.
Nigel Huddleston
The review will be comprehensive and evolving technology will continue to be monitored closely going forward, but no specific commitments were made.
Session: Gambling Review White Paper
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Endometriosis South Coast does brilliant work supporting women suffering from endometriosis, but it is seeking reassurance from the Minister that, when the women's health ambassador is appointed, she will be a real champion for those affected by this condition and other women-only conditions that are so impactful on their to continue work. Can the Minister update the House on when the women's health ambassador will be announced, given that we have been expecting the post since December?
Context
The question is prompted by the delay in announcing a women's health ambassador, who would champion causes such as endometriosis.
Maria Caulfield
I can reassure my right hon. Friend that the women's health ambassador will be key in driving change, not just by raising awareness and confidence among women in coming forward for help, but by improving the services women receive, and she will have to wait only days, rather than weeks, before we release the name.
Session: Endometriosis
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Can the Minister reassure me, and indeed the whole House, that legislation on conversion therapy will be introduced prior to the conference scheduled in the summer?
Context
The Government is committed to banning conversion therapy but there is no clear timetable for legislative action.
Mike Freer
The Government remain committed to bringing forward the legislation. A Bill team has been stood up and we are progressing at pace, but it is a matter for business managers when the exact parliamentary slot will be.
Session: Conversion Therapy Ban
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Can my hon. Friend explain how the decision to end telemedicine for early medical abortion supports women who responded to the Department's own consultation, how it works in line with the Royal College of General Practice, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and the Royal College of Midwives, and what the dangers are in ignoring their advice when pulling together a women's health strategy?
Context
In response to the decision to end telemedicine services, Caroline Nokes seeks clarification on how this aligns with previous consultations and advice from medical colleges.
Maggie Throup
The temporary approval was put in place during the pandemic to address a specific and acute medical need to reduce the risk of transmission of covid-19. It was recognised that without it, significant numbers of women would not have been able to safely access abortion services. The Secretary of State has considered all risks and benefits regarding the temporary approval.
Session: Early Medical Abortion Telemedicine Service
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What plans his Department has to take steps to permanently implement the telemedicine service for early medical abortion. The temporary approval was extended until August 29, 2022, after which regulatory requirements will be reinstated as per pre-COVID standards.
Context
The question arises from the government's decision to end a temporary approval of telemedicine services during the pandemic.
Maggie Throup
The Government will end the temporary approval put in place at the beginning of the pandemic. The temporary approval has been extended for six months until midnight on 29 August 2022, after which abortion services for early medical abortion will return to pre-COVID regulatory requirements.
Session: Early Medical Abortion Telemedicine Service
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Does she agree with the Law Commission that public sexual harassment should be a specific crime?
Context
The Law Commission suggests adding public sexual harassment as a specific crime to improve prosecution rates.
Rachel Maclean
The Home Office is looking carefully at whether there should be additional offences for public sexual harassment. We are already supporting women and girls through measures like high-profile national communications campaigns to encourage reporting of such incidents.
Session: Sexual Offences
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Will there be a legislative vehicle to make it possible quickly to enact a specific law against public sexual harassment?
Context
Organisations advocate for a specific public sexual harassment law as recommended by the Law Commission.
Rachel Maclean
My right hon. Friend's views are represented, and we take these crimes seriously. We published the violence against women and girls strategy setting out measures to keep women and girls safe. We will work through complex issues swiftly for a response.
Session: Hate Crimes
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What is my hon. Friend doing to make sure that qualified, experienced midwives stay working at the frontline where we need them, noting that one of the times that women most engage with healthcare services is when they are pregnant?
Context
The MP highlighted the importance of retaining qualified, experienced midwives, especially during pregnancy care. She cited a constituent's concerns about midwife retention.
Maria Caulfield
I thank my right hon. Friend for raising this important issue. Maternity care is a top priority for the Government, and earlier this year NHS England announced a £95 million recurrent funding package to support the recruitment of 1,200 midwives and 100 consultant obstetricians. Maintaining both the skill mix and the numbers is key to retaining experienced midwives, who often have to take the pressure when there are staff shortages.
Session: Health and Care System Women’s Experience
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What progress has been made by the Government towards setting targets to drive down disparities highlighted by the Five X More campaign?
Context
The Five X More campaign highlights disparities in maternal outcomes for women from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
Gillian Keegan
The Minister for Women and Equalities is consulting with senior midwives and clinicians from ethnic minorities to discuss how to improve the experience for all, including discussing targets as part of the ongoing process.
Session: Maternal Health Ethnic Minority Women
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What work is being done across government to reduce the high maternal mortality rates that see black women four times more likely to die in childbirth than their white counterparts?
Context
Tragically, maternity discrimination extends beyond the labour market to include issues such as higher mortality rates among black women during childbirth compared to white women.
Paul Scully
The Minister for Equalities is working on reducing inequalities in health outcomes. Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent OBE leads work understanding high mortality rates, considering evidence and bringing action together to reduce disparities.
Session: Pregnancy and Maternity Discrimination
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Changing Faces has convinced the Welsh Government to sign up to its Pledge To Be Seen campaign on including people with visible differences and disfigurements in Government publications. Will my right hon. Friend consider doing likewise so that Government information campaigns across the UK are as inclusive as possible?
Context
The question is about the Government's commitment to including people with visible differences in their publications, referencing a Welsh Government pledge to do so.
Michael Gove
My right hon. Friend is a great champion of widening opportunity and has done a fantastic job in ensuring that equality is taken more seriously across Government. The campaign that she mentions is absolutely right, and something that I will ensure we embrace in Government publications.
Session: Topical Questions
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The December 2019 Queen's Speech promised an employment Bill that would extend “redundancy protections to prevent pregnancy and maternity discrimination”. Despite ministerial assurances of action during my Westminster Hall debate on this issue last month, the employment Bill and that promise are nowhere to be seen. If the UK Government are not going to deliver on their promise to prevent pregnancy and maternity discrimination, will they devolve employment law to Scotland so that the Scottish Parliament can deliver this much-needed reform?
Context
The December 2019 Queen's Speech promised an employment Bill that would extend “redundancy protections to prevent pregnancy and maternity discrimination”. The promise is not fulfilled as expected.
Kemi Badenoch
This is a very serious issue. We are having a roundtable with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to look at pregnancy discrimination. I reiterate that covid-19 and the new employment Bill do not change the fact that there is a law on pregnancy and maternity discrimination—there is no place for it in any circumstances. Employers should be regularly reviewing their risk assessments for all pregnant workers and implementing any controls needed.
Session: Covid-19 Equal Economic Recovery
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Given that British travellers are advised against cruising despite easing restrictions on flying, can the Minister work with colleagues to align international travel advice for cruises with that for aviation?
Context
The cruise industry is a major employer in areas like Southampton. The MP questions the alignment between travel advice for cruises and aviation.
Robert Courts
A home port call generates approximately £2.95 million, highlighting the importance of cruises for employment in Southampton and other ports. The restart of domestic cruises has been confirmed, and international cruises will restart alongside wider travel. I am committed to working with colleagues at the FCDO and across Government to see a safe restart of international cruises as soon as possible.
Session: Cruises Covid-19 Travel Advice
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What recent discussions has the government had with (a) the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs and (b) representatives of the cruise industry on amending the COVID-19 travel advice on cruises?
Context
The cruise industry is a significant economic contributor, particularly in areas like Southampton. The MP seeks to understand the discussions on amending travel advice for cruises.
Robert Courts
The Department for Transport engages regularly with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the devolved Administrations and the cruise industry on the global travel taskforce and cruise restart. Travel advice is the responsibility of the FCDO.
Session: Cruises Covid-19 Travel Advice
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Please can my right hon. Friend reassure me that plenty of time will be given to pubs and so on before these structures have to be removed? In many cases, they will continue to provide additional capacity even when indoor socialising is allowed, and our hospitality sector has had a very tough year.
Context
In Romsey, the planning easements have been used extensively by pubs, cafés, and restaurants to set up temporary structures. There is concern about the duration of these easements.
Robert Jenrick
The 28-day rule enabling businesses to set up marquee or temporary structure without seeking planning permission has been doubled. Legislation is being brought forward to ensure these easements remain in place for at least the whole of summer, potentially longer. This enables small businesses like pubs and cafés in Romsey and across the country to benefit fully.
Session: Covid-19 Hospitality Venues and High Streets
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Does my hon. Friend agree with the conclusion of the February 2020 report by the Government Equalities Office that the use of pornography is an important contributing factor to harmful sexual behaviours? How will she ensure that the emphasis on street lights and CCTV does not overshadow addressing the root causes of male violence against women?
Context
Concerns over the cultural underpinnings that contribute to male violence against women have been raised.
Kemi Badenoch
I personally agree with my right hon. Friend regarding the use of pornography as a contributing factor to harmful sexual behaviours. The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department is looking into this issue and I will follow up to provide a more comprehensive response.
Session: Safer Streets for Women
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Does the Secretary of State therefore feel that the Chancellor's refusal to do this has discriminated against disabled people while undermining his job to tackle food poverty?
Context
A recent report by the Disability Benefits Consortium highlighted that disabled people faced a choice between heating and eating during the pandemic.
George Eustice
I do not accept that. Obviously, the Chancellor has made an announcement in relation to extending the universal credit uplift to help the financially vulnerable through the current situation. We also announced new rounds of funding late last year to support charities such as FareShare in food redistribution and to support other food charities to help those in need.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can my right hon. Friend tell me how much ODA spending he will commit to girls' education this year?
Context
Educating girls is a foreign policy priority for the UK. G7 presidency offers an opportunity to encourage others to do the same.
Dominic Raab
Money is being safeguarded and published in the normal way through formal channels in the autumn. The Prime Minister's special envoy has been appointed, and G7 presidency ensures this issue remains at the top of the international agenda.
Session: Girls’ Education Covid-19
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What steps his Department is taking to help ensure that every girl receives 12 years of quality education. The theme for International Women's Day is 'Choose to Challenge'. Only 66% of countries have achieved gender parity in primary education, falling to only 25% by upper secondary education.
Context
The MP is concerned about ensuring that every girl receives a quality education.
Dominic Raab
Over the past five years, UK aid has helped 8 million girls get a decent education. The global ambition is to ensure that 40 million girls have 12 years of quality education by 2026.
Session: Girls’ Education Covid-19
View All Questions -->
What steps she is taking to ensure that her policies are informed by robust evidence.
Context
Bell emphasizes the importance of using robust evidence to inform policies and refers to an initiative launched by the government to collect hard data on barriers faced by individuals.
Elizabeth Truss
We must have an equality agenda that is driven by the evidence. That is why we have launched an equality data programme, looking at the life paths of individuals across the country and ensuring that we have hard data about the barriers that people face, whether in education, employment or accessing capital for business.
Session: Policy Evidence
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Women and Equalities Committee
08 September 2022
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the lack of support for women experiencing menopause in the workplace. The report highlights that many women feel unsupported, undervalued, and stigmatised. Over 166,498 signatures were collected to show how important this issue is.']
Specific Asks
["The government must take steps to address the issues highlighted by the Women and Equalities Committee's first report on menopause and the workplace. I ask for a clear timeline from the minister on how they plan to tackle these problems, including support for employers to understand and accommodate the needs of employees during menopause."]
Covronavirus, Disability and Access to Services
15 April 2021
Responding: Justin Tomlinson
Main Concerns
['The MP highlighted the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on disabled individuals, including tragically high death rates for those with disabilities. She also mentioned issues such as unused provisions in the Coronavirus Act that relaxed requirements under the Mental Health Act, the removal of Care Act 2014 easements, and a lack of clear and accessible information for disabled people during the crisis. Concerns were raised about the retention of emergency powers affecting young disabled individuals and the need for better consultation practices with disability charities.']
Specific Asks
['The MP called on the Government to remove unused provisions in the Coronavirus Act, commit to an independent inquiry into the causes of unequal impacts on disabled people, and ensure that accessible communication methods are implemented, such as BSL interpretation at televised briefings. She also urged for quicker publication of reviews related to SEND and social care.']
Point of Order
10 September 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The hon. Member raised a point of order regarding the exclusion of the Green party from cross-party talks on social care, which the Prime Minister announced at the end of July. She expressed concern t...
Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill - New Clause 116
02 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I propose New Clause 116 to introduce a cap on donations from overseas contributors to political parties and candidates. This measure is necessary to ensure the integrity of our democratic process and...
Sudden Cardiac Death: Young People
01 September 2026
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
The MP initiated a debate on the tragic case of Adam Ankers, who collapsed during a football match due to sudden cardiac arrest. Despite the presence of trained coaches and a defibrillator, no CPR was...
Future of Thames Water
14 July 2026
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
Charlie Maynard discussed the environmental and financial failures of Thames Water, serving his Witney constituency. He highlighted over 107,822 hours of sewage pollution in rivers and lakes last year...
Backbench Business
09 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mohamed argues that successive British Governments have acknowledged the illegality and harmful effects of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories but have failed to take decisive ...
Point of Order
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Royal Assent
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The House recognises the threat posed by Russia and China, as well as the uncertainty regarding US reliability within NATO. It acknowledges the UK's current military shortfalls and calls for a program...
Department of Health and Social Care
30 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate highlights the lack of transparency in the NHS estimates and the impact of the UK-US pharmaceutical deal, which includes raising NICE cost-effectiveness thresholds from £20,000 to £35,000 p...
The Bill Name (not specified in the provided text) - Schedule 1 - Enforcement and Appeals
16 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. The speaker is moving for the second reading of Schedule 1 which focuses on enforcement measures and appeals processes in the bill.
Popular Uprising in Iran
30 April 2024
The petition addresses the violent repression of women and young people in Iran by the Iranian regime, which has resulted in numerous deaths, arrests, and human rights violations.
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
0.0%
0 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
0
0.0% of votes
No Votes
0
0.0% of votes
Abstentions
98
100.0% 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
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
7
PMQs Asked
52
Ministerial Questions Asked
207
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
16
Statements / Bills
1
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
+91% above average
This MP:
7
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+288% above average
This MP:
52
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+4159% above average
This MP:
207
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+69% above average
This MP:
16
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-59% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-100% below average
This MP:
0.0
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 Nokes's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.