Caroline Voaden
MP for South Devon
Lib Dem
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
My constituent Susan suffered horrific, unimaginable, lifelong injury from a pelvic mesh implant. She lost her business, her marriage and her health, and lives in constant 24-hour pain. I would like to congratulate the new Minister for Public Health on her appointment after her tireless campaigning on this issue. However, more than two years after the Hughes report set out clear recommendations for redress, thousands of women such as Susan are still waiting for a Government response. Can the Prime Minister tell Susan and the thousands of other women like her how much longer they will have to wait?
Context
Susan, a constituent of Caroline Voaden's, suffered lifelong injury from pelvic mesh implants. The Hughes report made recommendations over two years ago.
Keir Starmer
Ministers have met campaigners and the Patient Safety Commissioner to discuss their recommendations, and I can assure the hon. Lady we will provide a full response to the Hughes report recommendations at the earliest opportunity.
Assessment
The exact timeline for responding to the Hughes report was not provided.
Session: PMQs
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Last week, Start bay was devastated by storm damage. Homes and businesses were wrecked, and an important A road was severed. This storm damage is of national significance. Will the Prime Minister ensure that the myriad Government agencies and Departments will work together with experts to find and fund a sustainable long-term solution to the coastal erosion that is inflicting so much?
Context
Start Bay faced severe storm damage, affecting homes, businesses, and tourism. The area has historical significance for naval training and a national nature reserve.
Keir Starmer
I know that communities have been badly affected by recent storms, and the damage to the A379 is very concerning. I am pleased that the hon. Lady is meeting the Roads Minister and the Floods Minister today. We are investing £10 billion to improve coastal and flood defences.
Assessment
The specific ask for a sustainable funding solution was not addressed.
Session: PMQs
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Why is the Government not backing headteachers who are calling for a full ban on smartphones in schools despite its benefits? Why does this issue remain ignored?
Context
A complete ban on smartphones in schools has had transformative effects such as improved behaviour, increased focus and reduced safeguarding issues.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I thank the hon. Member for her important question. The reality is that most schools already ban smartphones during schooltime and lessons. Of course we will always keep this under review, but we need to deal with it effectively.
Session: PMQs
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The hon. Member recently met 20 independent local traders in Totnes who are furious that the last bank will close in January and that Link has refused to consider a banking hub. My businesses and constituents—1,100 of them have signed a petition—deserve better. The Prime Minister just told the hon. Member for Blyth and Ashington (Ian Lavery) that a banking hub can be rolled out wherever a community needs one, so will he now back my campaign, ask his Ministers to write to Link and instruct it to grant a banking hub to Totnes, and review the eligibility of rural towns for such hubs so that we can keep our vital high streets alive?
Context
Independent local traders in Totnes are upset about the imminent closure of the last bank and Link's refusal to consider a banking hub. 1,100 constituents have signed a petition.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I thank the hon. Member for raising that. She will have heard the answer I gave a few moments ago. I will ensure that she gets a meeting with the relevant Minister so that she can put the case for the banking hub in question.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not commit to asking his Ministers to write to Link or instruct it to grant a banking hub to Totnes, nor did he promise to review eligibility criteria for rural towns.
Session: PMQs
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British farmers and fishers, and my shellfish exporters, continue to face unnecessary trade barriers with our largest export market. A 2024 report from the Centre for Inclusive Trade Policy found that exports of British food to the EU had dropped by nearly £3 billion since Brexit. Our farmers and fishers desperately need a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement—and fast—to reduce costs and bureaucracy, and to allow them to export their produce to the EU, yet the second UK-EU summit was postponed following the resignation of the former Prime Minister, and we have had no update on when it will take place. I hear the Minister say that he met Mr Šefčovič, so can he commit to the summit taking place this year? Can he give our British farmers and fishers a date for when that will happen?
Context
The Centre for Inclusive Trade Policy reported that British food exports to the EU have dropped by nearly £3 billion since Brexit, affecting farmers and fishers.
Hamish Falconer
I am determined to get the SPS agreement done—it is the subject of intense discussions. I cannot provide the House with a date just yet, as that will need to be agreed between the UK and the EU, but I hope to be able to provide a further update soon.
Session: EU-UK Relationship 2026-09-10
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What recent discussions she has had with her EU counterparts on the future EU-UK relationship?
Context
No specific incident or statistic mentioned, but the questioner is seeking details on recent discussions regarding the future relationship between the UK and EU.
Hamish Falconer
This Government are committed to deepening our ties with the European Union. It is right at the centre of everything that we are trying to do on the cost of living and energy, as well as the security of our continent. I will continue to lead discussions with my counterpart, Commissioner Šefčovič, who I met most recently on Monday, on how we can continue to strengthen the UK-EU partnership.
Session: EU-UK Relationship 2026-09-10
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Good growth in every postcode is a very catchy slogan, but it will mean nothing if it is not backed up with investment. Time and again, significant funding is announced for cities and urban areas, usually in the north, while the south-west is left with pennies in comparison. Yesterday, the Chancellor once again announced investment in the north with no mention of investment in the south-west. That might be due to political expediency—I could not possibly say—but what are the Government going to do specifically to encourage growth in the south-west?
Context
Significant funding is often announced for cities and urban areas in the north, while the south-west receives less investment. The Chancellor announced investment for the north without mentioning the south-west.
Dan Tomlinson
The hon. Member raises an important point. We need to ensure that we see higher economic growth in every part of the country, and that includes the north, the east, the west and the south-west of England. We have many fantastic Members on both sides of the House who are working and advocating for their communities. We will ensure that we drive and deepen devolution in areas that do not yet have a mayor. The Prime Minister has discussed the need to ensure that those who do not want to have a mayor—he highlighted Cornwall—can have specific further devolution powers. One of the examples we are looking at not too far from the hon. Member's constituency, I believe, is place-based business cases, so that we can unlock investment in particular parts of the country; one of the places that we are looking at in detail is Plymouth.
Session: Private Investment Local Leaders 2026-09-08
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Those organisations are doing incredible work, turning lives around, particularly for those with mental health challenges, but their projects receive absolutely no funding, although the National Academy for Social Prescribing has identified a return of up to £8.56 for every £1 invested. How does the Department expect them to survive and broaden their reach without funding? Given their cost-effectiveness, will the Government commit themselves not just to funding the link worker and the social prescriber, but to encouraging integrated care boards to fund those amazing projects?
Context
The National Academy for Social Prescribing has identified a high return on investment for projects like Veterans Outdoors and the Vounder Therapy Garden, which are vital but currently lack funding.
Stephen Kinnock
Social prescribing needs to be commissioned locally by integrated care boards, and I am confident that as and when it delivers valuable services, those services will continue to be commissioned by ICBs.
Session: Social Prescribing 2026-07-14
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I agree that social prescribers do a fantastic job. I recently met members of Veterans Outdoors near Totnes, and visited the Vounder Therapy Garden at the Eden Project through the parliamentary knowledge schemes. Those organisations are doing incredible work, turning lives around, particularly for those with mental health challenges, but their projects receive absolutely no funding, although the National Academy for Social Prescribing has identified a return of up to £8.56 for every £1 invested. How does the Department expect them to survive and broaden their reach without funding? Given their cost-effectiveness, will the Government commit themselves not just to funding the link worker and the social prescriber, but to encouraging integrated care boards to fund those amazing projects?
Context
Social prescribing link workers are connecting patients with preventive community support, but some organisations like Veterans Outdoors and Vounder Therapy Garden lack funding despite identified cost-effectiveness.
Stephen Kinnock
I am sure that the hon. Lady welcomes the £3 million that we are granting to the National Academy for Social Prescribing. Social prescribing needs to be commissioned locally by integrated care boards, and I am confident that as and when it delivers valuable services, those services will continue to be commissioned by ICBs.
Session: Social Prescribing 2026-07-14
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Bereavement benefits have not been uprated for 10 years, and they simply do not recognise the lifelong impact of early bereavement on children and surviving parents. Will the Minister look again at uprating bereavement support benefits in line with inflation?
Context
Bereavement benefits have not been increased for a decade, despite the lifelong impact on children and surviving parents.
Andrew Western
I am not in a position to confirm an uprating from the Dispatch Box, but this will be considered in the usual way as part of the annual uprating process. There is a forthcoming debate in Westminster Hall on the adequacy of bereavement support payments.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-06-29
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Will you commit to publishing a response to both reports detailing abuse and violence against women and girls in the west bank?
Context
A UN report and a consortium report highlight systematic use of rape and sexual violence by Israeli settlers.
Yvette Cooper
We take the abuse of and violence against women and girls in situations of conflict seriously. We are looking at issues relating to the West Bank, including those raised with us by hon. Members.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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Last week I met representatives from 22 town and parish councils who were all deeply concerned that new Government policies are curtailing their power over planning decisions, and concerned at the lack of truly affordable homes for locals. I understand the Government have a house building target, but the housing crisis in South Devon is exacerbated by the spread of second homes and holiday lets, removing even former council homes from the market and leading to a shortage in rental properties. However, we do not know the true extent of the issue without the short-term let registration scheme. When will the Department introduce the register, so that we can control short-term holiday lets in our rural and coastal towns?
Context
Representatives from 22 town and parish councils are concerned about new Government policies curtailing their power over planning decisions, leading to a lack of truly affordable homes for locals. The spread of second homes and holiday lets is exacerbating the housing crisis in South Devon by removing former council homes from the market.
Matthew Pennycook
My Department is not responsible for the national registration scheme for short-term lets. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is responsible for that and is committed to implementing it as soon as possible. When it is implemented, the scheme will capture any property used as short-term rental accommodation, importantly including second homes that operate as short-term lets.
Session: Short-term Lets Licensing
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What specific targeted support is being provided by the Department for isolated rural workers who cannot easily access standard workplace mental health schemes?
Context
Agricultural workers and young people in remote areas often face distinct mental health crises due to the lack of local provision.
Preet Kaur Gill
The Minister acknowledged challenges in providing mental health services to rural areas. She mentioned ongoing work on a women's mental health strategy, bespoke guidance under the revised Mental Health Act, and funding for early support hubs.
Session: Suicide Prevention Strategy
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A quarter of female teachers have been subjected to misogynistic abuse in the classroom in the last year. They report feeling humiliated and violated, and we know that impressionable young boys are targeted on social media with algorithms that pump misogynistic content to them. Will the Minister push the Government to act as swiftly as possible in restricting access to social media for young boys, so that we can educate them on how to treat women and girls before the manosphere influencers get to them first?
Context
A significant number of female teachers have faced misogynistic abuse, with one-quarter experiencing such incidents within the last year. Young boys are exposed to harmful content on social media, reinforcing negative behavior towards women.
Alex Davies-Jones
I thank the hon. Lady for her question, which builds on another question that I previously answered. We need to take a holistic approach to tackling violence against women and girls, which means involving every Government Department. I am really pleased that the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology was present at the roundtable hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister last week, which looked at how best to support men and boys and at how we can tackle the issue she raises. This is about working with Ofcom to look at what more we can do to support the regulator and to prevent algorithms from pushing harmful content to our men and boys, but it is also about supporting teachers in the workplace to ensure that they feel safe and can escalate issues as they occur.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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Apprenticeships offer young people a great pathway into rewarding careers, so I very much welcome the Government's ambition to create more of them, but a report published last week by the Social Security Advisory Committee highlighted the so-called apprenticeship penalty, whereby low-income families can lose up to £330 a week in child benefit and universal credit the moment a 16-year-old takes up an apprenticeship. What is the point of creating more apprenticeships if a cliff edge like this discourages young people from taking them up? Will the Minister commit to urgently fixing this penalty, so that no family are left worse off simply because their child chooses an apprenticeship over full-time education?
Context
A report highlighted the apprenticeship penalty, where low-income families lose up to £330 a week in benefits when a 16-year-old takes an apprenticeship.
Pat McFadden
I am always grateful for the work of the Social Security Advisory Committee, and I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her question, but one thing that she missed out is that apprenticeships are paid, so a young person taking up an apprenticeship opportunity will be earning money that contributes to the family's income. We have to take that into account, as well as all the other sources of the family's income.
Session: Apprenticeships
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Years of freezes to local housing allowance by successive Governments mean that it goes nowhere near covering the cost of social housing, let alone renting privately. In my constituency, the average rent for a three-bedroom home can be well over £1,100 a month, but a family of four will receive only £840 a month. Poor and temporary housing is a key driver of child poverty, so it is really important that we resolve that. Will the Minister commit to working with the Department for Work and Pensions to unfreeze local housing allowance so that we can lift children out of deep poverty?
Context
The local housing allowance has been frozen for years, causing a significant gap between the allowance and actual rental costs in South Devon. A family of four receives only £840 per month while average rent is over £1,100 for a three-bedroom home.
Alison McGovern
In my previous role and in my current role I have worked very closely across MHCLG and DWP to see the interactions between poverty and homelessness, as I said. We spend £34 billion annually on housing support through social security, including £12 billion on the private rented sector. As part of the child poverty strategy, we have lifted the two-child limit, which will help families—particularly larger families—to stay in homes. We are helping parents with childcare costs, we have brought in the fair repayment rate so that people do not need to get into unnecessary debt, and we have increased the standard allowance of universal credit above inflation for the first time in as long as anyone can remember. Those are big steps to help family income, and we should all be proud of them.
Session: Local Housing Allowance Rates
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Years of freezes to local housing allowance by successive Governments mean that it goes nowhere near covering the cost of social housing, let alone renting privately. In my constituency, the average rent for a three-bedroom home can be well over £1,100 a month, but a family of four will receive only £840 a month. Poor and temporary housing is a key driver of child poverty, so it is really important that we resolve that. Will the Minister commit to working with the Department for Work and Pensions to unfreeze local housing allowance so that we can lift children out of deep poverty?
Context
The local housing allowance has been frozen for years, causing a significant gap between the allowance and actual rental costs in South Devon. A family of four receives only £840 per month while average rent is over £1,100 for a three-bedroom home.
Alison McGovern
We obviously keep the local housing allowance under review along with the DWP. If we want to prevent homelessness, we need to build homes and ensure that people can afford them. That is why the Chancellor's investment of £39 billion to build the social housing that we need is a crucial part of ensuring that families can get housed properly in this country in the future.
Session: Local Housing Allowance Rates
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Every year, the UK loses £33.4 billion in tax revenue, as multinational corporations and the super-rich choose tax havens over tax payments. However, the UN tax convention has the potential to solve this problem, so will the Minister show leadership, not ambivalence, and commit to securing an ambitious UN tax convention in this Parliament?
Context
The UK loses £33.4 billion annually in tax revenue due to multinational corporations and the super-rich choosing tax havens over tax payments.
Dan Tomlinson
I am always happy to show leadership, and this Government—and, I may say, previous Governments—have worked hard with international partners, both in the OECD and the UN, to do all we can to reduce tax avoidance and evasion by multinational companies. We continue to work with our partners in the UK and abroad to clamp down on tax dodging.
Session: Topical Questions
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Last year, the Israeli Government issued nearly 10,000 units of settlement housing tenders, which was more than the combined total of tenders over the previous six years. The Minister said that he condemns the expansion and is considering actions to take, but will he do the right thing now and introduce a full ban on all trade with illegal settlements in the west bank, to show that this Government are truly committed to pursuing a two-state solution?
Context
Last year, the Israeli Government issued nearly 10,000 units of settlement housing tenders, which was more than the combined total of tenders over the previous six years.
Hamish Falconer
The Government are truly committed to pursuing a two-state solution; it has been at the heart of our policy in relation to Israel and Palestine for the entire duration of our time in government. I have stood at this Dispatch Box and announced three waves of sanctions.
Session: West Bank Illegal Settlements
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What assessment has been made of the potential implications for policies due to the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the west bank?
Context
The expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the west bank threatens peace and stability, undermining the two-state solution.
Hamish Falconer
The UK strongly condemns the expansion of illegal settlements and the recent Israeli Security Cabinet decisions that introduced sweeping extensions to their control of the west bank. These actions threaten peace and stability and undermine the 20-point plan. They risk making a two-state solution impossible to achieve.
Session: West Bank Illegal Settlements
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Reading daily to young children is shown to have a direct correlation with better outcomes, qualifications and social mobility later in life. However, many parents are not aware of this. Will the Government run a national advertising campaign to promote directly to new parents the need and the value of reading to their children every day?
Context
The questioner highlights the correlation between daily reading to young children and better outcomes later in life.
Bridget Phillipson
Through the National Year of Reading, we will be supporting exactly those kinds of initiatives, and through our Best Start family hubs we will ensure that parents get high-quality advice about the best ways to support their children's learning at home.
Session: National Year of Reading Phonics
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Given the climate breakdown and uncertain geopolitical environment, will the Government consider a personalised, nationwide information campaign to help people prepare for crises? The Dutch Government recently sent a 33-page booklet on emergency preparedness to every home in the country.
Context
A recent gas outage in South Devon left thousands without power for several days, and Cornwall has faced disruption from storm Goretti. These incidents highlight household vulnerability during essential service disruptions.
Dan Jarvis (Minister of State, Cabinet Office)
We look very carefully at what international allies are saying about emergency preparedness matters. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero works closely with industry to improve resilience. In response to incidents like the gas outage in South Devon, industry has tried and tested plans to minimise disruption as quickly as possible. The Minister is keen to further increase resilience; he invites Caroline Voaden to write to him with more details.
Session: Emergency Preparedness
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A speech about teacher retention that I made in Westminster Hall recently has been seen by more than 135,000 people on Instagram, and there have been hundreds of comments from teachers. They speak of pay not rewarding experience and far too much time being spent on administration and tests, but it is also clear that safeguarding incidents and poor pupil behaviour are driving teachers out of the profession. We know that both those improve radically when pupils spend less time on social media, so will the Secretary of State commit herself to looking carefully at the Liberal Democrat proposal to introduce film-style age ratings for all social media platforms, not just to help our teachers but to protect our children?
Context
The question follows a speech Caroline Voaden made on Instagram, which was seen by over 135,000 people. The speech highlighted concerns from teachers about pay not rewarding experience and excessive time spent on administration and tests.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
We will look carefully at any sensible proposals to ensure that we can keep our children safe online. I recognise the broader issues that the hon. Lady has raised, about behaviour being a factor that affects teachers’ experiences and about some of the wider pressures including those relating to safeguarding. I am proud of the fact that we are expanding free school meal provision and ending the two-child limit, lifting more than half a million children out of poverty, because we know that poverty is a big driver of many of the challenges faced by our brilliant teachers and school staff.
Session: Teacher Retention
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Happy new year, Mr Speaker. This weekend, 4,600 properties in my constituency had their gas supply cut off, on the coldest weekend of the year. I commend Wales & West Utilities, which worked tirelessly to get people reconnected, but its efforts have been hampered by the inability to communicate effectively with residents, as it does not have a direct relationship with its customers. It has had to rely on social media, which is not great in an area with lots of elderly people. We have also been hampered by the high number of second homes, as engineers have not been able to gain access to those properties. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how providers such as Wales & West Utilities can communicate with households?
Context
Voaden reports on a significant gas supply cut-off affecting thousands of properties in her constituency during the coldest weekend of the year. While efforts have been made to reconnect customers, communication difficulties and access challenges remain.
Michael Shanks
I thank the hon. Lady for engaging with me over the weekend on this issue. I am genuinely sorry that there are still so many customers who are not connected. The engineers are doing a fantastic job, but as she rightly says, the challenge is that they cannot reconnect until households are present to disconnect. That is causing significant problems, but they are doing everything they can. I am very happy to discuss this further.
Session: Topical Questions
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In July, the Secretary of State promised a better SEND system, with strengthened support, improved access and more funding, yet even a charitable interpretation of the Office for Budget Responsibility’s analysis of the Government’s decision, announced at the Budget, to absorb SEND funding into core budgets shows several billion pounds of unfunded SEND commitments. Parents around the country are worried that the support that they have fought hard for their children to receive may now be taken away. Will she explain how she will deliver strengthened support, while seemingly having to cut billions from SEND funding through upcoming reforms? Can she guarantee that children will not lose support because of this change?
Context
The question addresses the Office for Budget Responsibility's analysis of the Government’s decision to absorb SEND funding into core budgets, raising concerns about reduced funding for children with special educational needs.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Olivia Bailey)
I thank the hon. Lady for her question, but I encourage her to read the documents from the Treasury and the OBR. I am glad to have the opportunity to clarify the matter, given the wilful misrepresentation of the situation by the Conservative party. Those deficits are council deficits—they will not be coming from the schools’ budgets. In fact, over the course of this Parliament, this Government will be investing more into SEND.
Session: SEND Pupils Suspensions and Exclusions
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When Labour was in opposition, its shadow Economic Secretary welcomed measures to protect access to cash, but was concerned about the fact that such measures do nothing to protect essential face-to-face banking services. Such services go beyond a banking hub, but they are now vanishing. While the Financial Conduct Authority is responsible for access to cash, there appears to be no Government body overseeing access to face-to-face banking services. Does the Minister agree that new regulation is needed to support residents and businesses in rural areas, especially as banks will prevent customers from cashing cheques in post offices from January?
Context
The hon. Member raised concerns about the adequacy of face-to-face banking services, noting that Labour's shadow Economic Secretary previously welcomed measures to protect access to cash but was concerned that they did not address essential face-to-face banking services.
Lucy Rigby (Economic Secretary to the Treasury)
We recognise the important role that post offices play in providing essential banking services as well as banking hubs. Decisions about which services are available at post offices, such as cheque deposits, are made by banks as part of their commercial arrangements. Customers continue to have other options for paying in cheques; for instance, Lloyds offers a Freepost service. I look forward to discussing these issues further with the hon. Member during our meeting.
Session: Banking Services Rural Areas
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The Norwegian Refugee Council says that, between 10 and 21 October, 99 requests by international NGOs to deliver aid to Gaza were rejected by Israel on the grounds that the organisations were “not authorised” to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, yet these trusted agencies have operated there for decades. Can the Minister tell the people of Gaza who are living in makeshift shelters, and who are hungry and thirsty, what the UK Government are actually doing to compel the Israeli authorities to immediately allow aid deliveries into Gaza?
Context
International NGOs face significant barriers to delivering aid into Gaza, with Israel rejecting numerous requests for entry. The Norwegian Refugee Council reports that between 10 and 21 October, 99 such requests were rejected.
Hamish Falconer
We need to see the agreement implemented in full. The Foreign Secretary has raised this particular case with the Foreign Minister of Israel. We will continue to press for the full flow of aid that needs to go in. The hon. Member rightly asked me what I say to the people of Gaza. I say that we understand the urgency, and that the aid needs to be in there now. We will continue to press those points on the phone, and when we both go to the region this weekend.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Situation
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I recently met a constituent who had served as a juror in a very distressing child sexual abuse case. She highlighted the profound impact that such trials can have not just on the witnesses themselves, but on the jurors, who may experience trauma and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Although the appointment of the new Victims’ Commissioner is welcome, could the Minister outline what support is available for jurors who have to cope with the impact of the evidence they see and hear in such distressing cases?
Context
A constituent who served as a juror in a child sexual abuse case highlighted the profound impact such trials can have on jurors, including potential trauma and PTSD.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)
The hon. Member makes an important point. Juries are a cornerstone of our justice system and carry out an important function. There is support available for jurors, such as the witness service providing emotional and practical on-the-day support to help prosecution and defence witnesses in criminal courts across England and Wales. I am so sorry to hear of her constituent’s situation. If the hon. Member wants to write to me, I will happily look into this more and work with her on what more we can do to support jurors.
Session: Support for Witnesses
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Last Thursday, I felt the fear in a hall full of parents of primary school children in Totnes as they listened to campaigners going through the evidence of the impact of smartphones on kids at secondary school. There is a clear safeguarding issue around kids seeing videos of hardcore pornography and violence.
I am therefore pleased that Tina Graham, the head of Kingsbridge community college, has just announced a smartphone-free policy from September to protect children, which will mean no phones in school at all except for reasonable adjustments. That is a much better policy than the “Not seen—put it in your bag” policy that most schools follow. In the light of such safeguarding concerns, where every child is only as safe as the least safe phone in school, why will the Minister not do the one thing that could transform our children’s mental and physical health, and school attainment and direct all schools to go smartphone free?
I am therefore pleased that Tina Graham, the head of Kingsbridge community college, has just announced a smartphone-free policy from September to protect children, which will mean no phones in school at all except for reasonable adjustments. That is a much better policy than the “Not seen—put it in your bag” policy that most schools follow. In the light of such safeguarding concerns, where every child is only as safe as the least safe phone in school, why will the Minister not do the one thing that could transform our children’s mental and physical health, and school attainment and direct all schools to go smartphone free?
Context
Ms Voaden describes a meeting with parents concerned about the impact of smartphones on their children's education and mental health. She highlights the case of Kingsbridge community college implementing a smartphone-free policy.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Stephen Morgan)
The hon. Lady’s question demonstrates that mobile phones have no place in schools, and there is already guidance to reflect that. The mobile phones in schools guidance is clear and schools should prohibit the use of devices with smart technology throughout the school day, including during lessons, transitions and breaks. We expect all schools to take steps in line with that guidance to ensure that mobile phones do not disrupt pupils’ learning. If pupils fail to follow those rules, schools should have the power to confiscate devices.
Session: Classroom Disruption Smartphones
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Devon and Torbay combined county authority will receive just £40 million between 2026 and 2030 in local transport grant funding—less than half the amount awarded to York and North Yorkshire. A large local operator says that just £1 million a year would make a transformational change in Devon, where rural deprivation is well hidden. Will the Minister meet me to discuss the issues facing the bus network in Devon and the Government investment that is needed?
Context
Devon and Torbay combined county authority will receive just £40 million in local transport grant funding from 2026 to 2030, which is less than half the amount awarded to York and North Yorkshire.
Simon Lightwood
Our long-term bus investment will support rural areas to improve local bus services. That is on top of the £712 million we have allocated to local authorities in 2025-26.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for his answer. I was going to say that having looked at the villages in my constituency on the mobile map, which was supposed to be updated this month, it is not up to date; it is good to hear that it will be. Many of my constituents have to rely on the 03G network, which is being shut off. We may be years away from getting high-speed broadband across the South Hams, so having access to a reliable 4G network is crucial. Can the Minister tell me exactly how he is working with mobile phone providers to ensure that everyone has access to mobile voice and data coverage?
Context
Villages in Caroline Voaden's constituency are facing issues with outdated mobile network maps and the shutdown of 3G networks, leaving residents without reliable 4G network access.
The Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms (Chris Bryant)
The hon. Lady is absolutely right. The new checker comes online tomorrow—I know that many hon. Members will have looked at the checker in the past and thought, “That simply doesn’t bear any relationship to my lived experience.” From tomorrow, it will. The new checker is much better; Members will be able to see different numbers for all the mobile operators, which I think will encourage the operators to put up more masts and improve their coverage.
Session: Rural Mobile Coverage
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I thank the Minister for her answer on the water restoration fund, but it would be good to know when it will come back into action. The Liberal Democrat FOI request found that Ofwat has failed to force water companies to pay any fines for sewage discharge cases since 2021, despite sewage being pumped into waterways for over 3.6 million hours last year alone. Meanwhile, water company bosses earned a collective total of £20 million in the 2023-24 financial year. The water restoration fund provided valuable funds to local communities to improve water quality and river health. When will the Government stand up to the water companies, make them pay for the damage they are inflicting on our environment, and ringfence this money for communities, so that they can protect and improve their waterways?
Context
Liberal Democrat FOI request revealed that Ofwat failed to enforce sewage discharge fines since 2021, despite over 3.6 million hours of sewage pumping into waterways in the last year. Water company executives earned £20 million collectively.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Hardy)
I thank the hon. Lady, but with respect, the response was in my original answer. As I confirmed, the water restoration fund is continuing as planned. Successful projects have been notified, and money has been announced and given. As I have stated, all the money collected from water fines will be diverted into nature projects to help clean up our rivers, lakes and seas across the country—and yes, that money will be ringfenced.
Session: Water Company Fines Water Restoration Fund
View All Questions -->
I recently visited Modbury pharmacy where owner Phil Dawes highlighted the challenges facing small rural pharmacies. The current funding model does not take into account lower footfall and limited referral rates common in rural areas. If a pharmacy closes, it causes extreme difficulties for people accessing advice and medicines. Will the Government consider introducing rural exceptions or adjusted funding thresholds so that we can keep community pharmacies open?
Context
The question addresses the challenges faced by small rural pharmacies due to low footfall and limited referral rates, with specific reference to the Modbury pharmacy.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
The pharmacy sector faces huge challenges after massive cuts over the past 14 years. We are beginning to rebuild, but there are particular challenges for rural pharmacies. The Government is looking at comprehensive reform involving better use of technology and hub and spoke dispensing, which would enable better remote dispensing for rural pharmacies.
Session: Pharmacies
View All Questions -->
The former chief inspector of prisons said that LandWorks in my constituency
“provides one of the best examples in the country of how we can reduce reoffending, turn lives around and prevent future victims.”
Its reoffending rate is just 6%. The Government have announced £2.3 billion towards prison builds over the next two years. When will they commit to investing in projects like LandWorks that can radically reduce the prison population, transform the lives of offenders and cut crime?
“provides one of the best examples in the country of how we can reduce reoffending, turn lives around and prevent future victims.”
Its reoffending rate is just 6%. The Government have announced £2.3 billion towards prison builds over the next two years. When will they commit to investing in projects like LandWorks that can radically reduce the prison population, transform the lives of offenders and cut crime?
Context
Third sector organization LandWorks has a reoffending rate of just 6%.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Sir Nicholas Dakin)
Third sector organisations like LandWorks deliver valuable rehabilitation, wellbeing support and advocacy services across England and Wales, and they partner effectively with HMPPS in many different ways. The work of key organisations like the one the hon. Member mentions is incredibly important and essential in reducing reoffending, and we continue to invest in it. I would be happy to meet her to discuss the matter further and see what more can be done.
Session: Prisons Rehabilitation
View All Questions -->
My constituents are extremely concerned about changes to the PIP assessment system, particularly for those with mental health issues and fluctuating long-term conditions who struggle to show required evidence due to experiences not fitting within daily living and mobility criteria. Can the Minister assure me that the assessment system will be updated to take these genuine challenges into account?
Context
Constituents are concerned about the PIP assessment system's impact on people with mental health issues and fluctuating long-term conditions, worried that these individuals may not be able to provide sufficient evidence of their condition's impact on daily living and mobility.
Liz Kendall (The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions)
We are reviewing the PIP assessment process to ensure it is fit for the future. Stakeholders have been invited in to discuss the scope of this review, which will continue throughout Parliament. By the end of this term, we will still be spending £8 billion more on personal independence payments and there will be 750,000 more people on PIP than now. Our reforms aim to focus PIP on those with greatest need while looking at the assessment process to ensure it remains fit for purpose.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I have two ongoing constituency cases with adult men who have serious and long-term mental health issues. One of my constituents believes that her life is in danger because of her son’s threatening behaviour towards her—her own mental health has been seriously affected by the fear and stress. The other case involves a young man causing serious distress to his neighbours with his behaviour, which recently led to an incident where he reportedly threatened a police officer with a knife. Both men are living alone in unsupported accommodation, both are at risk of coercion and abuse because of their mental health problems, and both are causing serious distress to their families and neighbours. Will the Minister tell the House whether he is working with other Departments to ensure the availability of more provision to support people such as my constituents to live safely in the community and not cause harm or distress to those around them?
Context
Two ongoing constituency cases involving adult men with serious and long-term mental health issues, one threatening his mother, another causing distress to neighbors and threatening a police officer.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
I know that the hon. Member has met my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State about at least one of those constituency cases. NHS England has asked mental health trusts to review the care of high-risk patients and has published national guidance on the standards of care that are expected. Ultimately, the Mental Health Act is there to protect people and provide the necessary powers to enable clinicians to manage and support such patients—and to do so, where possible, in the community.
Session: Mental Health Act Family Support
View All Questions -->
In Devon, only 4.9% of EHCPs are received within 20 weeks. Conservative-run Devon county council has been utterly failing our children for the past 10 years. Will the Minister meet me to discuss what more we can do to support the council and turn things around for families, like that of my constituent James, who has had to wait two and a half years for the test that he needs to get an EHCP?
Context
Devon county council has a low rate of EHCP delivery within the legal timeframe, leading to long wait times for necessary tests and support.
Catherine McKinnell
Local authorities have been significantly impacted by the increased demand for EHCPs, and by workforce capacity issues. We know that they need a more effective and efficient service delivery for schools and families, and we are working as hard as we can to support local authorities in meeting their requirements in a timely way.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
While the children's wellbeing Bill proposes statutory breakfast programmes, research from the Food Foundation shows that such clubs are more likely to benefit wealthier families because of the convenience that they offer working parents. By contrast, offering children free school lunches is known to help iron out inequalities. Some 800,000 children in poverty are ineligible for free school meals, and more than 200,000 eligible children are not registered. Does the Secretary of State agree that expanding school lunches, and implementing auto-enrolment for free school meals for all children, would be an effective and equitable approach to tackling food insecurity and supporting our children's health and academic performance?
Context
The MP questions the effectiveness of statutory breakfast programmes compared to free school lunches.
Bridget Phillipson
The hon. Lady is right to identify the importance of ensuring that all our children have healthy, balanced and nutritious diets, including at school. However, she will know that the situation that this Government inherited from the previous Government means that we have had to take some very tough decisions. We will set out more in due course as we set out legislation that we promised in the King's Speech. I slightly take issue with some of the evidence she points to, because the evidence on breakfast clubs demonstrates wider benefits for all children in attainment, wellbeing and overall performance.
Session: Primary School Breakfast Clubs Impact
View All Questions -->
Survivors of domestic violence face a persistent gender pay gap. Does the Minister agree more could be done to support survivors with domestic abuse policies in workplaces, paid leave, and flexible working?
Context
The all-party parliamentary group on domestic violence and abuse was reconstituted, focusing on gender pay gap issues.
Bridget Phillipson
I agree that more can be asked of employers. The Government is committed to achieving this, especially through gender pay gap action plans and halving violence against women.
Session: Supporting Women into Work
View All Questions -->
Parents of pre-school children in South Devon are finding it all but impossible to find nursery or pre-school places. This financial pressure makes it difficult for women who would like to return to work after having children. How will the Department for Education and the Office for Equality and Opportunity work together to ensure support?
Context
The question arises from the difficulty parents, often mothers in South Devon, face due to a lack of nursery and pre-school places.
Bridget Phillipson
We are expanding Government-funded childcare with an initial £1.8 billion, rolling out 3,000 new or expanded primary-based nurseries. Applications are open, and schools are encouraged to participate.
Session: Supporting Women into Work
View All Questions -->
What is the cost impact on schools and colleges from the national insurance rate rise? How much compensation will be provided, and will it cover all indirect expenses such as supplier charges and staff salary adjustments?
Context
Schools and colleges face indirect costs as a result of the national insurance hike.
Bridget Phillipson
Schools and colleges will receive national-level compensation. The new Government honoured the teachers' pay review body award of 5.5%, which was previously ignored by the last administration.
Session: Teaching Assistants and Support Staff
View All Questions -->
The hon. Member noted that in South Devon, the average house price is now 14 times the average salary at £425,000. She asked what measures the Chancellor is taking to ensure that rural and coastal areas such as the South Hams will be included in economic growth initiatives.
Context
In South Devon, the average house price is now 14 times the average salary at £425,000. Rural and coastal areas like the South Hams face significant digital and transport connectivity issues.
Rachel Reeves
Our commitment is to build 1.5 million homes, including social housing in rural areas, and to improve digital connectivity with more details on infrastructure investment to be announced in the Budget tomorrow.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Given the recent high-profile allegations of abuse, what steps are being taken to strengthen legal duties on employers regarding sexual harassment?
Context
The MP raises concerns about recent high-profile allegations of abuse against women.
Anneliese Dodds
The Government will strengthen the legal duty around sexual harassment so that employers take all reasonable steps to stop it before it starts. Employers must also ensure workplaces are free from harassment, including by third parties.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister meet me to discuss Devon's schools missing out on £23.5 million a year under the national funding formula? This affects particularly students in the most deprived areas.
Context
Devon's school children are missing out on £23.5 million annually due to the national funding formula, affecting especially those in deprived areas.
Catherine McKinnell
I recognise the concerns raised. The Government intend to consider current funding formulas, aiming for a fair system that directs funds where needed most. I would be happy to meet her to discuss challenges in her area.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Face-to-Face Banking: Rural Areas
01 September 2026
Responding: Lucy Rigby
Main Concerns
["Banking services in rural areas have been severely impacted by branch closures. Last year, Lloyds, despite reporting a £6.7 billion pre-tax profit, shut 218 branches and announced plans to close 95 more. This has left 64% of branches closed since 2015, with only one branch remaining in Caroline Voaden's constituency. Poor internet, non-existent public transport, and a high elderly population make the closure of local banks particularly problematic. In her constituency, the only remaining branch is under threat, and she cites the case of Totnes, where residents face major inconveniences due to the lack of nearby banking services."]
Specific Asks
['The Labour Government is urged to address the issue urgently, expand the rules for granting banking hubs, and amend the Financial Services and Markets Bill to protect wider banking services, not just access to cash. The Government is also called upon to adopt a Liberal Democrat amendment in the House of Lords to consider local community needs for essential in-person banking services when making regulations.']
Rural Communities: Government Support
12 March 2025
Responding: Daniel Zeichner
Main Concerns
['The rural-urban divide is one of the deepest in the UK. Ten million people live in rural areas, where settlements have fewer than 10,000 residents and work-based incomes are lower compared to urban areas. The average age in South Devon is higher at 30%, compared to 17% in urban areas. Additionally, access to healthcare is challenging due to cut community services and hospitals being far away. The proportion of rural premises with access to gigabit-capable broadband was only 47% last year compared with 84% in urban areas.']
Specific Asks
['The Government must ensure equitable support for rural communities, including addressing the issue of free school transport for all ages and resolving the challenge of limited opportunities for young people due to a lack of rural transport. The median full-time salary in South Devon is below the national average while house prices are above it.']
Full name of the bill being debated - Which clause or amendment is being debated
10 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The reasoned amendment tabled by the official Opposition has been selected. The amendment aims to introduce significant changes to the bill to address issues related to [specific issue], highlighting ...
Education and Skills Reform
09 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Palestine
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Rewiring the State
02 September 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister has set out priorities to address 40 years of overly centralised decision making and over-privatisation, which have stripped power and resources away from communities. The Governmen...
Criminal Justice Reform
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr Carmichael highlighted the concern regarding the management of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, specifically noting proposed changes to payments for coastguard rescue officers that could impact ...
Outdoor Education
07 July 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
Moved a Bill to require all children in primary and secondary schools spend a minimum of thirty minutes outdoors daily, have one lesson weekly outdoors, and receive at least one outdoor education expe...
Prisoner Early Release
29 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Climate Change
24 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to approve the draft Carbon Budget Order 2026, which was laid before this House on 2 June.
Local Government Reorganisation in Devon
07 September 2026
The petition is about the government's decision to reorganise local councils in Devon by expanding the councils of Exeter, Plymouth, and Torbay while creating a large rural Devon council that spans ov...
View Full Petition -->
Leatside Pharmacy
02 September 2025
The petition highlights the closure of Leatside Pharmacy in Totnes, which has negatively impacted local access to essential NHS pharmacy services, especially for older people and those with mobility c...
View Full Petition -->
Leatside Pharmacy
22 July 2025
The closure of Leatside Pharmacy at the Leatside GP Surgery in Totnes has led to increased travel distances, longer waiting times, and difficulties for residents in accessing essential NHS pharmacy se...
View Full Petition -->
Location of the Torbay and South Devon NHS out-of-hours Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Services
16 July 2025
The petition highlights concerns that the proposed temporary co-location of out-of-hours Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PPCI) services from Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust at ...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
74.5%
73 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
54
55.1% of votes
No Votes
19
19.4% of votes
Abstentions
25
25.5% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
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
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
4
PMQs Asked
43
Ministerial Questions Asked
105
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
4
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
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+221% above average
This MP:
43
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2061% above average
This MP:
105
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
+63% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+8% above average
This MP:
74.5
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 Voaden's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.