Cat Smith
MP for Lancaster and Wyre
Lab
7 May 2015 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I would like to thank the Prime Minister for the £47 million that this Government have given to Lancashire county council to repair potholes. However, my constituents still feel like they need a moon buggy to navigate the streets of Lancashire, so would he agree that the Reform councillors of Lancashire county council are clearly wired to the moon if they think they are making effective use of this £47 million?
Context
The question refers to the government's allocation of £47 million to Lancashire county council for pothole repairs, but constituents feel it is insufficient.
Keir Starmer
Can I extend my sympathy to residents in Lancashire who are being utterly failed by their Reform county council? It is the same picture across the country. In Kent, Reform is cutting social care. In Worcestershire, it is hiking council tax by 9% despite promising lower taxes. In Staffordshire, the scandals and infighting have been so bad that Reform is on its fourth leader in 11 months. It is a warning to the whole country: Reform has nothing to offer but chaos, grievance and division.
Assessment
The criticism of how £47 million is being used by Lancashire county council was not addressed directly; instead, the answerer discussed issues with other local councils.
Changed Subject To Criticisms Of Reform Across The Country
Session: PMQs
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Last night we took steps to abolish the hereditary principle in the House. At my meeting, people said that for them, experiencing poverty feels hereditary too. Will the Prime Minister meet me and those with lived experience to find ways to hear their voices and break this cycle?
Context
Smith noted her meeting with the Let's End Poverty coalition, discussing the cyclical nature of poverty in many communities.
Keir Starmer
My hon. Friend raises an important point about winter fuel payments, which we inherited with a £22 billion deficit. We are committed to the triple lock, ensuring pensions increase by £460 next year.
Assessment
Meeting individuals affected by poverty to break intergenerational cycle of it
Under Review
Session: PMQs
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A rogue company has walked away from 13,000 tonnes of hazardous waste in Lancaster. It has now been on fire for 10 days with plumes of smoke covering the city. Without Government support and intervention this fire will burn for several months. Will the Prime Minister provide my local council with swift Government support?
Context
A rogue company has left behind hazardous waste that has been on fire for 10 days, costing the city council £262,000.
Rishi Sunak
I thank the hon. Member for raising this important issue and ensure that the relevant Minister understands its urgency, making sure she meets them as soon as possible.
Assessment
Swift government support
Session: PMQs
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With rising ticket prices, many of my constituents find they can get the best-value fare by going to the staffed ticket office at Lancaster station, which is perhaps why so many of them have signed my petition to save staffing at the station. Is the closure of ticket offices just yet another cost of living bombshell hitting my hard-working constituents?
Context
Many of the constituents find they can get the best-value fare by going to the staffed ticket office at Lancaster station.
Oliver Dowden
It is important that the railways continue to reform after the record amount of money we gave them during covid. If the hon. Lady is concerned about her constituents getting anywhere on the railways, I gently say that she should condemn the totally unjustified strikes that close them down week after week.
Assessment
The Deputy Prime Minister did not address the closure of ticket offices and instead criticized strikes.
Session: PMQs
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The Royal Lancaster Infirmary, a 130-year-old crumbling hospital, was meant to be one of the Government's 40 new hospitals. However, the funding announcement has been delayed four times already. Can the Deputy Prime Minister reassure my constituents that this is not going to be another broken Tory promise?
Context
The Royal Lancaster Infirmary is a 130-year-old hospital facing funding delays for modernisation. The government promised 40 new hospitals but the funding has been delayed four times.
Oliver Dowden
I can absolutely assure the hon. Lady that we remain fully committed to those 40 hospitals from our manifesto. Indeed, we have already provided £3.9 billion-worth of initial capital.
Assessment
The Deputy Prime Minister did not address whether there would be further delays in funding for the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.
Reassurance Without Specifics
Session: PMQs
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Despite Royal Mail posting record profits, management are threatening to put it into administration. What conversations are the Government having with Royal Mail? What are they doing to protect the universal postal service?
Context
Despite record profits, Royal Mail management is threatening to put the company into administration. This threatens the universal postal service.
Dominic Raab
It is an incredibly difficult time, and I thank the hon. Lady for her question. Obviously the pandemic has had a particular impact, but we are working very closely to make sure that we can continue the service. I will make sure that she gets a meeting with the relevant Minister to discuss her concerns further.
Assessment
The specific ask about conversations and protection measures was not directly addressed; instead, general reassurances were given.
Redirecting To Procedural Steps
Session: PMQs
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Last week I met nurses from the Royal College of Nursing. One of the biggest challenges that they face is the crumbling buildings of Royal Lancaster Infirmary. Hospital bosses were promised capital funding as one of the so-called 40 new hospitals back in January, but it is March and they have not seen a penny. How many broken hospitals and broken promises will it take for the Prime Minister to finally fix something?
Context
The Royal Lancaster Infirmary faces crumbling buildings. The Government promised capital funding as part of the so-called 40 new hospitals initiative but none has been received yet.
Rishi Sunak
We are investing record sums in the hospital capital upgrade programme across the country. I am very happy to make sure that we are making progress on the scheme mentioned and provide detail. It includes 40 hospitals, 90 upgrades around the country, and up to 300 community diagnostic centres.
Assessment
No specific timeline or commitment for Royal Lancaster Infirmary funding was given.
Session: PMQs
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I am concerned about the lack of NHS dentists in my constituency, where there are no dentists taking on new patients and long waiting lists. How long did the Prime Minister wait for his last NHS dentist appointment?
Context
There are no NHS dentists taking on patients in Lancaster and Fleetwood, and those who have one face long waiting times.
Rishi Sunak
I am registered with an NHS GP. I have used independent healthcare in the past, and I am grateful to the Friarage Hospital for the fantastic care that it has given my family over the years. The truth is, I am proud to come from an NHS family, and that is why I am passionately committed to protecting the NHS with more funding, more doctors and nurses and a clear plan to cut the waiting lists.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not directly answer how long he waited for his last NHS dentist appointment.
Did Not Address The Specific Question
Session: PMQs
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Our small rural schools in Wyre face particular difficulties. The headteacher at Scorton and Calder Vale St John Church of England Primary Schools told me that: “Budgets in schools like ours are stretched as we have to pay for lots of additional services which larger schools can provide in-house.” She has to hire the village hall for PE because the schools have no hall, and she has to hire taxis to bring in school meals because they have no kitchens. Given the school budget cuts, what does the Deputy Prime Minister advise this headteacher to cut from our local children?
Context
A headteacher in Wyre faces budgeting difficulties due to school cuts, leading to the need for external services like PE classes and meals transportation.
Dominic Raab
We are very sympathetic to the challenges that all our schools face. More will be said about specific measures tomorrow, but the hon. Lady should stand assured that we are the top spenders as a percentage of GDP on primary and secondary education in the G7, and that standards, which matter to pupils and parents the most, have increased, with the proportion of schools rated good or outstanding up from 68% in 2010 to 87% today.
Assessment
Did not provide specific advice on what to cut or address budgeting difficulties directly
Session: PMQs
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Local residents in Lancaster are opposing the conversion of a popular local pub, the Britannia, into a 10-bedroom student let. The Housing Secretary says that the current planning system does not give people influence over local developments, but his party's developers' charter gags local residents and hands power to a Whitehall-appointed board of developers, resulting in low quality, unaffordable housing. Is it not the case that the Prime Minister is paying back his party of developer paymasters by selling out local communities?
Context
Local residents in Lancaster are opposing the conversion of a popular pub, the Britannia, into student let housing. The Housing Secretary has stated that the current planning system does not give people influence over such developments.
Boris Johnson
I do not think that I have heard such total cobblers in all my life, except possibly from the Leader of the Opposition. That is not what the Bill does. On the contrary, it gives local people the power to protect. If I understood the hon. Lady correctly, it was a pub called the Britannia that she wanted to protect. We are bringing forward measures to allow local people to protect such places of vital local importance. When it comes to development, the power remains vested firmly with local people, to make sure that they protect their green spaces and the green belt, and they have development only in the places where they, the local people, want it.
Assessment
The questioner's accusation was dismissed rather than addressed directly
Total Cobblers
Not What The Bill Does
Session: PMQs
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Survivors of male violence often take a long time to rebuild their lives. I am supporting a constituent at the moment whose perpetrator is about to be released from prison but who is receiving no support from Lancaster city council, her housing provider, to enable her to relocate to another area so that the perpetrator is not released into the same community. What advice can the Minister give me, and my constituent, to support that housing move so that she and her children can feel safe?
Context
The MP highlighted a constituent whose perpetrator is about to be released from prison but who is not receiving support from Lancaster city council or her housing provider. She emphasized the need for relocation assistance.
Alex Davies-Jones
I thank my hon. Friend for supporting her constituents so diligently, and for raising this matter with me today. The Government are committed to ensuring that victims of domestic abuse can access the support that they need to get safe accommodation to rebuild their lives. Under part 4 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, local authorities in England are required to assess the need for safe accommodation and commission specialist support for victims and their children. To support that delivery, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will provide nearly £500 million over the next three years for accommodation for domestic abuse victims who are homeless and eligible for that accommodation. Offenders released from prison are subject to licence requirement conditions, and my hon. Friend's constituent should be receiving support from her victim liaison officer.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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I thank the Chancellor for her work to lift the two-child benefit cap, which was cruelly brought in by the Conservative Government. Does she agree that that is not only morally the right thing to do, but economically good news for the 1,690 families in Lancaster and Wyre who will have more money in their pockets to spend in our local economy in Lancashire—unlike the super-rich, who would have just taken it to offshore tax havens?
Context
The Labour MP highlights the lifting of the two-child benefit cap, emphasizing its moral and economic benefits for families in Lancaster and Wyre.
Rachel Reeves
Just a couple of weeks ago, I hosted an event in Downing Street where I met people who are benefiting from the change in the two-child limit and people who had campaigned for that change. Mums told me that they were going to use the money to pay for their kids to go to after-school clubs with their friends, swimming lessons that they could not afford before, or a new school coat rather than a second-hand one. That is the difference that this money is making to families up and down the country. I am proud to be the Chancellor who has scrapped the two-child limit.
Session: Topical Questions
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If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. Unemployment is down, the economy is growing, interest rates have been cut six times, last year Government borrowing was lower than it was the previous year and is set to fall by more than in any other G7 economy. At the same time, the Government are acting responsibly on the world stage. This is a war that we did not start, we did not enter, and we are working with our international allies to de-escalate.
Context
The Labour MP notes positive economic indicators but questions the approach, citing lower unemployment and borrowing compared to other G7 nations.
Rachel Reeves
We are on the right path with the right economic plan. Unemployment is down, the economy is growing, interest rates have been cut six times, last year Government borrowing was lower than it was the previous year and is set to fall by more than in any other G7 economy. At the same time, the Government are acting responsibly on the world stage. This is a war that we did not start, we did not enter, and we are working with our international allies to de-escalate. Our focus is on protecting family finances, supporting businesses and taking care with the public purse to improve Britain's economic resilience.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the new Minister to his post. I have been campaigning on this issue for 10 years and have a stack of letters and answers to written parliamentary questions that say things like “in due course” and “the Government are considering”. On behalf of a group of people who have been gaslit by the medical profession, will the Minister step up and be the Minister who ensures that these families, victims of the sodium valproate scandal, actually see the redress they absolutely deserve? Will he make sure that they get a meeting with him at the earliest opportunity?
Context
The Hughes report, published on February 7, 2024, highlighted issues related to sodium valproate scandal redress. Cat Smith has been campaigning for 10 years on this issue.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Dr Zubir Ahmed)
I thank my hon. Friend for all her tireless work, campaigning and advocacy on this issue for many years, particularly since the Hughes report was published in February 2024. Like me, she will be sensitive to the fact that we are coming up to the two-year anniversary of that report. It is a call to action for me and the Department to answer the questions that she has been asking for so long. I have a meeting with the Patient Safety Commissioner very shortly, and I am very happy to meet her separately when she wishes.
Session: Hughes Report
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Since 2019 my constituents in Lancaster have had to look at a ring of steel fencing around the Lancaster courthouse in our city centre as it awaits maintenance work to make it more sightly. The fencing has been there since 2019, so how much longer will my constituents have to wait for this maintenance work?
Context
The Lancaster courthouse in Cat Smith's constituency has been fenced off since 2019, awaiting maintenance that would make it more presentable.
Sarah Sackman (Minister of State, Ministry of Justice)
I understand that people in Lancaster have been using the Crown court in nearby Preston, which is a more modern and accessible facility. We are undertaking a consultation about the future of Lancaster Crown court, but I am happy to write to my hon. Friend in more detail about the timeline.
Session: Court Estate Restoration and Renewal
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In my 10 years as a Member of Parliament, I have run consistent campaigns throughout my constituency to raise awareness of pension credit and encourage hundreds of people to sign up to it, but I know that many of my constituents are just above the threshold and by no means well off. What assessment will the Government make of those who are not eligible for pension credit but will still face fuel poverty next winter?
Context
Many pensioners who are just above the threshold for pension credit still face fuel poverty next winter.
Torsten Bell (The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury)
I am grateful for the work that has been done by councils and third sector organisations throughout the United Kingdom to drive uptake of pension credit. That work has led to the 50,000 extra awards that I mentioned earlier. The choices we have made mean that we can protect pensioners across the board, and the 4.1% increase in the state pension in April was possible exactly because of the tough choices that we have had to make.
Session: Winter Fuel Payment Means-testing
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Epilepsy is a lifelong disability that has huge consequences for the lives of those who have it, none more so than those mothers who had epilepsy and took sodium valproate when pregnant, and whose babies were harmed. Will the Minister take time to meet me and my constituent, Janet Williams, whose sons have been affected, to discuss how we can ensure that their quality of life is best supported by the Government?
Context
Mothers who had epilepsy and took sodium valproate while pregnant have children who are severely affected.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
My hon. Friend raises an important subject, and as she knows, the Department of Health and Social Care and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has set up the valproate pregnancy prevention programme. I, or a Minister from DHSC, will be glad to meet my hon. Friend to discuss those points.
Session: Health and Disability Green Paper
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Many constituents were pleased to see the extension of Heysham 1 and 2 late last year. They would like long-term jobs for the future in the nuclear industry created in the north-west. Does the Minister agree that it is thanks to this Labour Government that we are ending the last government’s legacy of no new nuclear being built?
Context
The MP from Lancaster and Wyre references the extension of Heysham nuclear power plants, expressing constituent desire for long-term jobs in the industry. The previous Labour government built no new nuclear power plants.
The Minister for Industry (Sarah Jones)
I completely agree. The Conservative party built no new nuclear in 14 years. Small modular reactors will bring energy efficiency and economic growth to many parts of this country. We are working at pace and will make sure that we have the answer on SMRs shortly. We will have the answer on Sizewell in the spending review, and of course nuclear will play a big role in the future.
Session: Nuclear Power
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Will the Minister join me in paying tribute to the Lancaster Guardian for its recent investigative report into the reality for many families living in temporary accommodation in the Lancaster district? That is paired with a frustration I hear from local house building developers over delays in the planning process in the district. What more does the Minister think can happen in Lancaster to ensure that families in the district actually have secure housing?
Context
The Lancaster Guardian published a report highlighting the difficulties faced by families in temporary accommodation in Lancaster. Additionally, there are concerns from local developers about delays in the planning process.
Darren Jones (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
My hon. Friend knows that we are doing everything possible in this place to streamline and improve planning legislation and planning processes. We are providing clear signals to everybody across the country that we need to build and build rapidly, not least to meet our housing target. Local councils play an important role in this process, as they make decisions on local developments. I understand that in Lancaster city council she has had some struggles with members of the Green party, who are becoming blockers as opposed to builders. I say to them and to people across the country that they need to get behind the build agenda, because that is what the British people voted for.
Session: Affordable Housing Supply
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I thank my right hon. Friend for securing the land purchase for the new hospital in Lancaster. Will he meet me to discuss how a new hospital will transform health outcomes for my constituents?
Context
The land purchase has been secured for a new hospital in Lancaster, which will transform health outcomes for the community.
Wes Streeting
I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend. She was literally the first person to lobby me immediately after the general election, about her hospital, having already lobbied me before. I am delighted that, thanks to her efforts, we have been able to deliver for her community; indeed, thanks to your efforts, Mr Speaker, we have done so for yours too. I would be delighted to meet her.
Session: Topical Questions
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What recent progress has been made on the new hospital programme? The Lancaster Royal Infirmary is at capacity and it is a Victorian building no longer fit for purpose. A local committee supports the new build scheme in Lancaster, so it will soon be reviewed by the Secretary of State. Will my right hon. Friend commit to meeting me and other interested MPs in north Lancashire?
Context
The previous government promised to deliver 40 new hospitals by 2030 but this goal is not considered achievable within that timeframe.
Wes Streeting
The good people of Lancaster and Wyre will be delighted with the efforts made by the questioner. There is urgency around land issues related to the local hospital project. A scheme will be put to me shortly, which I will consider carefully.
Session: New Hospital Programme
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I commend the Secretary of State for his efforts to make work pay, but for many of those in work, a lot of the excellent support available in jobcentres is currently voluntary. Will my right hon. Friend look at what more he can do to encourage people in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire to upskill in order to take on more well-paid work, and to reduce dependency on benefits?
Context
The MP commends efforts to make work pay but raises the issue of voluntary support in jobcentres and asks for measures encouraging people to upskill.
Jo Churchill (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions)
Happy birthday! I am sure my hon. Friend's family and small children will be wishing him well from Stoke. As has been outlined, there is great work going on. I met the Skills Minister only last week to discuss the better join-up that is happening, and we are really focused on allowing people to progress in work. Allowing them to move up and move on, and to stay and succeed in work, is just as important as getting that first job.
Session: Topical Questions
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SNP MPs have been disengaged from Westminster for years. Does the Secretary of State agree that it is a disgrace that its deputy leader has said that its MPs will not engage should the party win seats at the next general election? Does he also agree that Members elected to this House should turn up and do their job?
Context
Concerns about the engagement level of SNP MPs in Westminster, particularly regarding statements from their deputy leader suggesting non-engagement if they win seats at the next election.
Alister Jack
I agree with the hon. Lady.
Session: Allegations of Impropriety in Public Life
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What assessment has been made of the potential implications of allegations of impropriety in public life for his Department's work on strengthening the Union?
Context
The question arises from concerns about allegations of impropriety in public life and their impact on efforts to strengthen the Union.
Alister Jack
Our Union is strong. Yes, it is. Scotland's contribution to our United Kingdom is beyond doubt, and this Government's commitment to Scotland is without question. From freeports and investment zones to the record block grant and £1.5 billion for the 12 city and region growth deals, we deliver for Scotland.
Session: Allegations of Impropriety in Public Life
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Will the Minister make a statement about today's report by the Patient Safety Commissioner addressing redress for victims of sodium valproate and mesh?
Context
The Patient Safety Commissioner has released a report today addressing redress options for individuals affected by sodium valproate and mesh.
Maria Caulfield
The hon. Lady will know that the Government commissioned that report from the Patient Safety Commissioner to look at options for redress, specifically for those affected by sodium valproate, but also for those affected by mesh. The report has been published only today, so we will look at the details closely before reporting back to the House.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Secretary of State tell that nurse, my constituent, whether we have indeed forgotten about that new hospital?
Context
The nurse treating the questioner's sick son at Royal Lancaster Infirmary mentioned that a new hospital promised four years ago has been forgotten.
Victoria Atkins
The hon. Lady is aware of my knowledge not only of that hospital, but of her local area. I will look into this matter for her, because I want to ensure that the good people of Lancashire, Mr Speaker, are looked after as we would all hope and expect.
Session: Topical Questions
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Probation workloads are too high, which is having a terrible impact on both staff morale and retention as well as public safety. What consideration has the Minister given to the very reasonable proposal agreed between His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service and the probation unions to free up staff time by abolishing the post-sentence supervision?
Context
High probation workloads are impacting staff morale, retention, and public safety. A proposal has been made to abolish the post-sentence supervision requirement.
Edward Argar
The hon. Lady raises an important point. Although, on partial data for this year, caseloads are going down, she is right to highlight that they are still high. She makes a good point about the post-sentence supervision requirement, which I am happy to reflect on carefully. I understand that the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, the right hon. and learned Member for Cheltenham (Alex Chalk) has met representatives to hear their views on the matter.
Session: Probation Officer Case Load
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What assessment has been made of the sustainability of probation officer case loads?
Context
The question arises from concerns over the sustainability of workloads for probation officers which affect staff morale, retention, and public safety.
Edward Argar
We have increased funding for the probation service by £155 million a year to recruit more staff, bring down caseloads and deliver better supervision of offenders in the community. We have also accelerated recruitment of trainee probation officers, particularly in areas with the most significant staffing challenges. As a result, more than 4,000 trainees started on training courses between April 2020 and March of last year.
Session: Probation Officer Case Load
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Happy Christmas, Mr Speaker. For two weeks now the old Supa Skips site in Lancaster has been burning, and it looks as if Lancaster City Council will be left to pick up the tab for the clean-up. Some of that money has to be spent on landfill tax. Will the Minister meet me and Lancaster City Council to discuss what options are open to my local council to ensure that local ratepayers are not left footing the bill for rogue companies that walk away from sites, such as Supa Skips?
Context
For two weeks, an old Supa Skips waste site in Lancaster has been on fire. It is unclear if Lancaster City Council will have to bear the cost of clean-up due to landfill tax obligations.
Gareth Davies
Landfill tax is successful but not intended to impede remediation. The recently announced £78 million fund will be open for bids in early 2024, and the council should apply through standard procedures. There's an ongoing review of landfill tax exemptions that might offer targeted support.
Session: Landfill Tax Relief Local Authorities
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If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing landfill tax relief for local authorities who are responsible for hazardous waste after companies go into liquidation.
Context
The question arises from the issue of contaminated land left by companies going into liquidation. Specifically, there is a burning site in Lancaster that may require significant clean-up costs.
Gareth Davies
Landfill tax provides a sustainable incentive but was not designed to hinder land remediation. The Government's autumn statement introduced a £78 million fund to support contaminated land remediation. This fund will open for bids in early 2024 and the council is encouraged to apply.
Session: Landfill Tax Relief Local Authorities
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The neuro drop-in centre in Lancaster provides unique support, but my constituent, who travels there by bus from Bowerham to Torrisholme, cannot board the bus if another wheelchair user is on it. Does the Minister think that is fair?
Context
A constituent in Lancaster who uses a wheelchair is unable to board a bus if another wheelchair user is already present.
Mims Davies
That does not sound terribly fair at all. I am very interested in what the hon. Lady shares with the House. Of course, we have a Transport Minister answering questions today, so I am very happy for us to look at that issue for her.
Session: Disabled People Inequality
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We have already heard in this Question Time about delays in getting the education, health and care plans in Lancashire. As a consequence, rural schools like Quernmore, which I had the privilege of visiting on Friday, are left with more children with special educational needs in mainstream but without the financial support package that should come with that. These small rural schools are therefore having to support children with additional needs and do not always have the right number of staff to be able to do so in the way they would like. Is support available to rural and small schools, especially in Lancashire, to meet the needs of all children?
Context
The question is prompted by delays in getting education, health, and care plans in Lancashire, affecting small rural schools that lack adequate financial support to meet the needs of children with special educational needs.
Damian Hinds
We must meet the needs of all children; and at some level, every teacher is a teacher of special educational needs and disabilities. I recognise that there can be particular difficulties for smaller schools in rural areas, as the hon. Member mentions. We have the wider EHCP system, which is better than the previous system. On places available in special schools, where children are in mainstream schools, I recognise the central role played by teaching assistants. That is why we have set out in the SEND and alternative provision improvement plan how we will look to consolidate that position and give further advice on the best deployment of TAs.
Session: School Support Staff Vacancies Trends
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What recent assessment has been made of trends in the number of support staff vacancies in schools?
Context
The question is prompted by the need to assess trends in support staff vacancies in schools, which are crucial for school operations.
Damian Hinds
Support staff play a vital role in our schools. We have given schools the freedom to recruit the staff they require to meet their own needs; although we do not collect central data on vacancies as a result, I can tell the hon. Lady that the number of support staff working in schools has increased for the past three years.
Session: School Support Staff Vacancies Trends
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Does the Minister agree that Lord Cameron should declare all previous contacts with, and moneys earned from, foreign Governments after he left office as Prime Minister before being appointed Foreign Secretary?
Context
Concern over transparency regarding former Prime Minister's contacts with foreign governments.
Thomas Tugendhat
Rules are set by the House and other bodies to ensure proper accounting of expenses and connections. The Minister is confident that Lord Cameron has done so as required.
Session: Defending Democracy Taskforce
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What assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the Defending Democracy Taskforce in preventing foreign interference in the UK's democratic integrity.
Context
The question concerns the assessment of a task force aimed at preventing foreign interference in UK democracy.
Thomas Tugendhat
The Defending Democracy Taskforce has been operating for about a year and works closely with various entities to improve security. It updates individuals across the House on ways to enhance democracy safety. The Minister urges involvement in politics, particularly joining his party.
Session: Defending Democracy Taskforce
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Over the summer, I held events in villages across Wyre in my constituency. I was approached by many pensioners who are suffering because of the cost of living crisis; pension credit is just not plugging the gap. At my “Chat with Cat” event in Pilling, a constituent asked me why 400,000 more pensioners are living in poverty than when Labour left office.
Context
At events across Wyre, many pensioners have been suffering due to the cost of living crisis.
Laura Trott
There are 200,000 fewer pensioners in absolute poverty than when Labour left office.
Session: Pension Credit
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In the past decade, more than 1.7 billion people have been affected by climate disasters through displacement, drought and food insecurity. The climate crisis is both creating and aggravating humanitarian emergencies. Where is the ambitious strategy for UK aid to build resilience and offset the implications of climate breakdown?
Context
In the past decade, more than 1.7 billion people have been affected by climate disasters such as displacement, drought and food insecurity.
Andrew Mitchell
The hon Lady is right to identify climate change as the great existential crisis of this era. Two weeks ago we had the hottest temperature seen in the world ever on the Monday; it was then exceeded on Wednesday and exceeded again on Thursday. One way we have changed how humanitarian work is done is by building in more adaptation and resilience when we deploy humanitarian support, and we will go on doing that.
Session: Topical Questions
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Residents in the Marsh area of Lancaster, Lancaster City Council and I are concerned about the future of a skip site on the Lune industrial estate that has gone into liquidation. The cost of clean-up is higher than the value of the land. Will the Minister make time to meet me and Lancaster City Council to discuss what steps the council can take to ensure that residents know that the environment they are living in is healthy and safe?
Context
Residents in the Marsh area of Lancaster are worried about a skip site on the Lune industrial estate that has entered liquidation, with clean-up costs exceeding land value, raising environmental health concerns.
Dehenna Davison
The hon. Lady is in touch with the Environment Agency about this, and there is an ongoing investigation. Although specifics cannot be commented on, I would be happy to meet her to discuss the wider issue of waste remediation. The Government have increased the Environment Agency's budget by £10 million per year and tightened laws against rogue operators.
Session: Business Liquidation Costs to Local Authorities
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If he will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the capacity of local authorities to respond to unexpected costs arising from businesses entering liquidation. The cost of clean-up for a skip site on the Lune industrial estate has exceeded the value of the land, raising concerns about resident safety and environmental health.
Context
The question arises due to the concern about local authorities' ability to handle sudden financial burdens caused by businesses entering liquidation, particularly in the context of a specific incident involving a skip site in Lancaster.
Dehenna Davison
The local government finance settlement for 2023-24 provides up to £59.7 billion, increasing core spending power by 9.4%. The Government also spends approximately £8 billion on targeted long-term investment in high streets and small businesses.
Session: Business Liquidation Costs to Local Authorities
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My constituent was raped and the perpetrator filmed it 14 months ago. She has been waiting for justice since then as the police are still processing her case. Could you tell me how long my constituent might expect to wait?
Context
A constituent reported being raped over 14 months ago. The perpetrator had filmed the rape, but the police still have not provided a day in court.
Edward Argar
The hon. Lady will appreciate that I am unable to comment on the specifics of a case, and it would probably be inappropriate to do so in the Chamber.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Why is statutory sick pay in this country so much lower than European comparators?
Context
Smith inquired about statutory sick pay levels compared to European countries.
Tom Pursglove
I would be happy to meet the hon. Lady to discuss the issue of statutory sick pay, and, of course, we always keep these matters under review.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Can the Secretary of State help me get my 68-year-old constituent out of the in-work poverty bracket and receiving her state pension? I am happy to share the details of the case with the Secretary of State.
Context
The MP is assisting a constituent who is working at minimum wage and facing in-work poverty due to errors in her state pension.
Mel Stride
If the hon. Lady would like to share those details with me, I will make sure that I and the Minister for Pensions, the hon. Member for Sevenoaks (Laura Trott) will have a close look at the case she raises.
Session: In-work Poverty
View All Questions -->
The decision to make it harder for those on postgraduate courses to bring dependants will once again mean that Britain's universities will be looking to China for international students. At a time of growing tension and concern about Chinese foreign policy, not least on the Secretary of State's own Benches, is she confident that this is going to end well?
Gillian Keegan
I thank the hon. Lady for her question. We discussed this a little earlier. There is a large and growing desire for the education that our top universities provide and there are many countries in the world where the middle class is developing, so there is a lot of opportunity for our universities as long as they keep on delivering their world-class fantastic quality.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
My hon. Friend will know that the costs have risen considerably from when it was first proposed, and it is therefore right that we look at embracing modern methods of construction and at whether a rebuild option is the way forward. Can he update me on the timescales for the outcome of our bid?
Context
The MP is seeking further details on the £20 billion hospital building programme and its impact on Thornbury health centre.
Steve Barclay
We are looking at embracing modern methods of construction and considering whether a rebuild option is the way forward. I am very happy to meet him to discuss it.
Session: New Hospitals and Health Centres Funding
View All Questions -->
Was the department's recent decision to give the Electoral Commission an additional £1.5 million to promote voter ID made before or after the department realised that the take-up of voter authority certificates was very low?
Context
The Department of Culture, Media and Sport recently provided extra funds to the Electoral Commission for voter ID promotion. The question is about whether this decision was made before or after understanding low take-up rates.
Dehenna Davison
Part of the reason is to spread awareness about the new voter ID regulations. We have given that additional funding to the Electoral Commission, as well as over £4 million to local authorities for local promotion.
Session: Voter Identification Requirements Local Election Turnout
View All Questions -->
What assessment has been made of the potential impact of introducing voter identification on voter turnout for the May 2023 local elections? I note that the Electoral Commission's review of the 2019 voter ID pilots noted significant concerns about impact on turnout. Are we prepared to repeat those mistakes?
Context
The introduction of voter ID in local elections could affect turnout. The Electoral Commission reviewed the impact of a similar pilot scheme in 2019.
Dehenna Davison
We all know that turnout can vary significantly from election to election due to various factors. The Electoral Commission noted during its review of the 2019 pilot schemes that it is difficult to robustly model the impact of a single factor on voter turnout.
Session: Voter Identification Requirements Local Election Turnout
View All Questions -->
What steps have you taken to ensure benefits go up in line with cost of childcare and to look at paying this element upfront?
Context
Single parents face challenges with the childcare element of universal credit being capped at a level set in 2005 and paid in arrears.
Mims Davies
We are committed to helping lone parents through work. The UC childcare element can be used to top up free childcare hours, and we support up-front costs through the flexible support fund. However, employers also play a crucial role in supporting lone parents.
Session: Single-parent employment levels
View All Questions -->
What assessment have you made of the implications for your policies of the fall in single-parent employment between 2019 and 2022?
Context
Single-parent employment has fallen between 2019 and 2022, raising concerns about government policies.
Mims Davies
We have cut the earnings taper on universal credit and increased work allowances, meaning that families are better off by £1,000 a year. Eligible parents can claim up to 85% of their childcare costs through UC, and further assistance is available through the flexible support fund.
Session: Single-parent employment levels
View All Questions -->
Does the Secretary of State agree that we need a reformed and renewed constitution across the country?
Context
Issues of accountability and propriety in both Westminster and Holyrood raise concerns about the current constitutional arrangements.
Alister Jack
I did not catch all of that, but I refer the hon. Lady to the answer I gave earlier. There is a ministerial code that sets standards of behaviour for Ministers, and Ministers are personally responsible for how they conduct themselves. Ultimately, the Prime Minister is the judge and I think he is a man of integrity.
Session: Allegations of Impropriety in Public Life
View All Questions -->
What assessment has been made of the implications for his Department's work on strengthening the Union of allegations of impropriety in public life?
Context
Allegations of impropriety in public life have raised concerns about the integrity of the government.
Alister Jack
The UK is one of the most successful political and economic unions in the world. Our collective strength means that we are better able to tackle big problems such as the cost of living, lead the international response against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, grow our economy and deliver freeports in Scotland.
Session: Allegations of Impropriety in Public Life
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Postural Tachycardia Syndrome
14 October 2025
Responding: Ashley Dalton
Main Concerns
['The national health service often overlooks, misunderstands, and under-resources postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS), leading to long diagnostic periods and inadequate support. The average diagnosis time is seven years with many initially misdiagnosed with mental health conditions.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should improve PoTS diagnoses as a priority, provide national clinical guidelines for consistent care, and ensure accessible treatment across the UK, regardless of where patients live.']
Alcohol and Cancer
08 July 2025
Responding: Ashley Dalton
Main Concerns
['The debate highlights the shocking statistics of alcohol-related deaths increasing by 42% over a five-year period, with 17,000 cancers annually linked to alcohol consumption. It also mentions that one in every 20 cancer cases is attributable to alcohol and around one in 10 breast cancer cases are due to alcohol.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP calls for raising awareness about the risks of alcohol consumption and its link to cancer, urging the government to take more action on this issue.']
Devolution: Lancashire
27 November 2024
Responding: Jim McMahon
Main Concerns
['The hon. Member for Lancaster and Wyre is concerned about the complexity of local government in Lancashire, with multiple tiers and overlapping responsibilities causing confusion among constituents. She notes that there are over 245 elected representatives in her constituency alone, including parish councillors who volunteer their time to serve their communities. The Member also highlights the historical significance of Lancashire and its current diverse makeup, expressing worries about a potential one-size-fits-all model of devolution that may not suit rural areas like Lancashire.']
Specific Asks
["The hon. Member asks for clarity on how decisions will be made in the upcoming local government reorganisation. She seeks to know whether politicians or civil servants will have final say, and if community wishes will significantly influence outcomes. The Member also questions the Minister about the preservation of current district boundaries and the importance placed on ceremonial county lines versus functional economic areas. Additionally, she requests reassurance that a future devolution model would maintain representation reflecting Lancashire's diverse communities and advance gender balance."]
Palestinians: Visa Scheme
13 May 2024
Responding: Tom Pursglove
Main Concerns
["The debate discusses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting that over 34,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, with approximately 77,000 injured. Over 1.6 million Gazans—75% of the population—are displaced, and food shortages are causing a 'full-blown famine' in Gaza. The debate points out that there is no safe route for Palestinians to leave Gaza and reunite with family members in the UK, as visa application centres have closed down, and private companies previously facilitating exits via Rafah border to Egypt can no longer operate due to the conflict. Claire Hanna highlighted the dire conditions in Gaza, noting that Gazans are facing a lack of medical assistance, food scarcity, and displacement due to recent attacks. She mentioned her constituent Ahmed, whose family has faced severe hardships including injuries from bombings, loss of business, and difficulty meeting basic needs such as food, water, and sanitation. The MP is concerned about the lack of a temporary family reunion visa scheme for Palestinians trapped in Gaza. She highlighted that constituents have lost 70 members of their families and are starving under continual bombardment, with no safe space to escape to. The situation has worsened due to Israeli forces closing off all exits from Gaza. The public finds the government's response to the petition about Palestinians having no safe routes to the UK for family reunions unsatisfactory. The high petition thresholds of 10,000 signatures for a Government response and 100,000 for a debate have been easily met, indicating strong public concern. Petitioners are disappointed with the Minister's comments on appointment availability in Cairo, which do not address the issue that people cannot travel from Gaza to Cairo due to their trapped situation."]
Specific Asks
["The petitioners request a bespoke pathway similar to those established for Ukrainians and Hong Kong residents. The debate argues that Palestinians in the UK should be able to sponsor their family members to ensure safety during ongoing conflicts, with an emphasis on a right of return upon cessation of hostilities. Hanna called on the Minister to address the current barriers preventing Gazans from leaving and suggested creating a visa scheme that would allow relatives in the UK to support their close family members in Gaza. She urged the government to implement practical measures immediately. The MP asks the Minister why they are not offering protection to people at risk of death in Gaza, similar to what was done for Ukrainians fleeing war, despite the fact that only 3% of Ukrainian refugees came to the UK. She urges the Government to find a temporary solution just to help keep people alive. The petitioners want the government to establish a Palestinian Gaza-specific visa scheme similar to the one for Ukraine. The debate saw cross-party consensus and support for such a scheme, but the Minister's response was deemed inadequate by members of the public."]
International Health Regulations 2005
18 December 2023
Responding: Andrew Stephenson
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the need for stronger international health regulations to address future pandemics. The petition calls on Parliament to hold a vote on rejecting amendments to the International Health Regulations 2005, specifically addressing concerns over UK sovereignty and the binding nature of the regulations. The Government has previously stated that it will not sign up to any IHR amendments that would compromise the UK's ability to take domestic decisions on national public health measures. The Member is concerned about the potential amendments to the International Health Regulations 2005 being brought forth by the World Health Organisation, particularly as these would give the WHO extremely strong powers in any future pandemic. The amendments reduce the time available for countries to reject IHR amendments adopted at future World Health Assemblies from 18 months to 10 months. They include making WHO emergency guidance legally binding and empowering the WHO director general to declare a public health emergency of international concern, potentially mandating restrictive measures such as lockdowns without UK approval."]
Specific Asks
["I ask the Minister to address the concerns of the petitioners, specifically which amendments require changes to UK domestic legislation and whether the UK will vote against those changes. The Government should also clarify its position on whether the regulations should be binding or non-binding and if it has proposed any amendments. The Member asks the Minister if the amendments could even potentially allow the World Health Organisation to put this country into lockdown without our approval. He requests a specific answer in the minister's closing remarks."]
Israel and Palestine
11 December 2023
Responding: Leo Docherty
Main Concerns
["The speaker is concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza following the Hamas terror attack, noting that over 17,700 people have lost their lives. She also highlights the importance of recognising the history of the conflict beyond the recent events and calls for a sustainable peace solution. The hon. Member is concerned about the ongoing violence in Gaza, including the mass killing and destruction witnessed since October 7th, which has led to a humanitarian crisis with half of Gaza's population facing starvation. She highlights the need for civilian protection and addresses issues such as hostage situations, sexual violence, and long-standing oppression and discrimination against Palestinians by Israeli authorities. The atrocities committed against Palestinian civilians in Gaza since October are a crime against humanity. Innocent Palestinians face massacres, bombardments, starvation, and communal punishment, with homes, schools, hospitals destroyed and basic supplies withheld under blockade. Save the Children has warned that children may die from hunger or disease due to lack of aid. At least 70 journalists have been killed, four times the general population's death rate, highlighting a media blackout. Palestinian men were stripped naked by Israeli forces. The MP is concerned about the ongoing destruction of Palestinian lives in Gaza and the West Bank since October. She highlights that over 17,000 Palestinians have been killed, with 40% reported to be children. Constituents have noted that more than half of all homes are destroyed, only 14 out of 36 hospitals partially functional, and now 80% of the population, or 1.8 million people, are displaced. I am concerned about breaches of international law in the Israel-Gaza dispute, including the displacement of Palestinians during Nakba and ongoing settlement building. Gaza has been blockaded for 16 years, leading to collective punishment and indiscriminate bombing that has resulted in over 20,000 civilian deaths and destroyed half of the housing infrastructure. Ms Helen Hayes is concerned about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza due to the destruction of critical infrastructure, resulting in a lack of access to medicine, food, and water. She highlights that more Palestinians have been killed in the conflict since October than in previous years, and civilians are dying because of this situation. Additionally, she mentions the Israeli Government's failure to act within international law, which has not yielded results despite private pressure from the UK Government. I am concerned about the destruction of 60% to 70% of buildings and homes in northern Gaza, with at least 10,000 children killed and many more injured or forced to undergo operations without anaesthetic. The UN has pointed out that aid is being held up by Israeli checks and only a fifth per day of what Gaza needs is allowed in, intensifying the suffering and starvation."]
Specific Asks
["The speaker asks the Government to provide more details on the commitments they plan to make in order to work with the international community to bring about lasting peace, respecting the human rights of both Israelis and Palestinians and establishing statehood solutions that include ending intolerable settlements in the west bank. The hon. Member urges the Government and Labour Front Bench to support an immediate bilateral ceasefire and encourages bold diplomatic efforts akin to those seen in previous conflicts. She emphasizes the importance of dialogue with Hamas to secure the release of hostages and advocates for leveraging UK's regional influence, particularly its ties with Qatar and Egypt, to promote peace. The UK Government should urgently push for a permanent ceasefire and meaningful international action to ensure Israel acts within international humanitarian law. The ICC must investigate potential war crimes by all parties involved. The MP calls for an immediate permanent ceasefire on all sides, a significant increase in humanitarian and medical aid, hostage release, and renewed political efforts towards peace. She urges protection of civilians from displacement, allowing humanitarian aid and medical supplies into Gaza, and emphasizes the UK's duty to ensure international law and human rights are upheld. I ask the Government to grant a full day's debate on the Israel-Gaza war early in the new year. I urge the UK to call for a ceasefire when breaches of international law are occurring, considering the urgent need to stop the ongoing atrocities and protect civilians. Ms Hayes asks what action the UK Government will take when Israel is clearly not acting within international law. She also questions why the UK Government has not contradicted inflammatory statements made by Israeli Ministers or sanctioned those responsible, and inquires about actions taken to assess the legality of IDF actions in Gaza. I am asking the Government to advise what concrete steps they are taking to bring about an urgent end to hostilities. What do they know about Israel's ultimate goals in Gaza? In particular, what steps are they taking to pressure the Israeli Government to stop bombing civilians and destroying vital infrastructure?"]
Covid-19: Impact on Social Work
23 March 2022
Responding: Gillian Keegan
Main Concerns
["Social workers are under immense pressure due to high workloads, administrative tasks, and staffing shortages. There has been a significant increase in the number of social workers leaving the profession, with nearly 5,000 family social workers departing in 2021—a 16% rise from 2020. The pandemic exacerbated issues such as restricted access to care homes and concerns about 'do not resuscitate' orders being issued based on a person's learning disability."]
Specific Asks
['The Government should listen to the British Association of Social Workers, invest in preventive measures for local authorities, and ensure proper funding is available for social work. Additionally, there needs to be support to get people with learning disabilities and autistic individuals out of hospital and back into their communities.']
Bay Local Authority in North Lancashire and South Cumbria
13 April 2021
Responding: Luke Hall
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the rushed local government reorganisation process, which limits councils' ability to develop solutions that work across both North Lancashire and South Cumbria. The consultation website is unclear and difficult to navigate, potentially excluding residents from meaningful engagement. I also worry that Lancaster City Council has not been treated as a full participant in the Bay proposal process, despite its strong local support."]
Specific Asks
["I ask the Minister to provide assurance that the views of Lancaster residents will be given equal weight in this process and that decisions will consider the long-term interests of people who live, work and invest in the Bay area. I also request that young people's views are considered and that local support is not overshadowed by party-political lines."]
Select Committees
28 April 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Proposed amendments to Standing Order No. 22D, and introduced motions regarding changes to Public Business Standing Orders for the election of the Backbench Business Committee Chair, nomination of mem...
Heating Oil Support
16 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Budget Resolutions 2025-11-26
26 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced a new tax raid of £26 billion, increasing borrowing in every year. Mrs Badenoch argues that this Budget increases benefits for families but hikes taxes on...
Jhoots Pharmacy 2025-10-15
15 October 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the adequacy and suitability of Jhoots pharmacy as an NHS provider, given their poor service provision, constant closures, unpaid staff, and potential breaches of regulations...
Middle East 2025-10-14
14 October 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister condemned antisemitic attacks and expressed relief at the end of the Gaza conflict, highlighting the release of hostages and cessation of bombardment. He announced £20 million in ad...
Victory over Japan 80th Anniversary 2025-07-21
21 July 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
It is an honour to open today’s debate as we come together as a House and as a country to mark 80 years since victory over Japan, which brought an end to fighting in the far east. The anniversary will...
Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill 2025-07-01
01 July 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Gaza UK Assessment 2025-05-14
14 May 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the UK's assessment on the risk of genocide in Gaza? Adrian Ramsay is asking about the likelihood of genocide based on recent events, including the humanitarian crisis and ai...
Immigration System 2025-05-12
12 May 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Child Rape Gangs 2025-04-28
28 April 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that a national statutory public inquiry will be established to investigate the child rape gangs scandal? The MP highlights cases of systemic abuse, cover-ups by authorities ...
Vale View Day Centre, Lancaster
19 January 2026
The petitioners are concerned about the potential closure of Vale View Day Centre in Lancaster, which provides care and activities for older adults and supports carers and families.
View Full Petition -->
Vale View Day Centre, Lancaster
18 November 2025
The petition concerns the potential closure of Vale View Day Centre in Lancaster by Lancashire County Council, which provides care and activities for older adults and support for carers.
View Full Petition -->
Redundancies at Lancaster University
13 October 2025
The petition addresses the potential job losses at Lancaster University, which is considering staff redundancies that could affect around 450 jobs initially through voluntary means but may extend to c...
View Full Petition -->
Redundancies at Lancaster University
21 July 2025
The petition addresses potential job losses at Lancaster University, including around 450 voluntary redundancies with the possibility of compulsory redundancies. Staff trade unions are concerned about...
View Full Petition -->
Water Bills in Lancaster and Wyre
22 July 2024
The petition addresses the concern of residents in Lancaster and Wyre who are facing an average £19 per year increase in water bills between 2025 and 2030, exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis.
View Full Petition -->
Petition
18 March 2024
The petition addresses the ongoing distress of individuals who received infected blood and have suffered as a result, along with their families, due to delayed justice and redress.
View Full Petition -->
Parked vehicles and emergencies
17 October 2023
The petition concerns a false fire alarm at Ellel St John’s Primary School in Galgate where parked vehicles blocked the access for emergency services, highlighting the risk of serious consequences dur...
View Full Petition -->
Funding for Small and Rural Primary Schools
31 January 2023
The petition highlights the difficulties faced by small and rural primary schools, such as Scorton Church of England Primary School, which lack essential facilities like a school hall and kitchen, lea...
View Full Petition -->
Quarry in Preesall
19 July 2022
Residents of Preesall are concerned about a proposal to build a new quarry, citing worries over road capacity, environmental impact including noise, dust pollution, and contaminated water, as well as ...
View Full Petition -->
Sodium valproate
01 March 2022
The petition addresses the negative impact of sodium valproate use during pregnancy, which has led to birth defects in children and calls for immediate action based on the Cumberlege Review findings.
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
65.3%
64 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
24
24.5% of votes
No Votes
40
40.8% of votes
Abstentions
34
34.7% 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
DID NOT VOTE
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 NO
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
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
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 NO
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
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
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 NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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 NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
10
PMQs Asked
114
Ministerial Questions Asked
134
House of Commons Debates Involved
8
Westminster Hall Debates Led
1
Statements / Bills
11
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
+173% above average
This MP:
10
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+751% above average
This MP:
114
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+218% above average
This MP:
8
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2657% above average
This MP:
134
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-89% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
+349% above average
This MP:
11
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-6% below average
This MP:
65.3
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Cat Smith's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.