Charlotte Cane
MP for Ely and East Cambridgeshire
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 constituents are concerned that these applications are being made without a land use framework. Will the Prime Minister commit to giving the land use framework statutory weight to ensure that land is used strategically for new clean renewable energy that genuinely benefits communities, farmers, nature, water and housing?
Context
The Sunnica solar farm runs through the constituency, and there are more applications in progress without a land use framework to balance demands effectively.
The Prime Minister
It is important that we move to renewables in order to have energy independence and keep bills down. This will benefit lots of communities, including the hon. Member’s constituency. I want to reassure her constituents that we will follow process and they will always have a say in any decisions.
Assessment
Did not commit to statutory weight for land use framework
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Our servicewomen urgently need investment in female-specific tactical equipment, particularly bras and body armour. What steps is the Minister taking to provide funding for research, development and implementation of kit for the female anatomy and to ensure that fitting services and task-appropriate provision are standard across the forces?
Context
The Defence Committee’s report “Protecting those who protect us: Women in the Armed Forces from Recruitment to Civilian Life” highlighted issues faced by women in the armed forces, including a lack of appropriate tactical equipment.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Louise Sandher-Jones)
The hon. Member makes a good point, and as someone who had to wear the body armour, I am fully on board. Progress is under way to address the very points she mentions.
Session: Women in the Armed Forces Defence Committee Recommendations
View All Questions -->
Over 4,500 people in Ely and East Cambridgeshire claim PIP, and they are not just anxious, as you put it; they are seriously worried that they are going to lose the payments and, with them, their independence. Contrary to what you said—the Government’s own data suggests that 85% of people getting standard payments and 11.5% of those getting enhanced payments will lose support under the proposed changes. What steps is the Minister taking to support those who will be affected, including to make sure that their health and eligible care needs are met and, most importantly, that they can maintain their independence?
Context
Over 4,500 people in Ely and East Cambridgeshire claim PIP. According to Government data, 85% of those receiving standard payments and 11.5% of those with enhanced payments will lose support under proposed changes.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
It is really important for claimants of PIP that its funding should be sustainable into the future. The trajectory of the past few years has been unsustainable. We are taking action to put that right. The hon. Member is wrong to say that because people did not get four points last time, they will not keep their PIP. As I said, the view of the OBR, which I think is correct, is that most of them will. We are consulting on how to support those who will lose their PIP as a result of the changes that we have announced.
Session: Personal Independence Payment
View All Questions -->
I have visited pharmacies across my constituency which are struggling to provide service but keen on taking on new community services such as diabetes testing and weight management treatments. Will the Minister commit to ensuring that rural and community pharmacies are properly staffed and equipped to deliver these services so that patients are not left behind just because of where they live?
Context
The question arises from the struggles of pharmacies to provide new NHS suggested services due to staffing and equipment issues.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
Community pharmacies will play a central role in the shift from hospital to community, as part of our 10-year plan. Part of that is about Pharmacy First and increasing awareness of this scheme. The aim is also to free up pharmacists to operate at the top of their licence, which involves streamlining dispensing processes. Hub and spoke legislation will be crucial in enabling remote dispensing.
Session: Pharmacies
View All Questions -->
What steps are you taking to ensure that new homes meet the minimum standard of EPC C rating? As well as energy, water is an important utility. In Ely and East Cambridgeshire, we suffer drought and floods. What is the Minister doing to encourage new builds to have proper rainwater harvesting and dual piping, so that we can use rainwater to flush our toilets and for other non-drinking water uses?
Context
The MP questioned the steps taken to ensure new homes meet the minimum standard of EPC C rating. She also inquired about water efficiency measures.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
The December 2021 uplift to energy-efficiency standards means that most new build homes already achieve EPC ratings of A or B. As recently announced, the Government intend to introduce future standards in the autumn that will set more ambitious energy-efficiency and carbon emissions requirements for new homes to ensure that they are net zero-ready. We are looking at how we might make household water use more efficient, as well as a range of other interventions in my hon. Friend’s part of the country to ensure that we make the best use of water and that the necessary infrastructure is put in place to accommodate housing growth.
Session: New Homes Minimum EPC Rating
View All Questions -->
I am concerned about Cambridgeshire’s rural crime action team's lack of 24/7 availability and its absence during a recent hare coursing incursion. What assessment has the Minister made regarding ensuring their round-the-clock coverage?
Context
Cambridgeshire’s rural crime action team does not have the resources to be available 24/7, particularly during incidents like hare coursing.
Diana Johnson
I was very concerned to hear about the incident. I announced earlier that additional funding is going into the national wildlife crime unit and the national rural crime unit to assist forces in providing the cover necessary in rural areas.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Given the Government’s focus on growth for Cambridgeshire and the record demand for special educational needs and disabilities and young people’s mental health services, will the Minister work with colleagues across Government to ensure that high-growth areas no longer suffer lower than average funding?
Context
Cambridgeshire has some of the lowest funding in England for GP practices and schools. The area faces record demand for special educational needs and disabilities services as well as young people’s mental health services.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
Our commitment to improving SEND conditions is universal. We are looking at this from the point of view of improving provision right across the country. I am very pleased that the PINS programme is making progress. I draw the hon. Lady’s attention to the early language support for every child—ELSEC—programme, in which nine pathfinder sites over two years will provide early identification and targeted and universal support for children with speech, language and communication needs in early years and primary school settings.
Session: Special Educational Needs Assessments
View All Questions -->
Many of my constituents, as well as being off grid, have homes built of non-standard materials—clunch or wattle and daub—and those homes are also often listed. What support will the Minister provide to my constituents who are looking to retrofit their homes to move away from oil and improve insulation?
Context
Charlotte Cane raises concerns about constituents who are both off-grid and living in homes with non-standard materials, such as clunch or wattle and daub, which can be difficult to insulate.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Michael Shanks)
The hon. Lady is right that, particularly in rural areas, certain house types are often much more difficult to heat due to much older building materials and a lack of insulation. The Minister for Consumers, my hon. Friend the Member for Peckham (Miatta Fahnbulleh), is working to make sure our warm homes plan can reach all communities and all types of households, and I encourage the hon. Member for Ely and East Cambridgeshire (Charlotte Cane) to feed in any ideas for how we can do that for these rural and off-grid households.
Session: Off-grid Communities Energy Prices
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister meet me to discuss the effect that rural crime, particularly hare coursing and, as we have heard today, theft from farms and sheds, has on residents in Ely and East Cambridgeshire?
Context
The question seeks to discuss the impact of rural crime on residents in Ely and East Cambridgeshire. Charlotte Cane requests a meeting with the Minister to address these issues.
Diana Johnson
I am always very happy to meet hon. Members. The national wildlife crime unit has been doing some very good work, including overseeing the national police response to hare coursing and Operation Galileo, which has resulted in a 40% reduction in offences in that area, but I am very happy to meet the hon. Lady.
Session: Rural Crime
View All Questions -->
What steps she is taking to increase railway capacity, specifically regarding the Ely area capacity enhancement scheme which could deliver significant economic and environmental benefits?
Context
The Ely area capacity enhancement scheme aims to improve railway capacity, potentially delivering over a quarter of a million extra rail passenger journeys annually and reducing lorry traffic. The business case shows every pound invested will deliver nearly £5 in benefits.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
I understand how passionately the hon. Lady feels about the scheme, and my hon. Friend the Member for Wakefield and Rothwell responded to her written parliamentary question on this matter at the end of November. Projects like Ely Junction have the potential to contribute to our plans to deliver economic growth; however, a decision on the scheme will be subject to the outcome of the upcoming spending review.
Session: Railway Capacity
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Neurodivergent People: Employment
09 September 2025
Responding: Sir Stephen Timms
Main Concerns
['Over the past year, Charlotte Cane has visited many businesses in her constituency that support people with learning disabilities. However, she noted that under 30% of people with severe or specific learning difficulties were employed in 2023-24 compared to over 82% of non-disabled individuals. She also mentioned a significant pay gap where the raw pay gaps for autistic people and those with severe or specific learning difficulties are 28% and 20%, respectively.']
Specific Asks
['Charlotte Cane calls for proper structured apprenticeships and better support from local businesses and the government to help neurodivergent individuals enter employment and remain employed longer than a year.']
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 ...
Local Government Reorganisation
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Health and Care Bill - Schedule 1
07 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to confer primary care functions on integrated care boards, thereby ensuring better coordination and integration of health ser...
Local Government Reorganisation
16 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
09 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mohamed argues that successive British Governments have acknowledged the illegality and harmful effects of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories but have failed to take decisive ...
Backbench Business
15 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to express concern over the state of NHS dentistry, noting that nearly 14 million people in England could not access dental care. Highlights issues such as lack of availability for children in S...
Equality Act 2010: Code of Practice
01 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Rural Mobile Connectivity
12 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate focuses on the inadequate mobile signal coverage in rural England, particularly highlighting the frustrations and inconveniences faced by constituents due to poor connectivity. Helen Morgan...
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill 2026-02-03
03 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Covid-19 Financial Support 2026-01-15
15 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Perteghella highlights a national scandal where millions of taxpayers were excluded from financial support during the pandemic, despite promises by the Government. She cites 3.8 million UK taxpayers b...
Attendance
73.4%
69 of 94 votes
Aye Votes
52
55.3% of votes
No Votes
17
18.1% of votes
Abstentions
25
26.6% 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
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED 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
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
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
03 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
1
PMQs Asked
9
Ministerial Questions Asked
23
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
94
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
-33% below average
This MP:
9
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+373% above average
This MP:
23
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+6% above average
This MP:
73.4
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 Charlotte Cane's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.