Chris Coghlan
MP for Dorking and Horley
Lib Dem
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
The tragic death of Hannah Byrne has left her family seeking answers. Will the Minister meet to discuss this matter and provide closure?
Context
A British constituent died on holiday, and there is concern over the lack of information regarding a mutual legal assistance request.
Angela Eagle
I extend my condolences and am happy to meet the hon. Gentleman, as it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-13
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My constituent's ex-husband sexually abused her children and attempted to murder them. However, the court prioritised parental alienation syndrome, a concept discredited by WHO, allowing him unsupervised access. What steps will the Government take to prevent such concepts from obstructing criminal justice?
Context
A constituent's children were sexually assaulted by their father, with court proceedings influenced by discredited parental alienation syndrome.
Sarah Sackman
The concept of parental alienation syndrome is not supported by evidence and has been discredited. We are working with the Family Procedure Rule Committee to limit the instruction of unregulated experts, including those advocating this concept.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-06-30
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I am concerned about last year's departure of nearly 4,000 non-commissioned officers from the British Army. An infantryman told me that despite policy statements, these officers are often relegated to administrative roles. Will the Minister meet me to explain why we are losing hundreds of our most experienced soldiers unnecessarily?
Context
Last year, almost 4,000 non-commissioned officers left the British Army. One infantryman who served in Iraq and Afghanistan said he was leaving because late entry officers are only employed in administrative roles.
Alistair Carns
Throughout my tenure, I have worked with many late entry officers in combat roles. I will take the issue away and look into it in detail.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister agree that issuing defence bonds could be a powerful way to support R&D and raise economic growth?
Context
There are reports that the Chancellor is considering issuing defence bonds to increase R&D and economic growth.
James Murray
Spending funded by bonds must adhere to fiscal rules, but the Minister acknowledges the importance of research and development within the defence industry. Last year, £400 million was allocated for UK defence innovation.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister agree that this helps President Putin fund his illegal and murderous war, working against UK's national security interests?
Context
The United States recently agreed to extend the partial lift on sanctions on Russian oil exports. This decision raises concerns about funding for Russia's war in Ukraine.
Stephen Doughty
We will continue to ratchet up economic pressure on Putin, push for negotiations, provide support to Ukraine, and maintain sanctions. The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have stated that global situations must not benefit Putin.
Session: Russian Federation Financial Pressure
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What steps her Department is taking to increase financial pressure on the Russian Federation.
Context
The question stems from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where Russia's illegal war has significant impacts on civilians, especially children. The UK is focusing on clamping down on individuals, companies, and financial sources supporting this war.
Stephen Doughty
I recently visited Ukraine, witnessing the brutal impacts of Russia's illegal war. We are determined to clamp down on individuals and companies supporting the war and have imposed over 1,200 designations against Russia including new sanctions in February. Collectively, efforts have denied Russia access to at least $450 billion since its full-scale invasion.
Session: Russian Federation Financial Pressure
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Green firms that innovate extensively are particularly constrained by limited access to credit. Will the Minister meet me to discuss measures the Government is taking to increase credit supply, boost research and development, and spur economic growth?
Context
Green businesses struggle with credit constraints.
Chris McDonald
We now have record public sector investment in the development of this technology, with £86 billion to 2030. As a techno-optimist, I agree with the International Energy Agency that we can now solve 75% of these problems using technology.
Session: Topical Questions
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If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of issuing research and development bonds of up to £20 billion. Will we invest in EU SAFE defence bond fund?
Context
The MP references historical context of refugees fleeing Nazis who contributed to atomic bomb development and the success of US economic dominance through public R&D, drawing an analogy with EU SAFE defence bond fund for potential UK investment.
Lucy Rigby (Economic Secretary to the Treasury)
I am grateful to the hon. Member for his question. Indeed, he and I have discussed this issue previously. We are due to meet to discuss it later this month, and I am very much looking forward to that discussion.
Session: Research and Development Bonds
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The Chancellor knows that I agree with her that the use of public research and development is one of the most effective levers for economic growth, but it will not significantly increase over the entire five-year spending review period. If the Government are serious about economic growth, they must find a way to increase public research and development. Does she agree?
Context
The questioner agrees with the Chancellor that public R&D is a key lever for economic growth, but notes it will not significantly increase over the spending review period.
Rachel Reeves
We are increasing spending on research and development in real terms and in every year of this Parliament, for exactly the reasons that the hon. Gentleman mentions. But we are doing more than that: we are supporting start-up and scale-up businesses through our pensions reform, through the British Business Bank and through UK Export Finance. We are absolutely determined to ensure that the money that goes into R&D in this country turns into great businesses that stay in this country.
Session: Topical Questions
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Do the Government know if the US Government are still providing technical military intelligence support, such as electronic or imagery intelligence for Ukraine? If that were cut off by President Trump, would the Americans effectively restrict our British military technical intelligence support to Ukraine?
Context
Concern about the potential impact of President Trump's actions on US military intelligence support for Ukraine, affecting UK support as well.
Luke Pollard
The hon. Member will understand that we cannot talk about sharing military intelligence on the Floor of the House, but as he and I have an interest in this, I would be happy to have a conversation with him.
Session: Topical Questions
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Many residents in my constituency complain about motorcycle noise from illegally modified exhausts. Can the Home Secretary inform me of her plans to help local police and local authorities address this nuisance?
Context
Chris Coghlan mentions that residents in his constituency complain about motorcycle noise caused by illegally modified exhaust systems, which are used to harass people and intimidate local residents.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Yvette Cooper)
The hon. Member is right to raise this issue. Noise and speed are used deliberately in order to harass people and intimidate local residents, which is really unfair on local families. That is why we need to give the police stronger powers to clamp down on it.
Session: Vehicle Nuisance
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I am concerned about the residents of Westvale Park, who have been waiting seven years for a GP surgery despite the existing GPs not being able to expand their capacity. Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss how we can ensure that Westvale Park gets the GP surgery it has been promised and other necessary infrastructure?
Context
Residents of Westvale Park, a new development of 1,500 homes in Chris Coghlan's constituency, have been waiting seven years for a GP surgery despite existing GPs being unable to expand their capacity. The community has been promised this service.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Angela Rayner)
I sympathise with the hon. Gentleman; this Government have said that infrastructure must come as part of our 1.5 million homes commitment. The Housing Minister will be happy to meet him.
Session: New Housing Access to Health Services
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Every headteacher in Dorking has told me that early intervention is vital for our special needs children. The London Business School told me that hiring people with special educational needs can be a source of competitive advantage for companies. Does the Minister agree that those principles could be the basis of a more financially sustainable and compassionate special educational needs system, and could avoid tragedies such as that of my constituent Jennifer Chalkley, who tragically lost her life aged 17 due to inadequate SEND provision?
Context
The MP references the concerns of headteachers in Dorking regarding early intervention for special needs children. He also cites a report from the London Business School on hiring individuals with SEND as a competitive advantage, highlighting a tragic case involving his constituent Jennifer Chalkley.
The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his thoughtful question. We absolutely recognise the role of early years education in identifying needs and providing timely support. We have launched the new SEND assessment resources and child development training, and are identifying and supporting communication needs through the early language support for every child programme, along with NHS England. We will continue to work across Government to ensure that children with SEND get the right support at the right time. I am very sorry to hear the tragic circumstances of the case the hon. Gentleman outlined.
Session: SEND Provision 2025-01-27 (1)
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Public Office (Accountability) Bill
14 July 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mental Capacity (Duty to Assess)
08 July 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
Mr Coghlan moved a Bill requiring public officials to assess the mental capacity of individuals when there is any indication of impairment or disturbance in their mind or brain functioning, and where ...
Defence Investment Plan
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
13 April 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr Stafford moved that the House believes SEND is an issue affecting every constituency, acknowledges challenges families face in navigating a complex and under-resourced system, and supports reforms ...
Middle East
23 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Student Loans
18 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Strait of Hormuz
16 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East: Economic Update
09 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
SEND Provision: Local Authorities
03 March 2026
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
Chris Coghlan welcomed aspects of the SEND White Paper but highlighted that local authority SEND provision is underfunded, leading to harmful practices and reduced support for children. He presented t...
Middle East
02 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
55.3%
52 of 94 votes
Aye Votes
39
41.5% of votes
No Votes
13
13.8% of votes
Abstentions
42
44.7% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
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: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
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
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 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
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 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
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 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
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
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
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: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: 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
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
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
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
04 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
0
PMQs Asked
13
Ministerial Questions Asked
44
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
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 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
-3% below average
This MP:
13
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+805% above average
This MP:
44
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 (%)
-20% below average
This MP:
55.3
Average:
68.8
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 Chris Coghlan's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.