Claire Young
MP for Thornbury and Yate
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.
Residents have been promised a new health facility for over 20 years, with recent confirmation of funding availability. What reassurances can the Prime Minister give that this is not another hollow promise and that approval will be swift?
Context
Promised health centre in Thornbury to be rebuilt after years of delays. Funding confirmed but final plans not signed off.
Keir Starmer
The Department of Health, NHS England, and local care board are working together to deliver for patients. Proper business case is crucial but a meeting with relevant Minister will be arranged.
Assessment
Speedy approval assurances
Session: PMQs
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What other measures does the Minister plan to introduce to tackle oral health inequalities for children? Will she commit to reviewing NHS dental provision in my constituency?
Context
Fewer than half of the children in her constituency have seen an NHS dentist in the last two years, highlighting health inequalities.
Sharon Hodgson
£21.5 million has been allocated since 2025-26 to support supervised toothbrushing in schools and nurseries in the most deprived areas, including her constituency.
Session: Health of Children and Young People 2026-07-14
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Private companies looking to deploy new nuclear at Oldbury will need to address skills shortages, particularly around roles such as welding. When assessing proposals for the site, how will Ministers ensure developers invest in skills so that local people can benefit from the jobs created?
Context
Private companies planning to deploy new nuclear power at the site need to address skills shortages, particularly in roles such as welding.
Chris McDonald
That is exactly the reason we published our clean energy jobs plan, which identifies the demand for clean energy jobs in different parts of the country. We have also invested, through our clean energy technical excellence colleges in different parts of the country, to ensure that those skills will be available.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-07
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Could this be a way to raise revenue to cut business rates and support bricks-and-mortar shops that give life to our high streets?
Context
Coastal towns like Poole rely heavily on small businesses which contribute to the local economy and character. Recent polls show public support for higher levies on big tech companies.
Dan Tomlinson
The Chancellor announced the great British summer savings scheme which will run until 1 September. On online giants dodging VAT, we are looking at further ways to raise more revenue by going after those companies. In the last Budget, multipliers in the business rates system were changed so that small high street businesses would pay a lower tax rate than large properties.
Session: Business Rates
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When I met Chipping Sodbury chamber of commerce recently, business owners told me that the business rates system is broken and unfair, in part because it is based on turnover, not profit. Does he now accept that the business rates system is broken, and that rather than being reformed it should be abolished and replaced with a fairer system?
Context
Business owners in Chipping Sodbury have complained that the business rates system is unfair as it is based on turnover, not profit. The Exchequer Secretary previously promised to consider these points ahead of future Budgets.
Dan Tomlinson
We have a tax on profits in the UK, which is corporation tax. In our corporate tax road map, we have committed to keeping that stable in this Parliament, rather than having it jump around as it did in the last one. I do not think it would be right to change business rates from being set according to property rents.
Session: Business Rates
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Despite numbers accessing NHS dentists rising nationally, in South Gloucestershire they are falling, where less than a third of adults and half the number of children have been seen by an NHS dentist in the past two years. With no NHS dentists taking on patients and more going private, how will the Government reverse that decline?
Context
Numbers accessing NHS dentists are falling in South Gloucestershire, with less than a third of adults and half the number of children having seen an NHS dentist in the past two years.
Stephen Kinnock
As I said earlier to the hon. Member for Hazel Grove (Lisa Smart), the fundamental long-term reform of the dental contract is vital to incentivising dentists to do NHS dentistry. I am pleased by how we have really put downward pressure on the underspend. As a result of that, we are on track to deliver more than 2.5 million extra dental treatments than in the same period before the general election.
Session: Topical Questions
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During the nearly three months it took the Government to decide to cut duty on red diesel, farmers in my constituency had already taken steps to mitigate costs for fuel, energy and fertiliser. With changing weather patterns also threatening food security, will the Department look at other reliefs for our farmers?
Context
Farmers in Thornbury and Yate constituency have been facing significant rises in fuel costs, impacting their operations.
Emma Reynolds
The government's decision to scrap the planned rise in fuel duty and cut red diesel duty is good news. We are keeping all plans under review and consulting on plans to change fertiliser rules so that farmers can diversify their sources of fertiliser.
Session: Support for Farmers Fuel Costs
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What steps her Department is taking to support farmers with fuel costs. During the nearly three months it took the Government to decide to cut duty on red diesel, farmers had already taken mitigation measures for fuel, energy, and fertiliser costs, especially with changing weather patterns threatening food security.
Context
Farmers in Thornbury and Yate constituency have been facing significant rises in fuel costs, impacting their operations.
Emma Reynolds
This Government have cut red diesel fuel duty by a third, reducing rates to their lowest level in 20 years. We are also consulting on plans to change fertiliser rules and working with farmers to boost efficiency of fertiliser use.
Session: Support for Farmers Fuel Costs
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Happy St George's day. A local business expressed concern over grid resilience in relation to high-risk Chinese components potentially being used in critical energy infrastructure. Given past actions on Huawei and 5G, what steps is the Cabinet Office taking to exclude such components?
Context
A business raised concerns about the grid's vulnerability to potential sabotage from China, similar to the issue with Huawei and 5G.
Dan Jarvis
If the hon. Member would like to write to me, I would be happy to look at the details of what she has raised. She will understand that I do not want to get into the detail of it now, but I give her an assurance that we look very carefully at all these matters and take decisions in our national security interests.
Session: Topical Questions
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Local authorities delayed tendering due to lack of Government criteria for funding use. Market information suggests increased costs impacting services. Will the Secretary meet to discuss Government support?
Context
The MP raises concerns over delayed tendering due to lack of criteria and rising costs affecting service provision, especially in rural areas. The MP asks for a meeting to discuss support.
Lilian Greenwood
Officials are in contact with operators to understand impacts of increased fuel costs due to the middle east crisis. My hon. Friend will consider this issue further and is happy to hear from her.
Session: Local Bus Services
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I am concerned about the adequacy of bus services. Can you provide a recent assessment?
Context
The MP has concerns over the recent assessment of bus services in her constituency, citing specific statistics and incidents affecting local residents.
Lilian Greenwood
Bus services are vital and we have confirmed over £3 billion for buses over the next three years, including providing multi-year funding to local authorities. Our Bus Services Act 2025 gives local leaders tools to ensure services meet local needs.
Session: Local Bus Services
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Heat batteries are the only clean heat technology certified by the microgeneration certification scheme that is excluded from VAT relief under the energy-saving materials framework. This penalises smaller homes and lower-income households that cannot accommodate a heat pump. Will the Chancellor commit to removing that anomaly, and meet me and representatives of the UK heat battery industry to discuss it?
Context
Heat batteries are the only clean heat technology certified by the microgeneration certification scheme excluded from VAT relief under the energy-saving materials framework.
Dan Tomlinson
The Government regularly assess whether to add energy-saving materials, including heat batteries, to the list of items covered by the current VAT relief, which is set to continue until March 2027. Any decisions would have to be announced by the Chancellor at a fiscal event, but I am happy to discuss the matter.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Government introduce a redress scheme for pensioners who were forced to deplete their savings or take out commercial loans due to pension delays?
Context
A constituent applied for his pension over six months earlier and has been forced to draw on personal savings to get by.
Satvir Kaur
Hardship loans are available, and a statutory complaints procedure is in place to determine whether compensation is appropriate. I urge hon. Members to direct their constituents towards it.
Session: Civil Service Pension Scheme
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The Government have made some welcome commitments on education, but schools are then left to fulfil them. We have seen with free school meals, breakfast clubs and teacher pay awards that each time the funding falls short, and headteachers are left to make up the difference from budgets that are already on their knees. With the “experts at hand” service, can the Secretary of State guarantee that not a single school will have to raid its core budget to deliver this support?
Context
The questioner is concerned that schools are left to fulfil the Government's commitments on education, such as the 'experts at hand' service, without adequate funding.
Bridget Phillipson
This is significant extra investment of £4 billion, above and beyond what schools have already been told will be coming their way. We are putting significant extra investment into ensuring that all children can achieve and thrive.
Session: School SEND Provision
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The Government's consultation on alternative heating that ends today does not cover installation costs. Given National Energy Action's warning of an £18 billion funding gap to meet fuel poverty targets, what will the Government do to ensure those least able to afford alternative forms of heating are supported?
Context
A consultation on alternative heating does not cover installation costs, which is a significant barrier for many off-gas area residents.
Ed Miliband
The hon. Lady is right; my ministerial colleagues will take into account her points from the consultation. We aim to allow as many people as possible to convert to cheap, clean power through our warm homes plan and the ongoing consultation.
Session: Household Energy Bills
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I draw the attention of the House to my membership of the all-party parliamentary group on flooding and flooded communities. Protecting homes from flooding is vital in communities such as Pilning, Severn Beach, Yate and Chipping Sodbury, yet the CIRIA C790 code of practice for property flood resilience seems to be a well-kept secret. Will the Minister work with the construction and insurance sectors to raise public awareness of the code, and will she consider formalising it through legislation, ensuring that my constituents have the protection and the lower insurance premiums that they deserve?
Context
The recent flooding has affected many communities, prompting a need for better flood resilience measures. The CIRIA C790 code of practice is aimed at promoting property flood resilience but may not be widely known.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Hardy)
We recently produced a report, through Peter Bonfield, called “FloodReady”, which was exactly about how we incentivise more people to get property flood resilience. It was about working with contractors, manufacturers and everybody involved in the industry to make this a mainstream option for more people. I highly recommend that the hon. Lady has a look at that report; I hope that she and her constituents find it really useful.
Session: Flood Preparedness
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Last July, I wrote jointly with other Members to the Government to seek support for Gympanzees to open the UK’s first fully accessible exercise, play and social centre for disabled children and young people. I have had no response. Will the Secretary of State meet me and representatives of the charity to discuss how her Department can support this innovative project?
Context
The MP writes jointly with other Members to the Government seeking support for Gympanzees, a charity aiming to open the UK's first fully accessible exercise, play and social centre for disabled children and young people. The MP has not received a response.
Stephanie Peacock (The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport)
I will get to the bottom of why the hon. Lady has not had a reply—I apologise for that. I would be delighted to meet her to discuss the matter further.
Session: Youth Activities
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I am concerned about the half-hourly rail services on the Severn Beach line being maintained to support the creation of 15,000 jobs in the Severn estuary growth zone. Additionally, half-hourly trains serving Yate support both jobs and access to college, enabling hourly services at the new Charfield station when it opens. Will the Minister give an early commitment to extending those half-hourly rail services to support growth and remove uncertainty for students before the exam season?
Context
The west of England growth strategy identified the Severn estuary growth zone as having potential to create more than 15,000 jobs. Half-hourly rail services on the Severn Beach line and Yate station are crucial for job creation and college access.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Keir Mather)
I reassure her that there are no plans to reduce the half-hourly service between Bristol and Gloucester, and I acknowledge the point she raises about Yate station, where performance has recently fallen behind Great Western Railway performance as a whole. The Rail Minister is meeting with managing directors of all train operators to address any instances of poor performance so that we can level up the passenger experience, create economic opportunities, and ensure young people in her constituency can access economic opportunities.
Session: Passenger Rail Services
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What work is the Attorney General undertaking through their superintendence of the Crown Prosecution Service and in collaboration with the Home Office to reduce delays in prosecutions for rural crime and to ensure that prosecutors are equipped to support effective enforcement in rural areas?
Context
The MP noted the unique challenges faced by rural communities in combating targeted criminal activities such as farm theft, fly-tipping, and other antisocial behaviours. She referenced the need for effective prosecution to deter these crimes.
The Solicitor General
The Government are implementing the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023, funding national rural and wildlife crime units with over £800,000, and investing an additional £500 million in criminal courts to support victims, provide more sitting days, and ensure swift justice for cases involving violence against women and girls.
Session: Rural Crime
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What work is the Attorney General undertaking through their superintendence of the Crown Prosecution Service and in collaboration with the Home Office to reduce delays in prosecutions for rural crime and to ensure that prosecutors are equipped to support effective enforcement in rural areas?
Context
The MP noted the unique challenges faced by rural communities in combating targeted criminal activities such as farm theft, fly-tipping, and other antisocial behaviours. She referenced the need for effective prosecution to deter these crimes.
The Solicitor General
The Government are implementing the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023, funding national rural and wildlife crime units with over £800,000, and investing an additional £500 million in criminal courts to support victims, provide more sitting days, and ensure swift justice for cases involving violence against women and girls.
Session: Rural Crime
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T5. Small and medium-sized businesses in my constituency have told me about the impact that Trump’s trade war is having on their ability to export to the United States. What is the Secretary of State doing to support these vital job creators and ensure that British goods can continue to be sold worldwide?
Context
Small and medium-sized businesses in Thornbury and Yate are affected by the trade war with the US.
Blair McDougall
The hon. Member raises an important point, particularly for small businesses, which rely on those schemes. I pay tribute to the Royal Mail for the speed at which it reacted to those de minimis changes to ensure that businesses were able to continue. We keep working with Royal Mail as well to ensure that that is possible.
Session: Topical Questions
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At a recent roundtable meeting in my Thornbury and Yate constituency, small businesses told me about the particular challenges they face in delivering apprenticeships. Given that the Secretary of State’s Department is now responsible for this important policy area, what is he doing to reform apprenticeships to make them easier for small and medium-sized enterprises to deliver, and what support will he provide so that more can do so?
Context
Following a roundtable meeting in her constituency, Claire Young heard from small businesses about the challenges they face in delivering apprenticeships.
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Pat McFadden)
We want apprenticeships to be available to employers of all sizes. We have reduced the length of time an apprenticeship needs to take, and I think we can go further with short course flexibility, which should be particularly helpful to small and medium-sized employers.
Session: Workforce Skills
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The weight limit imposed on the M48 Severn bridge due to the deterioration of its supporting cables is having a big impact on local businesses and farmers who work on both sides of the Severn. National Highways estimates that it would cost up to £600 million to repair the bridge, with restrictions only postponing the inevitable. Will the Chancellor meet me to discuss the impacts and commit to providing the funding to get the bridge repaired and reopened for everyone as soon as possible?
Context
National Highways estimates the cost to repair the M48 Severn bridge at up to £600 million due to deterioration of its supporting cables. Restrictions on weight limits imposed by the bridge are impacting local businesses and farmers.
James Murray (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
As was set out in the 10-year infrastructure strategy, £24 billion of capital funding between 2026-27 and 2029-30 has been allocated to National Highways, which is the organisation responsible for maintaining the M48 Severn bridge. The funding includes £1 billion to enhance local road networks and create a new structures fund, which will be used to repair a range of key local structures, such as bridges, flyovers and tunnels.
Session: Critical Infrastructure Funding Maintenance and Repair
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In the light of some worrying small-site applications on previously developed green-belt land in my constituency, and of concerns from the Campaign to Protect Rural England, will the Minister undertake to monitor and assess the initial impact of the new grey-belt provisions and look at refining the wording, to avoid salami-slicing of the green belt?
Context
There are concerns about small-site applications on previously undeveloped green-belt land.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Alex Norris)
I am grateful for that question. We will monitor the impact carefully.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome last week’s written statement confirming that the cases of many of the Triples—the Afghan commandos who served shoulder to shoulder with UK special forces—will be reviewed. What guarantees can the Minister offer that those individuals will be protected, wherever they are, and that their evidence will be heard by the public inquiry relating to Afghanistan?
Context
The government recently reviewed the cases of many Triples - Afghan commandos who served alongside UK special forces.
Luke Pollard
We concluded phase one of the Triples review last week, in which there was an overturn rate of approximately 30%. The second phase will consider where we hold records relating to top-up pay. On the second part of the hon. Lady’s question, if anyone globally has any evidence that they feel should be submitted to the Haddon-Cave inquiry, the Government encourage them to do so.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given that projects of the scale of HS2 require parliamentary approval, is it not important that Parliament has accurate estimates of how much the project will cost and how long it will take to deliver? Will she commission a properly independent and thorough review of why the budget for HS2 has increased so often and the timetable has expanded so often?
Context
The Secretary of State for Transport is being questioned about the ongoing review into the cost increases and delayed timetables of High Speed 2.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
I will be providing updates to the House on the emerging cost position and opening window. As the right hon. and learned Gentleman will know, this Government have appointed a new chief executive of HS2, Mark Wild, who is conducting an ongoing review. We have also reintroduced ministerial oversight, which was sorely lacking under the Conservative party’s leadership. I recognise that this is an important issue, and we are doing all we can to deliver the rest of this railway at the lowest reasonable cost to the taxpayer, so that people can enjoy excellent rail services in the future.
Session: Economic Growth
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The Transport Secretary recently refused to commit to keeping the £3 cap on bus fares outside London beyond the end of this year, leaving many in rural areas worried about how much more they will end up having to pay to get to work. Residents across my constituency have already seen vital routes scrapped or scaled back, holding back economic growth. Can the Transport Secretary explain what support will be made available to not only keep rural fares down but restore lost services?
Context
The MP expresses concern over the potential increase in bus fare caps beyond this year and the need to restore lost bus routes.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
The hon. Lady will know that this Government stepped in to prevent soaring bus fare increases, given the last Government’s decision to only fund a bus fare cap until the end of last year. We are in an ongoing process, through the spending review. I appreciate the importance of affordable, reliable bus services, and we will do all we can to ensure that people can continue to enjoy the bus network that they need.
Session: Economic Growth
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Through my work on the Select Committee, I have heard repeated concerns from industry leaders that existing workers in their 50s and 60s see no point in retraining because they believe they will see out their careers supporting old technologies. That has a knock-on impact on young entrants to the workforce, who have traditionally learnt their skills from more experienced workers. Will the Secretary of State outline what steps he is taking to incentivise retraining to support growth in the renewable energy sector?
Context
The MP raises concerns from industry leaders about older workers' lack of motivation to retrain due to a perception that they will only support old technologies. She mentions the impact this has on younger entrants who typically learn skills from experienced workers.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
The hon. Lady raises a really important point. That is why we are working with the Department for Education to make sure we do not just have a clean power plan that will help to create hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country and invest in supply chains, which I talked about earlier, but crucially offer opportunities for younger workers and inspire them about the possibilities that are available, and create opportunities for older workers, too. All that work is ongoing in Government.
Session: Renewable Energy Sector Job Creation
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Will the Government produce a national policy statement to support tidal range energy and publish a review of available opportunities?
Context
Following the publication of the Severn estuary commission report on tidal power, there is interest in supporting tidal range energy through a national policy statement.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Michael Shanks)
We have been clear that we are supportive of tidal power in principle. However, questions about its cost benefit and value for money must be answered before any decisions can be made.
Session: Topical Questions
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When I was leader of South Gloucestershire council, in partnership with Labour, we restored the right of local people to speak at planning committee site visits, giving people back their voice in the affected community. However, clause 46 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill would enable the Secretary of State to bypass planning committees altogether. If the Minister truly wants to get Britain building, will he think again and give communities a real stake in local planning decisions?
Context
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill proposes changes that could enable the Secretary of State to bypass local planning committees.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
As I have made clear, we want more people involved in the development of local plans. There is nothing in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill that will prevent them from objecting to individual applications. The measures simply ensure that the process of determining applications at a local level is more streamlined and efficient. As I made clear in closing the Bill’s Second Reading on 24 March, the Government intend formally to consult on proposals relating to the delegation of planning decisions in England, so the hon. Lady and other hon. Members will be able to engage with the detail alongside the Bill’s passage.
Session: Local Development Public Consultation
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Although the Leader of the Opposition thinks that achieving net zero is impossible without “bankrupting us”, investment in low carbon energy for communities such as Severn Beach in my constituency could create valuable skilled jobs. What steps will the Government take to ensure that the area around the River Severn will get the investment that it needs to realise its potential?
Context
Carbon capture, utilisation and storage is the central plank of the Humber 2030 vision. Melanie Onn is seeking a meeting with the Secretary of State.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
The hon. Lady is absolutely right on that. The Opposition are off to the “Wacky Races” when it comes to net zero. We in the Labour party know the truth: net zero is the economic opportunity of the 21st century and, under this Government, we will seize it.
Session: Topical Questions
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When we think of social care, we often think of those who are older, but at a recent advice surgery I met the mother of a 20-year-old with complex needs that local services are unable to meet, so the only option that would allow him to engage with his peers is residential care further afield, taking him away from his family. Will the Minister meet with me, my constituent and his mother to discuss how we ensure that those with complex needs are properly supported?
Context
The MP refers to a case of a young person with complex needs who is unable to be supported by local services, leading to the need for residential care.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
I am sure the hon. Lady will welcome the fact that we have found an £86 million uplift for the disabled facilities grant, but on the specific question she raises, I would be happy to meet her and discuss that further.
Session: Topical Questions
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The hon. Member asks if the Minister welcomes their proactive approach regarding SMR development in her constituency, inviting a joint meeting to better understand FE sector needs.
Context
Local further education colleges are pursuing partnerships to support the development of small modular reactors in Oldbury. The initiative aims to meet both opportunities and challenges.
Sarah Jones
The hon. Member's plans are welcome, and I would be delighted to meet her to talk about them.
Session: Topical Questions
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Many Thornbury and Yate constituents have been impacted by the loss of the 84/85 bus due to funding issues caused by its status as a cross-border service. Does the Minister agree that rules need clarification so they do not hinder essential local transport?
Context
The loss of the 84/85 bus between Gloucestershire and the west of England has affected local communities, raising concerns about funding difficulties for cross-border services.
Lilian Greenwood
The Government recognises the concern when vital bus services are lost. The upcoming buses Bill will include a local network management measure giving local authorities power over cuts, ensuring that necessary services like those relied upon by Thornbury and Yate constituents continue to run.
Session: Rural Bus Services
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What recent assessment has been made regarding the adequacy of bus services in rural areas? Many constituents in Thornbury and Yate have been impacted by the loss of the 84/85 bus due to funding difficulties caused by cross-border service rules. Does the Minister agree that these rules need clarification?
Context
Fourteen years of decline in local bus services under the previous government have impacted communities across the country, especially in rural areas. The loss of vital services like the 84/85 bus between Gloucestershire and the west of England highlights the issue.
Lilian Greenwood
The Government recognises the concern about vital bus services being lost, which is why the upcoming buses Bill will explore a local network management measure that gives local authorities power to ensure cuts are made only when necessary. This aims to protect people like those who relied on the 84/85 bus.
Session: Rural Bus Services
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To achieve net zero, we will need widespread micro-generation alongside large-scale projects. However, as a local farmer who wanted to install an anaerobic digester told me, grid connections are both costly and subject to long delays. What does the Secretary of State plan to do to address these issues, particularly in rural areas such as my Thornbury and Yate constituency?
Context
Local farmer in Thornbury and Yate constituency faces difficulties with grid connections for anaerobic digester installation, causing high costs and long delays.
Ed Miliband
The hon. Lady raises a question about the problems of grid connection that is familiar to many Members. We are building on work done by Nick Winser, the former electricity networks commissioner, and we want to go further to tackle the problem of grid connections once and for all.
Session: Topical Questions
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The environmental land management scheme approach was a really innovative idea from the previous Government, but its implementation has been a shambles and it is leaving far too many farmers desperately worried about their future. Can my hon. Friend tell me any more about what the Government have inherited and the urgent steps that they will take to support Britain's farmers to farm in a more natural way in the future?
Context
The previous Government's idea for an innovative approach to the environment has been poorly executed, leaving farmers worried about their future.
Mary Creagh
We are addressing the £22 billion hole in the public finances. No decisions on the farming budget have been taken. Spending on Department priorities will be confirmed as part of the spending review, but we are fully committed to environmental land management schemes.
Session: Environmental Land Management Schemes
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On a visit to a local farm this summer with the National Farmers Union, it was raised that some farmers are not signing up for one of the Government's sustainable farming initiatives because they fear being locked in when a better deal may be just around the corner. With that in mind, will the Minister clarify whether farmers who sign up for an SFI will be able to transition to an alternative one?
Context
Farmers are not signing up for sustainable farming initiatives due to concerns over being locked into agreements without better offers in the future.
Mary Creagh
We encourage all farmers to apply for the sustainable farm initiative, and we are actively looking at how we can achieve stability going forward.
Session: Environmental Land Management Schemes
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Will the Secretary of State review those agreements to reflect current challenges? Will she meet me and local leaders to discuss South Gloucestershire's situation?
Context
Local authorities are locked into safety valve agreements with unrealistic targets, impacting children with SEND.
Catherine McKinnell
The hon. Lady raises a concern many have raised. Current agreements will continue as agreed but we will look at their use going forward. I would be happy to meet her to discuss the particular challenges in her area.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Net Zero Transition: Consumer-led Flexibility
09 December 2025
Responding: Michael Shanks
Main Concerns
['The current grid cannot move electricity from generation-rich areas to demand-heavy areas, leading to peak demand issues and constraint payments costing nearly £1.3 billion this year with projections rising to up to £8 billion by 2030.']
Specific Asks
['Unlocking consumer-led flexibility could cut the average household electricity bill by up to £375 by 2040, but requires urgent action from the Government on smart meters and digital inclusion.']
Summer Health and Resilience
09 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Education and Skills Reform
09 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
National Highways: M49 Severnside Junction
02 September 2026
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
Claire Young highlighted the issue of the £40 million M49 junction in Severnside, which has been unusable since 2020. She noted the junction was supposed to support logistics and industry but has had ...
State of Climate and Nature
13 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Civil Service Pensions
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Farming Road Map and Profitability Review
24 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
18 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That this House has considered the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme. The debate highlights the need for just compensation and recognition of those affected by contaminated blood produ...
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...
Russian Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure
04 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Readiness
20 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Warehouse development in Pilning
18 June 2026
The petition addresses the detrimental impact of warehouse developments in Pilning under outdated 1957 planning consents, which lack modern safeguards and have caused environmental and quality-of-life...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
73.1%
68 of 93 votes
Aye Votes
50
53.8% of votes
No Votes
18
19.4% of votes
Abstentions
25
26.9% 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 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
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
1
PMQs Asked
38
Ministerial Questions Asked
86
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
1
Petitions Presented
93
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
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+184% above average
This MP:
38
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1670% above average
This MP:
86
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-59% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+6% above average
This MP:
73.1
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 Claire Young's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.