Daisy Cooper

MP for St Albans

Lib Dem

12 Dec 2019 - Present

Questions Asked by This MP

Parliamentary questions and government responses.

Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.

Hertfordshire has one of the lowest numbers of mental health in-patient beds per head in England. When patients, including some young people, are in crisis, they can be sent hundreds of miles away, which undermines their recovery. The cost of private beds comes in at millions of pounds. Will the Prime Minister commit personally to looking at my three-year campaign to fund a mental health facility in Hertfordshire? It is shovel-ready, would improve health outcomes for patients, and would pay for itself within just a few years.

Context

Hertfordshire has one of the lowest numbers of mental health in-patient beds per head in England. Patients, including young people, are sent hundreds of miles away for treatment, which can be very costly and undermine their recovery.

Andy Burnham

I thank the hon. Lady for that very direct and good question. She is right to point to wasted spending in the mental health system when people are sent hundreds of miles in search of a bed; those placements can be very costly indeed. We need to move to a more preventive mental health service, and I will look at the specifics in her constituency. This will all be considered as part of a mental health strategy that will come before this House before Christmas.

Assessment

Personal commitment to fund a mental health facility in Hertfordshire

Need To Move To A More Preventive Mental Health Service

Session: PMQs 2026-09-09 View Full Session -->

May I associate myself and my party with the Deputy Prime Minister's tribute to Jo Cox? We extend our condolences to her friends and family, and to those of Roy Hattersley as well. I also join the Deputy Prime Minister in remembering the horrific tragedy of Grenfell, and that the families still await justice. I congratulate all those named in the King's birthday honours list, congratulate Scotland and wish good luck to England this evening. The right hon. Member for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough (John Healey) is respected across the House. When he says that he was forced to make decisions that could make the country less safe, we should all take heed. It is now becoming clear that the Treasury's refusal to consider new ways of funding defence is undermining our national security, so will the Deputy Prime Minister join with us to make the case in Government for new defence bonds, which could raise £20 billion over two years to defend our country?

Context

The question stems from concerns that the Treasury's refusal to consider new ways of funding defence is undermining national security. It suggests an alternative approach through defence bonds.

David Lammy

We believe we should work with our allies to join up defence, procurement and funding. That is why we are exploring the most effective mechanisms for multilateral co-operation, which is of course a topic of discussion for the Prime Minister at the G7.

Assessment

The specific ask about supporting new defence bonds was not addressed.

Changed Subject To Discussing Multilateral Cooperation

Session: PMQs View Full Session -->

I associate myself with the Prime Minister's remarks. West Hertfordshire teaching hospitals NHS trust has eliminated 65-week waits and has now met all three national cancer standards. Those remarkable achievements by the staff are happening despite their working in terrible buildings that are life-expired and crumbling. If the Government are looking for a project that is high-performing and shovel-ready, that is it. Will the Prime Minister give our trust the green light to build a new hospital without further delay?

Context

The West Hertfordshire teaching hospitals NHS trust has made significant achievements in eliminating long wait times and meeting national cancer standards, but operates in crumbling buildings.

Keir Starmer

I thank the hon. Lady for raising that issue, which is of importance to her constituents and beyond. The new hospital programme we inherited was a failure of the previous Government. We are committed to delivering, and we are reviewing to ensure that we can deliver. The Health Secretary will set out further details, but I am very happy for her to have a meeting with the relevant Minister if she wants to follow up on the specifics.

Assessment

Specific commitment or timeline for delivering the green light to build the hospital was not provided

We Are Committed To Delivering We Are Reviewing

Session: PMQs View Full Session -->

Two weeks ago, I challenged the Prime Minister on his Government's broken promise on building new hospitals by 2030, including in my own area. Now it seems the Government are downgrading existing hospitals too. Children and parents in Eastbourne will be forced to travel for miles if the proposed downgrade of the hospital's paediatric services goes ahead. Campaigners have asked the Government to call in this disastrous plan, so will the Prime Minister agree?

Context

Campaigners have asked the Government to call in a plan that would downgrade Eastbourne Hospital's paediatric services.

Rishi Sunak

Actually, we are investing record sums in improving hospital infrastructure across the country. In Eastbourne in particular, spades are already in the ground to deliver an elective surgical hub. I know that there is local Liberal Democrat scaremongering about the future of services, but the local Conservative MP is doing a fantastic job, engaging with her community and working with local health officials.

Assessment

The questioner asked for a commitment to call in the plan, but this specific request was not addressed directly. The answer instead provided general information about hospital infrastructure investments.

Did Not Address Downgrade Of Paediatric Services Changed Subject

Session: PMQs View Full Session -->

Luton airport is trying to expand its capacity massively, from 18 million passengers per year to a whopping 32 million. That will blight the lives of thousands of residents across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire—especially those in north St Albans, who live under the flightpaths—but it will also fly in the face of advice from the Government's own climate advisers. It has been reported that the Prime Minister is getting ready to ignore his climate advisers. Is that true?

Context

The question addresses a proposed massive expansion of Luton airport from 18 million to 32 million passengers annually, which will affect thousands of residents in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. There are concerns about environmental impact and climate change advice.

Rishi Sunak

No; but I would say that my approach to reaching net zero is not one that requires people to give up doing the things that they want to do and enjoy, such as flying. The right thing to be doing is as we are doing: investing in and funding new technologies, such as sustainable aviation fuel, because that is how we will decarbonise aviation during the transition to net zero, rather than forcing people to give everything up.

Assessment

The questioner specifically asked whether the government was planning to ignore its climate advisers regarding Luton airport's expansion. The answer did not address this specific issue.

Changed Subject To Broader Approach On Decarbonising Aviation

Session: PMQs View Full Session -->

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in my area is still hoping to receive funds from the new hospital programme—the same programme that is supposed to deliver the Government's so-called 40 new hospitals. There has been a lot of speculation that the new Prime Minister and his Chancellor might seek to cut infrastructure projects, so can the Prime Minister confirm that my local hospital trust, as well as all the other local hospital trusts that are set to benefit from the new hospital programme, will in fact get that money—yes or no?

Context

There has been speculation that the new Prime Minister and Chancellor might seek to cut infrastructure projects. Daisy Cooper's local hospital trust is set to benefit from the new hospital programme.

Rishi Sunak

The Chancellor will set out our plans in the autumn statement shortly, but this is the Government who put in place plans that will significantly increase capital expenditure. Even though difficult decisions need to be made, I think the country can rest assured that we will continue to invest in our future productivity and, indeed, invest in our public services like the NHS.

Assessment

Specific confirmation of funding for West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Difficult Decisions Need To Be Made

Session: PMQs View Full Session -->

The Government's botched Budget gave unfunded tax cuts to some of the richest companies, while across the country there are hospitals worried that their roofs might collapse at any moment: Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, which is in the Prime Minister's own local area. Those are just three of a number of hospitals that together need hundreds of millions of pounds, some of them urgently. Will the Prime Minister promise that every affected hospital will be given the money it needs to fix those dangerous roofs in the next 12 months?

Context

Some hospitals are in need of urgent roof repairs, including Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Elizabeth Truss

I want to correct the hon. Lady, because what we are doing is simply not putting up corporation tax. It is not a tax cut; we are just not raising corporation tax. I feel it would be wrong, in a time when we are trying to attract investment into our country and at a time of global economic slowdown, to be raising taxes, because it will bring less revenue in. The way we are going to get the money to fund our national health service and to fund our schools is by having a strong economy, with companies investing and creating jobs.

Assessment

The answer shifts focus from hospital funding to corporation tax policy without addressing the question of roof repairs.

Shifts Topic

Session: PMQs View Full Session -->

I hope that the Prime Minister will join me in congratulating the local GPs and all the admin, medical and volunteer staff who have set up the Batchwood Hall vaccination centre in St Albans at incredible speed. They have already vaccinated thousands of residents, but their enormous local success is being hampered because they are being provided with only enough vaccine supplies to vaccinate 1,100 people a day on just two days a week, and they are often getting the vaccine deliveries at very short notice. Will the Prime Minister personally intervene to ensure that Batchwood Hall vaccination centre in St Albans and all primary care network-led local vaccine services have a much greater and more consistent vaccine supply, so that they can get on with the job of vaccinating the country against covid?

Context

The Batchwood Hall vaccination centre in St Albans faces challenges with vaccine supplies. They are provided with enough vaccines for only 1,100 people a day on two days a week.

Boris Johnson

I certainly thank the GP vaccination centre in St Albans for what it is doing and for its wonderful work. It is thanks to primary care networks across the country that we have done 2.8 million vaccines for 2.4 million people. The constraint is not the distribution network; it is the supply, but don't forget that we have a bigger supply than all other European countries—indeed, we have virtually done as many vaccines as all the other European countries put together—and we will be ramping up that supply in the days and weeks ahead.

Assessment

Did not address the specific ask for intervention to provide greater vaccine supplies

We Have A Bigger Supply Than All Other European Countries

Session: PMQs View Full Session -->

I welcome the Chancellor to his place. After two anti-growth Budgets, I genuinely wish him well and urge him to deliver a growth Budget this autumn, so that we can avoid more punishing tax rises or painful spending cuts. Last week, the Prime Minister acknowledged that Brexit had ushered in a 'decade of low growth' but did not outline what he thinks is needed to tackle it. On Monday, the Chancellor made what was briefed as a major economic speech on growth, the product of deep thinking, and yet there was barely a mention of the impact of Brexit. Recent studies suggest that deeper alignment with Europe could boost GDP by at least 2.5% to 3.6%, so should the Chancellor's plan for growth not include the growth and defence partnership with the EU that we have called for?

Context

The question addresses the need for a growth Budget following two anti-growth Budgets. The Prime Minister has acknowledged a 'decade of low growth' due to Brexit.

John Healey

The hon. Lady is talking to the person who led the work to establish a defence and security partnership with the European Union and bilateral agreements with other countries, on which we now build both our economic strength and our national security strength. On the question of the Budget, I ask the hon. Lady to look at what we have done in the seven weeks of this Government. We know that we cannot relieve the cost of living and the cost of business pressures, but we will take steps where we can to do that. I will take that principle into the Budget, and we will back business and do what we can to see growth in more places across the country, because for too long this country has relied on too few of our major cities to drive national growth.

Session: Economic Growth 2026-09-08 View All Questions -->

Australia, Italy, India and more have all slashed fuel duty in response to Trump's idiotic war in Iran. We Liberal Democrats are calling for fuel duty to be cut by 12p per litre here. Last week, the Chancellor claimed that anyone calling for a cut in fuel duty was “economically illiterate”, because it would push up inflation. According to the Office for Budget Responsibility, the current 5p fuel duty cut has led to a 0.2% reduction in the rate of inflation. Does the Chancellor think that the OBR and all these other countries that are helping their citizens are economically illiterate, or does she accept that her Government might be in the wrong and that it is time to act?

Context

Referencing international examples of countries reducing fuel duties in response to the conflict, Daisy Cooper challenged the Chancellor's position on cutting UK fuel duty.

Rachel Reeves

Last time she stood up in the Chamber, the hon. Lady said that she wanted a 10p cut in fuel duty; now it is a 12p cut. What she has failed to explain is how on earth she is going to pay for any of those policies. As a former Chancellor, the right hon. Member for Godalming and Ash (Sir Jeremy Hunt), has just explained, untargeted support will result in higher inflation, higher interest rates and higher taxes, which would hurt people in St Albans and around the country rather than helping them with the cost of living.

Session: Conflict in the Middle East Cost of Living View All Questions -->

We know that pubs have been badly hit by these business rates changes, but businesses right across retail, hospitality and leisure have made investment and hiring decisions based on the expectation raised by this Government that they would get a full 20p discount on their business rate multiplier. Those businesses—music venues, restaurants, soft play centres and hotels—are the high street shops that communities most love. Do Ministers accept that anything less than the full 20p discount for retail, hospitality and leisure will leave the three-to-five-year business plans of those high street businesses in total disarray?

Context

Businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors have been expecting a full 20p discount on their business rate multiplier, but recent changes to business rates are causing significant concern. These businesses had made investment decisions based on these expectations.

Dan Tomlinson

We announced a 5p reduction in the multiplier on top of the 7p or thereabouts reduction that was taking place as a result of the revaluation more broadly. That is a £900 million transfer of underlying rates liability away from the smallest high street businesses towards the online giants and the largest properties. When the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives had the chance, they kept the tax rates the same. We have introduced significant reform, and we started the work of that reform at the Budget. Of course we will continue our conversations in the months ahead.

Session: Support for Businesses View All Questions -->

Daisy Cooper stated that high street hospitality businesses are on a knife edge with the current situation, calling it a disaster in the making. She noted that despite government claims of rebalancing business rates, UKHospitality says the average increase for hospitality businesses will be 76% over three years compared to warehouses (16%), offices (7%), and large supermarkets (4%). Cooper criticised the Government's repeated assurances of permanently lower business rates, which led businesses to make decisions based on those promises. She implored the Minister to reconsider using powers to reduce multipliers and look at an emergency VAT cut.

Context

High street hospitality businesses face significant increases in business rates, contrary to government promises of lower rates. UKHospitality reports an average increase of 76% for hospitality businesses over the next three years compared to other sectors.

The Chancellor

The Chancellor responded that they have rebalanced business rates by setting out plans to reduce multipliers for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties. He stated this is a rebalancing in the system, making tax rates for those businesses—the smallest RHL properties—lowest since 1991. However, due to an unwinding of reductions in property values during the pandemic and recovery, there has been an increase in business property values. The Government will spend £2 billion this year capping increases at either 5% or 15%, depending on specific circumstances.

Session: Hospitality Sector and SMEs View All Questions -->

In an answer to a written parliamentary question last week, the Minister suggested that if a leaseholder cannot use an EWS1 fire safety certificate to progress the sale and purchase of their home, they should use the fire risk assessment. However, in many cases, including in my constituency, both the EWS1 form and the fire risk assessment are most likely invalid, if not fraudulent. In those circumstances, what measures can be taken to prioritise fire risk assessments for those leaseholders? What can be done to protect leaseholders from the additional costs of conducting another fire safety assessment after the one that they conducted in good faith?

Context

The MP notes concerns about EWS1 forms issued by Tri Fire, suggesting that both the EWS1 form and fire risk assessments may be invalid or fraudulent in many cases, particularly affecting leaseholders.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Alex Norris)

If the building is in one of the Government-backed schemes, such as the cladding safety scheme, the fire risk assessment will have been quality assured by the Government, which will provide assurance. If it is covered by the developer contract, it will have been audited by the Department, so that ought to give cover as well. If neither of those things is the case, I am more than happy to talk to the hon. Lady about how to give residents surety so that they can evidence to lenders that their building is safe.

Session: Building Safety Documentation View All Questions -->

Other Parliamentary Activity

Debates led and petitions presented.

Hertfordshire SEND Services: Ofsted Findings

06 December 2023

Responding: David Johnston

Main Concerns

['I am concerned about the poor communication and lengthy delays in preparing education, health and care plans for children with special educational needs or disabilities in Hertfordshire. The Ofsted report highlights that EHCPs are often of poor quality and local authorities fail to implement measures in these plans effectively. Families have faced multiple challenges including tribunals and prolonged uncertainty regarding school placements, leading some families to the brink of destitution.']

Specific Asks

["I ask the Minister to issue an improvement notice for Hertfordshire's SEND services, appoint a SEND commissioner, release £2 million in funding immediately, and adjust the national funding formula based on current need instead of historical spend."]

View Full Debate -->

Abuse and Sexual Assaults in the NHS: Investigations

16 May 2023

Responding: Maria Caulfield

Main Concerns

["Joan, a constituent of mine who was a victim of sexual misconduct by a medical professional during her treatment, faced numerous obstacles when seeking justice and support from the NHS trust's human resources team, General Medical Council (GMC), and other organisations. Joan encountered issues with the GMC's five-year rule, which prevented further investigation into her case due to its age. The Professional Standards Authority and Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman also failed to provide appropriate assistance. Additionally, there is a lack of tailored support for patients reporting sexual misconduct, unclear complaint mechanisms, and no systematic collection of data on reports of sexual abuse within the NHS."]

Specific Asks

['I ask the Government to respond to the GMC consultation and scrap the five-year rule, which allows perpetrators of sexual misconduct to evade investigation. I also request a specific and clearly signposted complaints system for allegations of a sexual nature in health services. Furthermore, I urge the Minister to make a statement on the handling of sexual abuse cases in the NHS and incorporate recommendations from previous inquiries into existing systems. Lastly, I demand that the Government mandate the creation of an NHS complaint code for registering and monitoring data on sexual abuse and misconduct within health services.']

View Full Debate -->

Procurement of Evusheld

12 October 2022

Responding: Robert Jenrick

Main Concerns

["I am concerned about the impact of the Government's decision not to approve Evusheld for use, which leaves thousands of immunocompromised individuals vulnerable during the approaching autumn and winter. My constituent, a 26-year-old who has been shielding for over two years, highlights the urgent need for this treatment. The debate underscores that 33 other countries have approved Evusheld, including every G7 member apart from the UK. The Government's failure to procure and distribute the preventive covid-19 drug Evusheld is leaving over half a million immunocompromised patients in England in an extremely vulnerable position. The evidence supporting the use of Evusheld is strong, with real-world data showing its effectiveness. However, recent reports by the RAPID C-19 group have led to inconsistent government decisions regarding procurement and distribution, causing significant distress among those who need it most. Patients are facing a third winter of shielding, which impacts both their physical and mental health."]

Specific Asks

["I urge Ministers to listen carefully to today's debate and urgently set out plans to support immunosuppressed patients by approving the use of Evusheld without further delay. The Government should urgently procure Evusheld for the upcoming winter season and distribute it without further delay. Ministers must explain why they have treated Evusheld inconsistently compared to other treatments and vaccines."]

View Full Debate -->

Hertfordshire Green Belt: National Planning Policy

23 November 2021

Responding: Christopher Pincher

Main Concerns

["The MP is concerned about the Government's national planning policy framework, which she believes undermines the protection of Hertfordshire's green belt. She highlights that more than half of Hertfordshire is designated as being within the London metropolitan green belt and cites examples such as Roundhouse Farm near Colney Heath, where a development of 100 houses was approved despite local authorities refusing permission to protect the green belt. The MP also mentions plans for Bowmans Cross by Hertsmere Borough Council that would see 6,000 houses built in a swathe of green-belt land."]

Specific Asks

['The MP asks the Government to urgently issue guidance to planning inspectors on determining appeals and protecting the green belt. She requests principles for protecting the green belt that should be given more weight than arbitrary numbers reached through the standard method of calculation, ensuring they are not overshadowed by central housing targets.']

View Full Debate -->

Luton Airport Expansion

24 March 2021

Responding: Robert Courts

Main Concerns

['I am concerned about the doubling of passenger numbers at Luton airport from 9 million to 19 million between 2010 and 2019, resulting in a 50% increase in aircraft movements. The RNAV system introduced in 2015 has exacerbated noise issues for residents by concentrating flights over the same areas. A study found increased incidences of heart disease, stroke, obesity, diabetes, negative psychological health effects and reduced overall wellbeing due to airport noise exposure. Trust from community groups has broken down as promised improvements have not materialised.']

Specific Asks

['I ask the Minister what measures will be taken to compel Luton to deliver on real, meaningful noise mitigation promises and speed up airspace improvements to reduce noise impact. Additionally, I request that no further growth in capacity occurs until noise reductions are delivered and sustainable aviation fuel is adopted. Lastly, I urge the Secretary of State to call in the current planning application which would increase the passenger limit.']

View Full Debate -->

Local Government Reorganisation

13 July 2026