Damian Hinds
MP for East Hampshire
Con
6 May 2010 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Welcoming the confirmation of 40 new hospitals this decade, including one for mid and north Hampshire, does he agree that it is also a good opportunity to optimise healthcare provision across the wider area?
Context
The Prime Minister confirmed plans for new hospitals, including one for mid and north Hampshire.
Boris Johnson
The Government is building a new hospital at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, and there will be a major refurbishment at Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester. Support for Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will continue.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Welcomed postponement of routine Ofsted inspections and commended teachers for their efforts in supporting families. Asked if PM would join him in commending them.
Context
Concerns about burden on schools during crisis.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
Praised NHS, teachers and school staff for work during crisis. Confirmed postponement of Ofsted inspections to remove burden on schools and more decisions expected soon.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Further to the Minister's answer to my right hon. Friend the Member for New Forest East (Sir Julian Lewis), will he take the opportunity of the new NPPF to make it absolutely clear that if someone wilfully ignores—not inadvertently, but deliberately and wilfully—the need for planning consent, they will not subsequently get retrospective permission?
Context
The MP raised concerns about wilful ignoring of planning consent, seeking clarity on how the new NPPF will address this issue.
Matthew Pennycook
We will not rule out retrospective planning applications of any kind—I think residents across the country who build a conservatory and then make an application, having forgotten to submit the paperwork, would take issue with that. There is a specific issue of intentional unauthorised development, and we are looking at that through the NPPF.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I thank the Paymaster General for his personal work in this area. The increase in the unethical research award is a material improvement, and I am particularly thinking of the former pupils at Treloar's. However, there is still some uncertainty in the community about the evidence that will be required to qualify for the severe psychological harm element under the special category mechanism. Could he confirm how that will work, and will IBCA have discretion and flexibility about what evidence will be required?
Context
The MP notes that the increase in the unethical research award is a positive improvement but there remains uncertainty about qualifying evidence for severe psychological harm under the special category mechanism.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
I pay tribute to the right hon. Gentleman's work in providing a voice for the pupils who suffered such heinous medical experimentation at Treloar's. On the issue of the evidence, generally speaking I have always said to IBCA that there needs to be a very sympathetic approach, because we are talking about not only events of a long time ago, but deliberate document destruction. On the specific issue of severe psychological harm under the special category mechanism, I will write to him very precisely about the position.
Session: Contaminated Blood Compensation
View All Questions -->
What recent steps he has taken to ensure that people infected and affected by contaminated blood are compensated.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
I wish a happy Warwickshire day to my Warwickshire friends and a happy St George’s day to all my English friends. [Hon. Members: “Hear, hear.”]
We are prioritising paying compensation to those impacted, and the Infected Blood Compensation Authority has reached the significant milestone of paying out over £2 billion, including the first payment to all eligible groups. I am sure that the right hon. Gentlemen will be aware that I recently announced substantive changes in all seven areas on which we have recently consulted.
We are prioritising paying compensation to those impacted, and the Infected Blood Compensation Authority has reached the significant milestone of paying out over £2 billion, including the first payment to all eligible groups. I am sure that the right hon. Gentlemen will be aware that I recently announced substantive changes in all seven areas on which we have recently consulted.
Session: Contaminated Blood Compensation
View All Questions -->
I am grateful to the Secretary of State for his response. The housing formula has resulted in huge increases for parts of rural England, including a doubling of the number in my East Hampshire constituency, and it should be reviewed overall. However, this question is about one specific aspect, whereby in an unintended way, the mix of housing that is being delivered might be skewed. I have written to the Secretary of State’s colleague, the Minister for Housing and Planning, and all I ask is that the Department looks at that with an open mind and considers it fully.
Context
The current methodology used to set local house building targets is causing significant increases in some rural areas, particularly East Hampshire. The question focuses on the unintended consequences of this method.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Steve Reed)
I am always happy to listen to suggestions from the right hon. Gentleman and ensure that he gets a response. I reassure him that housing targets reflect the baseline of local housing stock, but I will ensure that he gets the letter he has requested.
Session: Local House Building Targets Affordability Assessment
View All Questions -->
It really is not ideal to have the body responsible for upholding standards in qualifications inside a Department that will be judged on how many people it gets through to passing those qualifications. It was not ideal when it was at the Department for Education; it is even less ideal now that it is at the Department for Work and Pensions. Will the Minister give a commitment that once Skills England is up and running, he will make it independent from Government, with a guaranteed voice for industry, and will he set that out in statute?
Context
Skills England is responsible for upholding standards in qualifications and its placement within the Department for Work and Pensions has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Andrew Western)
I appreciate the point that the right hon. Gentleman makes. Clearly we want to ensure that Skills England is set up to be successful and to have a real impact in delivering the skills that we need in the workforce now and into the future. I am very happy to commit today to setting up a meeting for the right hon. Gentleman, should he so wish, with the chair of the board of Skills England, Phil Smith, to discuss his concerns directly.
Session: Skills England
View All Questions -->
What discussions has she had with the chair of the curriculum and assessment review on her proposals to change the progress 8 measure? Professor Francis was clear that the EBacc grouping should be kept in the progress 8 measure under the heading 'Academic Breadth'. The Government have overruled the review, which is quite a big thing to do. The Secretary of State herself used to be a student of modern languages. Have they learned nothing from their terrible error in 2004, or what does she have today against modern languages and humanities?
Context
The independent curriculum and assessment review published its final report last month, recommending the retention of EBacc grouping in the progress 8 measure under 'Academic Breadth'. The Government's decision to change this recommendation is being questioned.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
I do love modern languages, and I was a very keen student of them myself, but I am afraid that, as the right hon. Gentleman will know, the EBacc did not drive improved access to modern foreign languages. He knows that—he will have looked at the data. I do not think that the system as it stands provides the right balance: it unnecessarily constrains student choice, it affects students’ engagement, and it has hampered progress in subjects that strengthen our economy and society. I believe in high standards, strong foundations and academic achievement, but I also believe that access to music, sport and vocational subjects should be the right of every child, not just the lucky few.
Session: Curriculum and Assessment Review Progress 8
View All Questions -->
One of the worries about the new regime and Skills England is the loss of independence, and the loss of what we had in the former Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education: a guaranteed business voice, written into law. How will the Secretary of State ensure that business has a voice in setting standards, and in making sure that those standards are upheld, so that everybody can have confidence in the changed system?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the loss of independence and business voice under the new Skills England system, previously guaranteed by law.
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Pat McFadden)
The right hon. Gentleman is right to say that the business voice and employers’ voice is very important in this. When I wrote the new remit letter to Skills England, I asked it to take into account the views of employers, because it is very important that the skills system is training people in a way that employers want, and that meets the future demands of the labour market.
Session: Post-16 Education Skills Needed in the Economy
View All Questions -->
Given the Prime Minister’s clear commitment to growth that benefits every community in every corner of the UK, his Ministers will no doubt be disturbed at polling showing that four fifths of farmers have postponed or delayed investment since the Budget. Is it not time for a rethink of this policy—if not on grounds of fairness, then on grounds of investment, productivity and economic growth?
Context
Polling data indicates that four fifths of farmers have postponed or delayed investment since the Budget, raising concerns about economic impact.
James Murray
I have been involved in many debates in this House that the right hon. Gentleman has been a part of as well, and we have set out how the decisions we have taken mean the system coming in from April next year will maintain generous tax reliefs within the agricultural property relief and business property relief system, while also raising revenue in a fair way to support the public finances. That money for the public finances, as I and my right hon. and hon. Friends have said many times today, is crucial to have economic stability and to get our public services back on their feet.
Session: Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief Impact on Farming
View All Questions -->
Does the Secretary of State agree with me about the importance of step-down provision, provided by community hospitals such as Petersfield and Alton, both for patient care and for relieving pressure on acute hospitals, such as Queen Alexandra and Basingstoke?
Context
The MP highlights the importance of step-down provision for patient care and relieving pressure on acute hospitals.
Wes Streeting
Yes, and that is why we are reforming the better care fund.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment she has made of trends in the incidence of fraud. The Member notes that fraud was decreasing under the previous government but increased dramatically over the past year, raising concerns about displaced fraud through channels not covered by the Online Safety Act 2023.
Context
The question follows recent trends and the government's planned new strategy to address fraud.
The Minister for Security (Dan Jarvis)
Fraud is the most commonly experienced crime, accounting for over 43% of all offences recorded by the crime survey for England and Wales. The government will publish a new strategy to protect consumers and businesses later this year and introduce measures in the Crime and Policing Bill, such as a ban on SIM farms. Tackling fraud requires collaboration between law enforcement, industry, and Government Departments; urging tech and social media companies to take stronger action against consumer fraud.
Session: Fraud
View All Questions -->
I am concerned about the rising trend of fraud, particularly online, with many factors involved. Will the Government look at taking further steps, including requiring enhanced intelligence sharing between platforms and banks, and better mandatory user identification on sites such as dating apps and online marketplaces?
Context
The MP noted that while fraud figures were previously declining, recent data indicates a new high in fraud cases, especially online. He referenced factors contributing to this trend and highlighted the need for enhanced intelligence sharing between platforms and banks.
The Minister for Security (Dan Jarvis)
I remind the House that under the last Government, Lord Agnew resigned at the Dispatch Box accusing the Treasury of having little interest in the consequences of fraud. A national fraud squad of some 400 new specialist investigators is being recruited by the National Crime Agency’s national economic crime centre working closely with the City of London police to protect the public from fraud.
Session: Fraud
View All Questions -->
What steps is he taking to help support veterans into employment? National insurance relief for employing veterans comes at really quite a low cost to the Treasury, but it is effective, not just in its financial incentive but because it opens up conversations within employers. In written answers of late, the Government have been slightly equivocal about the future of the programme. Can the Minister confirm that this programme of relief will continue to support veterans’ employment beyond the next year?
Context
Veterans face challenges in transitioning from military service to civilian employment. The national insurance relief program helps employers hire veterans by reducing the cost of employing them.
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Luke Pollard)
The Government are expanding UK-wide employment support for the armed forces community through Op Ascend, a free advice service for veterans and their families launched earlier this year. We also continue to offer tailored employment support via the career transition partnership. The national insurance relief has been extended for a further year.
Session: Support for Veterans
View All Questions -->
What awareness is there in very rural areas where there is not great broadband coverage and very poor indoor mobile phone coverage—sometimes no coverage at all—of the effect of this change, particularly in places where there are frequent and sometimes extended power cuts? When can we expect a full national awareness campaign?
Context
There is a lack of awareness in very remote areas where broadband coverage and mobile phone signal are poor, especially during extended power outages.
The Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms (Chris Bryant)
I welcome the right hon. Gentleman’s comments—I am glad that he is expressing an interest in this issue. He took part in a Westminster Hall debate on it only a few weeks ago, when I was a bit grumpy with him, for which I apologise. He makes some good points. He may not be aware of the campaign, which is already up and running, so obviously the awareness campaign needs to do a bit more work to make him aware of the awareness.
Session: Digital Landlines Rural Communities
View All Questions -->
These severely constrained budgets call for thinking smarter, not simply smaller, so what work are the Government doing with the World Bank and other international institutions to make sure that UK development spend is fully leveraged so that every penny is as effective as possible?
Context
The planned reduction of the official development assistance budget in 2027 has raised concerns about funding effectiveness.
Stephen Doughty (The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We continue to engage closely with our partners at the World Bank and other multilateral development institutions. Multilateral co-operation allows a global scale of investment and delivery that outstrips what countries can achieve alone. We are also looking at other ways, including through British International Investment and other bodies, so we are going to look across the board and multilaterally to increase our impact.
Session: Official Development Assistance Budget
View All Questions -->
Which development programmes will the Government maintain funding for after the planned reduction of the official development assistance budget in 2027?
Context
The planned reduction of the official development assistance budget in 2027 has raised concerns about funding for specific programmes.
Stephen Doughty (The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
This Government are resolutely committed to development but must do it differently. We will ensure the aid budget delivers value for money and has impact globally. Supporting and growing economies will be at the heart of how we spend ODA going forward, and further decisions on the ODA budget, including specific programmes, are subject to the spending review and resource allocation processes.
Session: Official Development Assistance Budget
View All Questions -->
What effect does the Minister believe that change will make?
Context
January figures showed an increase in fraud, but Government is proceeding with the Payment Services (Amendment) Regulations 2024.
The Minister for Security (Dan Jarvis)
He is right that the latest statistics show that there were 3.9 million incidents in the year ending September 2024—that is one in 15 people becoming a victim—which demonstrates the urgent need for action. The Government are taking action: the Home Secretary, the Chancellor and the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology recently wrote to tech and telecoms companies, urging them to go faster and further on fraud, and we expect them to do so.
Session: Consumer Protection Fraud
View All Questions -->
Because the previous Government widened eligibility, one in three children could get a free school meal in 2024, compared with one in six in 2010. That was despite the fact that 600,000 fewer children were growing up in workless households and that the proportion of people on low pay had halved. Will the Minister commit that this Government will maintain those levels of eligibility?
Context
One in three children could get a free school meal in 2024, compared with one in six in 2010. Despite this increase, the number of workless households has decreased and the proportion of people on low pay has halved.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Stephen Morgan)
The Department recognises the valuable role that free school meals play and encourages all parents eligible for the entitlement offer. We will continue to review our approaches and take a consistent approach going forward.
Session: Free School Meals
View All Questions -->
Is the mental health support in schools that the Minister just mentioned the same as or different from the plan for mental health support teams in schools that was already being rolled out by the previous Government?
Context
The previous Government's plan for mental health support teams in schools.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
Our plan is to have universal coverage in every school. That was not achieved by the previous Government, and we hope to ensure that it happens.
Session: Mental Health Services Children
View All Questions -->
Thousands of schools are already participating in the national school breakfast club programme, including many special schools and secondary schools, but the clubs actually have a bigger effect on attendance. The Secretary of State has talked a great deal about breakfast clubs in primary schools, but what is the future for the existing clubs in those special and secondary schools?
Context
The MP asks about the future of existing breakfast clubs in special and secondary schools.
Bridget Phillipson
I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for the interest that I know—from his former roles—he takes in this issue. We are building on the existing programmes, expanding investment and opportunities, but I agree with him that we need to ensure that breakfast clubs are available to all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. To ensure that the roll-out is a success, some of the early adopters will be in special and alternative provision schools.
Session: Primary School Breakfast Clubs Impact
View All Questions -->
The single most important factor in raising living standards, driving income equality and improving children's life chances is having a job. Why is the Chancellor disregarding that fundamental truth with tax policies that will harm employment, particularly youth employment?
Context
OBR forecasts suggest employment will increase from 33.1 million to 34.3 million during this Parliament.
James Murray
If we look at the OBR forecasts for this Parliament, employment will increase from 33.1 million to 34.3 million. The right hon. Gentleman talks about youth employment. I suggest that he read our “Get Britain Working” White Paper, which sets out in detail what we will do to help get young people and those suffering from ill health back into work.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I agree wholeheartedly with the Minister about the benefits of the cadets, so why have the Government cut support to cadets, even as they were launching a national youth strategy? The question is: can that gap in support be plugged and the school staff instructor grant be restored so that more children—hopefully, many more children—in state schools can benefit from joining the cadets?
Context
The MP noted concerns about the government's support for cadet forces despite launching a national youth strategy. He referenced previous cuts to cadets and asked whether the school staff instructor grant could be restored.
Alistair Carns
I am conducting a review into cadets and reserves. The cadet expansion programme will still receive £3.6 million in Government funding through the Ministry of Defence, and I can reassure the right hon. Member that we are fully committed to supporting the cadet expansion programme.
Session: Cadet Forces
View All Questions -->
At the start of the new term, we all wish everybody well for the academic year ahead. What will Ministers say next September to parents who find that class sizes are bigger and more schools are full, and fewer children get a place in their first-choice school due to Labour's education tax?
Context
The MP anticipates challenges parents might face next September due to Labour's proposed education tax and seeks information on class sizes, full schools, and first-choice placements.
Stephen Morgan
I welcome the right hon. Member to his place, and I very much look forward to working with him to ensure that every child gets the best start in life. The number of children in private schools has remained steady despite a 20% real-terms increase in average fees since 2010, and an increase of 55% since 2003. We use indicators such as occupancy to monitor closures. My Department works with local authorities to help them secure places.
Session: Private School Closures
View All Questions -->
The Opposition share the Secretary of State's good wishes to all for the new term and the new year, but does she recall that last time Labour was in office, not only did England tumble down the world education rankings, but we ended up as the only country in the developed world where the literacy and numeracy of recent school leavers was worse than that of the generation who were about to retire? If she continues to follow the same failed Labour approach, does she expect a different result this time?
Context
The Opposition criticises Labour for previous poor performance when in office.
Bridget Phillipson
The right hon. Gentleman, as a former Minister in the Department, knows all too well that he and others were cautioned about how they should be using data. When we look at the raw numbers, we see that under the last Conservative Government, reading standards were going down, as were standards in maths and science. One in four children did not reach the required standard at the end of primary school, and one in five young people was persistently absent from our schools.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
It was well worth waiting for; I warmly welcome the Paymaster General to his place. There is a lot of commonality between different types of public sector fraud and between public sector fraud and regular consumer fraud. Often, there are the same professional enablers, there can be the same criminal gangs, and of course, there are the same routes out for money laundering.
Context
The MP builds on his previous question to seek more detail and reassurance about the coordination between different government departments and law enforcement in tackling public sector fraud.
Jeremy Quin
Tackling fraud is clearly critical. The Government work closely with the private sector to share threats, tools and practices. As an example, the Public Sector Fraud Authority's national fraud initiative has developed pilots to use its data to help to find fraud in other sectors. The NFI assists utility companies and car hire and insurance sectors. Between April 2020 and March 2022, its work resulted in savings of £33 million.
Session: Reducing Public Sector Fraud
View All Questions -->
What steps his Department is taking to reduce public sector fraud. There is a lot of commonality between different types of public sector fraud and between public sector fraud and regular consumer fraud. Often, there are the same professional enablers, there can be the same criminal gangs, and of course, there are the same routes out for money laundering.
Context
The MP seeks to understand the steps being taken to address public sector fraud, a significant issue that affects government finances and public trust.
Jeremy Quin
The Cabinet Office co-hosts the new Public Sector Fraud Authority with His Majesty's Treasury. It will work with public bodies to better understand and reduce the impact of fraud against the public sector. In its first year, it will deliver £180 million in outcomes and agree targets with other public bodies. Tackling fraud is clearly critical. The Government work closely with the private sector to share threats, tools and practices. As an example, the Public Sector Fraud Authority's national fraud initiative has developed pilots to use its data to help to find fraud in other sectors. The NFI assists utility companies and car hire and insurance sectors. Between April 2020 and March 2022, its work resulted in savings of £33 million.
Session: Reducing Public Sector Fraud
View All Questions -->
At the end of the first full T-levels cycle, can I commend colleges, including Alton College in my constituency, for their work with employers? What more can be done by Ministers across Government to encourage more employers to come forward and offer industry placements to invest in the talent pipeline, both for their own good and for the good of our entire economy and society?
Context
Commemorating colleges' work in rolling out T-levels and asking for more employers to offer industry placements.
Andrea Jenkyns
I thank my right hon. Friend for his question, and I also thank his college. Colleges and sixth forms have been doing amazing work in rolling out T-levels. It is amazing, and I will just give an example before I go on to his question—
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
How can we ensure that protections meant to protect children do in fact protect them?
Context
Research from Ofcom showed that children routinely sign up for social media before the minimum age of 13, leading to issues with age verification and protection measures.
Michelle Donelan
I know that my right hon. Friend is passionate about this Bill and has played a leading role in helping to shape it to this point. I agree that unless social media platforms manage to assess the age of their users, they will fall foul of the Bill. Let us face it: for too long social media companies have got away scot-free. That will end with this Bill, because we will put in place protections for children that will be even stronger.
Session: Child Protection Online
View All Questions -->
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for mentioning that wide range of measures. May I also encourage her to work closely with colleagues at the Department for Education and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on an expanded children's sports and activity plan, both in and out of school, to try to make 60 minutes a day as much a norm as five-a-day fruit and vegetables by bringing in the power of sports clubs and the governing bodies, and finally getting more school facilities available for out-of-hours use?
Context
The question concerns the implementation of a comprehensive plan to ensure children engage in physical activities for at least 60 minutes daily, both inside and outside school hours.
Jo Churchill
My right hon. Friend's question is music to my ears. He will be pleased to hear that, last week, along with Ministers from DCMS and the DFE, I was in front of the Lords National Plan for Sport and Recreation Committee talking about doing just that—about how we can build on the £10.1 million contribution, so that we can unlock the 40% of facilities that lie on school estates and help to get children active for 60 minutes a day. We will be publishing our cross-departmental update to the school sport and activity action plan later this year.
Session: Childhood Obesity
View All Questions -->
Can the Minister give an update on progress on implementing the Green Paper proposals, particularly for mental health support teams in Hampshire?
Context
The MP welcomed the priority given to young people's mental health and requested an update on specific proposals.
Nadine Dorries
We are making good progress on implementing the Green Paper proposals, and I am pleased to say that we have established 11 mental health support teams in Hampshire. Nationwide, there are currently 180 mental health support teams, covering around 15% of pupils in England. Over 200 more are in training or being commissioned, and we expect to have around 400 in place by 2023-24.
Session: Mental Health Treatment Reform
View All Questions -->
The shared rural network is a fantastic initiative. What good news can we have for the notspots of Hampshire?
Context
The shared rural network initiative aims to eliminate mobile coverage notspots across the country.
Oliver Dowden
Yes, our £1 billion shared rural network is eliminating mobile coverage notspots across the country, including in East Hampshire. Operators have already announced the first 333 upgrades and 54 new sites in England. We will shortly be announcing the next stage of the programme. Although I cannot give full details now, I very much expect this to contain more good news for my right hon. Friend's constituents.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What progress has been made on ensuring that prison leavers have access to benefits and accommodation and can get on the road towards sustainable employment?
Context
No specific background given, but the question is related to supporting prison leavers.
Kit Malthouse
With his usual wisdom, my right hon. Friend has put his finger on two of the three pillars of success after prison—a job, a house and a friend—and we are working hard to ensure that all those released from prison have exactly that. The majority of the £70 million investment that I referred to is being focused on providing accommodation for prison leavers. We are working closely with the New Futures Network, a specialist part of the Prison and Probation Service that brokers partnerships with employers to ensure that ex-offenders have access to jobs, which is critical to their success.
Session: Reoffending Rates
View All Questions -->
I am grateful to the Secretary of State for that response. Like him, I very much welcome the widening of partnerships and cultural discovery that will be possible under the Turing scheme, but will he say how he will ensure that the scheme also widens access, including for young people from the most disadvantaged backgrounds?
Context
The questioner acknowledges the Secretary of State's previous response on international study opportunities but seeks further details on ensuring access to these programmes for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Gavin Williamson
We are putting in place additional support for students from the most disadvantaged backgrounds to help cover the cost of travel to those destinations. It is vital that, as we construct the Turing scheme and we invite new partners into it, we do so such that it is a brilliant way of creating opportunities for children of every single background to study abroad and understand the benefits of working collaboratively on the international stage.
Session: International Study Opportunities
View All Questions -->
What steps his Department is taking to increase international study opportunities for students?
Context
The question addresses steps being taken to increase international study opportunities.
Gavin Williamson
The Government are committed to international study opportunities. We have demonstrated that through our introduction of the Turing scheme and our recent update to the international education strategy. The new Turing scheme is backed by £110 million and provides funding for around 35,000 students in universities, colleges and schools to go on placements and exchanges around the world, starting in September this year.
Session: International Study Opportunities
View All Questions -->
What can be done across Government to maximise the export potential of EdTech for the future, considering the close ties built between departments and the impact of the pandemic on demand?
Context
During the development of the international education strategy, educational technology was identified as a key area for export growth. The pandemic has further highlighted its importance.
Graham Stuart
The Government is working with BESA and the Department for Education on a major EdTech event this month, connecting companies with overseas buyers. Further activities are planned in key markets later this year, supported by Sir Steve Smith. A refreshed international education strategy will be launched soon to include provisions maximising EdTech's export potential.
Session: Educational Technology Exports
View All Questions -->
What assessment she has made of the export potential in the UK educational technology sector, given that the latest survey by BESA indicates a yearly export value of £170 million and an expected increase post-pandemic?
Context
The UK educational technology sector is experiencing increased demand due to the pandemic. The British Educational Suppliers Association has gathered data on this.
Graham Stuart
The latest data from the British Educational Suppliers Association shows that UK EdTech exports are worth £170 million annually and this is expected to increase due to pandemic-induced demand. The UK is well positioned globally as the fourth largest market for educational technology.
Session: Educational Technology Exports
View All Questions -->
How will you ensure that the Global Partnership for Education conference is a success and that countries around the world continue to step up their efforts on this essential agenda?
Context
The UK has a strong commitment to international development, particularly in the area of girls' education.
Wendy Morton
We have established regular senior engagement with the Global Partnership for Education and our Kenyan co-hosts to ensure a successful replenishment that delivers major funding for girls' education. We will secure significant pledges through bilateral engagement and in global forums from both traditional donors and new partners.
Session: Quality Education for Girls
View All Questions -->
What assessment have you made of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Government's commitment to ensure that girls throughout the world receive 12 years of quality education? Sadly, due to covid-19, 1.6 billion learners were out of education at the peak of school closures, and an estimated 8 million girls are at risk of not returning.
Context
The UK has been committed to supporting children's education globally, with a specific focus on girls. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions.
Wendy Morton
Since 2015, the UK has supported 15.6 million children to gain a decent education. We are working with countries directly and supporting the efforts of the Global Partnership for Education, Education Cannot Wait, UNICEF and the UNHCR to get girls back to school.
Session: Quality Education for Girls
View All Questions -->
When does the Minister expect those amendments to be tabled, and for the Trade Bill to resume its progress?
Context
The MP welcomes news about the statutory footing for the Trade and Agriculture Commission and questions when amendments will be tabled in the House of Lords.
Greg Hands
We plan to table that amendment on Report in the House of Lords. The scheduling is a matter for business managers, but we intend the Bill to be completed by the end of the transition period.
Session: Trade Agreements Food and Farming Standards
View All Questions -->
I welcome the testing pilots that are happening, including in Southampton. How will the Government be able to support local authorities and public health teams with the logistics of mass testing, particularly in large rural areas such as Hampshire?
Context
The MP inquired about the support being provided to local authorities and public health teams for logistical aspects of mass testing, especially in large rural areas like Hampshire.
Matthew Hancock
Increasingly, the test itself is only one part of getting a high-quality testing system. The logistics around it are also vital. We are already funding local authorities across the country to support them to roll out mass testing, but we will learn from the pilots, including in Hampshire, to see what extra might be needed.
Session: Covid-19 Testing Capacity
View All Questions -->
What steps his Department is taking to increase covid-19 testing capacity?
Context
The MP inquired about the steps being taken to boost testing capacity for COVID-19 as part of public health measures.
Matthew Hancock
We are processing coronavirus tests on an unprecedented scale and expanding capacity further, having already met our testing capacity target of 500,000 tests a day by the end of October. We now have five Lighthouse labs operating across the UK, with two more announced yesterday, and significant progress on next-generation testing technologies.
Session: Covid-19 Testing Capacity
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Proposed Visitor Levy — [Clive Efford in the Chair]
25 March 2026
Responding: Alison McGovern
Main Concerns
['Damian Hinds is concerned about the potential negative impact of a proposed visitor levy on inbound international tourism, youth unemployment, local economies, and job creation. He points out that Britain scores highly in terms of cultural attractions but poorly in value compared to other countries, which could lead to a loss in market share. The levy would push up costs for visitors, potentially reducing domestic tourism, and already struggling sectors like hospitality would face additional burdens due to business rates and national insurance contributions.']
Specific Asks
['Hinds asks the Government to commit to writing any ring-fencing requirements for visitor levies into primary legislation, ensuring that funds are used exclusively for incremental activities in the tourism sector. He also requests that the Minister address the issue of structural changes needed to avoid further job losses and economic downturns.']
Housing Development: Cumulative Impacts
17 December 2025
Responding: Matthew Pennycook
Main Concerns
['There has been a significant increase in housing targets for predominantly rural areas, particularly East Hampshire where the target doubled from 575 to 1,100. This skews development towards rural land which often serves as farmland and is crucial for biodiversity and food security. The duty to co-operate further complicates matters by placing additional burdens on already stretched resources.']
Specific Asks
['The MP asks the government to address the imbalance in housing targets between rural and urban areas, ensuring that development does not undermine food security or biodiversity, and considers a more equitable distribution of housing needs across different regions.']
Generative Artificial Intelligence: Schools
08 July 2025
Responding: Stephen Morgan
Main Concerns
['Teachers are using generative AI to create resources, plan lessons and communicate with parents. However, only 6% of teachers permit pupils to use AI for their work, while surveys suggest that between one in three and three in four children may be using it to some degree.']
Specific Asks
['The Department for Education is urged to provide further guidance and updates on the use of AI, particularly regarding teacher workload reduction and supporting learning for students with special educational needs.']
Digital Landlines: Rural Communities
02 April 2025
Responding: Chris Bryant
Main Concerns
['The transition from analogue telephony to digital landlines raises concerns about resilience, scalability, and flexibility. The roll-out of VoIP is an industry-led initiative but the issues it brings are societal and regulatory in nature. Issues such as electricity cut-outs and storms pose problems for those reliant on landlines, especially in rural areas where mobile phone signals may be poor or non-existent. Constituents have expressed concerns about losing their means of contact during power cuts, particularly elderly individuals who rely heavily on their landline connections.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should take a more proactive role in ensuring that vulnerable residents are identified and assisted through the transition to digital landlines, potentially expanding data-sharing agreements with local authorities and housing associations. The Minister should also consider ways to address connectivity issues for areas where commercial fibre delivery is not planned.']
Rural Housing Targets
29 January 2025
Responding: Matthew Pennycook
Main Concerns
['The new housing formula for rural England is set to double the target numbers for some areas, increasing from 575 to 1,142 units in East Hampshire. The concern arises over urban-rural divide and the potential negative impact on economic growth and decarbonisation efforts.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should reconsider the formula to ensure it does not lead to an excessive focus on rural development at the expense of cities and their significant contribution to economic growth.']
Apprenticeships and T-Levels — [Sir Christopher Chope in the Chair]
20 November 2024
Responding: Janet Daby
Main Concerns
['UK productivity is below that of the United States, Germany, and France. The level of skills in an economy is fundamental to productivity and growth. Technical and vocational education and training are not as developed or recognised compared to other countries like Germany. There have been numerous attempts to improve the system, but it has led to complexity with over 13,000 possible qualifications for young people aged 16-18. The Independent Panel on Technical Education identified a need for simplification and alignment of vocational education with employer needs.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should maintain minimum standards for apprenticeships and T-levels to ensure equivalence in knowledge, skills, and behaviours. They should also preserve the independence of the body setting these standards to work effectively with businesses and serve their occupational needs.']
Online Harms — [Peter Dowd in the Chair]
26 October 2022
Main Concerns
["Damian Hinds is concerned about the online harms facilitated and magnified by social media, particularly in relation to the tragic death of Molly Russell. He highlights a long tail of harm affecting young people through increased prevalence of self-harm, eating disorders, and mental health issues. Additionally, he notes that the Online Safety Bill must address the complexity of technology's impact on society, including child abuse, fraud, and disinformation. Hinds emphasizes the difficulty in distinguishing between adults and children online and the challenge of legislating against legal but harmful content."]
Specific Asks
['Hinds urges the Government to move forward with the Online Safety Bill and get it passed into law as soon as possible, while also considering necessary adjustments to reassure stakeholders. He stresses the importance of addressing child abuse, fraud, and disinformation through the legislation.']
Summer Health and Resilience
09 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Not specified in the provided text - Clause being read a Second time
08 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Karin Smyth, a Labour MP for Bristol South, moved that the clause be read a Second time. The specific details of the amendment and its implications are not provided in the given text.
Health and Care Bill - Schedule 12 - Minor and consequential amendments
08 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to make minor and consequential changes to ensure the smooth implementation of the Health and Care Bill. These changes are nec...
Not specified in the provided text - Clause not specified, but it is related to Schedule 12
08 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Karin Smyth is moving that the clause be read a Second time. She has not provided detailed arguments or statistics in this excerpt, but her intent is to advance the debate on the amendments within Sch...
Not specified in the provided text - Clause being debated is not specified in the provided text
08 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The provided text does not contain detailed arguments from Karin Smyth beyond the formal motion to read the clause a second time. Further details are needed for a comprehensive analysis.
Local Government Reorganisation
13 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Opposition Day
07 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Estimates Day - [2nd Allotted Day]Estimates Day
30 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government's response to the Select Committee’s “Game On” report acknowledged the importance of physical activity but failed to deliver on its promises due to a lack of funding and clear action. T...
Media Green Paper
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...
Attendance
73.5%
72 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
39
39.8% of votes
No Votes
33
33.7% of votes
Abstentions
26
26.5% of votes
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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 AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
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 NO
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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 AYE
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 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
VOTED NO
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: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
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: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
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
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
VOTED NO
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
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
VOTED NO
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
2
PMQs Asked
43
Ministerial Questions Asked
117
House of Commons Debates Involved
7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
5
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-45% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+221% above average
This MP:
43
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+178% above average
This MP:
7
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2307% above average
This MP:
117
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-47% below average
This MP:
5
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+6% above average
This MP:
73.5
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 Damian Hinds's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.