Dan Aldridge
MP for Weston-super-Mare
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
Weston-super-Mare, a growing town with a population like that of Bath, has cancer patients who need to make lengthy round trips to Bristol for radiotherapy. My constituent John Kiely is leading a campaign for a radiotherapy machine in Weston general hospital. A feasibility study is underway. Can Ministers outline how we can secure support for this and improve treatment experience?
Context
John Kiely, a constituent of Dan Aldridge's, is campaigning for a radiotherapy machine in Weston general hospital. Cancer patients from Weston-super-Mare must travel up to 90 minutes by car or over three hours by public transport to Bristol for their treatment.
Sharon Hodgson
Too many patients face difficulties accessing radiotherapy, including my hon. Friend's constituent John Kiely. This Government have invested £70 million for 28 new radiotherapy machines across the country and allocated £15 billion in operational capital to local priorities and £5 billion to support a return to constitutional standards on waiting times. Local systems are expected to use this funding to deliver further investment.
Session: Cancer Treatment
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Despite decades of hard work, not least by the Birnbeck Regeneration Trust, the restoration of Weston-super-Mare’s nationally important Birnbeck pier is now at risk after the Royal National Lifeboat Institution pulled out, leaving a £5 million shortfall. Will the Minister outline how the Government might support the project, and will he meet me urgently to discuss next steps to restore that vital part of my town’s soul?
Context
The restoration project for Weston-super-Mare's nationally important Birnbeck pier is at risk after the Royal National Lifeboat Institution pulled out, leaving a £5 million shortfall. The project has been supported by the Birnbeck Regeneration Trust.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Alex Norris)
I recognise the efforts of the Birnbeck Regeneration Trust. My hon. Friend is a doughty campaigner for his community. We announced support for 350 communities at the spending review, and further details will follow, but I would be delighted to meet him to speak about Birnbeck in particular.
Session: Topical Questions
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There are many dynamic tech and digital companies at the vanguard of the mission for economic growth in Northern Ireland. Does the Secretary of State agree that these industries are critical to Northern Ireland’s economic future? What steps are the Government taking to support these industries in growing to their full potential?
Context
Northern Ireland has dynamic tech and digital companies contributing to economic growth.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
There have already been discussions with businesses in Northern Ireland about the part they can play in the industrial strategy. Cyber-security is a really good example of the huge strength of the Northern Ireland economy; many companies, including from the United States of America, are investing in Northern Ireland because of the skill and expertise to be found.
Session: Economic Growth
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Charities in Weston-super-Mare and across this country do amazing work to bring communities together to promote tolerance and tackle prejudice. Will the Minister outline what support the Government are providing to help charities deliver that vital work?
Context
The MP highlights the important work of civil society in combating intolerance and mentions specific examples from his constituency. He asks about Government support for this effort.
Nia Griffith
Civil society plays a unique role in challenging prejudice and enabling more people to access opportunities. An example is Galop, an LGBT+ anti-violence charity funded by the Government that provides confidential services on conversion practices.
Session: Banning Conversion Practices
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Providing quality education and training for offenders is one of the most effective ways of reducing reoffending. Weston College in Weston-super-Mare runs a transformational prison education programme across the south-west of England, which supports successful rehabilitation, resettlement and employment of offenders on release. Can the Minister advise what steps the Department is taking to ensure that more offenders can develop the skills they need to successfully gain employment and reintegrate into society?
Context
The questioner highlights the work of Weston College in running a prison education programme aimed at supporting successful rehabilitation and employment.
Nicholas Dakin
I very much welcome the work that Weston College does in prisons. We are also developing our training offer for employers in areas such as rail tracks and construction, and HMPPS's Creating future opportunities programme is working to improve the employability of offenders in both prison and the community.
Session: Reducing Reoffending
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What steps are being taken to streamline Northern Ireland's ability to trade with all corners of the UK?
Context
Free trade across the UK single market is vital for supporting innovation in Northern Ireland.
Fleur Anderson
The business innovation grant offers up to £20,000 grants to SMEs enabling them to come into the market, supporting innovation across the whole country.
Session: Supporting Innovation
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Some 37% of five-year-olds in Weston-super-Mare have enamel or dental decay—a figure well above the national average. The Better Health North Somerset team does amazing work to promote good oral health, but regular dentist check-ups are the oral health silver bullet. Will the Minister explain and outline the work he is doing to ensure that children in Weston and Worle and across the country get the dentistry service that they so desperately need?
Context
The MP highlighted that 37% of five-year-olds in Weston-super-Mare have enamel or dental decay, well above the national average. He emphasized regular dentist check-ups as essential for good oral health.
Stephen Kinnock
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise this vital issue. Prevention is of course always better than cure, so I am very proud of the fact that we are introducing supervised toothbrushing for three to five-year-olds in the most deprived communities and where there is the most unmet need. We are also working to sort out the NHS contracts so we can ensure that children get the care they need.
Session: NHS Dentists Access
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What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of access to NHS dentists.
Context
The MP raised concerns about the state of NHS dentistry in England, noting tooth decay as the most common reason for hospital admissions among children aged five to nine. He highlighted that 28% of the population lacks access to necessary dental care.
Stephen Kinnock
After 14 years of Tory neglect and incompetence, NHS dentistry in England has been left in a parlous state. Tooth decay is the most common reason why children aged five to nine are admitted to hospital, and 28% of the country—13 million people—have an unmet need for dentistry. Rescuing NHS dentistry will not happen overnight. We will expand the provision of urgent dental appointments across the country, and we are working with the sector to reform the dental contract in order to increase access and incentivise more NHS care.
Session: NHS Dentists Access
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Shoplifting has increased by 31% annually with over 1,000 cases reported in the last year. Can you outline steps being taken to prosecute those responsible for shoplifting?
Context
Shoplifting cases in Weston-super-Mare have increased significantly, affecting local businesses and retail workers. The MP seeks reassurance on the measures to address this issue.
Sarah Sackman
Shoplifting is a major issue in many constituencies. The Government are committed to introducing respect orders and beefing up legislation to tackle persistent antisocial behaviour. We are working with the CPS to ensure that we clamp down on assaults against shopworkers, which will be part of a new stand-alone offence.
Session: Street Crime
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Following the announcement of £1 billion investment in wind power, does the Minister agree that projects like those in the Severn estuary have transformative potential and should be prioritised by the government to promote domestic energy generation?
Context
The question follows the announcement of a £1 billion investment in wind power, highlighting the potential of the Severn estuary for renewable energy.
Michael Shanks
My hon. Friend is right; there are good projects right across the country that we hope to invest in in the lead-up to delivering in 2030. The NESO report clearly set out that our aim is achievable.
Session: Topical Questions
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Avon and Somerset police pioneered a new way of investigating rape and sexual violence called Project Bluestone which led to an increase in rape prosecutions. While this is welcome, more victims are reliving their traumatic experiences during trials. Will the Minister outline how her Department is working to provide support to these victims?
Context
The question addresses the need to support victims of rape and sexual violence as they go through the criminal justice system, especially in relation to Project Bluestone.
Alex Davies-Jones
The Ministry of Justice funds over 60 specialist support services for victims of rape and sexual offending as well as dedicated victim support through the witness service. Court personnel provide support during and after hearings, and we have invested in trauma-informed training to improve the victim experience throughout court.
Session: Supporting Victims of Rape and Sexual Violence
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What steps her Department is taking to support victims of rape and sexual violence through the criminal justice system. I am concerned about the impact on victims, especially with an increase in prosecutions leading to more victims reliving their traumatic experiences during trials.
Context
The question addresses the need to support victims of rape and sexual violence as they go through the criminal justice system.
Alex Davies-Jones
The Ministry of Justice funds over 60 specialist support services for victims of rape and sexual offending as well as dedicated victim support through the witness service. Court personnel provide support during and after hearings, and we have invested in trauma-informed training to improve the victim experience throughout court. Rape and serious sexual offence victims can also request transcripts of sentencing remarks for free during a one-year pilot.
Session: Supporting Victims of Rape and Sexual Violence
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Many will be watching with horror the extraordinarily disturbing case unfolding in France, in which drugs were allegedly used to facilitate the abuse of a woman by her husband and over 70 men. Like many across the House, I have received communication from victims of spiking in my town of Weston-super-Mare. They and I are keen to know what steps the Minister is taking to crack down on the devastating crime of spiking here in the UK.
Context
The MP mentions a case in France involving drugs used to facilitate sexual abuse and highlights communication from victims of spiking in his town.
Alex Davies-Jones
The case in France is truly shocking, and we have all looked on in horror as the details have unfolded. I commend the victim for her bravery in coming forward and making it public so that we can see the full aspects of the trial. Spiking is a despicable crime. We have committed to introduce a new criminal offence of spiking and we are considering how best to implement it.
Session: Rape and Sexual Violence Victim Support
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How will the Labour Government seek to strengthen the strategic objective of the Office for Students to widen participation in communities such as mine?
Context
University Centre Weston has transformed access to higher education in the town.
Bridget Phillipson
I strongly agree with my hon. Friend about the importance of widening participation, and he sets out clearly how universities are a key part of towns and cities right across our country. The last Government wanted to use our world-leading sector as a political football.
Session: Office for Students
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What assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the Office for Students?
Context
Assessment requested on the effectiveness of the Office for Students.
Bridget Phillipson
For too long, universities have been treated as political battlegrounds. This Labour Government will treat them as engines of opportunity and growth. On 26 July, I published the report of the independent review of the Office for Students and appointed Sir David Behan, who led the review, as the interim chair.
Session: Office for Students
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
UK-India Technology Security Initiative
28 April 2026
Responding: Kanishka Narayan
Main Concerns
["The UK needs to recognise the growing economic and technological power of India, which is projected to become one of the world's largest economies by 2047. The initiative aims to strengthen cooperation in key technology sectors such as telecoms, AI, critical minerals, semiconductors, and quantum computing. There are opportunities for UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to partner with Indian businesses, but these partnerships need to be supported at all levels of the economy."]
Specific Asks
['The Government should ensure that the ambition of the UK-India Technology Security Initiative is matched by delivery and felt in local communities across the country. This includes fostering cross-cultural dialogue among youth and students to build trust and understanding between the two nations, and ensuring that the benefits of these partnerships reach SMEs in constituencies.']
Health and Care Bill - Schedule 1
07 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to confer primary care functions on integrated care boards, thereby ensuring better coordination and integration of health ser...
Business of the House 2025-12-18
18 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Expressed condolences for the Bondi Beach attack, criticised the Labour Government's failure to meet its promises, highlighted issues like rising taxes, cost of living crisis, NHS waiting lists, socia...
Northwich Railway Station Accessibility 2025-11-19
19 November 2025
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
I am proud to raise the issue of accessibility at Northwich railway station, which has lacked step-free access to its second platform since 2013. This affects disabled people and others who cannot use...
Ageing and End-of-life Care 2025-10-30
30 October 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate addresses the challenges faced by the ageing population in Northern Ireland, focusing on palliative and end-of-life care. Jim Shannon highlights that according to Marie Curie, there will be...
Pride in Place 2025-10-15
15 October 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Labour Government announced a £5 billion pride in place programme to restore pride in local communities. The programme includes two main categories of investment: a flagship programme providing up...
Child Sexual Exploitation Casey Report 2025-06-16
16 June 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Bank Closures and Banking Hubs 2025-06-05
05 June 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Recognises the importance of banking facilities to local communities, expresses concern over the decline in physical branches over the past four decades. Emphasises the role of face-to-face banking fo...
St George’s Day and English Affairs 2025-05-08
08 May 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I am grateful to my colleagues who co-sponsored this debate, and I wish all those right across our island home a belated but very happy St George’s day. The cross-party support for this debate speaks ...
UK Democracy Impact of Digital Platforms 2025-04-03
03 April 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Social media is failing young people by enabling unprecedented levels of abuse, harassment and radicalisation. Young men are being radicalised online into committing heinous acts like the murder of Br...
Access to Sport PE in Schools 2025-04-03
03 April 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Leigh Ingham opened the debate by highlighting the importance of access to sport and physical education for children, emphasising its role beyond just physical fitness. She cited a letter from her con...
Attendance
58.2%
57 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
22
22.4% of votes
No Votes
35
35.7% of votes
Abstentions
41
41.8% 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
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
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 NO
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 NO
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
DID NOT VOTE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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 NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
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
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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 AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
0
PMQs Asked
15
Ministerial Questions Asked
21
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
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
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+12% above average
This MP:
15
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+332% above average
This MP:
21
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-16% below average
This MP:
58.2
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 Dan Aldridge's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.