Danny Chambers
MP for Winchester
Lib Dem
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Despite promises of hypothetical hospitals, the Prime Minister should fix our actual hospital in Winchester that has rainwater leaking into clinical areas and a huge repair backlog. Will he commit to fixing Winchester Hospital?
Context
The government promised a new hospital in Hampshire but there is no guarantee it will materialize. Winchester's current hospital has repair backlog issues.
Keir Starmer
As local integrated care boards take decisions based on evidence and engagement with patients, reorganisation is a matter for them. Patients benefit from £450 million investment in urgent and emergency care capacity.
Assessment
No specific commitment to fix Winchester Hospital's current issues was provided
Session: PMQs
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Five months ago, the Care Quality Commission reported that two thirds of maternity units in England were unsafe, and years of unsafe staffing levels have resulted in the NHS paying an astonishing £1.15 billion a year in compensation due to avoidable injuries caused during childbirth and sometimes deaths. The previous Conservative Government allowed maternity services to deteriorate to the point where many consider it to be a public health crisis. Will the Prime Minister commit to improving maternity care and women’s health services as a top priority, so that our maternity unit in Winchester and those around the rest of the country are the safest places in the world for women to give birth?
Context
Five months ago, the Care Quality Commission reported that two thirds of maternity units in England were unsafe. Years of unsafe staffing levels have resulted in an NHS payment of £1.15 billion annually for compensation due to avoidable injuries and deaths during childbirth.
The Prime Minister
I thank the hon. Member for raising this important issue. Women and babies deserve the highest standards of care through pregnancy, birth and the months that follow. We are committed to recruiting thousands of new midwives for the NHS while providing support to trusts that are failing on maternity care. We are working with the NHS as it delivers a three-year maternity plan, which is making good progress in improving services, including for his constituents.
Assessment
The response acknowledges the issue but does not provide specific timelines or concrete figures regarding improvements.
Session: PMQs
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In last week's debate on maternity services, the devastating impact of the removal of consultant-led services was highlighted. Under the current government, can I have reassurance that consultant-led maternity and A&E services will remain in Winchester? Will he commit to funding properly the backlog of maintenance issues at our hospital?
Context
The previous government's unfunded new hospitals programme proposed removing consultant-led maternity services from Winchester hospital, causing concern among constituents. The hospital also faces a backlog of maintenance issues.
Keir Starmer
We are committed to safe, compassionate and personalised care for women and babies. Service reconfiguration is a matter for integrated care boards, ensuring local decision-making based on evidence and clinical leadership. This ensures better outcomes for patients.
Assessment
Commitment to fund maintenance backlog
This Is A Matter For The Integrated Care Boards
Session: PMQs
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There is a very passionate group of people in Winchester who have long campaigned for a lido to be built in the old leisure centre. They are very excited that one of the proposals is a lido. Could the Minister explain what support is available for such facilities, which get people outside, exercising and being part of the community, which is good for physical and mental health?
Context
A passionate group in Winchester has campaigned for a lido to be built in the old leisure centre. They support the proposal for a lido in the old leisure centre, which would benefit physical and mental health.
Lisa Nandy
The hon. Gentleman will have heard the Minister for sport talk about the £400 million being put into grassroots sports facilities. We are planning to make a forthcoming announcement specifically around lidos. I congratulate the hon. Gentleman's community on defending and supporting leisure facilities. Most lidos exist because of people like his constituents, who care for them and have supported them to stay open for many years.
Session: Lidos 2026-09-03
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We know that food security is part of national security, and it has been another tough year for agriculture, with a record wet winter and now a record hot summer. We also have bluetongue disease going through livestock—when I was at vet school, that was a disease of northern Africa and southern Europe—which has spread through Europe to the UK and now to Scotland because of climate change. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that it is hugely irresponsible and scientifically ignorant for the Leader of the Opposition to ban Conservative candidates who believe in taking serious action to tackle climate change from standing at the next general election?
Context
The MP highlighted severe weather conditions affecting agriculture, including a record wet winter followed by a record hot summer. He mentioned the spread of bluetongue disease, historically found in northern Africa and southern Europe, now reaching the UK and Scotland due to climate change. He questioned the opposition leader's stance on banning Conservative candidates who support climate action.
Ed Miliband
The Leader of the Opposition will have to take responsibility for her own candidates. I was once Leader of the Opposition—it is a hard job, as I proved. There is an interesting point here, which is that a debate has broken out in the pages of The Daily Telegraph—an organ I obviously read a lot—on climate change, and people are saying, “Hang on a minute; how can the Conservative party, which cares about preservation of our way of life, ignore this issue?” I urge people across the House to take the issue seriously.
Session: Climate Change National Security 2026-09-01
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We very much welcome the Government's initiative to give children free bus travel throughout the summer—it is a great idea. The only problem is that in Winchester and its surrounding area, Hampshire county council keeps cutting funding for bus services. Will the Minister explain what the Department is doing to encourage councils and operators to increase rather than decrease bus services?
Context
Hampshire county council is reducing funding for bus services despite the Government's initiative to give children free bus travel.
Simon Lightwood
In addition to delivering £3 billion across the country—we have a new, formula-led way of doing that, rather than the competitive allocations of the previous Government—we have given local transport authorities increased powers to take back control of bus services, be that through enhanced partnerships, franchising or local authority-led bus companies.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-16
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Will the Minister join me in congratulating Lib Dem-run Winchester city council on its fantastic initiative, Solar Together? What support is the Minister giving to ensure that such initiatives can continue in Winchester and throughout the whole country?
Context
The question stems from the success of Winchester city council's Solar Together programme, which has installed solar panels on 35 council houses.
Katie White
I will congratulate Winchester city council. The Government has £1 billion of funding for community energy projects, and more measures are being brought forward to accelerate progress on tackling climate change and bringing down energy bills.
Session: Climate Change 2026-07-07
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What steps he is taking to help tackle climate change?
Context
The question aims to understand the specific actions taken by the government to address climate change.
Katie White
The Government has brought forward carbon budget 7 and secured more than £100 billion of private investment since coming into power. They have also been working to remove friction in the system through community engagement and prioritizing energy projects.
Session: Climate Change 2026-07-07
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I ask the Foreign Secretary to reverse course on this indefinite waiver and close any loopholes putting any money into Putin's war machine.
Context
The Government has announced a temporary waiver allowing imports of Russian oil via third countries, which the questioner views as undermining support for Ukraine.
Stephen Doughty
First, it was never an indefinite waiver; we said that we were keeping it under two-weekly review. Yesterday in the House, we set clear end dates for those temporary licences, which are to phase in these measures. Of course, these are new measures—we were never watering down previous sanctions; these are toughening the sanctions on Russia.
Session: Russian Oil Sales
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What recent discussions she has had with international partners on the potential merits of increasing sanctions against Russia?
Context
The UK has been considering increasing economic pressure on Russia through sanctions. Recent events highlight the need for international cooperation.
Stephen Doughty
We are committed to increasing the economic pressure on Russia by disrupting the revenue the Kremlin generates from Russia's energy trade, including oil. The Prime Minister has today announced further sanctions, designating and specifying 70 individuals, entities and ships under the UK's sanctions regulations.
Session: Russian Oil Sales
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What is being done to ensure that independent bookshops can cope with energy costs and business rates? It is Independent Bookshop Week, and our local economy and high street rely on such shops. What specific measures are in place?
Context
Independent Bookshop Week highlights the importance of these shops, including P&G Wells in Winchester which has been running for over 300 years. The question addresses concerns about their financial viability.
Steve Reed
The Government is reforming the business rates system to offer permanently lower taxes, which should support independent bookshops. We aim to support such shops as they give high streets identity and are valued by local residents.
Session: High Streets
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What steps he is taking to support high streets. I am concerned about the decline of our high streets, which has been sped up by austerity measures in previous years. What specific actions are being taken to rejuvenate these areas?
Context
The question arises from the current state of Winchester's high streets and the need for government support.
Steve Reed
This Government is committed to rejuvenating our high streets with a comprehensive strategy backed by £300 million of support. This funding will create high street innovation partnerships to transform struggling high streets.
Session: High Streets
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My local Jewish community does not have a dedicated building to meet and worship in. That means that they are not eligible for the Government's expanded support for Jewish communities, which is primarily aimed at fixed places of worship. I welcome the Government's expanded commitment, and I am grateful for their engagement with me on this issue, but will the Minister give an update, including on whether support can be extended to security guards?
Context
Local Jewish communities without fixed worship buildings are not eligible for Government's expanded support.
Dan Jarvis
My hon. Friend may be aware that I recently met the hon. Member for Mid Buckinghamshire (Greg Smith) and the rabbi for south Buckinghamshire. She will know that the Jewish community protective security grant scheme, administered by the Community Security Trust, funds security measures such as CCTV, alarms and fencing, which require fixed sites to install and maintain.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Home Secretary for her response. We have 104 different nationalities working in Winchester hospital, throughout Hampshire over one third of the workers in the social care sector are born outside the EU, and we know statistically that we are more likely to be cared for or treated by an immigrant than we are to be waiting behind one for a GP appointment. Does the Home Secretary recognise that the current visa rules for healthcare workers are driving away many of the people who are keeping our NHS and social care services running?
Context
Concern about current visa rules for healthcare workers affecting the NHS and social care sector.
Shabana Mahmood
No one disputes the tremendous contribution that international workers make to our NHS. The picture the hon. Gentleman describes is replicated in constituencies across the country, and we will always welcome that contribution. Overseas recruitment in the NHS is falling primarily because the NHS is leading by example and doing what we want all employers to do: look first at domestic recruitment to ensure that the skills and expertise of the health service are home-grown.
Session: Immigration Rules Economic Impact
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If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. I too pay tribute to the hon. Member for Birmingham Yardley for her immense campaigning and work in this area. Can the Secretary of State be more specific on what actions will be taken to prevent women and girls becoming victims of AI-generated sexual content, because it really can ruin lives?
Context
The question arises from concerns over the growing threat of online sexual exploitation and abuse targeting children.
Shabana Mahmood
The hon. Gentleman is right that it can ruin lives. The Government have already held different platforms to account, and the hon. Gentleman will know about our row with Grok and the action we forced as a result. We are alive to the online environment and what that means for deepfake images and nudification apps—areas where we have already taken action.
Session: Topical Questions
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One form of domestic abuse is financial abuse and coercion. In my constituency, a CMS case has been repeatedly dropped at the magistrate level because one parent failed to attend hearings; this means no prosecution for the non-attending parent, leaving the other trapped in financial abuse. Is it troubling that cases are simply dropped without repercussions?
Context
The question arises from a specific case of financial abuse where one parent's failure to attend hearings repeatedly causes the Child Maintenance Service to withdraw cases, leaving the other parent trapped in a loop of financial abuse. The questioner seeks clarity on whether such practices are troubling and what actions can be taken.
Ellie Reeves
Thanking the hon. Member for raising his constituent's case, the Minister acknowledges financial abuse as coercive and controlling behaviour deserving recognition. She commends victims' bravery but offers to look into specific cases if written to.
Session: Domestic Abuse Prosecution
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Will the Minister commit to reclassifying these products so they can no longer be sold off a supermarket shelf without professional advice?
Context
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate is concerned that pet flea treatments sold in supermarkets contain ingredients such as fipronil and imidacloprid, which are harmful to aquatic life.
Emma Hardy
The hon. Gentleman's expertise is acknowledged, and the issue is being taken seriously by a scientific group that will provide advice on the best course of action.
Session: Water Quality
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What steps she is taking to help improve water quality, given the concern over South West Water's failure and the Government's own Veterinary Medicines Directorate warning that pet flea treatments sold in supermarkets are washing pesticides into Britain's lakes, harming aquatic life?
Context
South West Water has recently faced a record fine of £1.85 million for a cryptosporidium outbreak in Devon, prompting concerns about drinking water standards.
Emma Hardy
The Government are serious about holding water companies accountable and maintaining high drinking water standards. A scientific group is looking at the issue of pet flea treatments and will give advice on the best course of action.
Session: Water Quality
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What steps she is taking to ensure the effective prosecution of domestic abuse cases. Domestic abuse has a severe impact on victims and their families; those who come forward deserve prompt justice. What measures are in place to guarantee quick resolution?
Context
The question arises from the significant impact of domestic abuse on victims and their families, with a focus on ensuring quick resolution of cases. The questioner seeks specific steps being taken to address this issue.
Ellie Reeves
Domestic abuse significantly impacts victims and families, and those who come forward deserve swift justice. The Minister secured additional funding of £5 million this year for pre-trial meetings with victims in Crown court. A pilot project is underway in CPS Wales to speed up decision-making on police-led charging decisions in domestic abuse cases.
Session: Domestic Abuse Prosecution
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The charity St John's Winchester runs a brilliant community space for people with dementia; I have attended it myself and sung songs with them, including Motown. It is also one of the oldest charities in the UK and provides almshouses for vulnerable people. It has been running for 900 years and has survived the plague and the civil war, which was particularly ferocious in Winchester. It has specifically cited the increase in employment costs as a reason why it has had to deregister from the Care Quality Commission. What are the Government doing to support charities that provide social care and healthcare? We know that if these charities struggle, the costs will go on to councils and the NHS.
Context
The charity St John's Winchester, which runs a community space for people with dementia and has been operating for 900 years, faces challenges due to increased employment costs leading to its deregistration from the Care Quality Commission. The questioner raises concerns about the financial burden on councils and NHS if such charities struggle.
Stephanie Peacock
I join the hon. Gentleman in paying tribute to his local charity—indeed, I am a patron of a dementia charity in Barnsley. I recognise the challenges faced by charities, which is why I hosted a number of them at No. 10 with a Treasury Minister. I would be delighted to speak to the hon. Gentleman about this matter.
Session: Community Spaces
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What assessment has the Government made of the adequacy of access to community spaces?
Context
The issue of adequacy in access to community spaces, which are vital for social networks and civic pride.
Stephanie Peacock
The Government recognise that community spaces are hugely important, whether it be for social networks, community participation or civic pride. We debated community centres and small charities in Westminster Hall last month.
Session: Community Spaces
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Has an impact assessment been carried out, and have the Government spoken with commanders at Pirbright and Winchester to ensure that they can not only maintain training capacity but increase it if necessary?
Context
There is widespread concern about the Government's decision to shut Army Training Regiment Winchester, which trains 20% of troops.
Louise Jones
The Government undertake detailed impact work. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that there is no impact on training capability. I am pleased to say that we are increasing the number of people who are starting training—no thanks to the previous Government.
Session: Topical Questions
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Why will the Government not assess the economic case for a customs union and why are they clinging to a failed ideology at the expense of growing the economy?
Context
Businesses in Winchester are concerned about higher energy costs, national insurance rises, and increased red tape from Brexit. They want growth and are supportive of a bespoke customs union.
Dan Tomlinson
This Government are fully committed to resetting our relationship with the European Union. We are negotiating a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement, looking at electricity and energy, and what more we can do to deepen our trading relationship.
Session: High Street Businesses Tax Changes
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What assessment has been made of the potential impact of tax changes on high street businesses in Winchester? Businesses in Winchester are concerned about higher energy costs, national insurance rises, and increased red tape from Brexit. They want growth, not continued red tape.
Context
The question arises from concerns about the impact of recent tax changes on high street businesses. Winchester businesses are facing challenges due to tax changes.
Dan Tomlinson
The Government have announced a support package for all businesses worth £4.3 billion over the next three years. We have introduced permanently lower multipliers for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure businesses, including those on the high street. Every pub and live music venue will get 15% off its new bill from April. A high streets strategy will be brought forward later this year.
Session: High Street Businesses Tax Changes
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Sophia, whom I spoke to in my constituency office in Winchester this morning, is one of many recent graduates—often with really good degrees from really good universities—who have been applying for hundreds of jobs and not even receiving replies. Has the Department carried out an assessment of the impact of artificial intelligence, in all its forms, on graduate employment prospects over the next few years? What work has been done with universities and institutions that offer apprenticeships to ensure that young people are graduating with the right set of skills to be able to work in this era of artificial intelligence?
Context
Sophia, a recent graduate from Winchester, has been applying for hundreds of jobs and not receiving replies, raising concerns about the impact of AI on graduate employment.
Pat McFadden
The hon. Member has posed a very good and important question, and the issue of graduate unemployment is by no means confined to the UK. In the United States, for example, a similar debate about graduate unemployment is taking place. The truth is that structural developments are happening in the labour market. Technology is undergoing a big shift, and I think that all Governments must ask themselves how to help young people through this transition. The one thing that we cannot do is abandon them to it: we have to train people, and we have to ensure that the UK is best placed to take advantage of this big technological shift.
Session: Young People and Work Report
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Small and medium-sized businesses are the lifeblood of our economy; many face significant challenges due to high electricity bills. The average monthly electricity bill is now £240, and 92% of businesses will increase prices because of energy volatility. Does the Minister agree that this situation fails small businesses, and will he commit to reviewing how to end the wild west of energy regulation?
Context
The MP noted that many small businesses, including a Spanish café in Winchester, face significant challenges due to high electricity bills and energy volatility. He cited statistics indicating that the average monthly electricity bill for a small business is £240, and 92% of such businesses plan to increase prices to cope with fluctuating energy costs.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Chris McDonald)
I hope that it was clear in my previous answer that the Government are not satisfied with the position as it is. Of course, energy volatility has historically been caused by our reliance on oil and gas from petrostates and dictators. The Conservatives wish to return to that policy. Our clean power mission will ensure future energy security for businesses and consumers. Unlike climate-denying policies of the Conservatives and Reform, ours will deliver green energy and energy security.
Session: Energy Costs Businesses
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How many people are in receipt of carer’s allowance? We all know that carers give everything to care for their loved ones—physically, emotionally and financially. The Government received the carer’s allowance report three months ago, and under Lib Dem pressure have agreed to publish it by the end of the year. Do we know how many carers will be unfairly penalised in the six months between the Government receiving the report and publishing it?
Context
Dr Danny Chambers referenced the report on carer’s allowance that the Government received three months ago, and expressed concern about the delay in publishing it.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
Some 975,000 people are being paid carer’s allowance in England and Wales, including some 900 people in the hon. Member’s constituency. I agree with the hon. Member’s characterisation of the degree of commitment and sacrifice being made by very large numbers of carers right across the country. As he has said, the report, which we commissioned from Liz Sayce, will be published by the end of the year, together with the Government’s response—and his question will be addressed in that response.
Session: Carer’s Allowance
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Parents of Winchester tell me every single week about how hard they have to fight to get the support that their child needs and is entitled to. What steps are the Government taking to ensure that EHCPs are issued in a timely manner?
Context
In 2024, fewer than half of education, health and care plans were issued within the statutory 20-week limit. Winchester parents reported difficulties in obtaining support for their children with special educational needs.
The Minister for School Standards (Georgia Gould)
Parents and children should not have to wait for support; they should have it when they need it. We are working closely with councils with waiting lists to improve provision and, if necessary, to bring in specialist SEND advice. We will continue to push on that.
Session: SEND Provision
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I recently visited St Bartholomew’s church in Hyde, which has served the residents of Winchester for over 915 years, as part of its Give to Go Green day, which raised £2,400 to support its efforts to decarbonise the church and reduce energy bills. Will the Minister join me in congratulating the congregation and the community volunteers for the leadership they are showing in this area, and will he outline what steps the Government are taking to support faith and community groups in decarbonising historic buildings while preserving their heritage?
Context
Dr Chambers visited St Bartholomew’s church in Winchester, which has raised £2,400 to decarbonise the church and reduce energy bills. The community's efforts show leadership in this area.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Martin McCluskey)
I join the hon. Gentleman in praising the whole congregation and community at St Bartholomew’s in Winchester for supporting those efforts. Such efforts by community and faith groups across the country show the support that exists for taking the right action, not just on clean power but on insulation. The warm homes plan and other plans that the Department will publish before the end of the year will address some of the issues he talks about in respect of historic buildings.
Session: Reducing Energy Bills
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Under current law, most instances of the sexual abuse of animals are not offences. Not only are those acts despicable in themselves, but given the proven link between animal abuse and child abuse, does the Minister agree that this dangerous gap is a missed opportunity to identify abusers before they go on to harm children?
Context
Current law does not address most cases of sexual abuse towards animals, despite the proven connection between animal abuse and child abuse.
Alex Davies-Jones
I commit to look at that further.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister join me in congratulating the fantastic Lib Dem-run Winchester city council on being rated the greenest council in the UK by Climate Action UK? That is a lot of work by politicians, and it shows what politicians who dearly believe in this issue can achieve if they crack on and deal with it, rather than weaponising it in some kind of culture war.
Context
The Lib Dem-run Winchester city council has been rated the greenest in the UK by Climate Action UK, highlighting successful local initiatives.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Kerry McCarthy)
I am happy to join the hon. Member in congratulating his local council. I visited the Local Government Association the week before last, I think, with the local net zero delivery group, on which we have representation from all areas of local government.
Session: Climate Change Committee Report
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After years of high-risk domestic abuse, a woman from Winchester went through a CID investigation to prove she needed financial separation but the police missed the Crown Prosecution Service investigation deadline. No charges were brought, leaving her unable to secure child maintenance while her abuser remains in control. What discussions is the Minister having with colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions and HMRC to ensure that perpetrators of domestic abuse can no longer use financial systems to maintain power over their victims?
Context
A constituent wrote to Dr Chambers expressing frustration over missed deadlines in a Crown Prosecution Service investigation, leading to financial control by her abuser and inability to secure child maintenance.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)
We have a cross-Government strategy on tackling violence against women and girls, including economic abuse. Along with the Safeguarding Minister, I regularly meet Treasury and DWP colleagues to address this issue, and we will publish our strategy in the coming months.
Session: Violence against Women Criminal Justice System
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Over the past decade many tech start-ups have left the UK and gone to silicon valley, which costs the UK a huge amount in jobs and tax revenue. What are the Government doing to ensure that start-ups currently at seed stage stay in the UK and grow here so that we avoid the UK becoming an intellectual property farm for other countries to harvest?
Context
Tech start-ups are leaving the UK for Silicon Valley, costing jobs and tax revenue.
The Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms (Chris Bryant)
One really important part of the industrial strategy we published on Monday and the sector plans within it is that we identified a problem many people in the UK face, which is that they have a really good idea but cannot take it to market because they do not have access to finance, in particular to capital, unless they are in London—and sometimes unless they are a man. We want to change all that, which is why we have said categorically that we are giving the British Business Bank much more significant power to be able to invest in these sectors.
Session: Science and Innovation Funding
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The recent National Audit Office report was hugely concerning, indicating that only 5% of animals are physically checked as they come into the UK, with illegal meat entering through ports. The farm animal veterinary workforce is overstretched, and issues like climate change and antimicrobial resistance increase disease risks. If foot and mouth disease hits again, it will devastate agriculture and food security. Can the Minister assure that these strategic national threats are treated seriously?
Context
Following the National Audit Office report highlighting high risk and unpreparedness for major animal disease outbreaks in the UK, concerns over post-Brexit border checks and climate change impacts on biosecurity.
The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Daniel Zeichner)
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right, we take this matter extremely seriously; previous reports have highlighted similar concerns. We are giving careful consideration to the recent report and will develop a plan to address it. Balancing threats with measures such as restricting personal imports due to continental risks.
Session: Animal Disease Outbreaks
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I wish you a very happy birthday, Mr Speaker—your 40th, I am guessing. I was really impressed that Holy Trinity church in Colden Common, which is a heritage building, managed to increase its energy efficiency rating from F to A. Can the Secretary of State give any advice or guidance to communities who wish to improve heritage buildings, listed buildings and other old properties, which often face planning issues when seeking to install solar panels or insulation, or take other energy efficiency measures?
Context
The hon. Member highlights the success of Holy Trinity church in Colden Common, which improved its energy efficiency rating from F to A by installing solar panels and insulation despite facing planning issues.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
Let me congratulate the hon. Member’s community group. This whole set of questions has shown the huge untapped potential in the constituencies of Members in all parts of the House. We will take this back to GB Energy, because I think the role of community groups as potential partners is really important. Secondly, he makes an important point on planning guidance. Sometimes the planning rules are okay, but the guidance is the problem and it creates bureaucratic hurdles. I am working with the Minister for Housing and Planning to make sure the guidance is clear to local councils where there are barriers that they should not be putting in the way.
Session: Rooftop Solar Power
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Prisons have an important role in protecting the public and punishing criminals, but they are also vital to rehabilitation. Given that around half of prisoners reoffend within a year of being released, what steps are the Government taking to ensure that programmes to address mental health, addiction and education are not only available, but effective and consistently delivered across the prison estate, including in our prison in Winchester?
Context
Concerns about high reoffending rates among prisoners, particularly within a year of release.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Sir Nicholas Dakin)
The hon. Member is right to emphasise all those programmes. They are clearly extremely important, and we publish and monitor a range of performance metrics linked to rehabilitative programme delivery, including employment at six weeks and six months post-release, or at the start of a community order, and engagement with substance misuse treatment. All those measures are in place and are properly monitored, but as always, there is more to be done in this area.
Session: Prisons Rehabilitation
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The entire country was appalled by the terrible crime of girls being groomed by gangs of older men. It is about 10 years since these crimes first came to light and since the Jay inquiry made 20 recommendations. Will the Government commit to implementing all those recommendations, in full and at pace, to help protect future victims?
Context
Following the public outcry over cases of child grooming by older men, the Jay inquiry made 20 recommendations to protect victims.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Jess Phillips)
I thank the hon. Gentleman for both the tone and the sentiment of his question, and I hope that everyone in the House agrees with him. It is, in fact, 15 years since the original Jay report on the events in Rotherham. We will work at pace with the stakeholders, including the victims and Professor Alexis Jay, to ensure that what was intended in those recommendations can happen. I will do that as quickly as it can possibly be done.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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Farmers in Hampshire and across the country were disappointed when the Conservative Government signed trade deals undermining our high animal welfare standards. Will steps be taken to ensure British farmers do not have to compete with products produced to lower welfare standards, such as battery hens or excessive antibiotic use? The public is proud of these standards.
Context
Continuing from the previous concern, this supplementary question focuses on specific actions to maintain high animal welfare standards post-trade deals.
Douglas Alexander
We will not compromise on animal welfare standards in new agreements. Although past negotiations might have been approached differently, reopening them would create uncertainty harmful to UK business. Current monitoring shows no flood of Australian or New Zealand beef and lamb into the UK market.
Session: Free Trade Deals Farmers
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What recent assessment has been made of the potential impact of free trade deals on farmers? I worked with farmers for many years as a veterinary surgeon and now meet them regularly as an MP. Farmers in Hampshire and across the country were disappointed when previous Conservative Governments signed trade deals that undermined high animal welfare standards. Will steps be taken to ensure British farmers do not have to compete with products from lower welfare countries, such as battery hens or those involving excessive antibiotic use? The public is proud of our high standards.
Context
The question arises from concerns about the impact of free trade deals on farmers, particularly regarding animal welfare standards.
Douglas Alexander
Our approach to free trade considers impact and opportunities for farmers. Impact assessments are published to aid ratification processes. The Government does not want to compromise on animal welfare standards in new agreements, although past negotiations might have been handled differently. Reopening past deals would create uncertainty harmful to UK business. Current monitoring shows no flood of Australian or New Zealand beef and lamb into the UK market.
Session: Free Trade Deals Farmers
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Will the Minister, in addition to coming down harder on water companies, commit to implementing a sewage victims compensation scheme for that particular problem?
Context
England hosts a significant portion of the world's chalk streams, with Winchester having Rivers Itchen and Meon. However, these rivers face ecological challenges due to over-abstraction, pollution, and sewage dumping by water companies.
Alex Davies-Jones
I will ensure that the hon. Member's comments are passed to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Minister responsible for water quality. I can confirm that we are committed to delivering for nature, taking action to meet our targets in the Environment Act 2021, and that we work in partnership with civil society, communities and businesses to restore and protect our natural world.
Session: Support for Victims of Ecocide
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What steps her Department is taking through the criminal justice system to help support victims of ecocide.
Context
The question arises from the need to support victims affected by large-scale environmental destruction. The term 'ecocide' is being considered in legal contexts.
Alex Davies-Jones
The victims code sets out the services and support that victims of crime are entitled to receive from the criminal justice system in England and Wales. That includes the right to access support, which applies regardless of whether they decide to report the crime directly to the police. We provide police and crime commissioners with annual grant funding to commission local, practical, emotional, and therapeutic support services for all victims of crime.
Session: Support for Victims of Ecocide
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We are very proud that UK agriculture has some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world. It is for this reason that the production of foie gras was banned in 2007, as it is considered to be too cruel. While we are desperate to reduce trade barriers with the EU, are there any steps to ban products like foie gras to ensure that all animal products sold in the UK are produced to at least the same animal welfare standards as those in the UK?
Context
The UK banned foie gras production in 2007 due to high animal welfare standards. There are concerns about ensuring similar standards for imported products.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to raise the issue of very high standards of animal welfare in food production. This Government will prioritise that in trade policy, unlike the Conservatives who, when they were in government, negotiated free trade agreements that consistently undermined agriculture in the UK.
Session: Trade Barriers with the EU
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What steps his Department is taking to help reduce trade barriers with the EU?
Context
The UK faces challenges in reducing trade barriers with the EU, impacting various sectors.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
The Prime Minister and the President of the European Commission met on 2 October in Brussels and agreed to strengthen the relationship between the UK and the EU. Maroš Šefčovič, on behalf of the European Union, and I, on behalf of the UK Government, will now take forward that important work. We are committed to reducing barriers to trade, including negotiating a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement to reduce checks on food and put food on people's tables more cheaply.
Session: Trade Barriers with the EU
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
04 November 2025
Main Concerns
['The debate highlights the importance of continued UK support for the Global Fund, which has saved millions of lives. The hon. Member notes that progress is fragile without sustained investment, citing examples like US funding cuts leading to an estimated 120,000 deaths.']
Specific Asks
['Dr Chambers asks the Government to commit to replenishing the Global Fund sufficiently and demonstrate international leadership on this issue.']
Summer Health and Resilience
09 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Palestine
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Bluetongue Virus in Livestock
03 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Social Media Ban for Under-16s
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Digital Safety: Children
08 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Debate on the Address
14 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The UK labour market is performing well with high employment rates, low unemployment compared to OECD countries, and rising real wages. The government's economic management has put the country in a be...
Women’s Health Strategy
16 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence
24 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Conservative MP regrets that the Government has not published the Defence Investment Plan despite repeated promises to do so. He criticises the delay for freezing procurement and leaving the UK vu...
Smoking Health Etc (England) Bill - Clause 1 and related Lords amendments
23 March 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That this House agrees with Lords amendment 1. The speech does not provide detailed arguments for the amendment.
Online Harms
19 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Current legislation is failing to prevent online harms, particularly in relation to child sexual abuse material, harmful content, and interaction with bad actors. The Online Safety Act has not lived u...
School Bus Service from Kings Worthy to Henry Beaufort School
18 March 2026
The petition calls for the Government to reconsider its decision to remove school transport services for children attending Henry Beaufort School in Winchester, which would force students as young as ...
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Attendance
73.5%
72 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
55
56.1% of votes
No Votes
17
17.3% of votes
Abstentions
26
26.5% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 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
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
3
PMQs Asked
44
Ministerial Questions Asked
59
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
1
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+228% above average
This MP:
44
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1114% above average
This MP:
59
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-59% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+6% above average
This MP:
73.5
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 Danny Chambers's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.