David Davis
MP for Goole and Pocklington
Con
11 Jun 1987 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Last week, some of my fellow Back Benchers criticised the Government's attack on jury trials as unworkable and unjust. My professional colleagues also disagree with this policy, which is expected to save less than anticipated according to the Institute for Government. Why does the Prime Minister persist with a plan that his peers oppose?
Context
3,000 lawyers oppose the government's plans to reform jury trials. The Prime Minister faced criticism from his own Back Benchers for these reforms.
Keir Starmer
We are not abolishing jury trials, but rather adjusting them for 3% of cases currently going to jury trial. About 97% of cases do not go to jury trial. This policy adjustment aims to improve justice for victims waiting years for their cases to be heard.
Assessment
The specific ask about opposition was not directly addressed, focusing instead on the rationale behind the policy changes.
Under Review
Session: PMQs
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Will he involve himself personally to ensure that 60, 70 and 80-year-old soldiers, who have carried out actions that most of us would view as heroic, are not persecuted in the coming years, because now it is a matter not of national security, but of national honour?
Context
The MP cited a letter from nine four-star generals expressing concern over the impact of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill on the recruitment, retention, morale, and operational effectiveness of the Special Air Service. This is unprecedented in British Army history.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
May I thank the right hon. Member for his question and reassure him on the protections that he seeks for veterans? It is a very important issue, and he has continually and rightly raised it. There will be protection from repeat investigations, so the commission does not go over old ground without compelling reasons. There will be protection from cold calling, and protection in old age, so that elderly veterans are respected. Those who do contribute to the legacy process will have a right to anonymity, a right to stay at home to give evidence remotely and a right to be heard through the commission.
Assessment
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Session: PMQs
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With permission, Mr Speaker, before I ask my question, may I tell the House that there are a number of veterans of Northern Ireland in the Public Gallery? Given what the Prime Minister said about 7/7, I would like to publicly thank them for their courage in defending our country and our democracy against the first scourge of terrorism. The Prime Minister knows that every time a paramilitary was killed in Northern Ireland by a British soldier, it triggered a thorough investigation. No bullet went unscrutinised. Our soldiers were held to the highest standards of law. The IRA were not; they tortured, shot men in the back, forced families to watch their menfolk being murdered, and killed women and children with bombs, yet we are willing to prosecute our own men, who were forced to make life-and-death decisions in split seconds. If the Government get the legacy legislation wrong, at least 50 innocent retired veterans will be exposed to legal persecution for crimes they did not commit. I have raised this matter six times since February. I ask again: on Monday, when we debate this matter in Westminster Hall, will the Government protect our veterans, or will they sacrifice them to politically motivated lawyers who are trying to rewrite history with a pack of lies?
Context
The MP raises concerns about potential legal persecution of veterans for crimes committed during the Northern Ireland conflict. He asks whether the Government will protect these veterans.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
May I join the right hon. Gentleman in thanking the veterans here today, and all veterans? He knows that this is a serious issue, and the end of his question did not really reflect that seriousness. The scheme set up by the Conservative party was found to be unlawful in the courts, and he knows it. It was not supported by communities. It would have meant, as he knows, immunity from prosecution for those who committed the most appalling terrorist crimes, and that is why it did not have support in the communities or from any political party in Northern Ireland. That was among the reasons it was found to be unlawful.
Assessment
The PM discusses past policies but does not provide clear commitment to protecting veterans now.
Defending Previous Policy
Session: PMQs
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This ignored the decision of the court exonerating them, and meant that 93% of people who had been wrongfully imprisoned, and often had their lives destroyed, got no compensation whatsoever. This is an institutional miscarriage of justice. Will he instruct the Ministry of Justice to review this matter, and pay personal attention to getting this travesty of justice resolved?
Context
The MP referred to a recommendation made by the Prime Minister in his book on “Miscarriages of Justice”, which suggested ways of preventing such incidents and swiftly addressing them. However, in 2014, people who had been wrongly imprisoned were allowed compensation only if they could prove their innocence beyond reasonable doubt.
The Prime Minister
The right hon. Member raises a really important issue that I am obviously aware of. It is right that victims of miscarriage can apply for compensation and appropriately do so, and I will take away what he says and have it looked at.
Session: PMQs
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Four weeks ago, the Northern Ireland coroner accused British soldiers of unlawful killing after they engaged with IRA would-be murderers. After careful reading, as far as I can see, that judgment was based on no evidence whatsoever. More than 100 special forces soldiers have been summoned before those inquiries; not one IRA leader has been summoned in the same way. Soldiers who serve our country with honour, heroism and skill are being punished in their declining years for doing nothing but carrying out their patriotic duty in the face of enormous risks. Given how the Prime Minister opened his comments, with which I associate myself, does he not think that he and his Government have a duty to protect those soldiers from such partisan parodies of justice in their declining years?
Context
The MP discusses an accusation by a Northern Ireland coroner against British soldiers for unlawful killings, suggesting that such rulings are partisan and unfair to the soldiers.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
On the coroner’s ruling, I have not seen the details, I am afraid, so I cannot comment. On the broader point, it is right that we should protect those who serve our country, wherever they serve our country—getting the balance right is critical. I did not think that the legislation put forward by the Conservative Government achieved that, but I believe none the less that, in the interests of everybody in Northern Ireland, of all those who served and all those who are victims, we need to renew our efforts to find a way forward on this important issue.
Assessment
The PM did not directly address whether there is a duty to protect soldiers from partisan inquiries.
Lack Of Details
Session: PMQs
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On the assisted dying Bill, which is a private Member's Bill, the Government are quite rightly staying neutral, but the real issue with the Bill is that the time constraints of private legislation make it difficult to get it right first time. If we get this wrong first time, the consequences are too terrible to contemplate. In 1967, the Government of the day gave time to allow David Steel's Abortion Bill to go through. Will the Prime Minister commit to giving extra time—Government time—to the Bill to ensure that we get this right first time?
Context
The MP is concerned about the time constraints of private legislation making it difficult to get the Assisted Dying Bill right first time.
Keir Starmer
I thank the right hon. Member for raising this question on a really important issue. I do understand that there are strongly held views across the House—on both sides and within both sides, if I can put it in that way. I do agree with him that it is important that we ensure that any change to the law—if there is to be one—is effective.
Assessment
The answer acknowledges the importance but does not commit to giving extra time for the Bill.
Session: PMQs
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Should we do everything possible to right wrongs done to postmasters through the Horizon scandal and provide full financial compensation?
Context
Sub-postmasters who were not prosecuted but faced financial penalties need proper compensation.
Rishi Sunak
Justice is being delivered, with legislation to overturn convictions paving the way for swift payment of compensation. The postal Minister is closely examining issues raised.
Assessment
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Session: PMQs
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To bring the Prime Minister back to the question asked, rightly, by my right hon. Friend the Member for North East Somerset (Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg), the opposition politician referred to is Nigel Farage, whose bank account was closed not because he was a PEP—a politically exposed person—or for commercial reasons, but because his views did not align with the values of Coutts bank: thinly veiled political discrimination and a vindictive, irresponsible and undemocratic action. In addition, Nat West also disclosed confidential details about Farage's account to the BBC and lied about the commercial viability of his account, actions that should jeopardise its banking licence and should certainly worry Nat West's 19 million other customers. The Prime Minister has told us what he will do in the future, but there are many other people in this circumstance. Will he require every bank with a British banking licence to inform the Treasury of all the accounts that they have shut down for non-commercial reasons in the last decade?
Context
Nigel Farage's bank account was closed by Coutts and Nat West for non-commercial reasons, leading to concerns over political discrimination. The questioner seeks information on accounts closed under similar circumstances.
Rishi Sunak
I know that my right hon. Friend has spoken to the Chancellor about this issue, and that he will continue to have those conversations. In the short term, having consulted on the payment service regulations, we intend to crack down on that practice by toughening the rules around account closures. In the meantime, the Financial Ombudsman Service is available for people to make complaints to, but I look forward to continuing the dialogue with my right hon. Friend, as does the Chancellor.
Assessment
Did not commit to requiring banks to inform the Treasury about accounts closed for non-commercial reasons
Look Forward To Continuing The Dialogue
Session: PMQs
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The United Kingdom sanctioned Iran for promoting terrorism, destabilising the middle east, supplying weapons to our enemies and, of course, the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Within the past few weeks, the journalist, David Rose, has reported in the that British universities have been undertaking research in collaboration with Iranian researchers and universities into areas of potential military applications, including drone technology, fighter jets, battlefield armour and laser communication. Will the Prime Minister initiate an investigation into this and take action to stop the failure of our sanctions regime before it does any more harm to the national interest of the United Kingdom and our allies?
Context
There are concerns about UK universities engaging in research that could support Iran's military capabilities, despite sanctions.
Rishi Sunak
I thank my right hon. Friend for raising this important topic. We take all allegations of breaches of export control seriously. My understanding is that officials in the Department for Business and Trade are currently investigating the allegations made in the recent press article cited.
Session: PMQs
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It seems clear that the junior doctors' strike is causing a serious risk of loss of life, and certainly causing harm and pain to thousands of our constituents. The first line of the Hippocratic oath is “First, do no harm”. When does the Prime Minister think the British Medical Association abandoned this central tenet of its profession?
Context
The MP questioned the Prime Minister about the ongoing junior doctors' strike, emphasizing its potential risks to patient safety.
Rishi Sunak
We value the work of junior doctors and are keen to find a fair and reasonable settlement that recognises their role and the wider economic context facing the UK. My right hon. Friend is right to highlight the impact on patient safety, and that is why this Government have brought forward minimum safety legislation to ensure that patients can rely on a core level of emergency service to protect vital patient care.
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister look at the treaty with a view to correcting this parody of justice?
Context
British Government signed extradition treaty with the US after 9/11; US has extradited 83 people to UK while we have sent 225 to America.
Rishi Sunak
Obviously it is in our national interest to have effective extradition relationships. Under the treaty we have with the US, we have secured the extradition and subsequent conviction of terrorists, murderers, rapists, and child sex offenders.
Assessment
Did not confirm review of treaty or correction of perceived injustice.
Session: PMQs
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I would like to draw the Prime Minister's attention to the words he used in response to the earlier question from my hon. Friend the Member for East Worthing and Shoreham (Tim Loughton). Six months ago, I called on the Prime Minister to resign because even then it was clear that his approach to leadership and integrity was already creating a pipeline of problems that would paralyse proper government. Today, I ask him to do the honourable thing: to put the interests of the nation before his own interests, before, in his own words, it does become “impossible” for government to do its job.
Context
The Prime Minister's approach to leadership has been criticised for creating a pipeline of problems.
Boris Johnson
I thank my right hon. Friend very much for the point he has made again, but I just could not disagree with him more. Look at what the Government are doing today. We are cutting taxes for 30 million people, we have just completed a programme to get half a million people off welfare and into work, and, thanks to the strength of our economy, thanks to the position we are now in—because of decisions that we took and the Opposition opposed; we should never forget that—we are able to give £1,200 to 8 million of the poorest and most vulnerable families in this country.
Assessment
Prime Minister stepping down due to leadership issues
Changed Subject To Discuss Government Achievements
Session: PMQs
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If we are to succeed at levelling up the UK, we must restore social mobility for working-class pupils right across the country. The fastest and most cost-effective way to do that is to re-engineer the classroom to capitalise on the benefits of modern technology, using artificial intelligence to provide lessons tailored to each child's ability. Will the Prime Minister undertake to use modern technologies to give every working-class child the opportunity to reach their full potential—opportunity based on their abilities, not where they grew up or how rich their parents were?
Context
Forty years ago, the UK led the world in social mobility but has fallen to 21st place. Re-engineering classrooms with artificial intelligence could improve this.
Boris Johnson
Yes, and I am thankful to my right hon. Friend for the personal tutorial he gave me, using a laptop, in the opportunities provided by this type of technology. We are looking at supporting schools across the whole of the UK with this kind of advance as we continue to level up.
Assessment
Did not provide specific commitments or timelines for implementing modern technologies in classrooms
Session: PMQs
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This year thousands of children will die because of the Government's dramatic cuts in international aid. Top lawyers advise us that this policy is unlawful, and it has never been presented to this House for approval. When previously asked by my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister suggested the estimates vote was appropriate but does not allow increasing spending on aid. I ask again: when will we get a binding vote on the Government's aid policy?
Context
The government has implemented significant reductions in international aid, leading to top lawyers advising that this policy is unlawful. The previous estimates vote did not allow for an increase in spending on this aid.
Boris Johnson
The House was given a chance to vote on this matter in the estimates votes, but it mysteriously chose not to.
Assessment
Specifics about when there will be a binding vote were avoided
Mysteriously Chosen Not To
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister ask his advisers to urgently review the latest Spanish research on vitamin D treatment for COVID-19?
Context
The questioner references Andalucia's success in reducing covid death rates by providing activated vitamin D to care home residents and some GP patients.
Boris Johnson
We will continue to monitor all evidence regarding the efficacy of vitamin D and treatments like those mentioned. We have discussed it before personally, and I will keep my right hon. Friend updated on the ongoing review.
Assessment
No specific timeline or commitment to conducting an urgent review was given
Session: PMQs
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I thank the Minister and I welcome what he has just said, but the infected blood scandal left thousands of people with severe lifelong injuries. Many of them have waited decades—some nearly half a century—for justice, and with every week that passes the likelihood that any of them will die goes up. As I am sure he is aware, IBCA announced last week that it will contact 100 people a week to begin claims, but that is not quick enough for the 18,000 people involved. It has dealt with roughly 3,000, who have been paid already, but 15,000 of the 18,000 are still waiting. Victims and families deserve compensation, and quickly, so what can he do to speed up that process?
Nick Thomas-Symonds
The right hon. Gentleman quite correctly raises not only the fact that people have waited decades for compensation, but the urgency with which we want to drive this forward. To be precise, 3,304 infected people had received an offer by 23 April, totalling over £2.6 billion. We have started paying the affected cohort, and the milestone of paying out in the first case by the end of last year was met. It is quite right that IBCA is operationally independent, but I nevertheless stand ready to do all I can to support it to speed up payments.
Session: Contaminated Blood Compensation
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Following on directly from the Secretary of State’s comments to my right hon. Friend the Member for Herne Bay and Sandwich (Sir Roger Gale), last month two national health service trusts in my constituency were found to be among the worst in England, one of them actually the worst. NHS England will now be brought in to turn those trusts around. However, the former chief executive of those trusts, who was responsible for overseeing their decline and was terminated in that job, has been promoted as the NHS turnaround manager for Yorkshire. Supposedly, he will be the man to correct the problem he created. That is by no means the first time that people have been found failing upwards in the national health service. What steps are the Secretary of State and the Minister taking to prevent NHS leaders who have failed in one role from being moved to a different post within the NHS?
Karin Smyth
I thank the right hon. Member for his question. I know he has raised it previously with the Leader of the House, and a similar issue has been raised with me by many hon. Members in his local geography. He knows that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on individual cases, but further to my comments about the importance of supporting good managers, we do not want people failing upwards as we have had in the past. I confirm that the planned disbarring system will prevent unsuitable NHS leaders who cover up poor performance or silence whistleblowers from taking up other leadership roles in the NHS and moving around the system.
Session: NHS Management
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Some 2,058 people died at the hands of republican paramilitaries during the troubles—2,058—but despite that fact, only 19 IRA members are currently in prison. The Secretary of State laughably claims there was no amnesty under the Good Friday agreement, and he gives us only the few he has just mentioned. Can he tell the House how many prosecutions of IRA members he expects to arise under his troubles Bill, and how many families of people murdered by the IRA will find out what happened to their relatives?
Context
The question pertains to the lack of prosecutions for IRA members despite Troubles-related killings, with only 19 individuals in prison out of an estimated 2,058 deaths.
Hilary Benn
The number of prosecutions will depend on evidence in individual cases. The aim is to ensure more families can find answers about what happened during the Troubles.
Session: Troubles-era Violence IRA Accountability
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What steps he is taking to help ensure adequate accountability for troubles-era violence for members of the IRA. Some 2,058 people died at the hands of republican paramilitaries during the troubles but only 19 IRA members are in prison. Can he tell the House how many prosecutions of IRA members he expects under his Troubles Bill and how many families will find out what happened to their relatives?
Context
The question arises from the need to ensure accountability for IRA paramilitaries involved in Troubles-related killings. There are currently 19 IRA members in prison, with 2,058 people killed by republican paramilitaries during the conflict.
Hilary Benn
The number of prosecutions of IRA members will depend on evidence in individual cases, decided by public prosecutors. The aim of the reform is to ensure more families can find answers about what happened to their relatives during the Troubles.
Session: Troubles-era Violence IRA Accountability
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Last year, children with special needs in my region were funded at £1,000 per head—the lowest level in England—while Camden received £3,565 a head. How does the Secretary of State expect East Yorkshire to provide early access or anything else when funding is so tight?
Context
Children with SEND in the East Riding of Yorkshire are receiving significantly less funding per capita compared to more affluent areas like Camden. The Government's grant proposals increase funding for both regions, but the disparity remains.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
The right hon. Gentleman makes an understandable appeal on behalf of his constituency. We are looking carefully at funding questions, which are not easy. Many previous ways of allocating funding continue because of necessary timescales around that. However, his constituents will benefit from our big investment in capital and extra training and support for all teachers, early years professionals, and college staff.
Session: SEND Support Access
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The Secretary of State has stated many times that the previous Government’s legislation in this area had no support from political parties in Northern Ireland. Can he tell the House which political parties support his legislation?
Context
The MP questions the support for the legislation from political parties in Northern Ireland, noting that previous government's act had no such support.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
All the political parties in Northern Ireland that expressed their profound opposition to immunity have welcomed the fact that immunity will go under the legislation that we have brought before the House—that includes the right hon. Member for Belfast East (Gavin Robinson), the DUP leader, who supports its removal. That is a sign that the Government have been listening to views in Northern Ireland.
Session: Northern Ireland Troubles Bill
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It is widely reported that the Home Secretary is a strong supporter of robust reform of the European Court of Human Rights. A large number of countries on the European continent share our concerns over that. Has she discussed them with any of her opposite numbers? In particular, where does she see the common interest in reforming the Court?
Context
The MP inquires about the Home Secretary's discussions with foreign counterparts regarding European Court of Human Rights reforms.
Shabana Mahmood (The Secretary of State for the Home Department)
These are live discussions taking place not just between myself and my counterparts, but with other members of the Government. The right hon. Gentleman will have noted the political declaration achieved at the last meeting at the Council of Europe. That work was led by the Justice Secretary but was a cross-Government effort. We will continue in that vein, because reform of the European convention on human rights, and article 3 in particular, is a key part of our agenda. We will have legislation on domestic reform of article 8 in due course.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Justice Secretary quite rightly says that justice delayed is justice denied, but summary justice is no justice at all. He based much of his argument on the views of the eminent Lord Leveson, but has he read the analysis of that review by Geoffrey Rivlin KC, who went through the report in expert detail and described much of it as unfounded and misguided because it was based on poor data. If the Justice Secretary has not read it, will he please do so before he comes back to the House?
Context
Concerns about the analysis of the review by Geoffrey Rivlin KC, who described much of it as unfounded and misguided due to poor data.
David Lammy (The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
I say to the right hon. Gentleman that it was a serious independent panel and I do not think he can reject Sir Brian Leveson out of hand in that way. I remind him that David Ormerod was also on the panel. The analysis was based on data and on evidence internationally, and that is why it is important that we implement it. There is no silver bullet. To affect change, we have to do it all; otherwise, at the next general election, the backlog will have soared to over 100,000.
Session: Jury Trials Proposal Impact
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Much of the technology currently used in sustainable aviation fuel is of foreign origin. Part of the reason for that is no Government body directly supports the development of core technologies used for that, supporting only the development of production facilities. Will the Minister look at allowing the Aerospace Technology Institute to invest in research and development programmes to develop sustainable fuel?
Context
The technology for sustainable aviation fuel is primarily foreign-originated due to lack of direct Government support for core technologies. The Aerospace Technology Institute currently cannot invest in research and development programmes for sustainable fuels.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Keir Mather)
Through the ATI programme, the Department for Business and Trade co-invests with industry in research and technology development in the UK. We fund the UK SAF Clearing House to help fuel producers navigate testing and approval requirements for non-fossil fuel-based jet fuel. The advanced fuels fund has allocated £198 million to overcome technological risk for early-stage projects.
Session: Sustainable Aviation Fuel Industry
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Given that answer, I will quote the Secretary of State. She was saying earlier that the system is so distorted that the financial allocations do not reflect the real needs of children. That means that local authorities have huge deficits through no fault of their own; they are trying to do their job. When she comes up with her new policy in the autumn, will she commit to writing off those deficits so that those authorities can do the job in the future?
Context
The question follows up on the Secretary of State's earlier statement that the system is distorted with financial allocations not reflecting real needs of children. Local authorities have accumulated deficits due to no fault of their own.
The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)
As part of our reforms, we will commence a phased transition process, which will include working with local authorities to manage their SEND systems, including their deficits, alongside an extension to the statutory override until the end of 2027-28. We will set out more details about the plan for how we will support local authorities with the historical and accruing deficits accumulated under the last Government and since, due to the appalling situation that we inherited.
Session: SEND Education, Health and Care Plans
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I associate myself with the Home Secretary’s comments about 7/7. I remember that day too well, and we supported the Government then, too. In more recent times, there have been a number of major cyber-attacks, ransomware attacks and associated blackmail of major companies. It has come to my attention that one such company paid a very large sum to its blackmailer recently. Will she update the House on the progress of the Government’s actions to ensure that blackmailers of this sort do not succeed in future?
Context
A company paid a large sum to its blackmailer in response to a ransomware attack. The Home Office recently closed a consultation on legislative proposals to counter ransomware.
Dan Jarvis
I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for raising this matter, and will happily meet him to discuss it. The Home Office recently closed a consultation on a world-leading package of legislative proposals to counter ransomware. A public response will be published shortly.
Session: Topical Questions
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During Operation Banner every single time a paramilitary was killed by a British soldier it was subject to judicial investigation. The Director of Public Prosecutions went through the evidence at the time, interviewed people, looked at planning documents and was able to talk to people contemporaneously while they could still remember it. It was not a rubber stamp; it was rigorous, as was proven by the fact that where necessary it led to prosecution. What is happening now is double jeopardy. Worse still, it is double jeopardy under new rules but with no new evidence indeed there is a risk of lost evidence and lost memory given the passage of time. I have heard what the Secretary of State has said but will he commit to ensuring that soldiers who were subject to reviews at the time will not be subject to further risk of prosecution under the Government’s replacement for the legacy Act?
Context
Concerns raised about the adequacy of legal protections for veterans who served in Operation Banner, including risk of double jeopardy with no new evidence.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
Any incoming Government would have to repeal the legacy Act. It is unlawful legislation it has been rejected by domestic courts and rejected by communities across Northern Ireland, and it is simply wrong for anyone to suggest otherwise. We owe it to those affected by the troubles including our armed forces communities and veterans to be honest about the unworkability of that legacy Act and to get this legislation right. That is exactly what the Northern Ireland Secretary and I are working together to ensure we can do, taking full account of all the interested parties in particular those veterans and armed forces communities that the right hon Gentleman speaks about.
Session: Operation Banner Legal Protection for Veterans
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Seven hundred and twenty-two of our soldiers were killed by paramilitary murderers during the troubles. Not one of those deaths will be revisited. Because of the current circumstances, however, hundreds of brave men—who, as the Secretary of State says, served their country with honour, patriotism and integrity—face a sword of Damocles of politically motivated trials hanging over them. I can think of no better example of two-tier justice. Whatever the Government do, they have to take that away, and do so in a way that cannot be circumvented by clever, politically motivated lawyers. Will he give the House an undertaking that he will do that?
Context
Veterans who served in Northern Ireland during the troubles face potential politically motivated trials. Seven hundred and twenty-two soldiers were killed by paramilitary murderers, but no deaths will be revisited.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
I agree with what the former Defence Secretary said in 2019. He said: ‘The British Army uphold British values, which is the rule of law, and that’s what we stand for.’ I advise the right hon. Gentleman to be a little bit careful about using the phrase “politically motivated” prosecutions—I hope I have correctly quoted him. Let us be clear: decisions about any prosecutions, in any cases, are taken by the independent Public Prosecution Service, which is entirely separate from the Executive.
Session: Veterans Legal Protections
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What discussions has she had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Education on the potential implications for her policies of councils becoming insolvent due to inadequate funding for SEND education? Next March, when local authorities can no longer exclude high needs elements from their balance sheets, half of them will go bankrupt as it now stands. Can the Minister give me an undertaking that we will not next year find ourselves either crushing the needs of special needs children or those of other needs in society?
Context
The MP noted that due to inadequate funding, many councils are facing financial distress related to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). He highlighted a specific case in the East Riding where this year’s education budget is estimated to be £17 million in deficit.
The Minister for Local Government and English Devolution (Jim McMahon)
First, we need to repair the system of SEND provision and deal with its impact on local authorities. The system is not sustainable in its current form, and we must reform it from the ground upwards. Secondly, deficits have been accruing and are still accruing, and that is a big issue. We certainly do not intend councils to be the victims of a system over which they have had no control, and we will work with them in our endeavour to prevent that.
Session: SEND Funding Council Insolvency
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In March, the Chancellor said: 'The regulatory system has become burdensome to the point of choking off innovation, investment and growth. We will free businesses from that stranglehold'. In my constituency, the Finnish company Metsä Tissue wants to invest hundreds of millions to build a state-of-the-art tissue manufacturing plant. The investment will provide 400 direct jobs, thousands of other jobs and £30 million a year for the local economy, but although the site is a freeport, the investment is hampered by monumental costs of £113 million to make it ready, although the same process on an equivalent site in Sweden will cost £4.5 million. What are the Government doing to correct this problem?
Context
The Secretary of State was addressing the waste dispute in Birmingham, urging parties to resolve it urgently. The MP is concerned about a Finnish company's investment plans being hampered by high costs.
Angela Rayner (The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government)
We have been doing a lot to try to ensure that, under this Government, taxpayers get value for money from the fair and reasonable amounts that we can invest to make land ready for development. As the right hon. Member said, we have the freeports—some of them a legacy from the previous Government—but we want to see infrastructure built, which is why we are bringing forward the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. We have committed ourselves to 150 new major infrastructure projects, so hopefully we will kick-start the economy in a way that his Government was unable to.
Session: Topical Questions
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Since we are swapping villages, I was in Pocklington last week at the site of what Professor Alice Roberts described as the most important iron age archaeological site in Britain: the Pocklington chariot burial. It is a magnificent thing, and the centre of a huge area of iron age archaeology. I was there to meet dedicated local volunteers who are creating a new museum at Burnby Hall based on that archaeology, which will bring tourists into the countryside. What can the Government do to help people like that develop ideas such as this?
Context
David Davis refers to the archaeological significance of the Pocklington chariot burial site, a major iron age archaeological discovery that has attracted international attention.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism (Chris Bryant)
Not every village in Britain suffers the problems of Midsomer, but I know of the work that people are trying to do in Pocklington. The right hon. Gentleman refers to Professor Alice Roberts and her wonderful work in this area, and everything I have seen about the hoard in Pocklington is absolutely amazing. I pay tribute to Burnby Hall gardens and museum, and it would be amazing if we were able to get it back into full use. The gardens are amazing—apparently there are 80 different kinds of wild water lily—but it would be good if we could get the whole museum going, and I pay tribute to the volunteers who are trying to make that happen.
Session: Tourism Outside Cities
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I agree with the Minister on what he just said, but Gavi says that the changing policy will mean that 37.9 million fewer children will be immunised, which means that over five years, 600,000 will die. How on earth does he live with himself with that policy?
Context
The MP references the planned reductions to ODA budget, citing a significant negative impact on immunisation efforts.
Stephen Doughty (Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
With the greatest of respect, the right hon. Gentleman will know my record on these important issues, having advocated for them over many years in this place and outside. I do not accept his characterisation. Decisions have not yet been taken; they are being taken as part of the spending review. He will know that the UK is one of the largest donors to Gavi. We have committed £1.65 billion in the current strategic period up to 2025 and that will make an important impact on children’s lives around the world.
Session: Official Development Assistance Infectious Diseases
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What assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of the roll-out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure? My part of the world, Yorkshire, has the lowest EV charging points per head of the whole country. The National Audit Office has pointed out that only 15% of charging points are in rural areas, compared with 44% in London and the south-east. The net zero aims will collapse if we do not fix the equitable provision of EV charging points. What will the Government do to correct those problems?
Context
Yorkshire has the lowest EV charging points per capita in the country. The National Audit Office reported only 15% of charging points are in rural areas compared to 44% in London and southeast England, raising concerns about equitable provision for net zero goals.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)
Charge point availability is increasing everywhere. As of 1 March, there were over 75,000 UK public charging devices, with one added to the network every 29 minutes, but we recognise that there are still regional disparities. The local EV infrastructure fund will deliver a further 100,000 charge points right across England. Charge points in rural areas have increased by 45% in the last year. The East Riding of Yorkshire, which covers the right hon. Member’s constituency, has received £2.7 million in LEVI funding; I hope that that will deliver the improvements he seeks for his constituents.
Session: Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
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The Defence Secretary should know that the whole House supports the Government’s actions to preserve peace in Ukraine, but that was not the point that the shadow Secretary of State was making. He was asking whether the Ministry of Defence recognises that it has a duty of care towards soldiers who fight for their country and then face decades of lawfare and the misuse of the European convention on human rights. Will the Ministry do something to protect those soldiers?
Context
The question arises in the context of a broader discussion about military operations, specifically regarding soldiers' protection against legal challenges following their service.
John Healey
I say to the right hon. Gentleman that we are totally committed to our duty of care and to standing by our forces. We also recognise that the previous Government put in place legislation—the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Act 2021—to deal with any concerns in this place.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps he is taking to ensure that compensation is paid to people impacted by the Post Office Horizon scandal in a timely manner? I thank the Minister for that answer. He and I will agree that the Post Office Horizon scandal is one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in modern times, but the problems with the Post Office and its injustice extend far beyond that. Some 21 cases relating to the precursor system, Capture, which bear the same hallmarks as those in the Horizon scandal, have been referred to the Criminal Cases Review Commission. I am afraid that the CCRC is famous for taking years to come to obvious decisions, so can the Minister tell me that it will deal with this in months? If not, will his Department intervene directly?
Context
The Post Office Horizon scandal involves wrongful convictions of postmasters due to faulty software, leading to a need for compensation. Additional cases related to the Capture system, with similar issues, have been referred to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC). The CCRC is known for taking years to make decisions.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)
In the past eight months we have trebled the total amount of compensation paid and ensured that more than 2,300 victims who had as yet received nothing have now had some financial redress. We are making up-front, fixed-sum offers and interim payments where possible to speed up the delivery of redress. There is still a lot more to do, though, and we remain committed to ensuring swift and fair redress for every postmaster affected by the Horizon scandal. The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to raise the issue of Capture. As he will know, we have published our response to the independent Kroll report on the Capture software issue and the way in which the Post Office responded to the data that came out of it. We have been meeting sub-postmasters who used the Capture system and who were the victims in that regard to talk through a redress scheme with them. We are also working closely with the Criminal Cases Review Commission and have made it clear to the Post Office that it must co-operate with requests from the CCRC so that we can speed up its deliberations on the 21 cases.
Session: Post Office Horizon Compensation
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Can the Secretary of State explain to the House in what circumstances the police and the Crown Prosecution Service are allowed to deny access to evidence, after a trial has concluded, to a defence lawyer who is seeking to appeal, as has happened in the Lucy Letby case and, I believe, in others?
Context
There are concerns about the police and CPS denying access to evidence after a trial has concluded, which impacts on defense lawyers' ability to appeal.
Shabana Mahmood
The right hon. Gentleman will appreciate that, as Justice Secretary, I am not able to interfere in any independent decisions made by the police or the Crown Prosecution Service, but he has made his point and I will ensure that it is dealt with by the appropriate individuals—either the Home Secretary or the head of the CPS.
Session: Topical Questions
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When a human civil servant—let us say at His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs or the DWP—makes a mistake and is challenged, they can explain their logic and how they came to the decision. We know that the courts always believe that computers are best and give the right answer, but AI makes mistakes—sometimes huge ones. Because of the way it is programmed, it cannot explain how it got to the decision. How will the Government ensure that the appeal process continues to work and we do not have a high-tech version of the Post Office scandal?
Context
The Government is applying AI to improve efficiency and effectiveness across Whitehall. A concern raised by the Post Office scandal involves human civil servants making mistakes that can be explained, whereas AI systems may make significant errors without providing an explanation.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Pat McFadden)
The right hon. Gentleman raises an important issue. The public inquiry into the Horizon scandal shows that blind faith in a computer system used in a court of law can lead to injustices. I do believe in the possibilities of AI, but it is important to keep the human element at all times. It will enhance human productivity but not replace it. That is the way we should go.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Secretary of State knows that I wrote to him before Christmas about the planned ward closures and degradation of services at Goole and district general hospital. Doing so will take beds, facilities and employees away from the national health service, which will do nothing but undermine his real attempts to reduce waiting lists and all the plans he announced yesterday. Will he look at the trust-level decision systems that lead to such catastrophic decisions that will undermine every aspect of NHS strategy and all that he is trying to do?
Context
The MP raises concerns about planned ward closures at Goole and district general hospital, which he believes undermines efforts to reduce waiting lists.
Wes Streeting
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for writing to me before Christmas. I recognise the pressures that have been placed on NHS commissioners in recent years and the pressure that that has put on service configurations. I tend to support the devolution of decision making, with decisions about service reconfigurations taken closer to the communities they serve. I recognise also that commissioners do not always get it right, which is why engagement with Members of Parliament and other democratically elected representatives is important. Ministerial oversight is important, too. We will look seriously at the issues he raises and talk to NHS leaders, and I know he will be doing the same. This Government are determined to give NHS leaders the tools to do the job, so that we can get the right care in the right place at the right time, with a better experience for patients and better value for taxpayers.
Session: NHS Waiting Times
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The Secretary of State knows that I wrote to him before Christmas about the planned ward closures and degradation of services at Goole and district general hospital. Doing so will take beds, facilities and employees away from the national health service, which will do nothing but undermine his real attempts to reduce waiting lists and all the plans he announced yesterday. Will he look at the trust-level decision systems that lead to such catastrophic decisions that will undermine every aspect of NHS strategy and all that he is trying to do?
Context
The MP raises concerns about planned ward closures at Goole and district general hospital, which he believes undermines efforts to reduce waiting lists.
Wes Streeting
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for writing to me before Christmas. I recognise the pressures that have been placed on NHS commissioners in recent years and the pressure that that has put on service configurations. I tend to support the devolution of decision making, with decisions about service reconfigurations taken closer to the communities they serve. I recognise also that commissioners do not always get it right, which is why engagement with Members of Parliament and other democratically elected representatives is important. Ministerial oversight is important, too. We will look seriously at the issues he raises and talk to NHS leaders, and I know he will be doing the same. This Government are determined to give NHS leaders the tools to do the job, so that we can get the right care in the right place at the right time, with a better experience for patients and better value for taxpayers.
Session: NHS Waiting Times
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At a recent hearing of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, it became apparent that the Northern Ireland police force had been caught surveilling journalists' telephones on the basis that they had received secret documents from whistleblowers. The reason for the secrecy of those documents was to cover up the embarrassment of the Royal Ulster Constabulary about its handling of the Loughinisland massacre. Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss the future use of surveillance powers by the Northern Ireland police?
Context
A recent hearing of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal revealed that the Police Service of Northern Ireland had surveilled journalists' telephones to cover up embarrassment related to the Loughinisland massacre.
Hilary Benn
I am indeed aware of the background to this case. The original search warrants were quashed and the police investigation was discontinued. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, the Investigatory Powers Tribunal is currently looking at this case, and it would not be appropriate for me to comment while that is ongoing. The Chief Constable has set up the McCullough review to look at the wider issue, and the right hon. Gentleman may well wish to make representations to that review.
Session: PSNI Surveillance Powers
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Whether he has had discussions with the Police Service of Northern Ireland on its use of surveillance powers.
Context
The question arises from discussions with the Chief Constable about the use of surveillance powers by the police force in Northern Ireland.
Hilary Benn
I meet regularly with the Chief Constable and his team to discuss a range of issues. While the Chief Constable has operational independence, the Investigatory Powers Commissioner's Office provides oversight of those powers to ensure that their use is necessary, proportionate and in accordance with the law.
Session: PSNI Surveillance Powers
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When last year the now Home Secretary called on the then Conservative Government to use counter-terror legislation to proscribe organisations such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, she will remember that I supported her publicly. Since then, Iran and the IRGC have got even more dangerous. Has she changed her mind, and if so, why?
Context
The now Home Secretary previously called on the Conservative Government to proscribe organisations such as IRGC, which has since become more dangerous.
Dan Jarvis
I have huge respect for the right hon. Gentleman, but I gently point out that he is asking the Government to do something that the previous Government did not do in 14 years. I can say to him that we are leading work on countering Iranian state threats, making use of the full breadth and expertise of our intelligence services and law enforcement agencies.
Session: Topical Questions
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Has the Minister any intention of addressing the resources, regulation and management of the CCRC to ensure that innocent people are not left incarcerated for many years?
Context
Andrew Malkinson's case took 17 years to overturn despite DNA evidence being available from the fourth year; concerns about resources, regulation, management of CCRC.
Heidi Alexander
What happened to Mr Malkinson is appalling, both for him and for the victim of the crime. It is vital that lessons are learned. As the right hon. Gentleman will know, following the publication of the Henley review of the CCRC's handling of Mr Malkinson's case, the Lord Chancellor's view is that the current chair is unfit to fulfil her duties. As for resources, the amount that the CCRC has received in recent years has risen, and we will continue to keep that under review.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can I bring the Secretary of State back to the issue of the postmasters who have not received their letters? There have been battles across this House, but those on all sides support fast responses to the postmasters. Can he please do so quickly?
Context
The MP is frustrated with the slow progress in sending letters to postmasters regarding quashed convictions.
Jonathan Reynolds
I thank the right hon. Member for his role, which I have referred to in the past and has been important in these matters. I am not passing the buck to anyone; I am simply saying that it is the Ministry of Justice, rather than me, that sends those letters out. As of 30 August, 130 letters have been sent out, quashing more than 370 convictions.
Session: Topical Questions
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Since January 2022, there have been about 15 incidents targeting Iran International journalists in Britain; is it time to ban the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps?
Context
Since January 2022, there have been approximately 15 incidents involving Iran International journalists being targeted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Britain.
Dan Jarvis
The right hon. Gentleman, who has a long-standing interest in these matters, knows that we do not comment on whether an organisation is being considered for proscription; what is clear is that Iran's malign activities, including the IRGC's actions, are completely unacceptable and under very close review.
Session: Topical Questions
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The New Yorker's article on the Lucy Letby case was blocked in the UK. Will the Lord Chancellor review this matter and report back?
Context
The New Yorker published a lengthy article about the Lucy Letby case, but it was blocked from UK internet due to a court order.
Alex Chalk
Court orders must be obeyed, but one can apply to remove them. Regarding Lucy Letby's case, juries' verdicts must be respected; appeals should follow normal procedures.
Session: Topical Questions
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When will the Foreign Office and the Home Office abandon their ridiculous pseudo security argument that is preventing the return of Shamima Begum and other women and children from northern Syria? Our allies oppose that policy because they know that it risks turning those children into tomorrow's terrorists.
Context
The Foreign Office and Home Office are preventing the return of women and children from northern Syria, despite opposition to this policy by allies.
Andrew Mitchell
My right hon. Friend, who knows a great deal about this matter, speaks with considerable authority on it.
Session: Topical Questions
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On a personal level, may I thank the Secretary of State for sponsoring my charity event yesterday for disabled children with SYNGAP1? Of course, I welcome the Government's funding of 60,000 new school places for children with special educational needs, but we need a fairer funding formula for those resources, and we need a further £4.6 billion just to prevent the crisis in special needs from getting worse, so what steps are the Government taking to ensure that funding is allocated according to need, not postcode?
Context
The MP for Goole and Pocklington thanked the Secretary of State for sponsoring his charity event and raised concerns about a fairer funding formula.
Gillian Keegan
I thank my right hon. Friend, who is doing exceptional work to raise awareness of the impacts of SYNGAP1, and has so far raised over £29,000 to support vital research. As he has pointed out, we are investing record amounts in special educational needs and disability funding. We review that funding and look at the formula every year; it has gone up by 60% over the past five years—to £10.5 billion—but I am very happy to meet my right hon. Friend, and look forward to doing so.
Session: Topical Questions
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The economic inactivity rate is now very high, with 2.8 million people citing long-term sickness as a reason. Some 17 million days of work are lost, at a cost of £13 billion to the economy. Has the Secretary of State seen the Policy Exchange report published today, with policy proposals backed by two of his predecessors, David Blunkett and my right hon. Friend the Member for Norwich North (Chloe Smith)? What steps are the Government taking to improve the provision of workplace health services through occupational health pathways and vocational rehabilitation, and will he consider the 15 proposals in the Policy Exchange report?
Context
The MP is concerned about the high economic inactivity rate due to long-term sickness, costing £13 billion annually. He references a Policy Exchange report with 15 proposals.
Mel Stride
I will of course look closely at the report that my right hon. Friend refers to; indeed, I reached out to him recently to invite him to the Department to discuss that and other matters. With regard to long-term sickness and disability, we are working on an array of interventions, including occupational health support within businesses; WorkWell, bringing together medical interventions with work coaches; universal support to help people into work, and to stay in work with that support; and fundamental reform of the work capability assessment, such that the OBR says that 371,000 fewer people will go on to those benefits going forward.
Session: Topical Questions
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Has any Foreign Office Minister, official or embassy member had any discussions with our American allies over the dysfunctional extradition treaty since the disgraceful end of the Sacoolas case?
Context
Disagreement over the extradition treaty following the Sacoolas case.
Andrew Mitchell
My right hon. Friend asks an extremely good question. He and I have co-operated on this matter many times in the past. If he would be so good as to table a question on this matter, I will make sure that he immediately gets a full answer to that question.
Session: Topical Questions
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Three years ago, on 16 March 2021, we had a debate in this House on precisely the subject of this question. At the time, I was concerned that Nicola Sturgeon's Government were covering up interference in the complaints process against the First Minister. Since then, in defiance of the Information Commissioner and of a court order, they have continued to cover up. Will the Cabinet Secretary look at whether the ministerial code and the civil service code have been broken?
Context
Concern about ongoing interference in the complaints process against the First Minister of Scotland, despite previous debates and rulings.
Alister Jack
My right hon. Friend should write to the Cabinet Secretary and ask him to do that very thing.
Session: Allegations of Impropriety in Public Life
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For the legislation to work, postmasters must come forward. A constituent mentioned a non-disclosure agreement and signing the Official Secrets Act as reasons for hesitation. Is he willing to end this policy if it prevents people from speaking out?
Context
Postmasters have been hesitant to come forward due to non-disclosure agreements. There are concerns about the Official Secrets Act preventing them from discussing their issues.
Kevin Hollinrake
I thank my right hon. Friend for all the work he has done in this area. I understand that the requirement to sign the Official Secrets Act relates to the confidentiality of mail; it does not relate to the confidentiality of issues regarding mistreatment by Post Office Ltd. My right hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise that point, and I will certainly raise it with Post Office Ltd, but I can confirm that that would not prevent somebody from speaking out, including to their Member of Parliament.
Session: Post Office Horizon System Exoneration of Sub-postmasters
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To some extent, SMEs have historically been blocked out by large companies. This week it was reported that the Government tried to block Fujitsu from bidding for future contracts, on the basis of woeful performance in previous contracts. Will the Government give further serious thought to blocking large companies with terrible track records, such as Fujitsu, from bidding for future contracts and, if necessary, legislate accordingly?
Context
The issue concerns the Government's attempt to exclude a company, Fujitsu, from bidding for future contracts based on their past performance issues.
Alex Burghart
I thank my right hon. Friend for his question. As he will know, there are clearly defined circumstances in which the Government can exclude companies from bidding for contracts. With regard to Fujitsu, this morning the Cabinet Office received a letter from Fujitsu voluntarily undertaking not to bid for Government contracts while the inquiry is ongoing.
Session: Public Procurement SMEs
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Kaye Adams won her case against HMRC on IR35 status despite losing earlier. HMRC took her to four additional hearings over nine years, forcing her to spend £200k in legal fees while the tax bill was only £70k. There is no economic case for this practice. When will the Government review and ideally abolish IR35?
Context
A TV presenter won a case against HMRC on IR35 status but was subjected to repeated tribunals and court hearings, spending £200k in legal fees.
Nigel Huddleston
It is our duty to ensure everyone pays right tax regardless of wealth/status. We note tribunal decision, analyse outcome before considering next steps.
Session: Topical Questions
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On 14 November, the Government signed a memorandum of understanding with the US state of Florida. This is the seventh such agreement that the Government have signed with a state in the US, and I understand that there are ongoing discussions with other states. Obviously, that is welcome. Will the Secretary of State give us an assessment of the effect of this approach, and tell us what the next steps are to getting a more general trade agreement with the United States?
Context
The MP notes the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Florida, the seventh such agreement.
Kemi Badenoch
We are ready to have a free trade agreement with the US, but it is not undertaking free trade agreements with any country. That is, of course, disappointing, but it knows that we stand ready. That is why we have the state MOU programme. The latest figures show that UK-US trade has reached £310 billion.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Thirlwall Inquiry Terms of Reference
16 July 2026
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
The MP raised serious concerns about the Lucy Letby case, highlighting institutional self-preservation over justice. He discussed the Thirlwall inquiry's narrow scope and called for a broader examinat...
Backbench Business
16 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Lord Mandelson: Government Response to Humble Address
19 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Debate on the Address
13 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Referral of Prime Minister to Committee of Privileges
28 April 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion calls for the matter of Peter Mandelson's appointment as US Ambassador to be referred to the Privileges Committee due to claims that the Prime Minister misled the House. Kemi Badenoch argue...
Points of Order
27 April 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Northern Ireland Troubles Bill - Motion to carry over the bill to next Session
27 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment seeks to ensure that proceedings on the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill continue into the next parliamentary session. The Bill is essential to address the legacy of the troubles, which ha...
Peter Mandelson: Government Appointment
21 April 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Gurkha Veterans
26 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Rises to speak on the subject of support for Gurkha veterans and their dependants. Shares the story of Ghanendra Limbu, a Gurkha veteran who suffered severe injuries during his service in the Falkland...
Lucy Letby Case: Conduct of Cheshire Police
26 March 2026
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
Before the debate, Ms Nusrat Ghani informed the House about live inquests into the deaths of six babies and obtained a waiver from Mr Speaker to allow these cases to be discussed due to their sub judi...
Attendance
51.0%
50 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
28
28.6% of votes
No Votes
22
22.4% of votes
Abstentions
48
49.0% 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
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
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 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
DID NOT VOTE
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
VOTED AYE
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
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
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
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
VOTED NO
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
15
PMQs Asked
87
Ministerial Questions Asked
176
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
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
+310% above average
This MP:
15
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+549% above average
This MP:
87
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3522% above average
This MP:
176
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 (%)
-26% below average
This MP:
51.0
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 David Davis's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.