David Simmonds
MP for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Con
12 Dec 2019 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Our child protection services have had to deal with a number of cases where parents and carers have argued that their fatal actions were lawful punishment. Will the Deputy Prime Minister bring forward legislation bringing the rest of our country into line with Scotland and Wales, so that all children enjoy unambiguous protection in law against violence?
Context
There are cases where parents and carers have argued that their fatal actions were lawful punishment. Scotland and Wales already protect children from violence.
Angela Rayner
The hon. Gentleman raises a very important point. I will ensure that the Minister has a meeting with him. The first job of any Government is to protect their citizens and that includes our children.
Assessment
Specific legislation or timeline not provided
Session: PMQs
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My constituents in Ickenham and South Harefield benefit enormously from the work of the police based in the nearby Uxbridge police station, which remains open only because of the campaign by the Conservative-led council to stop the Mayor of London closing it down. Does my right hon. Friend agree that, as we invest in more police, those police need good local police stations to work from?
Context
The questioner's constituents benefit from the Uxbridge police station, which remains open due to campaigning by the Conservative-led council against the Mayor of London.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend puts the point very well. Whether it is campaigning to keep open their local police station or opposing the ULEZ charge that would put up costs for hard-working families, it is the Conservatives in Uxbridge who are delivering for their community.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not directly confirm agreement but praised his friend's stance on local police stations.
Session: PMQs
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Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner has a great many car-dependent older and disabled constituents, many of whom are horrified to read that the Mayor of London may have manipulated the outcome of his own consultation in order to impose an unwanted £12.50 daily charge every time they go to a medical appointment or attend hospital. Does my right hon. Friend agree that any further roll-out of the ultra low emission zone should be paused until those matters have been fully investigated?
Context
The Mayor of London may have manipulated the outcome of his consultation to impose an unwanted £12.50 daily charge for car-dependent older and disabled constituents in Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend rightly points out that transport in London is devolved to the Labour Mayor of London. It is disappointing that the Mayor, backed by the Leader of the Opposition, is choosing not to listen to the public and expanding the zone against the overwhelming views of residents and businesses. I urge the Mayor to reconsider properly and to respond to those serious concerns.
Assessment
Did not explicitly state whether further roll-out should be paused
Session: PMQs
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My constituent Joel Lindop has suffered the abduction of his young children to Poland. His is one of many families in the UK who go through a similar experience every year. Despite repeated judgments in his favour in the courts in Poland, he has been unable to persuade the Polish authorities to fulfil their obligations under international law and return those children to their family. Will my right hon. Friend intercede so that my constituent, and the many other families who face this challenge, can ensure that their children are returned safely and in a timely fashion in the future?
Context
Joel Lindop's children were abducted to Poland despite repeated judgments in his favour. The Polish authorities have not fulfilled their obligations under international law.
Dominic Raab
I cannot imagine how appalling that situation must be for any parent to find themselves in. My hon. Friend will know that we are committed to the 1980 Hague convention on child abduction, which provides a mechanism.
Assessment
Interceding in the Polish cases directly
Mechanism Provided By Convention
Session: PMQs
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that rebuilding Hillingdon Hospital will benefit his and my constituents? Will he commit to working with me, other local MPs, and potential future MPs like Peter Fleet to ensure the future of services at Mount Vernon Hospital is protected?
Context
The rebuild of Hillingdon Hospital will be beneficial for constituents. There is a need to secure future services at Mount Vernon Hospital in Ruislip.
Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend is right about Hillingdon Hospital's great future. I look forward to working with him to ensure that services at Mount Vernon are also protected, a full consultation due to start in September.
Session: PMQs
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What plans does he have to celebrate the completion of this significant refugee resettlement initiative?
Context
The Prime Minister has the opportunity to mark a successful conclusion for Syria's five-year resettlement program.
Boris Johnson
The UK can be proud of resettling over 25,000 Syrians through safe routes from conflict zones.
Session: PMQs
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Cadet centres such as the TS Pelican in Ruislip are a vital part of our armed forces community, but given that the Government have decided to cut the funding that supports our cadet groups, can the Minister tell us what progress is being made with private sector investment that the Government have said will backfill the consequences of those cuts?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of funding cuts on cadet centres such as TS Pelican in Ruislip.
Calvin Bailey
We still intend to expand the cadet forces by 40,000 cadets, and that target will be met by 2035. The details are in the cadet action plan.
Session: Cadets 2026-07-06
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What steps he is taking to support cadets. My question relates to supporting cadet centres such as the TS Pelican in Ruislip, a vital part of our armed forces community. However, given that the Government have decided to cut funding for these groups, can you tell me what progress is being made with private sector investment?
Context
The MP is concerned about the support provided to cadet programmes.
Calvin Bailey
We are committed to expanding and modernising the five MOD-sponsored cadet forces, aiming for a 30% growth target by 2035. The next action plan will be published during National Cadets Week in October. We still intend to expand the cadet forces by 40,000 cadets.
Session: Cadets 2026-07-06
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Can the Minister tell the House whether job losses in hospitality and retail are impacted by rises in business rates? The Government promised lower rates but face a 22% increase. What is the impact?
Context
The question addresses concerns about job losses in hospitality and retail since the Government took office and their relation to business rates.
Steve Reed
We are reforming the business rates system to offer permanently lower taxes, supporting high streets into the future. We support communities to bring empty units back into use through Government funding.
Session: High Streets
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I commend the hon. Member for Dulwich and West Norwood (Helen Hayes) for raising this issue, which is part of a wider issue that many hon. Members will have heard about from constituents. Through legislation passed by the Conservative Government, with Labour Members' support, and the legislation that is being consulted on, what concrete steps do the Government intend to take to prevent rip-off fees, and unfair arrangements that shuffle costs on to private tenants—or council tax payers, in the case of social housing tenants—so that people can have confidence that the homes that they need will be provided, and will be fit for the future?
Context
There are concerns about tenant management organisations imposing rip-off fees on private tenants or shifting costs onto council tax payers in the case of social housing tenants.
Matthew Pennycook
We do need confidence in the system. Many tenant management organisations provide excellent resident-led housing services, but it is right that councils can intervene if things go wrong. Powers to intervene in cases of serious failings are included in the management agreement between councils and TMOs, but as I said in response to my hon. Friend the Member for Dulwich and West Norwood (Helen Hayes), we are reviewing where we can go further on governance and accountability to ensure that the right safeguards are in place.
Session: Tenant and Resident Management Organisations Regulation
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Will the Minister undertake to cancel this proposed UK-Mauritius treaty, bring certainty about the future of the base and ensure that my constituents do not continue to bear the consequences of those forced to flee by the Government's actions?
Context
The UK is negotiating a treaty with Mauritius over Diego Garcia. This has caused concern among local authorities who are dealing with an influx of Chagossian refugees.
Stephen Doughty
Chagossians are coming due to previous Government agreements, support is provided to councils through those arrangements. I have worked closely with MHCLG on this issue.
Session: UK-Mauritius Treaty
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If she will suspend the process to ratify the UK-Mauritius treaty due to its significant impact on my constituents caring for hundreds of Chagossians coming from Heathrow airport and placing huge financial pressures on local councils.
Context
The UK is in the process of ratifying a treaty with Mauritius over Diego Garcia. The question arises from concerns about the impact on Chagossians who are fleeing to the UK, placing financial pressure on local authorities like Hillingdon Council.
Stephen Doughty
I disagree with the premise that Chagossians are fleeing due to Government actions. Support has been provided to councils through agreements for British citizenship. I have worked closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on this issue.
Session: UK-Mauritius Treaty
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Maximising council tax increases underpins the Government's financial strategy. The Minister admits no impact assessment has been done regarding these rises on living costs for households. Will she assure that the Prime Minister considered this when deploying bailiffs to enforce collection?
Context
Concerns about the government's approach to maximising council tax revenues without proper assessment of cost-of-living impacts.
Alison McGovern
I think that is a little bit rich given what we lived through. On average, Tory councils cost people more. The best way to ensure recovery from austerity is to improve services and deal with the cost-of-living crisis by not paying for failure.
Session: Council Tax Debt Collection
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The figures published by the Home Office show around a 7% rise in the asylum and dispersal accommodation numbers. My Hillingdon constituents argue housing needs should prioritize long-standing residents over newly arrived asylum seekers. Does the Minister agree?
Context
Hillingdon has the highest number of asylum seekers per capita in any local authority area, putting pressure on temporary accommodation.
Alex Norris
While acknowledging the pressure, the Minister notes that building houses would help address the root cause of the crisis. The reduction in numbers from September to December 2025 is welcomed.
Session: Asylum Seekers Accommodation
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My constituent, Vijay Odedra, has been telling me how his small business, CapnoTrainer, has been working with the Royal Navy to improve the fighting capacity and resilience of our sailors. While we wait for the defence investment plan, will the Secretary of State tell us what steps he has in mind to harness the innovation in our small and medium-sized enterprise sector?
Context
The MP highlighted a local business working with the Royal Navy to improve sailors' resilience.
Luke Pollard
I welcome the hon. Gentleman promoting a defence SME. There are defence SMEs in every constituency that do a good job. We created the Defence Office for Small Business Growth to support more SMEs in gaining defence contracts and to increase the direct spend that the Ministry of Defence has with them.
Session: Topical Questions
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According to the Government's own statistics, 84% of respondents to their consultation said they felt that the system for challenging unfair charges for managing agents and other lease arrangements was not fit for purpose. The Conservatives agree—that is why we legislated to address this in the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024. I appreciate that the Secretary of State has had a few distractions recently, but he has told the House that he is committed to addressing this matter. Can he tell all our leaseholder constituents by when the Government will enact that legislation, which we passed with his party's support?
Context
The question is about the timeline for enacting legislation to address issues in leasehold and freehold systems.
Steve Reed
Of course, nothing is going to distract me from focusing on the needs of leaseholders, and we remain fully committed to ensuring that the provisions and powers outlined in the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act are brought into force as soon as possible. It is important for us to go through the technical detail that is covered by the consultation, but we will bring forward those proposals in due course and as quickly as possible.
Session: Leasehold Reform
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Rather than focusing on releasing green belt for development, why do the Government not focus on building homes that already have planning permission and could be built on brownfield sites tomorrow?
Context
The question highlights a report identifying London's capacity for additional housing on brownfield sites. The MP questions why the government does not focus on these sites instead of releasing green belt.
Matthew Pennycook
The Government are focusing precisely on this. We have strengthened national planning policy in respect of previously developed land and our new homes accelerator is unblocking permission sites across the country.
Session: Grey-belt Land
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The volunteers at the front desk and I have had no response from the Mayor of London regarding the closure. Will the Minister intervene to ensure that we get a proper response and that my constituents' concerns are heard?
Context
Concerns over the closure of a police station by the Mayor of London's programme leaves Harrow with no in-person access to the police despite attempts to raise concerns.
Sarah Jones
I am sure that the Mayor of London listens to the hon. Gentleman's constituents' concerns, but I did not directly commit to interventions or responses.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given the surge in homelessness and rough sleeping under this Government, with London and the southeast hardest hit due to collapsed social housing delivery, will the Minister commit to lifting the restrictions that have been placed on councils’ use of the homelessness reduction grant? Additionally, will she fund councils for the growing impact of asylum seekers on homelessness pressures?
Context
The MP notes that homelessness and rough sleeping are surging in London and the south-east. He also mentions restrictions on councils' use of the homelessness reduction grant.
The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)
Homelessness and rough sleeping doubled under the previous Tory Government. Our homelessness strategy will be published shortly, along with a policy statement on the fair funding review to stabilise council funding and target it at areas with significant levels of deprivation.
Session: Homelessness Strategy Housing First
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Despite that answer, it is clear that things are getting worse. Our councils are battling with the cost of this Government’s border failures. The 22% rise in small boat arrivals, combined now with Chagossians arriving in rising numbers, throwing themselves at the mercy of our local authorities as they escape Starmer’s sell-out, is stretching council housing budgets to breaking point. The Government have refused to answer my written questions about what financial support they provide to councils housing asylum seekers and refugees who are granted asylum in their areas. Can the Minister tell the House how much of the proposed rise in council tax is for the cost of the Government’s asylum failures, and will he publish the full costs and support in the interests of transparency?
Context
The MP is concerned about the rising costs to local authorities due to an increase in small boat arrivals and Chagossians seeking refuge. He requests details on financial support provided by the government to councils housing asylum seekers.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
The hon. Gentleman is conflating two separate issues. Genuine asylum seekers who have been granted refugee status and who can stand on their own two feet and work will rent, in some cases in the private rented sector and in other cases in market housing. Some dispersal accommodation for those seeking asylum will, of course, be in the private rented sector, and that can add pressure to local rental markets. That is why decisions must be made in co-ordination with local authorities and taking into account local housing pressures. More importantly, that is why the reduction in hotel use needs to be proceeded with in an ordered and managed way, not the chaotic way that the Conservatives have been calling for.
Session: Private Rented Sector People Granted Asylum
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The Minister knows from his time at the Local Government Association of the impact that asylum has on the budgets of local authorities. With the Home Office’s much-vaunted increase in the grant rate for asylum claims, the Government are pushing thousands of households on to council waiting lists and shunting millions in costs on to council tax payers. What additional funding and measures does he aim to secure to help to mitigate those costs, which are affecting so many of our local authorities?
Context
Local authorities are facing increasing pressure due to the influx of asylum seekers from various government policies. This has led to financial strain on council budgets.
Jim McMahon
Quite frankly, it is a bit rich for any shadow Minister to critique the current system when the Conservatives deliberately designed it in their 14 years in government. The question is how we go about repairing it. One thing must absolutely be put right; the disjointed system in which different Government Departments work in silos cannot carry on. One of the successes of the leaders’ council is that for, the first time ever, local government leaders are around the table with the Government, including in a meeting with the Home Office and our Department, to work through exactly those issues. That is the change: for the first time, those in local government are being treated as adults.
Session: Local Authority Funding
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What plans does the Justice Secretary have to ensure that we have tougher sentences that are fit for purpose so our communities do not face this burden in the future?
Context
Criminal gangs are imposing a significant cost on Hillingdon, which has the highest level of asylum seekers per capita among local authorities. The council supports asylum seekers who have been smuggled into the UK.
Shabana Mahmood (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
I can assure the hon. Gentleman that I and colleagues in the Justice Department are working closely with our colleagues in the Home Department to make sure that we have a joined-up approach to tackling the issues he has raised. He knows that asylum is primarily a policy issue for the Home Secretary, and I will make sure that she and her team are made aware of the specific problems in Hillingdon that he has raised today.
Session: Immigration Offences Sentencing
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On Friday in my constituency I met the leader of Hillingdon council, which hosts 3,000 asylum seekers in Home Office accommodation—the most per capita of any local authority in the country. He told me that the council faces a £5 million per annum funding shortfall, which is more than its entire budget for libraries and culture on supporting asylum seekers. What plans does the Home Secretary have to ensure that local authorities are reimbursed in full for the role they play in supporting asylum seekers in this country?
Context
Hillingdon council hosts the most asylum seekers per capita in the country with a funding shortfall of £5 million annually.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Yvette Cooper)
The hon. Member raises an important point, and we did inherit an unacceptable asylum backlog, including huge and unacceptable bills for asylum accommodation. We have already brought the bills for asylum accommodation down, saving hundreds of millions of pounds, with hundreds of millions of pounds more to be saved over the course of this year. That is a result of the action we are taking to clear the backlog that the previous Government left us with, and as part of that we are working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on how to co-ordinate support for local councils.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Opposition broadly support the Government’s proposals in the plan for neighbourhoods, which carries on the excellent work started under the previous Government. However, how will the proposals to diversify the base of consultees to prioritise the voice of trade unions—which, by definition, are found mainly in large public sector and corporate organisations—not drown out the voice of the small businesses on which our town centres depend?
Context
The Opposition supports the Government's plan for neighbourhoods but questions the proposed diversification of consultees to prioritise trade unions over small businesses.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Alex Norris)
I am grateful for the opportunity to remind the House, and the hon. Gentleman and his Front-Bench colleagues, that they of course wanted the predecessor programme to the plan for neighbourhoods, but did not provide any money for it. That was a slight oversight, which we have been able to address in order to keep the promises that they made but would have had to break. On the point about trade union boards, I can understand why Opposition colleagues do not want the voices of millions of ordinary people in the room when decisions are made; they never do, and they never will. However, trade unions are not in competition with small businesses—far from it. There is room for both in the discussions, and both will add lots to those discussions.
Session: Town Centres Population Growth
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While section 106 agreements are good at securing funds for new NHS facilities, NHS Property Services has not always delivered these facilities on time. What assurance can the Secretary of State give that across Government there will be a focus on ensuring timely delivery?
Context
NHS Property Services has been less effective in delivering promised health facilities within the timeframes set by section 106 agreements.
Angela Rayner
We have set up a unit within my Department to hold developers accountable, working across Government to ensure that infrastructure is built. We will strengthen section 106 planning obligations.
Session: New Housing Access to Health Services
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We note that the Government have chosen not to take forward the Grenfell report recommendation relating to certification bodies on materials safety. Given the previous Minister’s failure to reply to my questions on the new use of European standards in respect of fire performance, will the new Minister assure the House that we can be absolutely confident that the fire safety performance regulations in place are clear, robust and effective?
Context
The Government have not taken forward the Grenfell report recommendation relating to certification bodies on materials safety.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Alex Norris)
They will be all those things; I believe that is a shared goal. For clarity, we are taking forward the recommendations. As we stated last week, we do not think that the testing houses ought to be under the purview of a single construction regulator, as that would mean that the regulator would essentially mark its own homework if there was a problem. I know Opposition Members have a problem with this, and I am more than happy to speak about it in greater detail. We are looking very closely at European standards, as the hon. Gentleman will have seen in the “Construction Products Reform” Green Paper. Alignment with those European standards is probably a desirable goal, but that is subject to the ongoing consultation. We are very clear that the current regime does not cover enough construction products. There is not enough transparency or accountability when things go wrong. Our desire, as has been expressed from the Dispatch Box, is for a very high standards regime, and I look forward to working with Opposition Members in service of that shared goal.
Session: Fire Safety Local Authority Planning
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As my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Buckinghamshire (Greg Smith) has highlighted, simply putting people out of their homes is not a solution to fuel poverty. Given that the figures very clearly show that the cost of the upgrades in many cases massively exceeds the financial benefit to either the tenant or the landlord, can the Minister give the House her personal assurance that this objective is realistic and achievable?
Context
The MP emphasized that simply removing people from their homes is not a solution to fuel poverty. He noted that the cost of upgrades often exceeds the financial benefit for both tenants and landlords.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Rushanara Ali)
We recognise that it is important to get the balance right. The Renters’ Rights Bill will put in place new regulations to protect tenants, and as I have said, there are schemes to support landlords who need support. Investment in a property is an important part of ownership, and improvements can lead to increases in property value, and in the attractiveness of lets to tenants.
Session: Energy Efficiency Standards
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Does the Minister share my concern that Labour-led Rushmoor council is using the standards procedure to attack its own members for bringing this legitimate matter of concern to public attention?
Context
One strategy that councils use to address homelessness is to move homeless households elsewhere in the country.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Rushanara Ali)
The shadow Minister will be aware that the shortage of housing is driving out-of-area placements. I am very happy to come back to him on his specific example, but the Deputy Prime Minister has written to councils setting out their responsibilities and that out-of-area placements should be a last resort. We will continue to work with councils to support them as they deal with the challenge of the underlying problem, which is the housing shortage and the crisis that has been left behind.
Session: Homelessness
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Will this Government commit to removing the ringfences that they have introduced around the homelessness prevention grant, heeding councils’ calls to give them back the flexibility they need to get rough sleepers and homeless households into accommodation?
Context
St Mungo’s has reported a 27% rise in rough sleeping in London under this Government compared with the same period under the last Government.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Rushanara Ali)
I thank the shadow Minister for his question. The fact is that this Government are investing record amounts of funding to tackle the root causes. That requires action on prevention, and we are working with councils to ensure that we address those underlying causes. We have inherited a mess—record levels of homelessness and rough sleeping—and we are determined to get a grip on it.
Session: Homelessness
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Many areas of the country stand to lose millions of pounds from the scrapping of the rural services grant—one of many local government funding streams that are expected to change. When will our councils, and this House, know the full impact of the financial changes, so that any reorganisation, devolution, or changes to local plans and other council strategies can be delivered with full knowledge of the impact that the changes will have on councils' on the ability to lead locally?
Matthew Pennycook
Full details of the provisional settlement will be set out in the coming weeks.
Session: Planning Reform
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Ministers briefed the media over a week ago about plans for local government reorganisation and devolution. When do the Government plan to set them before the House, so that Members representing areas across the country can take a view?
Matthew Pennycook
I am not sure how that relates to planning reform, which is the subject of the question, but my hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government will set out in due course how our plans for devolution will be taken forward.
Session: Planning Reform
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In the rush for numbers, we must not ignore the need to ensure that new homes are built to appropriate standards. Given that the Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the hon. Member for Bethnal Green and Stepney (Rushanara Ali), has been stripped of responsibility for building safety because of conflicts of interest, can Ministers assure the House that the haste for targets will not undermine building safety?
Context
Conflicts of interest have stripped responsibility for building safety.
Angela Rayner
We will ensure that houses are built to decent homes standards, which we have already set out, and that we meet those targets—unlike in the 14 years under the Conservatives.
Session: Housing Supply
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Certainty for councils is vital for housing delivery, but given the uncertainty created by the Government's new top-down targets, which will delay the implementation of local plans and therefore planning decisions, how confident are the Government of meeting their housing targets?
Context
Uncertainty in the implementation of local plans may delay planning decisions.
Angela Rayner
Britain is facing the sharpest housing crisis ever because of the failure of Conservative Members. We will ensure, through our mandatory housing targets and in the announcements that have been made, and that will be made in the Budget, that we get the houses that Britain needs.
Session: Housing Supply
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My constituent, Frederick Cooksley, was sent a fine by the Mayor of London for breaching the ultra low emission zone rules, despite driving on a road where the ULEZ does not apply. Will she prevail upon her colleague the Mayor of London to ensure everyone who has been issued a fine in error is automatically refunded?
Context
Mr Frederick Cooksley received a fine for breaching the ultra low emission zone rules despite driving on a road where ULEZ does not apply.
Louise Haigh
I am sure the Mayor of London will have heard that question. We will pass on issues around fining on roads where the ULEZ does not apply.
Session: Topical Questions
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What measures do the Government have in mind to increase the take-up of this approach by our local authorities?
Context
The MP from Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner asks about measures to increase the take-up of approaches enabling local authorities to create new council housing.
Matthew Pennycook
The Government are committed to working with councils, providing more flexibility for right-to-buy receipts and allocating an additional £450 million to secure homes for families at risk of homelessness. Plans will be set out at the next fiscal event.
Session: Social Housing Supply
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What led the Government to prioritise removing green-belt protections rather than building the 1.4 million new homes with planning consent already granted?
Context
The MP from Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner inquires about the process leading to prioritising removal of green-belt protections.
Matthew Pennycook
The changes aim to encourage the release of lower-quality grey belt land within the green belt while ensuring stalled sites are moved forward with additional support.
Session: Social Housing Supply
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There has been a 6% decline in nought to four-year-olds between 2015 and 2021, leading to challenges for local authorities managing school populations. Given this context, I ask if the government will work with schools and local authorities to promote more inclusion for SEND pupils in mainstream schools.
Context
A recent report by London Councils highlights a 4.3% drop in the number of pupils in schools in Hillingdon. There is concern about falling numbers on rolls in outer London.
David Johnston
The number of nought to four-year-olds declined by 6% between 2015 and 2021, leading to challenges. The government is providing £242 million this financial year to support schools with managing declining numbers. Many SEND pupils can be included in mainstream schools through the SEND and alternative provision improvement plan.
Session: Topical Questions
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What further steps can be taken to ensure that British aid finds its way to civilians in need, rather than into the hands of Hamas fighters?
Context
The UK's armed forces are facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Grant Shapps
That is one of the greatest challenges in the current situation. We are working with the British Red Cross, UNICEF, the UN World Food Programme, the Egyptian Red Crescent and others to ensure that aid gets to the right places. That is extremely challenging, and has slowed down aid delivery.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Aid
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What reassurances can the Minister offer families in my area that, finally, the Government are going to get on top of the childcare crisis we are facing and make sure that families in my constituency will not have to go without?
Context
Families in the constituency are finding it hard to access affordable childcare. Two providers have mentioned that the current level and structure of free hours funding is not sufficient for expanding.
David Johnston
We set our rates based on a survey of more than 9,000 providers, in order to get those right. Last year we saw a 13,000 increase in the number of staff in the sector and a 15,000 increase in the number of places.
Session: Childcare Provision
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What steps she is taking to increase childcare provision. Clearly, as my constituent Diane Bennett, who runs a small group of very popular local nurseries, tells me how appreciative she is of the Government's plan for childcare and early education, particularly the £500 million of additional funding that has been secured.
Context
No specific context provided.
David Johnston
Last week the Chancellor announced that we will be increasing rates until the end of 2027 for early years providers, which is something they have asked for. I cannot give my hon. Friend any reassurance about Labour's plan, because it has no plan.
Session: Childcare Provision
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Does my hon. Friend agree that the new Riverside park delivered by Harrow council in partnership with the Hatch End Association is a good example of projects that support biodiversity in our suburbs?
Context
The MP highlights a local project in Harrow aimed at supporting biodiversity.
Rebecca Pow
My hon. Friend is a great champion for his local area. He is absolutely right; we are working with a range of local partners and people to put nature at the heart of what we do. I cannot commend Harrow council and the Hatch End Association enough for their work—they are putting in an apple orchard, wetlands and wildflower meadows, which are a superb addition to his already beautiful constituency.
Session: Biodiversity Loss
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What steps his Department is taking to help reverse biodiversity loss?
Context
The question pertains to the Government's efforts in reversing biodiversity loss. The MP highlights the importance of environmental conservation in his constituency.
Rebecca Pow
This Government have created a whole framework for restoring nature through our legally binding Environment Act 2021 targets, which include our world-leading commitment to halt the decline of species by 2030. We are accelerating action towards that through our environmental improvement plan. It is a shame I was not asked about this by the shadow Minister, but we have restored an area of wildlife habitats the size of Dorset, we have a network of marine protected areas, 5 million trees were planted last year, we have 55-plus landscape projects.
Session: Biodiversity Loss
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My constituents Susan and David Cfas have made representations to me about the situation facing them and many other pensioners who are having to access benefits and other Government support because they are stuck in an annuity trap, whereby at retirement they posted an annuity, which has remained fixed. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss the plight of pensioners in that situation to see whether more can be done to encourage them to access different approaches to increase their income?
Context
Susan and David Cfas have informed the MP about pensioners struggling with fixed annuity rates leading to reliance on benefits. There is a need for alternative income sources.
Paul Maynard
That is certainly one reason why we are trying to get people to engage in a more considered way with what they do at the point of the decumulation of their pension funds, but I am more than happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss his specific concerns about annuities in due course.
Session: Topical Questions
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Despite the welcome fall in inflation, my constituent Deborah Garrard speaks for herself and many pensioners who are concerned about a second winter of high fuel prices. Will my hon. Friend outline what further measures the Department is considering to help reduce pensioners' financial burden?
Context
The question addresses concerns about high fuel prices this winter affecting pensioners.
Paul Maynard
I know that Mrs Garrard will not be the only older resident in the country concerned about energy prices this winter. We have increased the warm home discount to up to £150, and there is a whole suite of cold weather payments.
Session: Cost of Living Pensioners
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What steps his Department is taking to help pensioners with the cost of living. Pensioner households are struggling, and assistance is needed.
Context
The question addresses the financial challenges faced by pensioners due to rising living costs.
Paul Maynard
More than 8 million pensioner households will receive a £300 payment this winter to top up their winter fuel allowance payment. The 1.4 million pensioners currently in receipt of pension credit may also receive cost of living payments totalling up to £900 in 2023-24.
Session: Cost of Living Pensioners
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Many local authorities have given the investment managers for their pension funds a mandate to invest in infrastructure. What plans does my right hon. Friend have to encourage greater infrastructure investment by UK public sector pension funds?
Context
The MP notes that local authorities are giving investment managers for their pension funds a mandate to invest in infrastructure.
Jeremy Hunt
Working with the former Economic Secretary to the Treasury, my hon. Friend the Member for Arundel and South Downs (Andrew Griffith), we announced major reforms in July to help local government pension funds lead the way in the transformation we are looking for, in particular by sending a direction that they should invest in pools worth more than £50 billion.
Session: Pension Scheme Investment
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
International Child Abduction — [Judith Cummins in the Chair]
22 March 2023
Responding: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Main Concerns
["The debate focuses on the enforcement of UK court decisions in international law regarding child abduction cases. The speaker highlights that despite due process being followed in the UK, these decisions are not consistently respected abroad, particularly by Poland. He notes a case where his constituent's child was taken to Poland without consent and points out that Brussels II and IIa regulations apply alongside The Hague convention. However, enforcement has been disappointing, especially at local levels within Poland, leading to delays and legal complexities such as additional appeal stages that delay the return of children."]
Specific Asks
['The MP asks the Government to take seriously the plight of affected constituents and place evidence before the Polish government to seek swift compliance with international law decisions.']
Children and Families: Cross-Government Strategy
14 July 2021
Responding: Vicky Ford
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the inconsistencies in supporting children across various aspects of life including health, education, child poverty, enrichment activities, financial education, and preparation for work. The key challenge lies in coordinating efforts between different government departments to ensure that every child receives consistent support. For example, there is a need to address issues such as school surpluses exceeding £1.4 billion and market failures affecting refugee children placements.']
Specific Asks
["I ask the Government to develop a clear cross-government strategy for children, setting out national outcomes from antenatal support through education to university entry. I also urge the Minister to consider aligning England's laws on corporal punishment with Wales, Scotland and other international allies as recommended by research."]
World Social Work Day — [Derek Twigg in the Chair]
18 March 2021
Main Concerns
['David Simmonds highlighted the crucial role of social workers in supporting vulnerable individuals across various stages of life, from children to adults with learning difficulties and elderly people. He cited research indicating that fewer than one in five residents will ever come into contact with social care services throughout their lives, emphasizing how important it is for society to recognize the work of social workers despite this low visibility. Simmonds shared personal experiences from his time in local government, showcasing transformative changes brought about by good-quality social work practices and lamented the challenges faced when intervention comes too late.']
Specific Asks
["Simmonds called on the Government to ensure that social services are properly resourced and joined-up with healthcare systems to meet residents' expectations. He also expressed a wish for greater understanding of what social workers do in order to contribute to an informed debate about their importance."]
Civil Service Pensions
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government and Public Involvement (England) Bill - Commencement
28 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves amendment to disagree with Lords Amendments 89B and 89C but proposes an alternative amendment in lieu.
The Planning Bill - Various Lords Amendments
27 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves an amendment to the Lords' amendments, proposing further modifications to address concerns raised by the House of Commons and to maintain control over certain aspects of local government structu...
Peter Mandelson: Government Appointment
21 April 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Schools White Paper: Every Child Achieving and Thriving
23 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Finance
11 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to approve the Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27, laying before the House on 9 February.
UK-India Free Trade Agreement
09 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
This debate considers the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, which was a significant achievement in opening up new opportunities for trade with India. The agreement boosts GDP by £4.8 billion, increases w...
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill 2026-01-20
20 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
National security must always be the first priority of any Government, especially during uncertain times. The deal secures the vital military asset for future generations, allowing the base to continu...
Public Office (Accountability) Bill 2026-01-19
19 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Minister of Justice emphasised the importance of the Public Office Accountability Bill for ensuring transparency, accountability, and support for families affected by state failures. She highlight...
Local Government Finance 2025-12-17
17 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
83.3%
60 of 72 votes
Aye Votes
31
43.1% of votes
No Votes
29
40.3% of votes
Abstentions
12
16.7% of votes
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
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: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
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
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
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 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: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
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
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
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
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
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
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
03 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 26
Ayes: 172
Noes: 334
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 24
Ayes: 184
Noes: 331
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 25
Ayes: 187
Noes: 351
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 63 Stand part
Ayes: 348
Noes: 167
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 86 stand part
Ayes: 344
Noes: 173
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 9
Ayes: 181
Noes: 335
Failed
12 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 185
Noes: 344
Failed
12 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 7
Ayes: 188
Noes: 341
Failed
6
PMQs Asked
116
Ministerial Questions Asked
150
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
72
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
+63% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+749% above average
This MP:
116
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2999% above average
This MP:
150
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+20% above average
This MP:
83.3
Average:
69.5
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 Simmonds's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.