David Taylor
MP for Hemel Hempstead
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Q6. Hemel Hempstead is a new town that was built by a Labour Government after the second world war and provided decent housing to families like mine, yet 80 years on, the No. 1 issue in my case work is a shortage of housing. I therefore welcome this Government’s commitment to build thousands of new homes. In my constituency, we are looking at a Hemel Garden Communities scheme that could provide 11,000 new homes. Does the Prime Minister agree that this development needs to be a mix of genuinely affordable houses to buy and council houses to rent, and that it must be accompanied by the right health, education and road infrastructure?
Paula Barker
I totally agree with my hon. Friend. Projects such as this are essential to building the 1.5 million homes we need, while at the same time creating vibrant and strong communities. In keeping with the Attlee legacy, we are supporting 47 locally-led garden communities to deliver tens of thousands more homes, and of course delivering the biggest boost to social and affordable housing in a generation.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Will Ministers, including a Treasury Minister, meet me to discuss such proposals and consider innovative forms of development finance in an era of less ODA?
Context
There are other models, including the International Finance Facility for Education and the International Finance Facility for Immunisation, that offer ways to leverage much more money.
Chris Elmore (The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs)
I am, of course, more than happy to meet my hon. Friend, as diaries allow.
Session: Official Development Assistance
View All Questions -->
I was grateful to the Secretary of State for showing his love for Hemel Hempstead when he came to launch a new scheme on solar panels the other month. On the question of new nuclear and clean jobs, could the Minister outline how communities like mine in Hemel Hempstead will benefit from these new jobs?
Context
Discussion about the future of clean energy and new nuclear's role in it. MP references a recent solar panel scheme launch.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Michael Shanks)
Well, my right hon. Friend the Energy Secretary says that we love Hemel Hempstead; I think we agree on that. The nuclear sector is poised for significant growth. That will help deliver on our energy needs in the future, and it is how we will deliver thousands of skilled jobs across the country. The nuclear skills plan is a collaborative effort between Government, industry and academia, setting out the targeted work we need to address the skills gap and bring forward the thousands of apprentices we will need to deliver this work in the future. The regional skills hubs we have established will help to deliver training support locally to ensure that every community in the country benefits.
Session: New Nuclear
View All Questions -->
I thank the Minister for his answer and for his kind words about Roy Briggs. His family and I are also grateful for letter that he wrote to them. I had the privilege of attending his funeral last week. He was a real servant to our country, having flown in many brave missions over Europe. He was part of one of the RAF’s first ever humanitarian missions when dropping essential food over the Netherlands and he also flew many missions in RAF bombers. I know that the Government are doing various things to try to support veterans. Could the Minister outline the further steps that the Government can take to support organisations that support veterans such as the Royal British Legion as well as smaller organisations such as the Hemel armed forces and veterans breakfast club?
Context
The question follows a recognition by the Minister of World War Two veteran Roy Briggs. David Taylor acknowledges the Minister's kind words about Mr Briggs and mentions attending his funeral.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Al Carns)
The armed forces covenant trust fund is one of the mechanisms we use to support the charitable sector, but we must also step back and look holistically at the fact that there are 1,730 armed forces charities in the UK. Op Valour will help to synthesise that, get more bang for buck and ensure that veterans get the right support where and when they need it.
Session: Supporting Veterans
View All Questions -->
A single parent in my constituency has worked full time for more than 20 years but is now in personal crisis because universal credit is unable to reimburse the childcare costs she has paid in advance. I hope the Minister agrees that it is deeply unfair that my constituent is left short every month despite working incredibly hard. Will he set out ways in which the Government are supporting hard-working women with childcare needs?
Context
A single parent in the constituency has worked full-time for over two decades but is now facing financial difficulties due to childcare costs.
Stephen Timms
My hon. Friend’s constituent will benefit from the big increase in the universal credit standard allowance, which we have talked about, and from free school meals for her children. Somebody who starts work or increases their hours may also be eligible for support with up-front childcare costs. The flexible support fund can award the full cost for up to a month of fees to a childcare provider in advance of the care being delivered, so that may be an option for his constituent.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What steps are the Government taking to support more companies to adopt and certify standards such as the BSI’s AI management systems standards so that we can grow the UK tech sector and enable innovation and collaboration safely and securely?
Context
The question follows the Secretary of State's statement about investment in research and development. The MP references a visit to the British Standards Institution (BSI) in Hemel Hempstead, which found that 78% of UK companies increase turnover and productivity due to BSI standards.
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Peter Kyle)
I am extremely grateful for my hon. Friend’s question; it shows how diligently and assiduously he is working for the businesses in his constituency. I can assure him that high standards lead to their adoption, and this Government are committed to the very highest of standards.
Session: Innovation Hertfordshire
View All Questions -->
West Herts college in my constituency offers a great selection of courses, including computing courses that offer a pathway to a career in cyber-security. For young people in Hemel Hempstead considering a career in that field to defend our country, can the Minister outline further details of the steps that he took last week to boost recruitment to cyber-security in this country?
Context
The MP highlighted the potential for cyber-security courses at West Herts College to contribute to recruitment.
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Luke Pollard)
I am grateful for the enthusiasm of young people in my hon. Friend’s constituency for a career in cyber. Last week, the new cyber direct entry pathway for our armed forces was opened for the Royal Air Force and the Navy—the Army entry will come online next year. That allows people to join directly to pursue a career in cyber. By changing the entry requirements, it will bring on board the cyber-expertise that we need to keep our country safe. The frontline of the future is not tomorrow; it is today—it is the cyber-frontline. Young people across the nation should look on the Royal Navy and RAF websites at a career in cyber. It is well paid and will keep our country safe.
Session: Armed Forces Recruitment
View All Questions -->
The last Labour Government reduced child poverty by nearly half, from 3 million to 1.6 million, and legislated to eradicate child poverty by 2020. Instead, under the Conservatives, the number of children in relative poverty significantly increased between 2010 and 2023. Does the Secretary of State agree that working with employers to help people, particularly parents, into decent, well-paid jobs, is essential not only to growing our economy, but to reducing poverty, including child poverty?
Context
David Taylor refers to the Labour Government's reduction in child poverty and highlights the increase under the Conservative government.
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Liz Kendall)
I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend that having more parents, including lone parents and second earners in couples, in better paid jobs is critical to tackling child poverty. There has been a big shift in the nature of poverty since our success during the last Labour Government, when we lifted over 600,000 children out of poverty, as there are now more children growing up in poverty in a working household, so improving the parental employment rate is critical to driving down those numbers.
Session: Employers Economic Growth
View All Questions -->
To follow up on the previous question, I am grateful to the Minister for coming to the event that I hosted for the Syrian diaspora yesterday. He will know that they are very keen to support their homeland to rebuild. Will Ministers look at ways to change the sanctions to ensure that ordinary citizens can send back remittances to help rebuild crumbling public services?
Context
Sanctions on Syria are under review following recent developments.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
I thank my hon. Friend for the question and for his long-standing work on Syria issues. I was very glad to join him and so many inspiring members of Syrian civil society who are keen to make a contribution. We will do what we can to enable the new Syria to be a success and to enable Syrian civil society here and across the world to play their full role in that.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What further steps is the Solicitor General taking to ensure that violent thugs are not allowed to run riot and are brought to justice?
Context
There have been reports of people carrying machetes in Livingstone Walk, Hemel Hempstead, with a Dacorum local crime unit investigating one incident of alleged robbery at knifepoint. The MP also mentions high rates of antisocial behaviour and police cuts under previous Governments.
Lucy Rigby
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise this important matter. Knife-enabled robberies surged under the previous Government, which is why the Home Secretary has made tackling these offences an urgent priority. Enforcement is key, and that is why we are putting police back on the beat with a named officer for every neighbourhood.
Session: Knife Offences
View All Questions -->
In my constituency of Hemel Hempstead, according to figures given by DENS, there has been a 1,000% increase in people needing food banks over the past decade. Meanwhile, queues form an hour before opening for the community fridge. Does the Minister agree this is a shameful example of the previous Government's record on poverty? Will they outline steps to reduce the need for food banks?
Context
The MP reported a significant increase in food bank usage and long waiting times for community fridge access, indicating severe poverty levels. The Trussell Trust data shows an increase from 61,000 emergency food parcels distributed in 2010 to 3.1 million last year.
Alison McGovern
The statistics provided by my hon. Friend align with those of the Trussell Trust, showing an increase from 61,000 emergency food parcels in 2010 to 3.1 million last year. We are committed to tripling investment in breakfast clubs to over £30 million and introducing a fair repayment rate for deductions from universal credit. The national living wage will be increased to £12.21 an hour from next April, benefiting 3 million workers. The child poverty taskforce is working extensively on this issue.
Session: Poverty Reduction
View All Questions -->
In my constituency of Hemel Hempstead, according to figures given by DENS, there has been a 1,000% increase in people needing food banks over the past decade. Meanwhile, queues form an hour before opening for the community fridge. Does the Minister agree this is a shameful example of the previous Government's record on poverty? Will they outline steps to reduce the need for food banks?
Context
The MP highlighted a significant increase in food bank usage and long waiting times for community fridge access, indicating severe poverty levels. The Trussell Trust reported 61,000 emergency food parcels distributed in 2010 compared to 3.1 million in the last year.
Alison McGovern
The statistics provided by my hon. Friend align with those of the Trussell Trust, showing an increase from 61,000 emergency food parcels in 2010 to 3.1 million last year. We are committed to tripling investment in breakfast clubs to over £30 million and introducing a fair repayment rate for deductions from universal credit. The national living wage will be increased to £12.21 an hour from next April, benefiting 3 million workers. The child poverty taskforce is working extensively on this issue.
Session: Poverty Reduction
View All Questions -->
While we await the outcome of the Foreign Secretary's reviews and our Chancellor's forthcoming Budget, and remain confident that the Home Office's plans will be successful in reducing domestic refugee costs, this issue remains of concern across the House. Will the Minister reassure the House that she will do everything she can to protect these aspects of our foreign aid budget, and will she meet me and concerned colleagues to discuss how we can take them forward after the Chancellor's Budget?
Context
The MP is concerned about the protection of aspects of the foreign aid budget.
Anneliese Dodds
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this issue. I would be very happy to meet him and other Members, particularly from the Government Benches, where we have a considerable number of MPs with direct experience of international development work. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is committed to bringing order to the asylum system. She has taken steps to unblock the backlog of claims. The fact that we lacked a plan to do that previously led to spiralling costs, which hit the international development budget very hard.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I was privileged to join a group called Help99 in driving pick-up trucks and other military vehicles to Kyiv for use by Ukrainian soldiers. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how we can make it easier for such groups to deliver vehicles?
Context
Groups like Help99 driving military vehicles to Kyiv for Ukrainian soldiers on the frontline.
Luke Pollard
I would be very happy to meet him to see what we can do to support their work further, because we will support Ukraine for as long as it takes.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What assessment has been made of the potential implications for asylum accommodation policy of using the overseas development budget? How will this affect restoration of ODA as a percentage of GNI?
Context
The MP asked about the assessment of using the overseas development budget to fund asylum accommodation policy.
Anneliese Dodds
We are committed to restoring ODA to 0.7% of GNI as fiscal circumstances allow, reconnecting with countries in the global south. Previously, there was an uncontrolled expansion of so-called in-donor refugee costs. In 2023, £4.3 billion (27.9%) of UK ODA went to in-donor refugee costs.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Does the Minister agree that we should look at how to improve relationships with devolved Administrations in the next tranche of devolution? Perhaps by setting up a council involving Ministers from all Administrations and regional mayors?
Context
The need to improve the relationship between the UK and Scottish Governments, marking 25 years of devolution.
Pat McFadden
We intend to set up a council of nations and regions. We need to improve relations, but such organisations are run by political parties.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Ukraine and Russia
10 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Investment Plan
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Legacy of Jo Cox
11 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I thank Jo’s family for their leadership and friendship, praising the tenacity and guts that have inspired others. I commend Kim Leadbeater for stepping into public life and continuing Jo Cox's legacy...
Defence Readiness
20 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Middle East
02 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Post Office Green Paper
25 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ukraine
25 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The war has lasted four years, with Putin's brutal invasion causing immense suffering to Ukrainians. Despite the heavy toll on both sides, Putin is failing strategically while Ukraine remains defiant ...
Iran 2026-02-03
03 February 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the Government’s actions regarding the brutal crackdown on protesters in Iran? The MP is concerned about the scale of violence and brutality, including reports of tens of tho...
China and Japan 2026-02-02
02 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister outlined the importance of engaging with both China and Japan to safeguard national interests. He discussed his recent visit, highlighting the strengthening of UK-US relations, rese...
Iran Protests 2026-01-19
19 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the British Government’s response to the Iranian regime’s brutal crackdown on protests? The UK is deeply concerned about reports of protesters being killed in cold blood and ...
Attendance
74.5%
73 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
29
29.6% of votes
No Votes
44
44.9% of votes
Abstentions
25
25.5% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
1
PMQs Asked
15
Ministerial Questions Asked
33
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
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+12% above average
This MP:
15
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+579% above average
This MP:
33
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 (%)
+8% above average
This MP:
74.5
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks David Taylor's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.