Desmond Swayne
MP for New Forest West
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Through omission or insufficient advice, injured veterans may fail to place their compensation in a trust within the one year allowed by universal credit. Can discretion be had in compassionate cases?
Context
Injured veterans may miss the one-year deadline to place their compensation in a trust due to insufficient advice or oversight, leading to potential financial hardships.
Keir Starmer
Every veteran who served our country should be looked after and better able to access any compensation that they are entitled to. We have dedicated pathways in every jobcentre for benefit claims and complex cases, providing tailored support to resolve issues swiftly and fairly.
Assessment
Specific discretion policy
Tailored Support
Session: PMQs 2026-07-01
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I hope there is still time in which the Prime Minister will be able to enlighten his party as to the moral of the cautionary tale of Jim, who ran away from his nurse, and was eaten by a lion.
Keir Starmer
I thank the right hon. Gentleman—he is always most generous. I will never forget when, just a few years ago, I went on holiday in his constituency with my family. I was in the kitchen of the place we were renting when somebody leant through the open door—it was the right hon. Gentleman with a bottle of champagne saying, “Welcome to the New Forest.” He then took time to speak to my family, including my wife's elderly father and my children. I thank him for his generosity.
Assessment
The moral lesson about Jim running away from his nurse was not addressed
Session: PMQs
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I am concerned about Labour's 75p pension increase and the dignity of pensioners. The triple lock has afforded pensioners the highest increase in 30 years, yet Labour's proposal is seen as insulting. Will the Prime Minister continue to deliver dignity in retirement through measures like the triple lock?
Context
Desmond Swayne signed into law a special pension for Keir Starmer. He questions whether Labour's proposed £75p increase in pensions was an insult to pensioners.
Rishi Sunak
We will provide dignity to all those in retirement, which is why we introduced the triple lock. This year the state pension rises by £900 and 200,000 pensioners have been lifted out of poverty. The state pension will increase each year of the next Parliament.
Session: PMQs
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Aid poured into Gaza in 2005 when Israel withdrew. Enlightened governance could have made a success of it. It is Hamas that has turned it into hell, is it not?
Context
The question relates to the governance and spending of aid funds in Gaza.
Rishi Sunak
I know that this is a subject on which my right hon. Friend speaks with authority, and I thank him for his previous work in the area. With regard to our aid funding, as the Foreign Secretary will outline later, we have very stringent governance in place to make sure that it is spent on the humanitarian needs that we want to address. I also agree with him that there is one person and one person alone that is responsible for the atrocities that we are seeing, and that is Hamas.
Session: PMQs
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What would be a justification for including settled EU citizens as potential voters with an electorate equivalent to Wales?
Context
Settled EU citizens equal the number of voters in Wales, but no clear reason is provided for why this should be extended.
Oliver Dowden
I think my right hon. Friend refers to Labour's plans, quite interestingly while we push smuggling gangs legislation, Labour proposes giving foreign nationals a say in our elections. While Conservatives stop boats, Labour rigs votes.
Assessment
Did not address justifying voting rights extension
Criticising Opposition Party
Session: PMQs
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Does he agree that taking back control should apply to the European Court of Human Rights too?
Context
The UK has a policy of taking back control, but it is unclear whether this applies to the European Court of Human Rights as well.
Boris Johnson
My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister will say more about this in a moment.
Assessment
The Prime Minister deferred to his deputy prime minister and did not provide an answer himself.
Will Say More Later
Session: PMQs
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Will the PM brief us on his visit to Ukraine, where Russian troops are massing on the borders?
Context
The Prime Minister's visit to Ukraine highlights the current tension and the need for Western support against potential Russian aggression.
Boris Johnson
The mission was to stand with Ukraine against Russian aggression. We will lead in economic sanctions and support the Ukrainian army.
Assessment
No specific briefing or detailed plan for engagement was outlined.
Session: PMQs
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A strength of the Union is unity in diversity. Notwithstanding much progress since 2010, the last two years have seen a diminution in the number of Welsh speakers in Wales, particularly among young people. Does the Minister have a plan to nip that in the bud and stop it becoming a trend?
Context
The last two years have seen a diminution in the number of Welsh speakers in Wales, particularly among young people.
Stephen Kinnock
We are tremendously proud of our Welsh language. I am certainly signing up to improve mine—from what I am embarrassed to admit is a relatively low base. I enjoy learning languages, so I will be doing that. Generally speaking, we need to ensure that the trend towards Welsh medium and Welsh language across our education system continues, and that those who are committed to the diversity of which the right hon. Gentleman speaks also commit to learning the Welsh language.
Session: Strengthening the Union 2026-09-02
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Will the Secretary of State bring forward the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill quickly to address decades-long waiting for resolution, focusing on victim's needs?
Context
There are concerns about the delays in addressing legacy issues and victims' rights.
Hilary Benn
The Government are committed to reforming and replacing the 2023 Act with fair and reasonable protections for veterans, aiming to command support from all communities in Northern Ireland. The amendments will address the concerns of victims and survivors' organizations.
Session: Troubles Legacy Legislation 2026-07-08
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What steps are being taken to replace the Northern Ireland Troubles Act 2023 with a reformed Legacy Commission? Is there a delay in bringing amendments due to personal statements made?
Context
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 has been replaced by a new bill.
Hilary Benn
The Government are committed to the Troubles Bill, which includes a reformed Legacy Commission for investigations and information sharing with safeguards for veterans. The delay is not due to personal statements but rather to ensure the bill commands support across all communities in Northern Ireland.
Session: Troubles Legacy Legislation 2026-07-08
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I dare not think how many years of my constituents' lives have been given over to points failures and signal failures, and the confusion that follows, on the line between Waterloo and the south coast. What can Ministers do about it?
Context
The MP raises concerns about signal failures impacting his constituents' journeys.
Keir Mather
I thank the right hon. Member for his tireless advocacy on this important matter on behalf of his constituents. We need a railway that gets people where they need to go, on time and in an efficient manner. If he writes to me in more detail about the points failures that are affecting his constituents, I would be glad to pick that issue up with the Rail Minister.
Session: Passenger Rail Services
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May I arrange a meeting to discuss my parents, carers and babies Bill which supports the Best Start family hubs and healthy babies programme?
Context
The questioner requests a meeting regarding his parents, carers and babies Bill aimed at supporting Best Start family hubs and healthy babies programme.
Sharon Hodgson
We are committed to supporting families with young children through investments in Best Start family hubs and the healthy babies programme. We will invest over £900 million, and I look forward to discussing the merits of the right hon Gentleman's Bill.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister plan to allow clean community energy companies to sell power directly to households and businesses?
Context
There is a desire for clean community energy companies to be able to sell power directly to customers.
Katie White
We are pursuing that through the local power plan, and we intend for that to happen.
Session: Voluntary Carbon and Nature Markets
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Is the Church going to launch a new charity? If so, when, and why the delay?
Context
The Church is considering launching a new charity as part of its response to address historical connections to slavery through Project Spire. There has been some delay in this process, prompting further inquiry.
Marsha de Cordova
I could refer the right hon. Member to the many answers I have given to written and oral questions on this issue. As I have said, the Church is having informal discussions with the Charity Commission, and it is currently preparing an application, but it has not yet been submitted.
Session: Project Spire
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What recent discussions has the Church had with the Charity Commission on Project Spire?
Context
The Church of England has been involved in addressing its historical connections to slavery through a project called Project Spire. The question arises from ongoing dialogue between the Church and regulatory bodies regarding this initiative.
Marsha de Cordova
The Church engages with the Charity Commission on a range of issues, and the Church Commissioners have held informal discussions with it on Project Spire, which is the Church's response to address its historical connections to the transatlantic enslavement of Africans.
Session: Project Spire
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Can I declare my interest, having lost three tyres to potholes this year? What assessment has the Department made of the efficiency with which potholes are being filled? What on earth is it filling them with, because within weeks and sometimes days, a newly filled pothole is back again?
Context
The MP declares losing three tyres to potholes this year and questions the Department's assessment on the efficiency of pothole repairs, including what materials are being used.
Simon Lightwood
That is exactly why this Government are putting record funding into tackling potholes—so that we can finally turn the tide on having to refill the same potholes time and again. With that long-term funding, councils can now finally turn the corner and prevent those potholes from forming in the first place.
Session: Pothole Repairs Government Funding
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Is this a wind-up, Mr Speaker? They will be asking for collective farms in this socialist paradise next. Has the Minister made any assessment of the impact that a right to food would have on the public purse once our activist judges got hold of it?
Context
The questioner raises concerns about the potential impact on public finances and governance if a statutory right to food were implemented.
Angela Eagle
I have to say that a study of history demonstrates that collectivising the food system does not usually work.
Session: Statutory Right to Food
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On 3 February, the Lord Chancellor undertook to model his proposals for jury trials and to publish the results. Has the modelling been done and when will the results be published?
Context
The Lord Chancellor promised to model proposals for jury trials.
Ellie Reeves
The reforms that the right hon. Gentleman refers to come after Sir Brian Leveson set out a report with 135 recommendations, making it clear that investment in the justice system alone would not solve the backlog left by the previous Conservative Government and that reform is also needed. Estimates show that it will reduce cases by 20%, although, given the modelling from Canada, those are likely conservative estimates.
Session: Courts and Tribunals Bill
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The Chancellor said that she will meet representatives of the North sea oil industry to see how it can help. The proper question is how she can help it, is it not?
Context
The Chancellor mentioned meeting North sea oil industry representatives to help the industry, but the questioner argues that the focus should be on how the government can support the industry.
Rachel Reeves
Alongside the Budget last year, we published the new North sea oil and gas strategy, which, for example, allows tie-backs, so that more use can be made of existing fields. The previous Government brought in the energy profits levy when energy companies' profits went through the roof after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. That is still in place, so that when prices are high, we can bring money in to help people with their bills.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Government loaded costs on to employers while the benefits bill let rip. What on earth did they think would happen?
Context
The MP criticises the government for imposing costs on employers and questions the outcome of such policies.
Pat McFadden
As I said, no employer national insurance contributions are payable for workers under the age of 21, and we believe that workers should be decently paid for the work they do. We are responding to the particular challenge of youth unemployment, which I acknowledge is there, and was there when the Conservative party was in power, with active measures such as the youth guarantee and more youth apprenticeship starts.
Session: Unemployment
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The Minister is absolutely right: Israel must stop. What estimate has he made of the time that we have before a separate Palestinian state becomes, geographically and economically, utterly untenable?
Context
What estimate has been made of the time that we have before a separate Palestinian state becomes, geographically and economically, utterly untenable?
Hamish Falconer
I thank the right hon. Member and my predecessor for that important question. We have pointed to a whole range of areas of concern in relation to the viability of a Palestinian state. One that has not received mention so far in our exchanges, but which is vital, is the E1 development. The British Government are deeply concerned by the speed with which the Israeli Government are proceeding with a project that we completely oppose.
Session: West Bank Illegal Settlements
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Instead of the Secretary of State's cap on the number of branded items of school uniform, will she substitute that for a monetary cap, which would afford much greater flexibility to schools?
Context
The Secretary of State's cap on the number of branded items of school uniform.
Bridget Phillipson
We were elected on a manifesto to deliver a limit on the number of branded items to cut the cost of school uniform. Unfortunately, some of what the right hon. Gentleman proposes could have unintended consequences that would not tackle the problem we are facing, which is that children should be smart when they go to school, but it should not cost their parents the earth.
Session: Topical Questions
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My hon. Friend notes that Sport England is losing its consultee status, at a time when sports clubs face 46% business rate hikes making them prime grey-belt building sites. Are Ministers aware?
Context
Sport England is losing its consultee status amid significant business rate increases affecting sports facilities. This raises concerns about the future of sporting infrastructure.
Stephanie Peacock
Sport England's status is not lost; there is a consultation ongoing. The Prime Minister and I have met multiple times to discuss the issue, committing £400 million to grassroots sports to avoid reducing playing fields and facilities.
Session: Topical Questions
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Meur ras ha myttin da, Mr Speaker. I declare an interest as chair of the electric vehicle all-party parliamentary group. The entire UK charge point industry is united in supporting the Government's passenger car ZEV mandate to send a signal to motorists that this Government will not follow the lead of the climate change-denying luddites in the Opposition. Does the Secretary of State agree that the ZEV mandate is proving to be a fundamental, market-shaping policy that is driving investment, expanding choice and delivering cheaper motoring?
Context
The entire UK charge point industry supports the Government's passenger car ZEV mandate to signal that this Government will not follow climate change-denying luddites in the Opposition.
Heidi Alexander
I do agree with my hon. Friend, who I know has expert knowledge of the charge point industry. The clarity that the ZEV mandate provides has triggered over £6 billion-worth of private sector investment in charging infrastructure, and it is one of the reasons why we have a brand-new gigafactory being built in Somerset and huge investment by Nissan in its Sunderland plant.
Session: Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate
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Even the UK gigafactory commission, chaired by a former Labour Secretary of State, says that the ZEV mandate is disincentivising investment in UK motor manufacturing. We all know that U-turns are a sign of open-mindedness and strength. Can we please have another?
Context
The UK gigafactory commission, chaired by a former Labour Secretary of State, says that the ZEV mandate is disincentivising investment in UK motor manufacturing.
Heidi Alexander
I am surprised that the right hon. Gentleman talks about U-turns. This Government remain committed to the ZEV transition, and it is precisely the certainty of this Government's policy that means we will meet the transition targets. Yet again, he is showing that his party cannot be trusted with the economy and the environment.
Session: Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate
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We were promised a reduction in bills of £300, but they have actually gone up by just shy of £200. With the impact assessment stating cost-pass through could feasibly be at 80-90%, does this mean even higher bills?
Context
Concerns arise from a recent statement suggesting that cost-pass through could be at 80-90%, implying higher bills for households.
Ed Miliband
The right hon. Gentleman's first point is wrong; he compares one quarter with today, but across 2025, bills are lower than in 2024. The £150 taken off energy bills from April is a significant step.
Session: Household Energy Bills
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So why does the Chancellor think that the United Kingdom is being charged more in interest even than Greece?
Context
The UK is currently being charged more in interest than Greece.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
The spread on our gilts over the central bank rate is lower in the UK than it is in Greece, so maybe the right hon. Gentleman should look again at his evidence. The truth is that we have had five cuts in interest rates since this Government came to office. We are paying high levels of interest on the debt, but the debt was accrued by the Conservative party, which destroyed our economy and public services all at once. We are fixing the mess that the Conservatives left.
Session: Government Debt Interest Payments
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Given what we have negotiated away, can those changes be expedited?
Context
A shellfish farmer on a BBC radio programme suggested that while UK-EU trade might become easier, the timeline for changes is uncertain or may not happen at all.
Nick Thomas-Symonds (Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office)
I am determined to expedite these new arrangements as quickly as possible. It is fantastic to see the Opposition take that position—I thought the right hon. Gentleman’s Front Benchers were against them.
Session: UK-EU Trading Relationship
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A number of Members this morning have lobbied for expenditure to repair their churches, and the hon. Lady has told them to lobby the Government—the Department for Culture, Media and Sport—for that money. At the same time, the Church has already spent £5 million on Project Spire, with the aspiration of taking it to £1 billion, when the Charity Commission has yet to deliver its verdict on whether that is within the charitable objectives allowable. How has that been allowed to happen?
Context
Members have been lobbying for church repair funds, while the Church has already spent £5 million on Project Spire with aspirations of reaching £1 billion. The Charity Commission's verdict on whether this aligns with charitable objectives is pending.
Marsha De Cordova
These are two separate issues. What is going on in relation to funding for Project Spire is totally separate to any other funding—the listed places of worship grant scheme is a separate scheme. The buildings for mission fund that supports our churches is totally separate.
Session: Project Spire
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What recent assessment has the Government made of the potential impact of changes to employer national insurance contributions on charities? The National Council for Voluntary Organisations puts the cost at £1.4 billion. That is right, isn’t it?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the financial burden placed on charities due to recent changes in employer National Insurance Contributions. The charity sector is worried that these changes could significantly affect their operations and funding.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)
The Government highly values the charity sector and its positive contribution. However, we have had to take a number of difficult decisions on tax, welfare and spending to fix the public finances, fund public services and restore economic stability.
Session: Charities National Insurance Contributions
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What discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on school standards. I am concerned about the decline in school standards in Scotland, which was once a benchmark for others but is now disappointing.
Context
The Scottish Government's declining education standards and widening attainment gap.
The Secretary of State for Scotland (Ian Murray)
There is a simple answer to that question: the SNP Scottish Government. Standards of attainment in Scotland’s schools are declining across the board and outcomes for young working-class kids are getting worse, with the attainment gap widening.
Session: School Standards
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If he will take steps to ensure that compensation is not paid to people detained using interim custody orders during the troubles in Northern Ireland.
Context
The issue arose following a Supreme Court judgment in 2020, which found certain custody orders to be unlawful. The amendment to the legacy Act was also found unlawful by the Northern Ireland courts.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
The Government are currently considering the report of the Joint Committee on Human Rights and the representations made to it. We are carefully exploring how to lawfully address this complex issue alongside our commitment to implement legacy mechanisms that are fully compliant with human rights.
Session: Interim Custody Orders Compensation
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Sir Desmond Swayne asked in what precise ways the Minister intends to improve the decent homes standard, referencing the announced reforms.
Context
The Minister for Housing and Planning has been consulting on a new decent homes standard.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
Matthew Pennycook confirmed they will consult on a new decent homes standard applying to both social rented and private rented sectors, inviting Sir Desmond Swayne's engagement during the consultation.
Session: Social Rented Housing
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What recent assessment has been made of the potential impact of the planned increase in employer national insurance contributions on creative industries?
Context
The question stems from concerns about the impact of increased employer national insurance contributions on small and medium-sized enterprises in creative industries.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism (Chris Bryant)
A large proportion of the creative industries are constituted as small and medium-sized enterprises, most of which are protected from the increase in national insurance contributions. Many have acknowledged the need for greater expenditure on public services, and this must be balanced with finding financial support elsewhere.
Session: National Insurance Creative Industries
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How many pensioners in North Durham have not taken up all or part of their entitlement to Pension Credit? How much is this costing the Treasury?
Context
The MP asks about the number of pensioners who are eligible for but not receiving their full pension credit.
Torsten Bell
The DWP’s estimate, based on HMRC tax credits data, suggests that around 59% of people entitled to Pension Credit are not claiming it. The Department has published a table showing the number of people who have claimed but could claim more (as they have additional entitlements) and how much this would be worth for them in North Durham, which is available here.
Session: Topical Questions
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What discussions have been had with the Crown Commercial Service regarding Romeo Mike 6277 network—RM6277?
Context
A question regarding the Crown Commercial Service's discussions related to the Romeo Mike 6277 (RM6277) network.
Georgia Gould (Minister for Civil Society)
I have regular discussions with the Crown Commercial Service on a range of issues, including procurement matters. I look forward to spending another day with him in the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill Committee later.
Session: Public Procurement Support for SMEs
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Does the Minister have an appetite for a policy of like-for-like retaliation when a cyber-attack by a hostile state is confirmed?
Context
The MP asks about the Minister's appetite for a policy of like-for-like retaliation when a cyber-attack by a hostile state is confirmed.
Pat McFadden
I have both appetite and full faith in our excellent intelligence and security services, who protect us every day.
Session: Topical Questions
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The servicing cost is now twice what we are spending on defence, which the Chancellor is right to be increasing. What is her ambition for finding savings in the welfare budget?
Context
The servicing cost of government borrowing is twice the spending on defence.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
I agree that we need to get a grip of the welfare budget, which got out of control under the previous Conservative Government. Frankly, I am not going to take lectures from the Conservative party, which crashed the economy. Let me remind the House what the right hon. Gentleman said about the disastrous mini-Budget: “I share entirely the free-market ideology that underpins the Chancellor’s statement…The Chancellor was right to be radical.” He added: “I rejoice at the two fingers the Chancellor has raised to socialist dogma and envy.” I think that the financial markets and the British public have united in their view on the previous Government.
Session: Government Borrowing
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What assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the most recent figures for Government borrowing?
Context
The most recent figures for government borrowing were released, prompting an assessment of the implications on current policies.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
In the autumn, I took the decisions to put our public finances back on a firm footing. The most recent GDP data showed that the economy grew by 0.4% in the final month of last year. As I have said on many occasions, our fiscal rules are non-negotiable. The Conservative party sent mortgage rates and business borrowing costs spiralling; we have returned stability to the public finances to give families and businesses the stability they need.
Session: Government Borrowing
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Why did the Secretary of State abandon the appeal in Dillon and Ors?
Context
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 has been criticized for causing pain to victims and survivors, with sections found unlawful by courts. The Secretary of State had abandoned an appeal related to this act.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
Because sections 46 and 47 of the Act were found to be unlawful, and, as the right hon. Gentleman will be aware, the case that gave rise to the attempt to deal with the problem through those sections that have now been found to be unlawful arose from a Supreme Court judgment in 2020. For two and a bit years, the last Government were unable to find a solution.
Session: Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023
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Can the Minister assure the House that her ambitions for renewable energy can be achieved without Chinese slave labour?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the use of solar panels made with materials sourced from regions associated with human rights abuses, and questions whether the government's ambitions for renewable energy can be achieved without reliance on such products.
Sarah Jones (Minister of State, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Yes—of course, we ensure that the highest standards are kept in all these things. The Government’s position is to make sure that we are very careful about them. The right hon. Gentleman may be referring to solar, which is a particular issue that people have raised. We have a solar taskforce, which has been set up exactly to look at those points.
Session: Renewable Energy Workers’ Rights
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What assessment has she made of the potential impact of the autumn Budget 2024 on levels of debt interest spending?
Context
MP inquired about the impact of government borrowing and its effects on private investment.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
There have undoubtedly been moves in global financial markets this year, and the UK is not immune to those movements. The OBR has not yet started its forecast. It will update that in due course, and I will make a statement on 26 March.
Session: Servicing Government Debt
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Is there a plan to maintain service provision where psychotherapists and counsellors operating in the charity sector have been hit by eye-watering cost increases as a consequence of the national insurance increase?
Context
The MP inquires about plans to maintain service provision for psychotherapists and counsellors affected by cost increases due to national insurance hikes.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
As I have said in answers to previous questions, and as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has said, there is something of a pattern emerging here: Opposition Members say that they welcome the investment the Government have made, but oppose the revenue-raising measures and refuse to set out whether they would increase taxes or cut services.
Session: Counsellors and Psychotherapists
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Why did the OBR estimate that the recent Budget will result in a loss of 50,000 jobs?
Context
The OBR estimated that the recent Budget would cost 50,000 jobs.
Alison McGovern
I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the OBR report which says overall employment will increase.
Session: Topical Questions
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What is the beef behind the Government's reluctance to embrace with enthusiasm locally generated community energy? Why did they vote against the amendment tabled to the Great British Energy Bill by the hon. Member for Bath (Wera Hobhouse)?
Context
The Government is hesitant to support locally generated community energy projects, leading the Conservative MP to question this stance and point out their previous actions.
Michael Shanks
I think the right hon. Gentleman thinks that was a “gotcha” question, but, of course, the Conservative party did not vote for the Bill at all. Amendment or not, I do not think he can really speak about what Great British Energy might deliver, because, despite it being one of the most popular policies at the last election, the Conservatives failed to bother to vote for it.
Session: Clean Energy by 2030
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Investment requires a measure of optimism, not the collapse in business confidence that the Chancellor has engineered. She would have done better to stress some of the positives that she inherited?
Context
The question arises from criticism of the Chancellor's economic policies affecting business confidence.
Rachel Reeves
Some £63.5 billion of investment into the UK was announced at our international investment summit—investment in life sciences, investment in data centres and digital, investment in clean energy—because businesses have confidence that this Government are bringing stability back to our economy and working with businesses to seize the opportunities.
Session: Economic Investment and Growth
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Does the Secretary of State share my incredulity that he has not been told the cost of leasing the facilities in the Chagos?
Context
Incredulity regarding the cost of leasing facilities in the Chagos.
John Healey
I said earlier that the Foreign Secretary had said the other day that the detail of the costs and the agreement will be set out properly before this House when it comes to consider and debate the treaty.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Air Traffic Control Disruption
10 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Palestine
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Economic Growth
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Investment Plan
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Farming Road Map and Profitability Review
24 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Investment Plan
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East
09 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Russian Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure
04 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Children’s Social Care: Enduring Relationships Strategy
04 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Petitions
13 July 2022
The petitioners reject the proposed registration and monitoring system for home-educated children as they believe it is expensive, disproportionate, invasive, and undermines parents' rights in determi...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
77.6%
76 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
43
43.9% of votes
No Votes
33
33.7% of votes
Abstentions
22
22.4% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
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
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
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 NO
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
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
VOTED AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
7
PMQs Asked
157
Ministerial Questions Asked
294
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
1
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+91% above average
This MP:
7
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+1071% above average
This MP:
157
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+5950% above average
This MP:
294
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-59% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+12% above average
This MP:
77.6
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 Desmond Swayne's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.