Edward Leigh
MP for Gainsborough
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
The Government quite rightly give full and unequivocal support to Israel in its bid to end the scourge of Iran’s nuclear weapons programme forever. Will they also work with our allies to try and convince the Israeli Government that it is not in the long-term security interests of Israel to carry on with this policy of illegal settlements in the west bank, which is simply leading to radicalisation and desperation throughout the region? Have not the overwhelming majority of Palestinian people the right to yearn for peace and security in their own homeland, as the Jews yearned for their homeland for 2,000 years?
Context
The question addresses concerns about Israeli settlements and their impact on peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine.
The Deputy Prime Minister (Angela Rayner)
I thank the Father of the House for his important question. Settler violence and expansion in the west bank is appalling and completely unacceptable. Alongside our allies, we have sanctioned individuals responsible for inciting this extremist action, but a two-state solution is the only way to bring the peace that the Israelis and the Palestinians deserve. That is only achievable if the hostages are released, aid is surged into Gaza and the ceasefire is restored. We will do everything we can to make that happen.
Session: PMQs
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Today is Red Wednesday, when we remember all those worldwide who are persecuted for their belief. A recent report by Aid to the Church in Need shows that in the countries surveyed the persecution of minorities increased by 60%. In the light of that, will the Government commit to reappointing the Prime Minister's special envoy for freedom of religion and belief, a post that has remained vacant since July, as soon as possible and hopefully by Christmas, so that we in the United Kingdom can play our part in defending religious and belief minorities worldwide?
Context
Red Wednesday marks the remembrance of those persecuted for their beliefs. A recent report shows a 60% increase in persecution worldwide.
Angela Rayner
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his question. We are committed to championing human rights, including the right to freedom of religion and belief. I join him in marking Red Wednesday, an important moment to show support for all those persecuted around the world for their religion and belief. Today, we will light up Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office buildings in the UK in red in support of that. Envoy roles are under consideration and will be decided on in due course.
Assessment
Did not commit to reappointing envoy by Christmas but mentioned considering envoy roles
Session: PMQs
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If evidence mounts from experts and organizations such as the National Farmers Union that smaller family farms will be severely impacted by tax changes, will he listen to that evidence, keep an open mind, and perhaps raise the threshold?
Context
Experts and organisations like the NFU are concerned that tax changes will impact smaller family farms.
Keir Starmer
We are listening to farmers. The Environment Secretary and Treasury Ministers met with the NFU on Monday. We have taken a fair and balanced approach: the vast majority of farms will not be affected.
Assessment
The specific commitment to raise the threshold was not addressed.
Praised Previous Government
Highlighted Meetings
Session: PMQs
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Will the Government please continue to work closely with me and West Lindsey district council to ensure that RAF Scampton is sold off in a timely fashion at a fair price, so that we secure the future of the runway, the spaceport and the heritage centre?
Context
The decommissioning of RAF Scampton is underway. There are concerns about the runway, spaceport, heritage centre being used for housing.
Angela Rayner
I thank the right hon. Gentleman, the Father of the House, for his question. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is taking urgent action to clear the backlog of cases and reduce the use of asylum accommodation, saving millions for taxpayers.
Assessment
Sold RAF Scampton without addressing spaceport or heritage centre needs
Session: PMQs
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When it comes to small boat crossings, there is a lot of talk of human rights, but surely the only human right and life that matters is the life of children who are being taken across the channel. In that respect, will the Government now do the only thing that will actually be a real deterrent and arrest and detain all those who land illegally on our shores and then offshore them promptly so that, once and for all, we can save lives and end this cruel and callous trade?
Context
The MP is concerned about the safety of children attempting illegal crossings.
Rishi Sunak
My right hon. Friend is right that these crossings are incredibly dangerous and risk people's lives. Just weeks ago, a seven-year-old girl died attempting a crossing. That is why, as a matter of basic compassion, we must do everything we can to break the cycle of the criminal gangs. That is why we need a deterrent. That is what the National Crime Agency says, and that is how we dealt with illegal migrants from Albania.
Assessment
The specific ask was not directly addressed, only general statements about deterrence.
Session: PMQs
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Noting the National Audit Office report today on the spiralling costs of using ex-military bases for migrants, and noting that the Home Office has announced this week that it is to reduce the projected numbers at RAF Scampton down to 800, will the Prime Minister ensure that an immigration Minister meets West Lindsey District Council and me urgently, so that we can release most of this iconic RAF base—the home of the Red Arrows and the Dambusters—for regeneration?
Context
RAF Scampton, a former military base, is being used for asylum seekers leading to concerns over its impact on local regeneration efforts.
Rishi Sunak
I pay tribute to the way that my right hon. Friend has engaged with the Government on this important issue for his local community. As he acknowledged, our plan is working to cut the use of asylum hotels, and we will have closed 100 hotels next week, on top of cutting small boat arrivals. I know that he is talking to the Minister for Legal Migration and the Border, my hon. Friend the Member for Corby (Tom Pursglove), about how best to accommodate a smaller number of asylum seekers safely at RAF Scampton, while recognising the council's ambitious plans for regeneration. I fully support those discussions, and the Government are committed to the site being used for accommodation for the shortest possible time and then released for the benefit of the local community.
Assessment
Specifically asked for an urgent meeting but only confirmed ongoing talks without committing to urgency or timing.
Under Review
Session: PMQs
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Is there only one potential government, namely the Conservatives, who have the will to end mass illegal and legal migration?
Context
Leigh argues that only the Conservative party has the determination to stop both legal and illegal migration.
Rishi Sunak
The Leader of the Opposition opposes our scheme, even when it is implemented and working. Labour's values are not those of the British people on this issue.
Assessment
Specific agreement or disagreement with the statement was avoided
General Principles
Session: PMQs
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Tonight, at West Lindsey District Council's planning meeting, the RAF will apply for listed building consent to move the grave of Wing Commander Guy Gibson's dog. Apparently, the Home Office is content for 2,000 migrants to be cooped up next to 1,000 of my constituents living near or on the base, but the RAF thinks it intolerable that it should leave the grave of a dog that has lain in peace for 80 years. More importantly, will the Home Office start listening to us? If it insists on this proposal on illegal migrants, will it put them on a discrete part of the base and let us get on with £300 million of levelling up with a hundred buildings—many of them listed—a 2 mile-long runway and a spaceport, and let the dog lie in peace?
Context
The Conservative party is concerned about the RAF's plans to move a dog's grave, while also dealing with the issue of migrants being housed near the base.
Oliver Dowden
My right hon. Friend knows that we have to take action to address the unacceptable cost of housing migrants in hotels. I thank him for the constructive approach he has taken to RAF Scampton playing a role in respect of that.
Assessment
The questioner's specific ask about relocating migrants was partially addressed without concrete commitments.
Changing Subject
Session: PMQs
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Even if an illegal migrant is stopped on a French beach, he will simply come back the next day as no one is ever arrested. Will the Deputy Prime Minister ensure that we remove all pull factors for illegal migration by using his new Bill of Rights so that we have the legal power to arrest, detain and deport illegal migrants, and, for instance, have a review about a national identity card so that people do not just vanish and never get deported?
Context
The Deputy Prime Minister is urged to remove pull factors for illegal migration by providing legal power to arrest, detain, and deport illegal migrants through the new Bill of Rights.
Dominic Raab
I totally agree that we need to strain every sinew to stop this appalling trade in misery. There is no silver bullet, although I think the agreement the Home Secretary made with her French opposite number will help, and we are embedding UK officials with their French counterparts for the first time. My right hon. Friend the Member for Gainsborough (Sir Edward Leigh) is right to say that the Bill of Rights can also help, not least in preventing interim orders from the Strasbourg Court from being recognised in UK courts. On ID cards, we already have e-visas for people coming to visit and live in the UK, and they act as digital evidence of a person's immigration status. What is clear, however, is that we will have to do all these things in the teeth of opposition from Labour Front Benchers.
Assessment
Did not commit to implementing national ID cards or specific measures beyond mentioning e-visas
Session: PMQs
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I am concerned that while a free trade deal is valuable in itself, we should not be held to ransom. Our new working-class voters who voted for Brexit did not vote to replace immigration from Europe with more immigration from the rest of the world. Does the Prime Minister agree that they would lose control of the channel if he allows this? Will he convince us that he is determined to connect to our supporters and control immigration?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the potential relaxation of visa controls for India to secure a free trade deal, and its implications on immigration levels.
Boris Johnson
Yes. I do not recognise the account that my right hon. Friend has given: we do not do free trade deals on that basis. Indeed, since we took back control, net immigration has gone down. Our Nationality and Borders Bill is so important—it will enable us to take back control of our borders properly and tackle illegal immigration.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not explicitly address the specific concerns about visa controls for India or pledges regarding free trade negotiations.
We Do Not Do Free Trade Deals On That Basis
Everywhere And Always, Uncontrolled Immigration
Session: PMQs
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When I was a spear carrier in the Brexit referendum campaign led by my right hon. Friend, we assured the British people that a trade deal was entirely achievable, so may I urge him to make one last effort? Surely that deal is achievable, because we have no intention of lowering our standards, but the EU should know this: if, consistent with national security, he cannot secure that deal for us, this parliamentary party will back him to the hilt, because strength comes with unity.
Context
The UK is negotiating a post-Brexit trade agreement with the EU, facing challenges in terms of standards and fishing rights.
Boris Johnson
I thank my right hon. Friend. He is entirely right: a good deal is still there to be done, and I look forward to discussing it with Commissioner von der Leyen tonight, but I must tell the House that our friends in the EU are currently insisting that, if they pass a new law in the future with which we in this country do not comply or do not follow suit, they should have the automatic right to punish us and to retaliate. Secondly, they are saying that the UK should be the only country in the world not to have sovereign control over its fishing waters. I do not believe that those are terms that any Prime Minister of this country should accept. I must tell the House and reassure my right hon. Friend that, whether our new trading arrangements resemble those of Australia's with the EU or whether they are like those of Canada with the EU, I have absolutely no doubt that, from 1 January, this country is going to prosper mightily.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not directly address the specific ask for one final effort in securing a trade deal.
Session: PMQs
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The Secretary of State knows how fond I am of him personally, and I want him to keep his job, so will he please his new boss—the right hon. Member for Makerfield (Andy Burnham)—virtually the entire legal establishment and the English people, whose only wish is to keep their 1,000-year-old right to trial by a jury of their peers when their liberty is at stake?
Context
The MP is concerned about the current plans to change the threshold for jury trials which he believes will undermine centuries-old rights of English people.
David Lammy
I am very grateful to the Father of the House. He may not have noticed, but he made me blush. He knows that the right to a fair trial, and the component of it that requires a jury, is an important right, and we are not abolishing it, but we are seeking to bring down the backlog, so that people can get swift justice.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-06-30
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Does the Chancellor agree that, post Brexit, Government Departments have much more freedom to buy British? Under the Procurement Act 2023, they can ignore EU directives. Will the Chancellor walk with us into the broad, sunlit uplands of post-Brexit Britain and use the freedoms we obtained for this country?
Context
The MP asks if the Chancellor agrees that post-Brexit departments have more freedom to buy British under EU directives and seeks clarity on whether this will be utilized.
Rachel Reeves
Conservative Members cheer but did not use any of those freedoms. This Government is doing everything possible to buy, make and sell more in Britain. We aim to rebuild relationships with the European Union through initiatives such as rejoining Erasmus and playing our part in Horizon.
Session: Government Procurement British Businesses
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Nationalisation was supposed to put local communities in touch. Grimsby is the largest town in the east of England without a direct train to London. We have been campaigning for one for years, and now the Secretary of State has written to me to say that we are not going to get the train because of accessibility problems in Market Rasen station. It is ludicrous to spend £15 million on extending a platform that does not need to be extended and building a bridge that does not need to be built. What does the Secretary of State want me to do? Does she want me to get on my knees and beg for this train?
Context
The MP expressed frustration over the lack of progress in establishing a direct rail link between his town and London.
Heidi Alexander
I think that is possibly a first for the Father of the House, and it underlines the strength of feeling that he and his constituents have about improved rail services. He is right; I did write to him on 17 March and confirmed that while we could run trains without major infrastructure changes, we would have to find additional funding to support the necessary service pattern changes. For LNER services to call at Market Rasen, significant upgrades would be needed to the station to enable safe and compliant operation.
Session: Rail Renationalisation East of England
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To reassure our own citizens, will she ensure that everybody who enters this country illegally is detained and fully vetted, and, as most of their asylum claims are bogus anyway, perhaps deal with their asylum claims while they are in detention and then deport them to protect our own people?
Context
The MP expressed worry about people entering the country illegally, committing crimes without proper vetting.
Shabana Mahmood
I recognise the public concern around criminality. That is why this Government are working closely with all our partners to improve data collection and have a risk-based approach so that we can manage those individuals who pose the highest risk on our immigration estate.
Session: Asylum Seekers Recorded Crime
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What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the number of asylum seekers on levels of recorded crime?
Context
The MP raised concerns about the lack of data on immigration status and crime under previous governments.
Shabana Mahmood
As the right hon. Gentleman may know, data on immigration status and crime was not recorded under the last Government. We have a new programme that will improve data collection, and we have strong local relationships with police and local authorities to ensure that the full force of the law will apply to anyone breaking our laws.
Session: Asylum Seekers Recorded Crime
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Why does the Solicitor General not take action by setting up specialist rape courts to deal with backlog now?
Context
Institute for Government found abolishing jury trials may only get rape trials on a week earlier.
Ellie Reeves
The right hon. Gentleman will be aware that listing is a matter for the judiciary, but one proposal is a national listing framework to ensure that cases are listed as soon as possible. We are committed to supporting victims of rape and serious sexual violence.
Session: Courts and Tribunals Bill
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Whether the Attorney General has advised the Lord Chancellor on the potential impact of the Courts and Tribunals Bill on the rule of law.
Context
The Attorney General's advice on the Courts and Tribunals Bill.
Ellie Reeves
The Government's reforms will focus on delivering faster and fairer justice for victims. That includes removing the presumption of parental involvement to prioritise what is in the best interests of children after tireless campaigning by Claire Throssell, whose two sons, Jack and Paul, were killed by their father after their parents' separation. Reforms also include strengthening the use of special measures and preventing the misuse of evidence to unfairly undermine victims in court.
Session: Courts and Tribunals Bill
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Last week I met pupils from Pittencrieff primary school, Dollar academy and Queen Anne high school in my constituency to talk about how to keep them safe online. They were very much in favour of some restrictions to make sure that they were safe on social media but were very cautious of age-based bans. Will the Secretary of State ensure that the consultation coming forward is reflective of what young people say and that it fits their daily lives?
Context
The Secretary of State recently met with students from several schools in the constituency to discuss online safety measures that align with their needs without overly restrictive age-based bans.
Liz Kendall
Yes. We have already had more than 25,000 responses to our consultation, including 1,700 from children and young people. If my hon. Friend or any other hon. Member wants to send in the views of their constituents, including of young people, I will personally read them.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Minister will have heard, as I did, the very moving speech of the hon. Member for Warrington North (Charlotte Nichols) last week. She really moved the House with her testimony of the terrible experience that she had had as a rape victim, and her experience of delays. She will also have heard her say that, according to the Government, abolishing jury trials will save perhaps only a week. So my positive question to the Government is this: why do we not proceed on the basis of the Labour manifesto? It has its merits and it promised specialist rape trials. Why do we not set up courtrooms in every single courthouse with specialist lawyers and really deal with the backlog now?
Context
Discussion about the impact of abolishing jury trials for rape cases. The questioner refers to a previous speech by Charlotte Nichols, who spoke movingly about her experience as a rape victim and delays in the justice system.
Sarah Sackman
Might I echo—
Session: Automated Enforcement Technology Evidence
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I declare a similar interest to that of the hon. Member for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket (Peter Prinsley). I read this weekend that if we grapple with the increase in pensions and benefits, we might be able to afford 15 new frigates. It is easy for Opposition Members to attack in-work benefits; it is more difficult to question the state pension. Has the Minister seen the paper from the Institute for Fiscal Studies that says we should consider moving to a smoothed earnings link for state pensions, which would ensure that they never fall in real terms but, in the long term, always rise with earnings? He will not give me an answer now, but perhaps he can write to me about how we are going to buttress the long-term sustainability of the state pension.
Context
The MP questions the long-term sustainability of the state pension and refers to a paper from the Institute for Fiscal Studies suggesting a smoothed earnings link for state pensions.
Torsten Bell
The right hon. Member is right to recognise the challenge. We have around 12 million pensioners at the moment, but that will rise to 18 million over the next 50 years. Our view is that having the triple lock drive above-inflation increases, on average, among pensioners is the right thing to do for this Parliament. That is why we set it out in our manifesto, and that is what is driving the increases in the state pension. When it comes to affording the cost of frigates, I merely point him to the fact that defence spending under this Government is higher in every year than it was in a single year under the Conservative party.
Session: State Pension
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Antisemitism is horrible, but will the Minister agree that there is nothing antisemitic in supporting the rights of the suffering Palestinian people and there is nothing antisemitic in opposing the actions of the present right-wing Israeli Government in making a two-state solution impossible? There is nothing antisemitic in that, because probably the majority of Jewish people throughout the world agree with me—and, actually, the actions of the Israeli Government in forcing Palestinians off their ground is fuelling antisemitism.
Context
The MP questioned whether supporting the Palestinian cause was inherently antisemitic, referencing international Jewish opinion on Israeli government actions.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
It is very important to make a distinction between the unacceptable antisemitism we see rife in our society, which we all have a duty to stamp out, and the plight of the Palestinian community for which many will have sympathy. As Government, we are committed to delivering the two-state solution and working towards peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.
Session: Antisemitism
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The Secretary of State probably knows what I am going to ask. The single best thing we could do to promote economic growth in North East Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire, and particularly in Grimsby, which is one of the largest towns in England without a through-train to London, is to get our through-train to London from Grimsby and Cleethorpes, via Market Rasen and Lincoln. My hon. Friend the Member for Brigg and Immingham (Martin Vickers) and I have campaigned relentlessly for this. We went to see Lord Hendy, who gave us a very good interview, didn't he?
Context
The MP has campaigned for a through-train service on the line between Grimsby and London.
Heidi Alexander
I wondered what the Father of the House was going to ask me. I remember him asking me a couple of months ago to name a train after Margaret Thatcher. I gave him a pretty definitive response to that. On the subject of the station in his constituency and the through-service from it, I will be sure to speak to the Rail Minister for an update on his latest conversations with the right hon. Gentleman and the hon. Member for Brigg and Immingham (Martin Vickers). I will be happy to write to the right hon. Gentleman with an update.
Session: Rail Transport and Economic Growth
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The false narrative that Britain is broken due to illegal migrants is causing public distress. Arresting, detaining, and deporting anyone who arrives illegally would be necessary, even if it means derogating from conventions. What message does this send?
Context
People's sense of despair over the failure to deal with illegal migrants is driving them mad.
Shabana Mahmood
I point out that in 14 years under his party in government, no such action was taken. There is no silver bullet, but we are changing human rights laws, passing legislation on article 8 application, reforming appeals processes, and increasing illegal working raids.
Session: Illegal Migrants Pull Factors
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Will the prayers of long-dead medieval monks save us from this hideous mega-embassy, right next to the most totemic building in the United Kingdom, the Tower of London? On 14 January, the then Secretaries of State for the Home Office and the Foreign Office wrote a letter insisting that a condition be made that there should be a wall and public access to the Cistercian medieval monastery on the site. The Chinese, in their arrogant way, are ignoring that. Will the Government stand firm and insist on public access—which, by the way, would be a good way of stopping this awful project?
Context
The planning application for the proposed Chinese embassy near the Tower of London has raised concerns regarding national security and public access to historical sites.
Dan Jarvis (Minister of State, Cabinet Office)
National security is the first duty of this Government and has been a core priority throughout the process regarding the proposed Chinese embassy. The Government have considered the breadth of national security considerations and have publicly outlined necessary security mitigations required to support an application. Should the planning decision be approved, the new embassy will replace seven different sites that currently comprise China’s diplomatic estate.
Session: Proposed Chinese Embassy
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Will the Church of England call out this outrage every day of the week to put pressure on the Israeli Government?
Context
The town of Taybeh, a Christian community, faced violent attacks by extremist Israeli settlers recently. There is a pattern of such incidents leading to racial cleansing.
Marsha De Cordova
If we are all going to be the hands and feet of Jesus, we have to speak out when we see such atrocities happen. We must be a voice for the voiceless, speaking out every day against what is happening in Gaza and across the occupied territories.
Session: Christians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
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What recent engagement has his Department had with the Intelligence and Security Committee regarding why our normally sophisticated operations have not succeeded in making any significant dent in smashing the gangs and stopping the boats? Perhaps he might ask the Committee whether its view is that such is the pull factor and the desperation of these people that the only way we will stop the boats is to do what my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond and Northallerton (Rishi Sunak) was going to do: arrest them, deport them and send them back to where they came from.
Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of significant progress in combating gangs and stopping illegal immigration through security operations. He references a specific plan proposed by Rishi Sunak to address these issues.
Pat McFadden (The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster)
I am not quite sure that was the previous Government’s plan—maybe the right hon. Gentleman wishes it was. This is a hugely important issue for us. It is a security issue as well as an immigration issue. Of course, international policing and security operations to stop these gangs and this trade is a vital part of trying to combat it.
Session: Intelligence and Security Committee
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This week I met Rana Musa of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate. Under the traditional status quo, the Israeli authorities levied arnona—the property tax—only on Church-owned business properties, but they are now levying it on Church properties used for religious purposes. That is an existential crisis for the Christian churches in Jerusalem. It is part of a pattern of intolerable pressure that has resulted in a reduction of the Christian population in the west bank to just 45,000 people. That must stop. I beg the Church of England, the Catholic Church, all Christians in this country and everybody else to shout at the top of their voices that Christians in the Holy Land deserve to be treated with respect.
Context
The Israeli authorities are now levying Arnona property tax on Church-owned religious properties used for worship.
Marsha De Cordova
I thank the Father of the House for his question. He makes a truly important point: everybody should have the freedom to worship and nobody should be allowed to prevent that with impunity. As he rightly says, it is up to us—the Church of England, the Catholic Church and all people of faith—to use our voices for the voiceless. People should not be prevented from worshipping.
Session: Occupied Palestinian Territories Christians
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Will the Home Secretary consider raising an obvious lacuna in the law in the Committee of Ministers at the Council of Europe? Under the refugee convention, we can automatically deport foreign national offenders who enter this country illegally, but under the convention on human rights, we cannot. Surely we can address that in partnership with other members of the Council of Europe.
Context
A lacuna in the law exists under the refugee convention, allowing automatic deportation for foreign criminals entering illegally. However, this is not possible under the human rights convention.
Yvette Cooper
The right hon. Member will know that we have increased the return and removal of foreign national offenders significantly since the election. Deportations, returns and removals had plummeted under the previous Government. We are increasing them, and I believe it is right to do so. By working internationally, we have secured a new agreement with Germany, which will now go after the trafficking and smuggler gangs and the illegal warehouses in that country, but we need to ensure that we take action against dangerous foreign criminals.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Secretary of State and I are near neighbours. Will he take a short car journey to Gainsborough to visit the new fusion site at West Burton? It is probably the most exciting development in green energy that we have ever had in this country, creating unlimited jobs and unlimited green energy. Will he join me in Gainsborough?
Context
Sir Edward Leigh is requesting that the Secretary of State visit a new fusion site in his constituency.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
The right hon. Gentleman and I do not necessarily agree on everything, but on this we do agree. The transformation of the West Burton site from a fossil fuel-fired power station to a fusion power plant is an incredibly exciting project, and we should all be battling for it.
Session: Topical Questions
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What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on the development of large-scale solar farms? The Government say only 1% of agricultural land will be taken up by solar farms, but in Gainsborough around 10,000 acres have already been put aside for solar farms, with another 4,000 announced recently. Up to 15% of the constituency's most arable and fertile land is involved. Will he consider applications in the round rather than individually, looking at their cumulative effect on food production and the local environment?
Context
Sir Edward Leigh raised concerns about the amount of agricultural land being set aside for solar farms in his constituency, Gainsborough, citing figures that indicate up to 15% of arable and fertile land could be affected. He requested a holistic approach to planning applications.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Michael Shanks)
Under even the most ambitious scenarios, less than 1% of agricultural land would be occupied by solar farms. The strategic spatial energy planning we have taken forward is important in having a coherent view of the entire energy system, which should have been done many years ago. Individual planning applications are being considered, but there is an emphasis on holistic planning.
Session: Large-scale Solar Farms
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Obviously the Minister is working very hard, but he looks a bit tired, so may I offer him some Lincolnshire hospitality? Will he come and stay for a glorious weekend in one of our farm cottages, to enjoy our great skies and bracing air, and help our distressed farmers? Frankly, they need the income. The problem is that the Government have abolished the furnished holiday letting scheme, which was a tremendous encouragement for the countryside.
Context
The Conservative MP expresses concern about the impact of government policies on the hospitality and farming sectors in his constituency, particularly mentioning the abolition of the furnished holiday letting scheme.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)
Unusually for the Conservative party, the right hon. Gentleman has made an extremely generous offer. I am almost as tempted by that as by the offer from my hon. Friend the Member for Doncaster Central to visit Doncaster. I am happy to look at the issue he raises and I will write to him with more details.
Session: Hospitality Industry
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A week ago, I was in a Palestinian village with colleagues and we went to a school that had been demolished by illegal settlers. Two punks turned up with sub-machine guns, intimidating us. This is happening all over the place. The whole House should unite against the extremist Jewish settlers and the illegal settlements because it is not in the interest of moderate Israeli opinion. It is directly contrary to peace.
Context
Violent incidents in Palestinian villages by extremist Jewish settlers are causing concern among UK constituents. There is a call for unity against the illegal settlements.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
The Father of the House can hear the strong support for his remarks from Members on the Government Benches. We are clear in our opposition to a further expansion of extremist settler violence and illegal settlement.
Session: Illegal Israeli Settler Violence
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When the Secretary of State finally steps in and knocks heads together and we get our Azuma train to Grimsby via Market Rasen, will she instruct the railway company to name the locomotive Margaret Thatcher to remind us all that the best way to reduce the cost of rail services is to end restrictive trade union practices?
Context
The Member raised concerns about the high costs of rail fares in comparison to other European countries and suggested naming a locomotive after Margaret Thatcher as a symbolic way to reduce costs.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
I hate to disappoint the Father of the House, but I am afraid that I will not be making such a commitment today.
Session: Cost of Rail Services
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The right hon Gentleman asked whether the screening process is sufficiently robust to prevent violent and dangerous criminals from being released early. He highlighted his worries for the future rather than past issues.
Context
Concerns have been raised about the robustness of the screening process in ensuring that violent and dangerous criminals are not released into the community under the SDS40 scheme.
Shabana Mahmood
The right hon Gentleman's concerns have been addressed by excluding certain offenders from the SDS40 scheme. Offenders will be monitored and supervised effectively when not incarcerated. The review into sentencing is looking into how technology can enhance this supervision.
Session: Early Release Scheme
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What recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the early release scheme. The right hon Gentleman asked what recent assessments have been made on the effectiveness of the SDS40 scheme in terms of its impact on public safety and prison capacity.
Context
The question pertains to the effectiveness and concerns regarding the SDS40 standard determinate sentences early release scheme implemented by the government.
Shabana Mahmood
SDS40 was implemented as an emergency measure to avert the collapse of the criminal justice system. It is not seen as a long-term solution, but rather a necessary step given the low number of prison places inherited from the previous government. Exclusions have been made in the SDS40 scheme to address concerns about releasing violent and dangerous criminals early.
Session: Early Release Scheme
View All Questions -->
With RAF Scampton now being put back on the market, may I have assurance that MOD will work closely with West Lindsey to further plans for defence industries and keeping the runway open?
Context
The RAF Scampton site is being put back on the market, with interest in promoting defence industries there.
Maria Eagle
I am pleased to meet the Father of the House and look at those plans.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The previous Government negotiated a scheme by which we can deport Albanian prisoners back to Albania. It is an excellent scheme; Albania is a completely safe country, of course. Given that those crossing the channel are committing an illegal offence, is there anything legally to stop us arresting them and putting them on a flight straight to Albania? We do not even need to lock them up in Albania; they can just start their journey all over again—what a good deterrent.
Context
MP inquired about the legality and feasibility of arresting illegal channel crossers and deporting them to Albania.
Shabana Mahmood
As the right hon. Gentleman well knows, we have legal obligations to those who arrive in this country that have to play out. However, PTAs relate to those who have committed an offence, have been convicted and are being held in the prison estate. They can therefore be removed from this country under a prisoner transfer agreement. We are working with the Albanians to ensure that the PTA with Albania is as effective as possible.
Session: Foreign National Offenders
View All Questions -->
How many foreign national offenders were removed from the UK through a prison transfer agreement in each year since 2010.
Context
MP queried the number of foreign national offenders removed through prison transfer agreements since 2010.
Shabana Mahmood
I share the public's view that there are far too many foreign national offenders in our prisons. Since coming into office, we have returned more than 1,500 foreign offenders and, I am pleased to say, we are on track to remove more foreign offenders this year than at any time in recent years.
Session: Foreign National Offenders
View All Questions -->
With so much good agricultural land now covered by solar panels, how will the Government incentivise builders to build on brownfield rather than good agricultural land, thus ensuring regeneration rather than imperilling food security?
Context
Agricultural land is being covered by solar panels, raising concerns about food security.
Angela Rayner
The right hon. Member will know that we have already set out a number of steps, including the brownfield passport and the national planning policy framework, and the use of local housing targets to ensure that brownfield is used first and we get the houses that we desperately need.
Session: Housing Supply
View All Questions -->
With two-thirds of patients having to wait more than four hours at Lincoln County hospital's A&E department and constituents reporting waits of up to 24 hours, does the Minister agree that we must unleash the full power of the private sector to save the NHS and provide timely appointments?
Context
Two thirds of people are waiting more than four hours at the A&E department of Lincoln County Hospital, with reports of individuals waiting up to 24 hours. The questioner seeks to understand if unleashing the power of the private sector is necessary.
Karin Smyth
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for helping to underline the shocking inheritance from the previous Government. He is absolutely right that we are committed to cutting waiting times and serving constituents, like mine, by delivering long-term reform the NHS desperately needs. The Government are committed to the funding model as it exists.
Session: Health Outcomes East Midlands
View All Questions -->
What steps his Department plans to take to improve health outcomes in the east midlands, given that waiting lists stand at 57% compared to the national average of 58%?
Context
Lord Darzi's report highlights critical health service conditions in the east midlands with a decline in healthy life expectancy over the past decade.
Karin Smyth
Lord Darzi's report concluded that the health service is in a critical condition across the country, including in the east midlands, where healthy life expectancy has declined in the past decade. Waiting lists in the region stand at slightly below the national average for 18-week waits, at 57% compared to the national average of 58%. We are committed to cutting waiting times and serving constituents by delivering long-term reform.
Session: Health Outcomes East Midlands
View All Questions -->
In the run-up to WWII, new RAF airfields were opened. One such airfield is RAF Scampton. Now that we are no longer to have illegal migrants there, this matter is sitting in the Home Office's in-tray: will the MOD work with the Home Office to ensure that we keep the runway open for future use?
Context
RAF Scampton was part of an expansion programme during WWII.
John Healey
We will indeed work with the Home Office on the future of RAF Scampton.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The previous Minister promised me and my hon. Friend that he had instructed LNER and Network Rail to ensure we get our through train from Grimsby to London. Will the Minister confirm she will continue those firm instructions and, above all, ensure this train stops? If it does not stop in Market Rasen I am going to lie down on the line.
Context
Previous Minister promised a through train from Grimsby to London which has not materialised.
Lilian Greenwood
I do hope that the right hon. Member will not put himself in such danger. We are working with industry to address timetabling, financial, operational and infrastructure issues that need to be resolved before a service between Cleethorpes and London via Market Rasen could be introduced once the east coast main line timetable change has been implemented. We will consider any proposals put forward subject to funding and thorough business case process.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Has any Agriculture Minister ever met a farmer denying that 3b land is just as suitable for arable crops as 3a land?
Context
The MP raises the issue of food security in relation to land use, specifically questioning if Minister's ever met a farmer who denied that 3b land is just as good for growing crops as 3a land.
Steve Barclay
We recognise the importance of food security and the clustering of solar sites on farmland. The right hon. Friend can see the shift in focus to our environmental schemes that align with food security because I believe that food security is instrumental to national security.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Obviously farmers in low-lying areas of Lincolnshire are suffering from flooding, so any update on the support that they can be given would be very helpful. Specifically, will the Government update us on when they will announce the long-term funding solution that they promised for internal drainage boards to address pressure on local authorities through special levies?
Context
Farmers in Lincolnshire are suffering from flooding, and there is a need to provide them with support.
Steve Barclay
My right hon. Friend is right to focus on the importance of drainage boards, particularly in Lincolnshire. We have announced £65 million of funding and the Minister for water will make further announcements shortly. There has been a 60% increase in rainfall and we are looking at a series of easements with regard to SFI to ensure that farmers get their payments.
Session: Farmers
View All Questions -->
Should I keep campaigning for an end to the faith cap given its ineffectiveness in preventing the opening of new Catholic schools?
Context
For over a decade, there have been calls to end the faith cap which restricts the opening of new Catholic schools.
Damian Hinds
The Catholic Church, the Church of England, and other denominations play a central role in education with high-quality schools popular among parents. The Government wishes to extend its academies and free schools programme which has improved quality since 2010.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Why should people living in rural areas be second-class citizens when it comes to mobile phone coverage?
Context
The questioner is concerned that people living in rural areas should not be second-class citizens when it comes to mobile phone coverage.
Julia Lopez
We agree; that is why we have the shared rural network programme, which is dealing with a lot of those notspot problems.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
In two short sentences, will the Minister reassure us that AI will not destroy not just democracy, but the human race?
Context
The MP seeks assurance that artificial intelligence will not destroy democracy or the human race.
Saqib Bhatti
The Government are taking a proactive approach to AI. The defending democracy taskforce is working very hard to protect our democratic processes.
Session: AI Impact on Democracy
View All Questions -->
May I also welcome the Minister to his new role? According to National Grid, £58 billion of investment is needed to meet our 2035 decarbonising target. British electricity demand is expected to rise by 64% in the next 10 years, and the current system is still designed around electricity sources of the past, such as coal. New cables need to be built to bring electricity from renewable energy sources, as we have already heard. What assessment has the Department made of the impact this problem is having on green investment?
Context
Concern about the impact of grid infrastructure issues on green investment.
Justin Tomlinson
I thank the hon. Member for her kind words. I enjoyed working with her on many occasions in my former roles. The Government have continued to work with the public and business to unlock additional investment. For example, through the connections action plan, we expect an additional 40 GW of accelerated collection dates to be released, which will particularly help in the area of solar. We are also looking at the £85 billion of investment we have unlocked since the autumn statement through the transmission acceleration action plan. Those are all vital components to hit our ambitious targets.
Session: Large Solar Farms National Grid
View All Questions -->
What plans do the Government have to preserve the character of historic market towns such as Gainsborough?
Context
The MP is concerned about preserving the heritage and beauty of Gainsborough.
Julia Lopez
I thank my right hon. Friend for raising the beauty and heritage of Gainsborough. Heritage, of course, has a vital role to play in levelling up, and can act as a powerful catalyst to increase opportunities and prosperity. We recognise the opportunity that historic high streets give us, and we have a £95 million high streets heritage action zones programme that is driving the regeneration of 67 of our towns and cities. I believe that Gainsborough has previously been a recipient of heritage lottery programmes, and we also have a scheme to help with historic churches.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Through Train Service For Grimsby And Market Rasen
03 June 2026
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the lack of a direct train service to London for Market Rasen and Grimsby, despite repeated promises over 15 years. The cost of this project is estimated at less than £1 million, which is only 0.001% of the High Speed 2 (HS2) budget. We are being fobbed off with excuses such as insufficient platform length or height and non-existent bridges, despite feasible solutions like matting for platforms.']
Specific Asks
['I urge the Minister to intervene and address the issue immediately, providing a through train from Grimsby to London, rather than wasting resources on prestige projects like HS2.']
Palestinian Rights: Government Support
04 March 2025
Responding: Catherine West
Main Concerns
['There were 1,800 incidents of settler violence on the west bank between 7 October 2023 and 31 December 2024, an average of four a day. Additionally, hundreds of Palestinian-owned olive trees have been torched or destroyed during the harvest season.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should support the two-state solution and condemn all forms of settler violence in the west bank.']
Skin Conditions and Mental Health
25 January 2022
Responding: Gillian Keegan
Main Concerns
["Mr. Leigh is concerned about the significant psychological impact of skin conditions on individuals, highlighting that 60% of people live with some form of skin condition which can severely affect their mental health and daily life. He cited a survey showing that 98% of patients felt their condition affected emotional and psychological wellbeing, yet only 'poor' or 'very poor' mental health provision was available in the NHS for those with skin conditions. The waiting times for appointments have worsened due to the pandemic, leading to significant stress and anxiety among patients. He also emphasized that the lack of psychological support can result in severe outcomes such as self-harm and suicide."]
Specific Asks
['Mr. Leigh urges the government to ensure parity between dermatology services and other long-term conditions by providing clear pathways for psychological intervention, increasing staffing in dermatology services, improving training for healthcare professionals, prioritizing research funding for psychodermatology, and ensuring that mental health funding is used effectively to improve support systems.']
Israel and Palestine
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Dover and Portsmouth: Protests
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Direction of Government
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
16 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
British Steel
16 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
NATO Summit
09 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
09 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mohamed argues that successive British Governments have acknowledged the illegality and harmful effects of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories but have failed to take decisive ...
Opposition Day
07 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Police Leadership Commission Report
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
51.0%
50 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
26
26.5% of votes
No Votes
24
24.5% of votes
Abstentions
48
49.0% 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
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED 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
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
11
PMQs Asked
134
Ministerial Questions Asked
366
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
14
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
+200% above average
This MP:
11
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+900% above average
This MP:
134
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+7431% above average
This MP:
366
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+48% above average
This MP:
14
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-26% below average
This MP:
51.0
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Edward Leigh's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.