Esther McVey
MP for Tatton
Con
6 May 2010 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
My constituency faces issues with illegal encampments that disrupt communities. The police either lack powers or fail to use them effectively. Will the Deputy Prime Minister ensure that Cheshire Police have sufficient powers and will they be used?
Context
There is a problem with Travellers pitching on private land and causing disturbances, particularly at Parkgate Industrial Estate.
Oliver Dowden
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight the misery caused by unauthorised encampments. I understand that Home Office officials regularly liaise with the National Police Chiefs' Council on this, but my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary will have heard my right hon. Friend's representations and I trust she will act on those.
Assessment
Specific actions by Cheshire Police
Referencing Ongoing Liaison With National Police Chiefs' Council
Session: PMQs
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Fixing illegal immigration is one of my top priorities. The Home Secretary said legislation would be necessary to stop it. When can we expect to see that legislation? Why didn't this priority feature in the Home Office permanent secretary's top three priorities?
Context
The Prime Minister has made fixing illegal immigration a top priority, stating legislation will be required. However, sorting out this issue did not feature in the Home Office permanent secretary's stated priorities.
Rishi Sunak
We are working at pace on the legislation which is important, and our deals with Albania and France have already yielded benefits. We want a system whereby if someone arrives illegally, they will be detained and removed to their country of origin or safe third alternative.
Assessment
Specific timeline for legislation
Working At Pace On Legislation
Already Yielding Benefits
Session: PMQs
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My constituents are unhappy with the decline in quality of Avanti's train service. What will the Government do to restore the full direct service between Manchester and London?
Context
The train service between Wilmslow and London has deteriorated, with less direct trains and longer travel times.
Rishi Sunak
The deterioration is unacceptable, the Transport Secretary monitors Avanti and plans involve increasing trains and restoring services with union cooperation.
Assessment
Did not specify what specific measures will be taken by government
Monitoring
Holding To Account
Session: PMQs
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Given that we have the highest burden of taxation in living memory, it is clear that the Government's financial difficulties are caused by overspending, not due to under-taxing. Does the Deputy Prime Minister therefore agree that if the Government have enough money to proceed with HS2 at any cost, then they have sufficient money not to increase taxes; but if they have so little money that they have to increase taxes—the last thing for a Conservative Government to do—then they do not have sufficient money for HS2? So can I gently urge the Deputy Prime Minister not to ask Conservative MPs to support any tax rises unless and until this unnecessary vanity project is scrapped, because I for one will not support them?
Context
The questioner argues that the Government's financial difficulties are due to overspending, not under-taxing. She questions whether HS2 should proceed given the need for potential tax rises.
Dominic Raab
I thank my right hon. Friend. I think I followed the various steps of logic in that question. I understand her opposition to HS2. I think we have some very difficult decisions to make. They will inevitably involve a balanced approach.
Assessment
Did not provide specific stance on HS2 or tax rises
Difficult Decisions
Session: PMQs
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Given that we agree on cutting unnecessary spending, could you consider scrapping HS2 to save billions of pounds?
Context
MP agreed with the Prime Minister's statement about cutting government costs and suggested scrapping HS2.
Boris Johnson
We are cutting national insurance contributions and HS2 will deliver long-term growth, prosperity, and level up the UK. It is crucial for future tax cuts.
Assessment
Did not commit to scrapping HS2
Stating Benefits Of Hs2
Session: PMQs
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On Monday, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care said mandatory vaccinations would be subject to a consultation. Can the Prime Minister make it unequivocally clear—no ifs, no buts, no qualifications—that mandatory vaccinations for NHS staff will be abandoned? Will he also make it clear that that is also true for care workers, many of whom have already lost their jobs? What support will the Government be giving to get those care workers back into the care sector, and will those who have lost their jobs get compensation?
Context
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care previously stated that mandatory vaccinations would be subject to a consultation.
Boris Johnson
I thank my right hon. Friend for her thoughtful work on this. I want to stress that vaccines remain our best line of defence, and I think that NHS staff and all those who work in the care sector have a professional responsibility to get vaccinated. However, as my right hon. Friend the Health Secretary told the House on Monday, given the difference between omicron and delta, it is right—my right hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Esther McVey) is right—that we revisit the balance of risks and opportunities. The Health Secretary has said we will launch a consultation and, subject to the responses and the will of this House, the Government will revoke the regulations.
Assessment
The PM did not confirm or deny abandoning mandatory vaccinations for care workers or provide specific support and compensation details.
Session: PMQs
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When High Speed 2 was first proposed, the estimated cost was £37.5 billion. The latest estimate is over £150 billion, and rising fast. Is there a price at which the Prime Minister will accept that High Speed 2 is no longer value for money, or is he determined to build it irrespective of the final cost, whatever that will be? Would it not be better to put this white-elephant project out of its misery and get rid of High Speed 2, and instead deliver high-speed broadband—reliable 1 gigabit capability—at a fraction of the cost to every household?
Context
The cost of High Speed 2 has significantly increased, raising concerns about its value for money. The question also addresses the importance of gigabit broadband.
Boris Johnson
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right about the importance of gigabit broadband. That is why the coverage has gone up, just since I have been Prime Minister, from 9% to 60% this year and we hope to get up to 100% in the course of the next few years. However, I cannot agree with her about HS2 as it has the potential to do a massive amount of good in levelling up across the whole UK.
Assessment
The specific cost threshold at which High Speed 2 would no longer be considered value for money was not addressed.
Session: PMQs
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Has the Minister discussed the Peak Cluster project with her international counterparts? What have they made of the lack of cost-benefit analysis by the British Government? Will carbon dioxide be imported from abroad into the UK if this proposal goes ahead?
Context
The MP questions the government's position on the Peak Cluster project and its international reception, particularly regarding a lack of cost-benefit analysis.
Katie White
My understanding is that the Peak Cluster needs to develop its own project; it is not a Government-backed initiative. This Government have made more progress on carbon capture and storage than in the last 20 years. If the right hon. Lady's colleagues and constituents want to hear more about it, please feel free to write to us, as we will be happy to look at it further.
Session: Climate Change International Discussions 2026-07-07
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Jean Taylor set up the organisation Families Fighting for Justice after her daughter, Chantel Taylor, was violently and savagely murdered. The murderer then desecrated and concealed her body. Jean Taylor wants to make sure that that is a crime in its own right, not just an aggravating factor. Not only could she not grieve for her daughter or bury her—Chantel's three children could not do so either—but serious evidence was hidden by the hiding of the body. The murderer is now out on the streets. Will the Minister please meet me and Jean Taylor to discuss a Chantel's law?
Context
The MP highlighted a constituent's case where the body of her daughter was desecrated and hidden by the murderer who is now out on the streets. The victim's family wants to ensure that such actions are treated as separate crimes.
Alex Davies-Jones
I thank the right hon. Lady for raising that issue. I had hoped to drop in to the event that she hosted yesterday in Parliament to meet Jean directly. Ministerial responsibilities meant that I was unable to do so, but I will commit today to meeting her and Jean to discuss this matter. The right hon. Lady will know that the Law Commission is looking specifically at desecration of a body; that work is ongoing. The Government will look carefully at the report to see what more we can do.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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In rural and coastal Britain, there is deep worry among families about the effect of the conflict in the Middle East on oil prices. We welcome £53 million to support them but those calling for an expansion of reliance on wholesale oil prices offer no long-term solution to energy security.
Context
Concerns about the impact of Middle East conflict on oil prices affecting families in rural Britain.
Ed Miliband
My hon. Friend is right. Those people offer no short or long term solution and want to fly in the face of all evidence. The last Government said more UK production of North sea oil and gas would make no difference to global price.
Session: Middle East Conflict Energy Security
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Alderley Edge school for girls, in my constituency, has just announced its closure, blaming increased costs, such as national insurance costs, and, most significantly, VAT on school fees. Given that the Secretary of State is responsible for its closure, what will she do to help minimise the disruption to pupils who are now being forced to change school against their wishes, and to look for places in schools in the Cheshire East area that either no longer exist or are full?
Context
Alderley Edge school for girls has announced its closure due to increased costs, including national insurance and VAT on school fees. The closure is affecting pupils who are now being forced to change schools.
Olivia Bailey
I am sorry to hear about the closure of the school in the right hon. Lady's constituency, but closures of private schools have been in line with historical trends. All pupils are entitled to a state school place, and the right hon. Lady should contact the local authority to discuss this further.
Session: Topical Questions
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The biggest issue for those on low incomes is losing their jobs. Does the Chancellor believe that there is any link at all between her increase in employer national insurance contributions —her job tax—and employment levels slumping to a 14-year low?
Context
Concerns about employment levels falling to a 14-year low and the impact of increased employer national insurance contributions on job security.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
The number of jobs has increased by 329,000 this year. The youth guarantee is addressing the issue of young people not being in education, employment or training. This Government are dealing with the fact that when they took office last year, one in eight young people were NEET.
Session: Low-income Households
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Will my right hon. Friend encourage the Health Secretary to break off from his leadership bid to come to the House and explain progress on ensuring Knutsford gets its new medical centre, which health professionals, the public, and I believe is essential?
Context
The hon. Member for Tatton urges the Health Secretary to address the issue of a new medical centre that was promised but not fulfilled.
Alan Campbell
The Health Secretary regularly updates this House on his work. Regarding the specific case, it may be a matter raised by the previous Government without available funding. The hon. Lady might wish to meet with the Health Secretary herself.
Session: Business of the House
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The Chancellor has justified her lack of a licence for renting out her house as an “inadvertent error”, but HMRC is never prepared to accept that people make inadvertent errors. Will this now change, or does the Chancellor expect to be treated differently from everyone else who makes an inadvertent error?
Context
The MP criticizes the Chancellor for justifying her lack of a rental license as an 'inadvertent error' while HMRC does not accept such errors from others.
The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Dan Tomlinson)
I am not sure that the matter that the right hon. Member just raised has much to do with HMRC.
Session: HMRC Customer Service
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This Government are hampering schools’ recruitment of new teachers. First they hiked up the cost through the increase in employer national insurance contributions; then the money promised to state schools from charging VAT on private school fees was spent on housing instead. Can the Secretary of State tell the House how much the increase in employer national insurance contributions will cost schools in total over this Parliament?
Context
Increase in costs due to employer national insurance contributions and misallocation of funds.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
We are investing record sums in our state schools. The Conservative party wants to take money out of our state schools to give tax breaks back to private schools. That tells us everything we need to know about their priorities.
Session: Teacher Recruitment
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Does the Chancellor believe that the changes she has made to employer’s national insurance contributions will lead to higher levels of employment, or will they lead to higher levels of unemployment?
Context
MP asked about the potential employment outcomes resulting from recent policy changes related to employers' national insurance contributions.
Rachel Reeves
Let us look at the record so far. There are 385,000 more jobs in the UK economy today than there were when Labour came to office a year ago, which is more than 1,000 jobs a day. So businesses are voting with their feet and taking on more workers, because of the policies of this Labour Government compared with the Tory policies that took our economy down.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Prisoners (Disclosure of Information about Victims) Act 2020, otherwise known as Helen’s law, should prevent the early release of murderers who do not disclose the location of their victims’ remains. However, there are loopholes in the law in cases where the murderer makes a disclosure but no remains are found, as happened in the case of Jean Taylor’s daughter, Chantel. Will the Minister meet me and Jean Taylor, who founded the charity Families Fighting for Justice, to close those loopholes?
Context
MP Esther McVey references a specific case where the murderer made a disclosure but no remains were found, highlighting loopholes in the Prisoners (Disclosure of Information about Victims) Act 2020.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)
I thank the right hon. Member for her question. All my sympathies go to her constituent. If she wants to write to me with the details, I will definitely look into the case and come back to her.
Session: Violent Offenders Early Release
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Knutsford desperately needs a modern medical centre. The local GPs and the community are united in feeling that current provision is no longer fit for purpose. With the population growing, it cannot meet everybody’s needs. In the light of the Government’s announcement of £102 million to modernise GP surgeries, so that it is easier for them to see more patients, will the Minister meet me to discuss a new modern medical centre for Knutsford?
Context
Knutsford has a growing population and its current medical provision is inadequate. The local GPs and community support modernisation of GP surgeries.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ashley Dalton)
I thank the right hon. Member for recognising the significant investment announced today in GP services and buildings, and I would be delighted to ensure that the relevant Minister meets her.
Session: Neighbourhood Health Centres
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I have met private schools that told me they applied for VAT numbers but none received them. What discussions are you having with the Chancellor to address this and improve the situation?
Context
The question is prompted by the failure of private schools to receive their VAT numbers, despite applications. The rushed implementation of a policy in January has led to this issue.
Bridget Phillipson
I would be happy to make sure that the point the right hon. Lady raises is looked into, but on the wider policy priority, I say to her that this party and this Government are determined to expand opportunity right across our country for the vast majority of children, who go to state schools.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am concerned about my departmental responsibilities. What specific actions will be taken to ensure a better start for children in life?
Context
The question arises from the new department's duties and responsibilities.
Bridget Phillipson
Children growing up in our country deserve the best start in life, and nothing less. Last week, the Prime Minister published his plan for change, including an ambitious target to ensure that, by the end of the Parliament, a record proportion of children are ready for school. We will do this by transforming the early years, creating and expanding nurseries, rolling out childcare, strengthening family services and focusing on early intervention.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Secretary of State update the House on the status of Alan Milburn? Does he still attend meetings in the Department and have access to confidential information? Does he now have an official role in the Department? Does he still have private sector interests in the healthcare sector?
Context
Questions about Alan Milburn's status and activities in the Department are raised.
Wes Streeting
The right hon. Alan Milburn is alive, he is safe and we are treating him well.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Secretary of State agree that handing over powers to the World Health Organisation, undermining the UK's ability to make its own sovereign decisions, would be unacceptable?
Context
Concerns over the UK's ability to make independent decisions regarding health matters and potential delegation of powers to international bodies.
Wes Streeting
The World Health Organisation is an intergovernmental arrangement. It is of vital importance that, first and foremost, we agree only to things that are in our national interest, but we should not lose sight of the fact that there are lots of things that we need to do together in pursuit of our national interest, from tackling antimicrobial resistance to preventing future pandemic threats. That is exactly what we will do.
Session: Topical Questions
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If accommodating HS2 means fewer trains between the north and London, affecting stations like Wilmslow, would HS2 no longer be value for money?
Context
Concerns over HS2's potential negative impact on north-London train services, specifically Wilmslow station.
John Glen
HS2 is proceeding. Additional investments across rail infrastructure might benefit Wilmslow's constituents additionally and directly through the £96 billion IRP package improving inter-regional connections.
Session: HS2 Cost
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Does the Secretary of State agree that shutting schools during covid lockdowns was a disaster for children and their mental health and has led to an explosion in severely absent rates? Will she make sure that cannot happen again by classifying all education settings, including schools, colleges and universities, as essential infrastructure, to ensure they remain open during national emergencies?
Context
The question arises from concerns that school closures during the pandemic had negative impacts on children's education, mental health, and attendance rates. The member asks for assurances that schools will remain open in future emergencies.
Gillian Keegan
Schools were not shut during lockdown. Many of our fantastic teachers were still teaching key cohorts, supporting our NHS and the most vulnerable, such as those with special educational needs, but I fully share my right hon. Friend's concerns about the impact that the pandemic has had on attainment, attendance and mental health. She knows we are working hard to recover, making almost £5 billion available for recovery. I can assure her that we will always seek to minimise the disruption to education in emergency situations.
Session: Persistent Absence from School
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Will the Minister assure me that the UK will not sign up to any IHR amendment or instrument that would compromise its ability to make domestic decisions on national measures concerning public health?
Context
There are concerns that proposed changes to the IHR may give new rule-making powers to the WHO director general, including border closures and quarantining. The WHO's own expert review committee has raised concerns over such power increases.
Will Quince
As my right hon. Friend will know, the UK has a strong commitment and duty to implement international law, but on this matter we have been absolutely clear. We will not sign up to any IHR amendment or other instrument that would compromise the UK's ability to make domestic decisions on national measures concerning public health.
Session: International Health Regulations
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What recent progress has been made in negotiations on amendments to the International Health Regulations? Will the proposed changes give new rule-making powers to the WHO director general?
Context
The UK is negotiating proposed amendments to the International Health Regulations 2005 with other member states of the WHO. There are concerns about potential rule-making powers being given to the WHO director general, particularly concerning border closures and quarantining.
Will Quince
The UK Government has been clear that it will not sign up to any IHR amendment or other instrument that would compromise the UK's ability to make domestic decisions on national measures concerning public health.
Session: International Health Regulations
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In Wilmslow in my Tatton constituency, we have a football academy run by Erik Garner, which will be putting on a girls' world cup for primary age children this summer. That is possible only because town councillors stood in to give funding to ensure the maximum number of girls can participate. Given that women's football is still growing, will the Minister explain how organisations that do not have parish and town councils that can step in can access financial support from the Football Association for similar events, to help to inspire the next generation of Lionesses?
Context
The MP inquired about how to support organisations running similar events without local council backing.
Stuart Andrew
I congratulate my right hon. Friend's constituent for the work he is doing. We are all proud of the Lionesses' success and the inspiration it has given. The majority of funding for grassroots sport is delivered through Sport England. We invested £21 million in 2021-22 and £46 million in 2022-23 in grassroots sports facilities in England. We suggest that organisations hoping to run similar events contact Sport England or the FA, and many community groups that do not have parish councils do so. We are also carrying out an in-depth review of women's football, chaired by former Lioness Karen Carney, which will report this summer.
Session: Grassroots Sport
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What steps her Department is taking to support grassroots sport?
Context
The MP asked about the government's efforts to support local sports projects.
Stuart Andrew
Supporting grassroots sport is a key priority for the Government. Last year, Sport England received almost £350 million to fund grassroots sports projects. We are also supporting community participation, with more than £300 million between 2021 and 2025 to deliver up to 8,000 multi-sport facilities in communities across the UK.
Session: Grassroots Sport
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I am pleased my question has now resulted in a response, for which I am grateful. However, from that response, I was none the wiser as to how the Government have explained the non-covid excess deaths we have seen. So can the Minister give us an insight into the reasons for the non-covid excess deaths since the pandemic?
Context
Following a previous question, the right hon. Member for Tatton requested further insight into non-covid related excess deaths since the pandemic.
Neil O'Brien
Even if we just take one disease such as cardiovascular disease, there was disruption to screening, to referrals and to treatment from the covid pandemic. It was noted at the time that that would happen and there would be consequences from it, but let me set out in more detail to my right hon. Friend all the exact facts and figures on this, because I know she has been following it closely.
Session: Members Correspondence
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When he plans to reply to the letter of 24 January from the right hon. Member for Tatton on non-covid excess deaths.
Context
The right hon. Member for Tatton sent a letter on January 24, discussing the issue of non-covid related excess deaths in her constituency.
Neil O'Brien
In my letter to my right hon. Friend, I noted that it is likely that a combination of factors has contributed to potential excess deaths, including high flu prevalence, ongoing covid-19, and the disruption to the treatment and detection of conditions such as heart disease.
Session: Members Correspondence
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The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme is not working as intended for small rural villages like those in Tatton. Community groups found that the local authority contract includes commercially viable areas but excludes remote ones. Will she meet me and representatives from Lower Peover to address this issue?
Context
The MP is concerned about the limitations of the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme in smaller rural villages within her constituency, specifically Lower Peover.
Julia Lopez
The right hon. Friend's work has been crucial in ensuring Cheshire is connected. I have looked at Lower Peover's challenges with the voucher scheme and assure her that we upped the amount claimable to £1,500 per premises. I am always happy to meet Members on these issues.
Session: Broadband Coverage Rural Areas
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The chief medical officer recently warned that non-covid excess deaths are being driven in part by patients not getting statins or blood pressure medicines during the pandemic. However, when looking at the data on statins on OpenPrescribing.net, which is based on monthly NHS prescribing, there appears not to be a drop, so where is the evidence? If there is none, what is causing these excess deaths? Will the Minister commit to an urgent and thorough investigation on the matter?
Context
The chief medical officer warned that non-covid excess deaths are driven by patients not getting statins or blood pressure medicines during the pandemic, but data from OpenPrescribing.net shows no drop in statin prescriptions.
Maria Caulfield
We are seeing an increase in excess deaths in this country, but we are also seeing that in Wales, in Scotland, in Northern Ireland and across Europe. There is a range of factors. As we saw, there was an increase in December in the number of people being admitted with flu, covid and other healthcare conditions.
Session: Excess Deaths Policy Implications
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Can the Secretary of State assure me that those pre-covid levels of conditionality will return as a matter of urgency?
Context
During lockdowns, conditionality was relaxed. There is concern that it has not returned to pre-COVID levels and this affects employment prospects.
Mel Stride
Conditionality plays a central role in getting people back into work. It was relaxed during the pandemic but is now reinstated and will be part of my review on economic inactivity.
Session: Topical Questions
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When making changes to the benefits system, should the Minister always be mindful of ensuring that work pays and getting more people back into the workforce?
Context
The question discusses the need for changes in benefits systems to ensure work pays, especially with many people out of the workforce.
Mims Davies
The Government focus on ensuring work pays by cutting taper rates, managing AETs, looking at in-work progression and supporting people to drop out of labour markets.
Session: Social Security Payments Cost of Living
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I appreciate that the Chancellor cut fuel duty by 5p per litre, but that did not really touch the sides. I urge him to be bolder and cut fuel duty by at least 20p per litre, as requested by FairFuelUK, which would make a huge difference to individuals and businesses in my patch, not least hauliers for whom the cost of running a single truck has increased by 17% in the past year.
Context
The MP urged the Chancellor to provide greater fuel duty relief to assist businesses affected by rising costs.
Helen Whately
I hear my right hon. Friend's request. The combination of the freeze on fuel duty in the Budget and the cut in the spring statement is essentially a £5 billion tax cut. That is substantial support with the cost of fuel for businesses. As I have also said, we are taking further steps to support businesses with business rate cuts. I also remind her of our cut to national insurance, increasing the employment allowance by £1,000, supporting around 500,000 smaller businesses.
Session: SMEs
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Delays in family courts were already far too long before covid, and the problem has only got worse since then. It often means that a parent is not able to see their child in the meantime—a point raised by many parents in my constituency of Tatton. Will the Minister make the reduction of those delays in the family courts a priority?
Context
Delays in family courts were already far too long before the pandemic and have worsened since.
Dominic Raab
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. As was mentioned earlier, something like 50% to 55% of cases that go to the family court are safeguarding or domestic abuse cases. I do think those need the authority of a judge, but the rest, frankly, should by and large be dispensed with before court through an alternative dispute resolution of one sort or another. We talked about considering making mediation compulsory, but crucially, we need the incentives and disincentives for early resolution to be unequivocal.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the Government's forthcoming acoustic camera trial, so much so that I have already submitted an application for a trial on the A34 bypass through Wilmslow in Tatton, although I hear that competition is stiff because of the number of applications submitted. Although I do not expect the Minister to give me advance notice of the result of Tatton's application, if even places such as the A34 bypass through Wilmslow are not successful, will he consider having more trials in more places?
Context
The MP supports the Government's forthcoming acoustic camera trial and has already submitted an application for a trial on the A34 bypass through Wilmslow in her constituency. She asks about additional trials if initial applications are not successful.
Robert Courts
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for her interest in the scheme and for highlighting the nuisance of noisy vehicles in her constituency. We will be carefully reviewing all the applications received, and we will choose four sites that represent a wide range of urban and rural environments across England and Wales. We will then consider the results of those trials.
Session: Noise Cameras
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Can we get greater clarity on that information and have it held centrally, given that wages are such a large proportion of the NHS budget? It is essential to know how many hours are paid at the higher locum rate to ensure value for money for the extra billions of pounds that the Government are putting into the NHS.
Context
The question follows an earlier inquiry on the percentage of NHS staff paid at higher locum rates, with a focus on ensuring value for money in relation to government funding.
Edward Argar
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend, who is tireless in her determination to ensure value for money for her and all of our taxpayers' pounds, particularly in this space. We continue to work hard to drive down agency and locum spend, focusing instead on both bank staff and our full-time recruitment, on which the Secretary of State has set out the success that we have been having. Since 2015, we have controlled agency spend through price caps and procurement frameworks.
Session: Locum Doctors and Nurses
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If he will make an estimate of the percentage of (a) doctors and (b) nurses being paid locum rates in the latest week for which figures are available. Can we get greater clarity on that information and have it held centrally, given that wages are such a large proportion of the NHS budget? It is essential to know how many hours are paid at the higher locum rate to ensure value for money for the extra billions of pounds that the Government are putting into the NHS.
Context
The question arises from concerns about the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of NHS funding, specifically regarding the percentage of doctors and nurses paid at higher locum rates.
Edward Argar
In NHS hospital trusts to date in 2021-22, there have been on average 14,826 full-time-equivalent agency nurses and 4,621 medical and dental FTE agency staff. It is hard to draw direct percentage comparisons given different methodologies for measuring such percentages, but my understanding is that overall about 3% of nursing shifts and about 1.5% of doctors' shifts in hospitals are filled by locums or agency staff. We continue to work hard to drive down agency and locum spend, focusing instead on both bank staff and our full-time recruitment.
Session: Locum Doctors and Nurses
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When will business rates be modernised to achieve an even playing field for online and high street businesses?
Context
The MP questioned the fairness between online and high street businesses in terms of taxation.
Rishi Sunak
Next year, 90% of retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses will see at least a 50% cut in their business rates bill. This is the biggest tax cut since the system was created, other than during coronavirus. An international tax treaty has been introduced to tax large multinational digital companies.
Session: Economic Inequality
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Winnington bridge provides vital access to thousands of homes and businesses in Cheshire. It needs completely rebuilding to cope with the current demands and the increased housing scheduled for the area. May I urge the Government to provide funding for that as part of their levelling-up agenda?
Context
Winnington bridge is crucial for access to thousands of homes and businesses. It needs rebuilding to accommodate current demands and planned housing expansion.
Neil O'Brien
I know that this is something that my right hon. Friend has been campaigning very hard for. The next round of the levelling-up fund will be open in spring next year, and I am sure that, with her help, her local councils will be able to develop a strong bid for that important bridge.
Session: Transport Infrastructure Cheshire
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What recent discussions have occurred between the Secretary of State for Transport and the Levelling Up Secretary regarding the potential contribution of transport infrastructure to levelling up in Cheshire?
Context
The question arises from the need to discuss how transport infrastructure can contribute to regional development, specifically in Cheshire.
Neil O'Brien
Levelling up is an ambition that runs right across the Government. Ahead of the White Paper, the Transport Secretary and the Levelling Up Secretary met in recent weeks to discuss the critical contribution of transport to levelling up.
Session: Transport Infrastructure Cheshire
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One big reason why we need to use hotels is that the asylum processing system has basically imploded. The share of applications that received an initial decision within six months fell from 87% in 2014 to just 20% in 2019. What is the Home Secretary's explanation for that?
Context
The share of applications that received an initial decision within six months fell from 87% in 2014 to just 20% in 2019.
Priti Patel
There are a number of factors in terms of why there has been slowing down in the processing of asylum claims. Because of the covid pandemic last year, decisions were not made and accommodation policies changed based on Public Health England guidance. The new plan for immigration includes digitalisation of the system to improve processing.
Session: Asylum Seekers Hotel Accommodation
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Residents of Tatton are concerned about the ongoing nature of supposedly temporary accommodation for immigrants who arrive in the local area. Some hotels are becoming full-time immigration centres and those residing there are in limbo in our town centres. What is the timescale for processing these individuals and for reverting the accommodation back into hotels?
Context
Residents of Tatton are concerned about the ongoing nature of supposedly temporary accommodation for immigrants who arrive in the local area. Some hotels have become full-time immigration centres, causing issues within town centres.
Priti Patel
Through changes linked to the new plan for immigration, we will end the use of hotel accommodation for asylum seekers. This was a short-term solution during the pandemic, and the new plan includes long-term changes in the offing.
Session: Asylum Seekers Hotel Accommodation
View All Questions -->
I welcome the Government's commitment to restoring peat bogs. What support, financial and otherwise, will be given to Lindow Moss in my constituency?
Context
The Government has committed to restoring peat bogs, raising questions about support for specific sites.
Rebecca Pow
We are providing £15 million for peatland restoration through our nature for climate fund. A lot of that money has already started to be dispensed to projects. We announced £16 million for projects between Cornwall and Northumberland. It is competitive and one has to put a good case, but if my right hon. Friend wants to consider making applications for Lindow Moss it would be well worth looking at.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Cheshire East Council continues to keep unnecessary barriers in place on the high street in Knutsford, blocking off the car parking spaces and damaging local businesses. Does my right hon. Friend agree that Cheshire East Council should be helping local businesses and not literally putting barriers in their way?
Context
The MP questions the Cheshire East Council's policy of placing barriers on car parking spaces, which she believes is detrimental to local businesses.
Robert Jenrick
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right that bringing back people to their towns and high streets is vital, including to the one that I know well in Knutsford. Local authorities should be doing everything they can to make those high streets as welcoming as possible. Covid-19 guidance and our al fresco dining revolution should not come at the cost of despoiling otherwise beautiful high streets such as that in Knutsford.
Session: Covid-19 High Street Recovery
View All Questions -->
She congratulates the Government on plans to extend sentences for assaulting emergency workers and asks if there should be a specific offence for assaulting shop workers and other customer-facing frontline workers, given that such assaults have doubled during the pandemic.
Context
The MP wants to discuss specific measures against assaulting frontline workers. She references the doubling of assaults since the pandemic began.
Chris Philp
The Government are doubling sentences for common assault of emergency workers from one year to two years. Sentencing Council guidelines already make it an aggravating factor if the victim deals with the public, allowing judges to reflect this when sentencing retail and other frontline workers.
Session: New Sentencing Powers Levels of Crime
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Peak Cluster Pipeline and Project
15 July 2026
Responding: Michael Shanks
Main Concerns
['The Peak Cluster is a carbon capture and storage project involving the transfer of CO2 from Derbyshire and Staffordshire to Cheshire, Wirral, and off the coast for seabed storage. Local communities oppose it due to health risks, environmental damage, and economic inefficiency. The project has £60 million spent on planning permission with an estimated construction cost of £5 billion, which taxpayers will bear.']
Specific Asks
["The lead MP calls for a full assessment of the project's necessity, costs, and environmental impact. She requests details on the process followed before public money was invested, reassurances about health and safety measures, job provisions, infrastructure guarantees, and confirmation regarding future import permissions."]
Rural GPs: Funding
11 February 2026
Responding: Karin Smyth
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the challenges faced by rural GP practices, including serving elderly and isolated populations in large geographical areas. Statistics show that 17% of England's population live in rural areas. The average age in rural areas is almost six years higher than in urban areas, with a quarter of the rural population over 65. Life expectancy is also longer in rural areas, placing greater demands on GP surgeries. In addition, recruiting and retaining staff becomes more difficult and expensive due to limited access to specialists and sparse community services."]
Specific Asks
['I urge the government to ensure that rurality remains a factor in any new funding formula and to publish an assessment of the impact on rural communities before any changes are made. I also request an update on the progress towards establishing a new medical centre in Knutsford, where current facilities are outdated.']
Tree Maintenance: Guidance to Local Authorities
15 October 2025
Responding: Mary Creagh
Main Concerns
["Fiona and Sam Hall's lives were changed forever when Chris Hall was killed by a decayed tree in August 2020. Cheshire East council, responsible for the tree, knew it was unsafe but took no action despite a limb falling off the same tree a year earlier. The council pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £500,000. Since its creation in 2009, Cheshire East council had no formal tree maintenance strategy."]
Specific Asks
['Fiona is now campaigning for Chris’s law to require councils to maintain a register of high-risk trees identified by location, species and age, legislating for those trees to be inspected on a regular basis. This targeted approach would present a cost-effective solution.']
Information Commissioner’s Office: Relocation
16 July 2025
Responding: Chris Bryant
Main Concerns
['The Information Commissioner’s Office is relocating from Wilmslow to Manchester in autumn 2026, affecting over 800 jobs and the local economy. There was no consultation or explanation provided for this decision, raising questions about accountability and impact assessment.']
Specific Asks
['Residents want assurances that the relocation decision was thoroughly considered with a full assessment of its impacts, including consultations with local businesses and employees. They also seek information on staff remaining in Wilmslow post-relocation and cost implications.']
Fly-tipping: Tatton
26 March 2025
Responding: Mary Creagh
Main Concerns
['Local residents frequently report fly-tipping incidents. In 2023-24, there were 1.15 million reported cases of fly-tipping in England, a 6% increase from the previous year. The most common size category was equivalent to a small vanload (31%) and car boot load or less (28%). Residents are upset by the impact on their communities and the difficulty in reporting these incidents.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should consider reintroducing measures such as putting points on driving licences for individuals found guilty of fly-tipping, and support local councils to maintain public areas. Additionally, there is a need for tougher penalties and increased enforcement against those who commit this crime.']
Employer National Insurance Contributions: Police Forces
11 February 2025
Responding: Dame Diana Johnson
Main Concerns
['The planned changes to employer national insurance contributions will have a devastating impact on individual employers and businesses, but their impact on public services, particularly the police forces, has been widely overlooked. Late last year, Esther McVey submitted freedom of information requests to every police force in the UK, revealing that Cheshire constabulary alone faces an additional £3.7 million per year in employer national insurance costs.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should reconsider their policy changes and consult with police forces before implementing such measures. The impact on frontline policing is significant, potentially resulting in fewer police officers available to keep communities safe.']
Suicide and Mental Health of Young People: Tatton
26 November 2024
Responding: Stephen Kinnock
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the risks associated with withdrawing from SSRIs, specifically citalopram. Olivia Russell's case highlights that when she stopped taking her medication without consulting her GP, she experienced severe mental health deterioration leading to her suicide in September 2021. The Royal College of Psychiatrists suggests between a third and half of people who take antidepressant medications experience withdrawal symptoms. The pandemic lockdown exacerbated the mental health crisis, increasing reliance on SSRIs while access to medical support was limited. The closure of England's only dedicated antidepressant withdrawal helpline further worsened the situation."]
Specific Asks
["I ask the Minister to consider measures such as placing warning labels on SSRI prescriptions and ensuring comprehensive guidance for medical practitioners regarding SSRI withdrawal. I also seek advice from the coroner's prevention of future deaths report in Olivia's case, to ensure it becomes wholesale advice to the medical profession."]
Veterans: Handforth
06 September 2023
Responding: Andrew Murrison
Main Concerns
['My constituents feel forgotten about and that the transition from military to civilian life is abrupt and poorly supported. They experienced a lack of structured support, clear signposting, and ongoing checks after discharge. The process was more regimented when entering the armed forces than when leaving. Veterans felt abandoned and struggled with loneliness and depression due to a lack of guidance.']
Specific Asks
['The Minister is asked to provide greater structured support for veterans before discharge and issue them with a booklet containing local contacts and assistance options upon leaving the forces. Additionally, research into PTSD and traumatic brain injury treatment should be prioritised to ensure proper care and reintegration.']
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Diagnosis
01 February 2023
Responding: Maria Caulfield
Main Concerns
["An early diagnosis of ADHD is essential for individuals' development, self-confidence, and mental wellbeing. However, only one in 20 adults with ADHD have had a formal diagnosis due to poor understanding, stigma, and delays. The delay can lead to severe consequences such as attempted suicide among those undiagnosed."]
Specific Asks
['Will the Minister meet me and my constituent Tanya Bardsley to discuss ADHD? Will the Government start collecting national data on ADHD and introduce an ADHD wait list dashboard?']
Covid-19: Economic Impact of Lockdowns — [Mrs Sheryll Murray in the Chair]
29 November 2022
Responding: Andrew Griffith
Main Concerns
['The MP is concerned about the economic impact of lockdown measures during the pandemic, citing a Government report that found more than 200,000 lives could be lost due to lockdown. She argues that while lockdowns may have saved lives from the virus, they also cost lives through unintended collateral damage. The MP mentions the need for analysis and open debate on key decisions taken during the pandemic, highlighting a lack of questioning and debate in Parliament.']
Specific Asks
['The MP calls on the Minister to release the much-awaited cost-benefit analysis of lockdown measures.']
Economic Growth
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill - New Clause 116
02 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I propose New Clause 116 to introduce a cap on donations from overseas contributors to political parties and candidates. This measure is necessary to ensure the integrity of our democratic process and...
Direction of Government
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Criminal Justice Reform
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Point of Order
07 July 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
The right hon. Member raised concerns over the lack of answers from the Government regarding the Peak Cluster project, highlighting that she had sent numerous parliamentary questions which were unansw...
Prisoner Early Release
29 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Opposition Day
23 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves the motion expressing regret over the chaos in Government, particularly regarding the temporary Prime Minister's attendance at the NATO summit. Calls on the Government to spend 3% of GDP on defe...
Puberty Blockers
23 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
As a consultant paediatrician, Caroline Johnson highlights the ethical concerns surrounding the PATHWAYS clinical trial that involves administering puberty-suppressing hormones to children with gender...
Processed Russian Oil Products: Sanctions
20 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Lord Mandelson Humble Address: Government Response Update
27 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Peatland protection
10 December 2025
The petition highlights the environmental importance of peatland in terms of carbon storage, biodiversity, and flood risk reduction, calling for stronger protections.
View Full Petition -->
Peatland Protection
16 September 2025
The petition calls for the protection of peatlands, highlighting their environmental significance in terms of carbon storage and unique biodiversity, and urging the government to prevent damage from d...
View Full Petition -->
Pitch Fees for Park Homes
02 November 2022
The petition addresses the concern that the Retail Price Index (RPI) is no longer suitable for adjusting pitch fees for park homes, advocating for its replacement with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
50.0%
49 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
25
25.5% of votes
No Votes
24
24.5% of votes
Abstentions
49
50.0% of votes
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
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
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
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
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
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
7
PMQs Asked
42
Ministerial Questions Asked
91
House of Commons Debates Involved
12
Westminster Hall Debates Led
11
Statements / Bills
3
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
+213% above average
This MP:
42
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+377% above average
This MP:
12
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1772% above average
This MP:
91
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+16% above average
This MP:
11
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
+22% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-28% below average
This MP:
50.0
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 Esther McVey's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.