Fred Thomas
MP for Plymouth Moor View
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I strongly welcome the Government’s decision to consult on introducing a social media ban for under-16s. That is something that the Tories did not do in office and did not even support until last week. The average 12-year-old spends 29 hours a week on a smartphone, with more than 500 children a day being referred to mental health services for anxiety. Those stats are not unrelated; parents, teachers and Members across these Benches can see the damage that social media is doing to our young, developing minds every single day. Does the Prime Minister agree that the scale of harm demands swift action and that this consultation must lead to timely decisions?
Context
The question addresses the government's decision to consult on banning children under 16 from using social media, citing statistics about mental health and smartphone usage among young people.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
This is an issue of real concern to parents. As the father of two teenage children, I know just how much of a concern it is. That is why we will have a consultation to look at expert and international evidence to get this right, and we will respond by the summer. That includes looking at the question of the age at which children can access social media and at restrictions on addictive features. I am also concerned, as is the Education Secretary, about the screen time of those under the age of five. We will look at all those issues and make sure that Ofsted checks the enforcement of bans during school.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
With colleagues interested in defence technology, I am developing a proposal for a joint UK-Ukraine production hub on British soil, which would support Ukraine while modernising our own forces at warfighting scale and creating the jobs and know-how needed to rearm and stay secure. Will the Prime Minister use his good offices to support this proposal?
Context
The UK has provided £4.5 billion in support to Ukraine for modern warfare capabilities.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
My hon. and gallant Friend is right that our iron-clad support for Ukraine should go hand in hand with firing up our own defence industries, which means well-paid, secure jobs right across the country, including in Plymouth, and strengthening our national security. We reiterated our support for Ukraine in Kyiv last weekend, and I am proud that British industries are playing their part in supporting Ukraine against Russia’s illegal invasion. I will make sure that he meets the relevant Minister to discuss his proposal.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Two weeks ago, the Chancellor announced a historic £22.6 billion investment into the NHS, because it is our duty to rescue this country's health service after 14 years of mismanagement, under-investment and, unfortunately, misleading announcements from the Conservative party. In Plymouth, Derriford hospital, which I represent, serves not just my constituency but 19 constituencies across the south-west—it is the only major trauma centre for adults in the south-west—but we have suffered from the decisions made by the Conservatives. Will the Deputy Prime Minister outline how that historic investment will make its way to Plymouth?
Context
The Chancellor announced a £22.6 billion investment into the NHS to address under-investment by the previous government, but Derriford Hospital in Plymouth has suffered from these decisions.
Angela Rayner
I thank my hon. Friend for being such a champion for Plymouth. As he knows, we are providing £25 billion extra over the next two years for the Department of Health and Social Care, including the largest real-terms capital budget since 2010.
Assessment
The specific allocation to Plymouth was not detailed
Changed Subject
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
In all the years I served as a regular in the military, the continuous attitude survey showed that morale was dropping year on year. Since Labour has come into government, morale has reversed; satisfaction with military homes has risen 12%. Can you explain why?
Context
The continuous attitude survey showed that morale was dropping year on year during the questioner's service. Since Labour came into government, morale and satisfaction have improved.
John Healey
Armed forces numbers are growing. Satisfaction with military homes has risen 12% in the last year, reflecting a turnaround in recruitment and on morale under this leadership.
Session: Armed Forces Recruitment and Retention
View All Questions -->
I speak to parents in Plymouth regularly who are concerned about social media's impact on their children, noting that many do not have time for lengthy consultations. Parents also highlight issues with the consultation framing, lack of expert input mechanisms, and concerns over AI analysis. Will the Secretary of State confirm these concerns will be addressed when assessing results, and reiterate her commitment to bold action this summer?
Context
Parents in Plymouth are concerned about the impact of social media on their children, with 92% reporting worries. The consultation lacks a clear mechanism for considering evidence from medical experts and excludes tech companies' commercial interests.
Liz Kendall
We have received 38,000 parent responses to surveys. We are actively seeking medical professionals' views through an expert panel chaired by Professor Russell Viner with psychologists and psychiatrists involved. We will continue to seek these views over the remaining week of consultation.
Session: Growing up in the Online World Consultation
View All Questions -->
What steps her Department has taken to help ensure that parents and children are able to engage with the consultation entitled “Growing up in the online world: a national consultation.”
Context
The MP is concerned about the engagement level of parents and children in a government-led online safety consultation.
Liz Kendall
Making it as simple as possible for parents and children to get involved in our consultation is really important to me personally, because I know that this is an issue that so many families grapple with every single day. We have dedicated surveys for parents and young people. Almost 38,000 parents and 12,700 young people have completed the survey so far, and there are also other events that my Ministers and I have taken part in. However, there is a still a week to go, so I say to anybody who is watching questions to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology: please, get involved and answer. We want to know what you think. We want your views, because we have to get this right.
Session: Growing up in the Online World Consultation
View All Questions -->
Is the Home Office working with DWP colleagues to strengthen income assessments using HMRC data and remove the 2% collect and pay surcharge so survivors can secure child support without direct contact?
Context
Financial abuse can persist even when couples are not separated, impacting women's ability to secure child maintenance without direct contact with their abusers.
Jess Phillips
The Department for Work and Pensions is a core part of the interministerial group working on the VAWG strategy, focusing on financial tools used in cases of domestic abuse. The aim is to ensure state systems are not used as tools by abusers.
Session: Financial Abuse
View All Questions -->
What steps she is taking to help tackle financial abuse. Abusive ex-partners often continue their abuse by withholding funds from children and former partners, causing financial hardship and forcing survivors into contact with perpetrators. In Plymouth, a constituent left an abusive relationship but is now owed £48,000 in child maintenance payments despite court orders.
Context
Economic abuse is an issue affecting many victims, even post-relationship. The VAWG strategy includes commitments to address economic abuse.
Jess Phillips
The Department for Work and Pensions sits on the interministerial group on violence against women and girls. The VAWG strategy commits to removing direct pay, enabling the Child Maintenance Service to manage payments and prevent the system from being used as a tool of abuse.
Session: Financial Abuse
View All Questions -->
Every day that children are exposed to harmful and addictive content is another day of preventable harm. Yesterday, the Spanish PM, Pedro Sánchez, announced that Spain will ban social media for under-16s, pledging to protect children there from the digital wild west. Expectations are that the Government in Spain will begin passing legislation next week. Meanwhile, we know about France and Australia. There is accelerating momentum from our allies to move quickly and decisively on this issue. Can the Secretary of State confirm, as was indicated by a Minister in the other place a couple of weeks ago, that the Government are taking steps so that a ban could be introduced here at pace through secondary legislation, subject to the results of the consultation?
Context
Spain has announced a ban on social media for under-16s, with France and Australia also taking steps in this direction. Expectations are that Spain will begin passing legislation soon.
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Liz Kendall)
I am not one for hanging about. I want to act swiftly, and we will do whatever is possible on the basis of the consultation and the decisions we take to act as swiftly as possible.
Session: Social Media Ban
View All Questions -->
Britain’s future security depends on developing, testing and, crucially, adopting uncrewed systems quickly and safely, but the regulation is immensely complex. It spans many Departments, including the Ministry of Defence, the Department for Transport and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The regulators include the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Civil Aviation Authority, the Military Aviation Authority, Ofcom and the Environment Agency. The list goes on—it is endless—and for the military, the police, the agencies and our innovators, the barriers are stifling. My hon. Friend will know that I have worked with stakeholders to develop proposals for reform, which he has seen, and I know that the MOD, the Department for Transport and even the Treasury are considering them, but to make real progress, we need coherence in this area. Will he now help me to convene a meeting of all the key regulators across the Departments to drive this forward?
Context
Britain's future security depends on developing, testing, and adopting uncrewed defence systems quickly and safely. However, the regulation is complex and involves multiple departments including the MOD, DfT, and DSTI.
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Al Carns)
My hon. Friend’s passion and support for this subject are not lost on me. The reality is that the majority of casualties on the frontline in Ukraine are caused by uncrewed systems. We have a navy without any ships that has destroyed a navy, and we have an air force with a minimal amount of fighter jets delivering strikes deep within Russia. With the dedication of the UK uncrewed system centre, which will open later on this year, we are establishing a centralised body of expertise to cut across the regulation and align regulatory freedoms with defence, to ensure that we can reduce that friction and improve assurance. I would love to meet my hon. Friend and the collective organisations to move this forward at pace. Enough is enough when it comes to regulation; we need to get on with it and we are going to double down over the next 12 months.
Session: Uncrewed Defence Systems
View All Questions -->
In my first surgery as an MP in Plymouth, I met a constituent who had received an unspent conviction for a one-off crime committed 34 years ago when they were a child. Since then they have served their time, turned their life around and been a constructive member of society, in employment for 12 years. In 2022, they were suspended out of the blue for two years and eventually let go on account of an unspent conviction. They told me that being given an unspent conviction as a child is nothing short of being given a life sentence. This outdated practice is unfair. What plans do the Government have to reform the law around unspent convictions to ensure that young offenders are given a genuine opportunity to rehabilitate and rebuild their lives?
Context
A constituent received an unspent conviction for a one-off crime committed 34 years ago as a child, and was later suspended from employment due to this conviction. The constituent has since turned their life around and been employed for 12 years.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Jake Richards)
My hon. Friend makes an important point. I met him with officials just last week to discuss his constituent’s case and the issue more broadly. As I have said, we will continue to look at Sir Brian’s recommendation in relation to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This is an issue that we want to look at and act on.
Session: Rehabilitation Unspent Convictions
View All Questions -->
T5. The security of Europe is absolutely paramount. What new steps is the Secretary of State taking to address this, specifically in terms of deterring further Russian invasion and aggression?
Context
The question focuses on steps taken to deter further Russian aggression towards European borders.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)
I can confirm that we will continue to support the ceasefire deal through all three of its phases, which we hope to see concluded in full. I am working with international partners, as are other Ministers; I saw the Jordanian and Egyptian ambassadors on this question just last week.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine are under way, whatever our opinion of them, but the eager eye of Putin may now look to other former Soviet countries, such as the Baltic states. I was in Estonia a couple of weeks ago, and the distance between the Russian border and the Russian-held Kaliningrad territory is just 300 miles. For context, that is roughly what I travel every week to Plymouth from London. What steps are the Government taking to deter the Russians from looking at possible future military action there?
Context
Ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine are ongoing, raising concerns about potential future military actions by Russia towards other former Soviet countries like the Baltic states.
Stephen Doughty (Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
As I have said, security is at the heart of our engagement with European counterparts, and the UK’s commitment to the security of the Baltic states is iron-clad. We are helping to uphold that region’s security through our NATO forward land forces deployment in Estonia—the Prime Minister met joint expeditionary force leaders in Tallinn in December to discuss closer co-operation, in response to both conventional threats from Russian aggression and hybrid threats—and, of course, our work together on Ukraine.
Session: Europe Diplomatic Co-operation
View All Questions -->
Devonport dockyard in Plymouth repairs and maintains our submarine fleet. In the future, there will be even more submarines and more upkeep needed. What conversations is the Secretary of State having with Secretaries of State responsible for housing and transport to deliver this infrastructure?
Context
Future need for increased infrastructure at Devonport dockyard.
John Healey
I would say the same thing to my hon. Friend, and I would be pleased to meet him to discuss it further.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Proud to have served on NATO operations, will the Foreign Secretary commit to a timeline at the earliest opportunity to ensure we do not cancel any defence projects and achieve 2.5% of GDP on defence spending as soon as possible?
Context
The MP, who served on NATO operations in Bosnia and Kosovo, asked about the commitment to 2.5% of GDP for defence spending.
David Lammy
Thanking for service, I remind that Labour was last to reach 2.5% on defence spending and we intend to get back there; plans will be announced at a future fiscal event.
Session: NATO
View All Questions -->
What specific actions will be taken to prevent key workers like those at Derriford Hospital from facing extreme stress again if another pandemic hits?
Context
The MP thanks key workers for their service during the pandemic and asks about steps to ensure better preparedness in future pandemics based on lessons learned.
Abena Oppong-Asare
The Government will consider lessons learned from the inquiry, improve resilience across risks, chair a committee on resilience to enhance health sector, increase public trust in Government, kick-start economic growth, but specific steps are not detailed.
Session: National Resilience
View All Questions -->
What recent progress has been made on strengthening national resilience since the UK Covid-19 Inquiry highlighted inadequacies?
Context
The MP inquires about the progress made by his Department on strengthening national resilience, following the UK Covid-19 Inquiry's findings.
Abena Oppong-Asare
The Government will chair a Cabinet Committee dedicated to resilience, review strategic approaches for improvement across central government and local authorities, and consider all findings from the UK Covid-19 Inquiry's report to ensure lessons are learned.
Session: National Resilience
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr Carmichael highlighted the concern regarding the management of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, specifically noting proposed changes to payments for coastguard rescue officers that could impact ...
Defence Investment Plan
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Reserve Forces and Cadets Act - Schedule 6
22 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I move that the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to enhance support for reserve forces and cadet organisations, recognising their significant contribution to community resilience and ...
Armed Forces Act 2026 - Amendments 2, 3, 4, 88, and 89
02 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Ms. Nusrat Ghani proposes several amendments to the Armed Forces Act 2026 aimed at ensuring continuity of support for children with special educational needs, adoption and fostering arrangements, NHS ...
Supreme Court Dillon Judgment
14 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
National Security
14 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Children and Social Media Protection Bill - Amendments 38V to 38X, Lords Amendments 105C
27 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves an amendment insisting on the Commons disagreement with Lords amendments 38V-38X and proposes new amendments in lieu of those. The amendment seeks to impose stricter social media age restriction...
Middle East: Defence
09 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ministry of Defence
04 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Tan Dhesi, as Chair of the Defence Committee, emphasised the need for long-term strategic investment in defence to counter the increasing military threat from Russia and China. He criticised the UK's ...
Tolled Crossings and Regional Connectivity 2026-02-02
02 February 2026
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
Meur ras, Madam Deputy Speaker. I am pleased to have secured a debate on this issue, which I have campaigned on consistently since becoming the Member of Parliament for South East Cornwall, and which ...
Attendance
63.3%
62 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
26
26.5% of votes
No Votes
36
36.7% of votes
Abstentions
36
36.7% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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 AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
3
PMQs Asked
14
Ministerial Questions Asked
32
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
1
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
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+4% above average
This MP:
14
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+558% above average
This MP:
32
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-89% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-9% below average
This MP:
63.3
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 Fred Thomas's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.