Gagan Mohindra
MP for South West Hertfordshire
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
The Prime Minister will be happy that I am not going to ask about fuel duty. Businesses across South West Hertfordshire are telling me that they are now reluctant to take on young workers due to this Government's rise in employer national insurance contributions and the crippling Employment Rights Act 2025. With almost 1 million young people now not in employment, education or training, how exactly does the Prime Minister plan to get Great Britain working again?
Context
Businesses in South West Hertfordshire are reluctant to take on young workers due to the rise in employer national insurance contributions and the Employment Rights Act 2025. There are now almost 1 million young people not in employment, education or training.
Keir Starmer
We are putting in place the youth guarantee, which helps young people into work. It is a serious issue. I remind the hon. Member that on the Conservatives' watch one in eight young people were not in education, training or work.
Assessment
Plan to address youth unemployment
I Remind The Hon. Member That On The Conservatives' Watch One In Eight Young People Were Not In Education, Training Or Work
Session: PMQs
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In my constituency, the Liberal Democrat-run Three Rivers district council has failed for years to submit an adequate local plan. It now has a ministerial direction, and prime green-belt land faces a serious threat from this Government's harmful planning policies. How does the Prime Minister expect me to explain to my constituents that, while I consistently defend our green belt, the Liberal Democrats' incompetence has made it vulnerable to destruction by this Labour Government?
Context
Concern over harmful planning policies and the threat to green-belt land.
Keir Starmer
This Labour Government are changing the planning regulations so that we can get on and build the homes we need across our country. The Conservatives' failure was the failure to do so. But I must applaud the hon. Gentleman, because at least he has had the decency to accept some of the failures of the last Government. On special educational needs and disabilities, he said: “my Government didn't do enough on this.” and, “it's awful.” He said his party “should hang our heads in shame.” He is absolutely right about that.
Assessment
Did not address the planning policies or the threat to green-belt land
This Labour Government Are Changing The Planning Regulations
Session: PMQs
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The commitment of £400 million for a new hospital at Watford General was one of the many brilliant things that the last Conservative Government did, along with my good friend Dean Russell, the former Member of Parliament for Watford. It would have been life-changing as well as lifesaving for so many of my constituents. Why is the Prime Minister cancelling that funding commitment, and spending billions of pounds on giving pay rises to train drivers instead?
Context
The Prime Minister previously committed £400 million for a new hospital in South West Hertfordshire.
Keir Starmer
Because the promise of 40 new hospitals did not involve 40 and did not involve hospitals, they were not new, and they were not funded.
Assessment
The specific cancellation of hospital funding commitment
Changed Subject
Session: PMQs
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My constituent Gordon is undergoing cancer treatment at Mount Vernon Hospital. Due to Sadiq Khan's new low emission zone, Gordon faces a £12.50 daily charge or must buy a compliant vehicle. Does the PM agree that Labour's London Mayor is stretching household budgets further?
Context
A constituent receiving cancer treatment at Mount Vernon Hospital will face additional transport costs due to the expansion of Sadiq Khan's ultra-low emission zone.
Rishi Sunak
I am sorry to hear about your constituent Gordon. Transport in London is devolved to Sadiq Khan, who is expanding the zone against resident and business views. His plan raises costs for hard-working families.
Assessment
The PM did not address the specific ask or provide a direct response on whether he agrees with criticism of Labour's policy.
Redirecting Blame To London Mayor
Session: PMQs
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Ever since being elected in 2019, I have been inundated with correspondence from my constituents in South West Hertfordshire, rightly complaining about huge speculative developments on our beautiful green-belt land. Lib Dem-controlled Three Rivers District Council continues to dither and delay its local plan. Does the Prime Minister agree that the choice tomorrow is simple: vote Conservative to protect our green belt or vote Lib Dem for massive developments on unspoilt land?
Context
Since being elected in 2019, the MP has received complaints from constituents about speculative developments on green-belt land. Lib Dem-controlled Three Rivers District Council is accused of delaying its local plan.
Rishi Sunak (Prime Minister)
My hon. Friend raises an important point. It is always the same with Liberal Democrats, saying one thing and doing another—we have all seen it. Conservatives are the party of local decisions taken by local people and will protect the green belt.
Assessment
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Session: PMQs
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On Friday, I visited a bridging hotel in my constituency that currently houses 77 Afghan refugees as local organisations search for permanent accommodation for them following the success of Operation Pitting. Many of the refugees I met held highly skilled jobs back in Afghanistan, including a doctor, an international athlete and Government Ministers. Can the Prime Minister assure the House that our Government will do more to support those highly skilled individuals in entering the UK workforce?
Context
The MP visited a bridging hotel housing 77 Afghan refugees, many of whom held highly skilled jobs back in Afghanistan.
Rishi Sunak
It is nice to hear from my hon. Friend again this week. I can reassure him that we are completely committed to supporting Afghan refugees into the employment opportunities here in the UK. The Department for Work and Pensions has a full programme in place, and I can also tell him that our Refugee Leads Network brings together refugee organisations and the DWP to connect those refugees with employment opportunities. I look forward to seeing the fruits of that programme with him in the near future.
Session: PMQs
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I thank the Prime Minister for her warm words about Sir David Amess, who is sorely missed in this place. Small and medium-sized enterprises are the lifeblood of our economy and I warmly welcome the expansion of the small business threshold. Does my right hon. Friend agree that only the Conservative party is on the side of enterprise in its determination to unleash the full potential of our great country?
Context
The questioner supports the expansion of the small business threshold.
Elizabeth Truss
We in the Conservative party understand who pays our wages—it is the people who get up every day to go to work and the businesses that are set up. Those are the people driving our economy and we will be unashamedly pro-growth, pro-business and pro-opportunity.
Session: PMQs
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I recently visited Long Marston, Bovingdon, Rickmansworth and Berkhamsted to see first-hand the damage caused by flooding. Will the Prime Minister assure us that we will not lose momentum in finding sustainable flood prevention solutions as weather improves?
Context
The Conservative MP visited several areas affected by flooding and is concerned about the loss of momentum in finding long-term solutions.
Boris Johnson
We are investing £5.2 billion to build 2,000 new flood defences over the next six years, thanks to the Environment Agency's tireless and creative work.
Session: PMQs
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I recently visited the Micklefield Hall wedding venue in Sarratt, run by Anna and Jamie Rankin. They expressed concerns about the blanket limit of 30 attendees for weddings. Would the Prime Minister consider changing this rule to allow venues to hold a percentage—say, 50%—of their usual licenced activity?
Context
The MP visited a local wedding venue facing issues due to attendance limits.
Boris Johnson
Similar concerns have been raised about weddings and other businesses affected by social distancing rules. The risk of spread must be balanced against virus containment efforts. The government aims to lift restrictions quickly, but this requires following the 'hands, face, space' guidelines.
Assessment
Specific request for changing wedding attendance limit was not addressed directly
Under Review
Work As Fast As Possible
Session: PMQs
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Despite dedicating their lives to public service through long careers in the civil service, many of my constituents have faced severe delays with their pension payments, causing them anxiety and financial hardship. How will the Minister ensure that her Department gives my constituents the support they need, that this crisis is resolved and, just as importantly, that it does not happen again?
Context
The questioner raises concerns about severe delays in pension payments causing anxiety and financial hardship for constituents who have dedicated their lives to public service in the civil service.
Sally Jameson
An independent, Capita-funded remedial adviser has been appointed to identify service delivery issues and to allow us to continue to hold Capita fully accountable. Around 147 surge staff have been deployed in this crisis. The Government remain committed to maintaining resource levels. No team members will be withdrawn from that surge team until service levels are permanently fixed. As I have said in my previous answers, we are using all commercial levers at our disposal, including withholding those payments, so that Capita is held accountable. We are looking closely at options for bringing the pension scheme in-house.
Session: Civil Service Pension Scheme 2026-09-10
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Will the Secretary of State outline how he is working with other Departments to ensure that the youth jobs grant does not disincentive employers in hiring people from supported internship backgrounds who are not claiming universal credit?
Context
The MP has met a charity called Mission Employable which offers supported internships to young people with special educational needs. The charity highlighted the low employment rate of adults with learning disabilities in England.
Peter Kyle
The hon. Gentleman raises an incredibly important issue. We want to support that work. Apprenticeship starts had fallen by 40% in the years running up to coming into office, but we are reinvesting and ensuring they are available to everyone with every ability.
Session: Youth Employment 2026-07-02
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What reassurances can the Secretary of State give to small businesses like Micklefield Hall that want to invest for future growth?
Context
The question concerns Micklefield Hall, a small business in Sarratt that has survived the pandemic but is now hesitant to invest due to fears of additional taxes.
Peter Kyle
We are investing in small and medium-sized enterprises, and we have funding targeted at helping young people start their own businesses. The hon. Gentleman lists some of the perceived challenges in the economy. Do not forget that youth unemployment went up by 250,000 under previous Conservative government.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-02
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Will the Secretary of State outline what steps the Government will take to ensure that the enforcement of such a ban is robust enough to prevent children from bypassing it through the use of mechanisms such as virtual private networks, which expose young people to additional risks?
Context
There is a commitment to introduce a social media ban for under-16s following calls from Conservative Members.
Liz Kendall
The hon. Gentleman makes an important point—we know children will try to get around the ban, and will succeed. Our measures are as much about resetting the cultural and social norms for future generations, but we will have more highly effective age verification measures to make this work. We are looking at the issue of VPNs in particular, and I will come back to the House with more on that issue very soon.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-01
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Will the Minister confirm that the Deputy Prime Minister's legacy is that he will be the first Justice Secretary in the United Kingdom to restrict the centuries-old right to jury trials?
Context
The MP criticizes the proposal as restricting a centuries-old right, referencing previous measures.
Sarah Sackman
There is no right to a jury trial in this country; there is a right to a fair trial, and timeliness is a key ingredient of a fair trial. If someone has to wait years for their day in court, that simply is not fair, whether they are a defendant or a witness. Of course, there is precedent for this, including from someone who is perhaps the late, great Mrs Thatcher. The fact is that we have always made a policy choice about who can access jury trial, and we are going to make that policy choice again to deliver swifter justice for victims.
Session: Jury Trials 2026-06-30
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What recent assessment has been made of the potential impact of proposed changes to jury trials on the criminal justice system?
Context
The MP is concerned about proposed changes to jury trials impacting the criminal justice system, citing rising court backlogs.
Sarah Sackman
This Government inherited a criminal justice system in crisis, with record and rising Crown court backlogs. We simply cannot accept the intolerable delays currently faced by victims, witnesses and defendants alike. Sir Brian Leveson's conclusion was clear and emphatic: it is only with investment, efficiencies and pragmatic structural reform that we can begin to turn the tide on the backlog and deliver swifter justice for victims. Those are the measures being brought forward in the Government's Courts and Tribunals Bill.
Session: Jury Trials 2026-06-30
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Given the risk of extinction for many species dependent on chalk streams, can the Minister outline what steps the Department is taking to protect against biodiversity loss?
Context
Estimates suggest that 1,446 species in UK chalk streams could become extinct without conservation efforts.
Mary Creagh
We have just announced our largest budget ever for species protection and restoration. We have lots of exciting plans to introduce and reintroduce iconic species, such as rare sea grasses and extinct snails.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps his Department is taking to help reduce household energy bills. In my constituency, 3,199 households currently experience fuel poverty due to high energy costs, and costs linked to the Government's clean energy agenda could mean that household bills are set to rise by at least £100 in the next four years.
Context
High household energy costs affect many South West Hertfordshire residents, leading to financial strain.
Martin McCluskey
That comes from a member of a party that learned no lessons from the last energy crisis. We will not make the same mistakes, which is why we are investing in clean power by 2030, which will drive down bills. Only today, we have seen the jobs benefit from the investment in clean energy, supporting 1.1 million jobs, 22,000 small businesses and £105 billion for our economy.
Session: Household Energy Bills
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What steps his Department is taking to help reduce household energy bills. In my constituency, 3,199 households currently experience fuel poverty due to high energy costs, and costs linked to the Government's clean energy agenda could mean that household bills are set to rise by at least £100 in the next four years.
Context
High household energy costs affect many South West Hertfordshire residents, leading to financial strain.
Martin McCluskey
That comes from a member of a party that learned no lessons from the last energy crisis. We will not make the same mistakes, which is why we are investing in clean power by 2030, which will drive down bills. Only today, we have seen the jobs benefit from the investment in clean energy, supporting 1.1 million jobs, 22,000 small businesses and £105 billion for our economy.
Session: Household Energy Bills
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If rising fuel prices rather than the Chancellor's Budgets are blamed for a stagnating economy, why does raising fuel duty further in September help reduce cost of living? Will this harm the economy more?
Context
Concerns over fuel price increases and their impact on the economy versus previous Conservative economic plans.
Dan Tomlinson
Before conflict in Iran, we saw inflation falling, unemployment dropping and growth increasing by 0.5% at start of year. Our economic plan is showing results; sticking to it avoids high borrowing and interest rates seen previously under Conservative rule.
Session: Fuel Costs Support for Motorists
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Given that there are nearly 1 million NEETs (not in education, employment, or training), what steps is the Department taking to promote apprenticeship schemes for young people?
Context
The questioner visited an HS2 site where apprentices discussed the value of educational opportunities leading to employment. There are nearly 1 million people not in education, employment or training.
Pat McFadden
The Department prioritises funding in the apprenticeship levy, offers hiring incentives of £2,000 for small businesses taking on apprentices, and fully funds under-25s' apprenticeships through the SME (small to medium-sized enterprises) scheme.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister reassure me that the Intelligence and Security Committee will be prioritised when new information comes to light, as per the terms of the Humble Address?
Context
The question is prompted by concerns about the prioritisation of new information related to the Intelligence and Security Committee in accordance with the Humble Address terms.
Darren Jones
I can confirm that the Government are working closely with the Intelligence and Security Committee on processing documents relating to the Humble Address, and we thank the Committee for its work.
Session: Lord Mandelson Response to Humble Address
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South Oxhey saw a reduction from three buses per hour to an hourly 328 service with two-hour gaps. The Minister stated that local authorities have tools and funding under the Bus Services Act 2025 to manage services. What steps will the Department take to hold operators accountable?
Context
The MP questions the steps taken by the Department to hold bus operators accountable when service reductions negatively impact communities, citing a specific example in South Oxhey.
Lilian Greenwood
Local authorities have both funding and tools to decide what works locally, including bus enhanced partnerships or franchising. Hertfordshire is piloting rural area appropriate franchising.
Session: Local Bus Services
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Modern warfare relies on technology, so UK Research and Innovation funding is crucial for our defence. When you have spoken with the Defence Secretary about the defence investment plan, which sectors has she prioritised for investment in UK companies—drones, space, cyber, chips? Could you outline your vision of the role of UK tech in defence?
Context
The MP is concerned about the technological aspects of modern warfare and the importance of UK research in defence.
Liz Kendall
The biggest thing we could do to strengthen our defence and national security is to invest in research and development. Our Government has provided the largest funding settlement for UK Research and Innovation ever, unlike the Tories who want to slash this budget by £6 billion. We are backing the defence sector with 10% of the defence equipment budget going to support UK businesses.
Session: UK Research and Innovation
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Anchor Sound and Security explained to me how it is disincentivised to hire more employees due to rising compliance costs and regulatory uncertainty. What is the Minister doing to stop regulations stifling small business growth and destroying the strong relationships between employer and employees?
Context
Anchor Sound and Security in Kings Langley reported being disincentivized to hire due to rising compliance costs and regulatory uncertainty.
Peter Kyle
The Government have a commitment to reduce the regulatory burden on business by 25%. My Department led on almost £1 billion of regulatory reform for company reporting in just the first weeks of our taking office. The small business plan and strategy will deliver for small businesses, on top of the industrial strategy, which is getting our economy facing the future and into solid growth for now and the future.
Session: Topical Questions
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Emma from Abbots Langley in my constituency has to comply with strict timeframes for her job as a frontline worker within a local government adult care service. Despite that, the video relay service allowance that she receives as a deaf person has been reduced by over 75%, meaning that it is significantly below her working hours. Given that the waiting period for Access to Work reconsideration cases can span up to several months, how can the Minister assure my constituent that the delay will not undermine her ability to work?
Context
A constituent of the questioner, Emma, has had her video relay service allowance reduced by over 75%, leading to concerns about delays in Access to Work reconsideration cases.
Stephen Timms
There is a serious problem with Access to Work delays—on 16 February, the application backlog was 66,699—which is why we have substantially increased the number of staff working on it. Those who have a job in the offing are prioritised for applications. If the hon. Member would like to drop me a line about the particular case he has in mind, I will gladly look into it.
Session: Topical Questions
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I spend a lot of time visiting schools in my constituency and speaking to the hard-working headteachers about the pressures they are under due to spiralling costs and teacher shortages. With the Government's proposed reforms placing an additional responsibility on schools to create individual support plans, alongside an ambition for more children's needs to be met within mainstream schools, how will the Minister ensure that schools do not have to make sacrifices that harm the education of every child?
Context
Schools face pressures due to spiralling costs and teacher shortages, and there are concerns about the additional responsibilities placed on schools to create individual support plans for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Georgia Gould
The Government is investing in a new national digital individual support plan and is putting £4 billion into schools and the services that support them to make individual support plans for every student a reality. This will ensure that children are thriving and that every school has the necessary support.
Session: Supporting Children with SEND
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I declare an interest as a consultant paediatrician in the NHS. Prevention of ill health is crucial. It is particularly important in children, perhaps most especially when one is trying to prevent ill health in children caused by doctors. I have expressed concerns previously about the puberty blockers trial, as have many in both Houses. The trial has now been paused due to a Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency letter. When were Ministers first aware of that letter and when were they first aware of the concerns described within it?
Context
The puberty blockers trial has been paused due to a letter from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. The Minister is asked when they were first aware of this.
Ashley Dalton
This is a perfectly ordinary occurrence in certain research trials. The trial has been paused, and we will leave the regulators and clinicians to do their jobs to ensure that all trials are done appropriately.
Session: Preventing Ill Health
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As the House will know, local plans are the method by which we can identify affordable homes and make sure that they are built in the right place at the right time. Since I was elected back in December 2019, I have consistently asked the Liberal Democrat Three Rivers district council to get on with the local plan. However, as the Housing Minister will know, the latest version of that plan did not have sufficient evidence. He has therefore rightly called it in. Does he agree that the Lib Dems need to get on with delivering the local plan and that they should not continue to fail my residents in South West Hertfordshire?
Context
The question criticises the Liberal Democrat Three Rivers district council for delays in delivering their local plan, which is crucial for identifying affordable homes.
Matthew Pennycook
The hon. Gentleman will understand that I cannot discuss any specific local plan. However, in general terms I would say that any party that controls any local planning authority across the country must take active and firm steps to get up-to-date local plans in place. They are the best way for local communities to shape development. Without them, communities are open to speculative development that does not have resident input. That is why we are pushing for universal coverage across the country.
Session: New Social and Affordable Housing
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One of my constituents in Abbots Langley, Darren, suffers from a very complicated congenital heart condition which significantly restricts his ability to perform everyday tasks including work. Despite that, Darren has recently had his entitlement to personal independence payment withdrawn. As Darren now awaits a heart transplant, can the Minister outline what steps his Department will take to ensure that Darren and his family receive the necessary financial support during this stressful time?
Context
A constituent named Darren, suffering from a congenital heart condition and other health issues, had his entitlement to personal independence payment withdrawn despite being unable to work.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
As the hon. Gentleman will appreciate, I have not seen the details of that particular case, but I would be happy to have a look at it if he would like me to. There is, of course, the opportunity for mandatory reconsideration and in due course for appeal, but I would be happy to look at those details.
Session: PIP Number of Claimants
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What assessment has been made of the potential implications for policies of trends in the number of claimants of the personal independence payment?
Context
There were 2 million working-age personal independence payment (PIP) claimants before the pandemic, which has now increased to over 3 million and is projected to exceed 4 million by the end of the decade.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
There were 2 million working-age personal independence payment (PIP) claimants before the pandemic, which has now increased to over 3 million and is projected to exceed 4 million by the end of the decade. My review will aim to make sure that PIP is fair and fit for the future.
Session: PIP Number of Claimants
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I receive regular correspondence from constituents raising concerns about unreliable bus services. These are especially problematic in areas like Croxley Green, where residents are already suffering because of limited bus routes and late-running services. Given that many people rely on buses to travel throughout my constituency, what steps are the Department taking to ensure that the residents of South West Hertfordshire have access to a reliable transport network?
Context
Residents of Croxley Green and other areas are suffering due to unreliable bus services. Many people rely on buses for daily travel, which is especially problematic in certain villages.
Simon Lightwood
The Bus Services Act empowers local leaders to choose the model that works best for their area. It includes a measure on socially necessary local services. Under that new measure, local transport authorities with an enhanced partnership will be required to identify local services that are considered socially necessary. They will need to put in place requirements that must be followed before any services can be changed or cancelled.
Session: Local Bus Services
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Why has the government's programme failed to recognise the impact on organisations across Bristol South? Businesses of all sizes in my constituency are struggling due to the strain of Labour’s increases to national insurance contributions and the pressures created by the Employment Rights Bill. Many tell me they are questioning their viability or even considering relocating overseas. Will the Minister set out what steps the Department will take to support entrepreneurship and ensure that businesses choose to invest and grow here in the UK, rather than being driven overseas?
Context
Businesses across the constituency are struggling due to increased national insurance contributions and pressures from Labour's Employment Rights Bill. Many businesses are questioning their viability or considering relocating overseas.
Chris Bryant
We want to back British entrepreneurs and investors. That is why we addressed some of the key issues in our small business strategy, which we published earlier this year, particularly late payments. The Conservative Government refused to tackle that in any serious way across their 7 years. We are also looking at access to finance. If a business exports, it will be more resilient, more likely to grow and more successful in future years. UK Export Finance has been asked not just to focus on big contracts around the world but to ensure specific support for SMEs.
Session: Small and Medium-sized Businesses
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Reading to children at the start of nursery and school is especially important for those who suffer from special educational needs. As we heard last week, the Office for Budget Responsibility has questioned the £6 billion that has been taken away from local authorities. I know that the whole House wants to resolve the issue of SEND, so can the Minister give an assurance about when we will get further details to make sure that, by 2028, the whole sector knows how each child will get the best provision possible, especially those in South West Hertfordshire?
Context
The Office for Budget Responsibility has questioned the £6 billion that has been taken away from local authorities. The issue of SEND is a priority across the House.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Olivia Bailey)
I have answered the hon. Gentleman’s question already, so I will simply say that this Government are completely committed to ensuring that every child gets the best possible start in life, including by repairing the broken system of family support services, which were decimated by the Conservatives, and by ensuring that every single child has the opportunity to read, to talk to their friends, to play, to communicate, to get ready for school and to have the best possible start in life.
Session: Reading Pre-school Support
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The closure of Mount Vernon urgent care centre and delays in the opening of Watford general hospital have raised concerns over the future of Hemel Hempstead hospital and access to healthcare services. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure adequate healthcare access?
Context
Mount Vernon urgent care centre closed recently, the new Watford general hospital opening has been delayed until at least 2032, causing concern about access to healthcare for Mohindra's constituents.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
Karin Smyth responded that integrated care boards are working with MPs regarding service configuration and the government aims to ensure local areas receive services based on clinical need. She mentioned ongoing discussions about neighbourhood health services and hospital programme sustainability.
Session: Cancer Services North-west London
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I thank the Minister for that answer, but it was the Conservative Government who brought forward Project Gigabit in order to ensure that everyone had access to a decent level of internet access, and some of my constituents continue to write to me saying that they do not have access in their areas. The Minister referred to 2032, but I think the previous commitment was for 2030; can he confirm what the target date is, whether for 99% or higher?
Context
The MP questioned the progress made by the Conservative Government's Project Gigabit towards achieving full gigabit coverage by 2030. He referenced constituents who still do not have access to gigabit-capable internet and asked for clarification on the target date.
The Minister for Digital Government and Data (Ian Murray)
The date is 2032: the Government are committed to ensuring 99% gigabit coverage by 2032. We have just rolled out 30 new Project Gigabit contracts across England, connecting 850,000 homes. The Government are fully committed to delivering this, and 2032 is the target.
Session: Broadband Coverage
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Tomorrow we will vote on a Bill that shamefully gives up the sovereignty of our military base in Diego Garcia. Given the commitment to spend more on defence, will the Secretary of State confirm if the money spent on Chagos will be included in our declared NATO spend?
Context
The NATO target for defence spending is to reach 5% of GDP by 2035. Mr Mohindra raises concerns about a Bill that will vote on giving up sovereignty of the military base in Diego Garcia.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
The investment in Diego Garcia is a great investment in the defence and intelligence partnership with the United States. Together, we do things from Diego Garcia that cannot be done elsewhere; we do things together that we do not do with other nations. The deal is worth less than 0.2% of the annual defence budget. For defence, our commitment is less than 0.2% of the defence budget. That is a good investment for this country, and it gives us a sovereign right to operate that base with the Americans for the next 99 years.
Session: NATO Defence Spending Target
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The Minister is delaying the new Watford general hospital until at least 2032. What steps are being taken to improve healthcare quality in my area?
Wes Streeting
We have delivered 4.5 million more NHS appointments and reduced waiting lists, contrary to the delays caused by the previous government's plans for Watford general hospital.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister reassure the House that the Government will ensure there are community spaces to support any new housing developments?
Context
The MP's constituent expressed concerns about a lack of community spaces alongside government housing targets.
Matthew Pennycook
I say two things to the hon. Gentleman. He will forgive me if he knows this already, but we did strengthen the provision for infrastructure in our recent changes to the national planning policy framework. Beyond that, we want to strengthen the existing system for developer contributions—where infrastructure and affordable housing comes through planning agreements—so that local authorities can extract more public gain from that process.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster reassure the House that once he has actually started publishing the tracking dashboard for the plan for change, the six milestones will not go the same way as the three foundations, the six first steps for change, the five missions and the seven pillars of growth, and that it will not be abandoned and replaced when the Government realise they are missing their targets?
Context
MP inquired about the progress of publishing a tracking dashboard to monitor the plan for change metrics. The question highlights concern over previous abandoned initiatives and milestones.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Pat McFadden)
If the hon. Gentleman wants more facts about delivery, let me help him out right now. Last week we launched the biggest social and affordable housing programme in a generation, meeting a need that has been unmet for years in this country; we have extended free school meals to half a million more children; and this year, we will be putting 3,000 more neighbourhood police back on the beat. I am very happy to give the hon. Gentleman all the figures he wants.
Session: Plan for Change Tracking Dashboard
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My thoughts are with the family of Jayesh Pitrola. Hertfordshire’s policing budget already faces a £7 million shortfall, and the recent spending review contained no direct funding from the Home Office to address that. Will the Home Secretary reassure my constituents, as well as our police and crime commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards, that Hertfordshire will benefit from more police officers without further local tax rises being required?
Context
Hertfordshire’s policing budget faces a £7 million shortfall, and the recent spending review did not provide direct funding from the Home Office to address this issue.
Diana Johnson
As the Home Secretary just pointed out, we have provided an additional £200 million this year to support new neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs for all our communities. I am very happy to meet the hon. Gentleman if he would like to discuss policing further, but this Government are committed to making sure that the police have the resources they need.
Session: Topical Questions
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What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the increase in employer national insurance contributions on businesses? Given the recent trio of U-turns, this Government have demonstrated that they are keen to change their minds as well as to create new multibillion-pound black holes. Will the Chancellor do the right thing and U-turn on the increase in national insurance contributions, to provide businesses with a much-needed boost in the sluggish economy that she has created?
Context
The Chancellor has increased employer national insurance contributions. The hon. Member is concerned about the potential impact on businesses.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
The Government protected the smallest businesses from changes to national insurance by increasing the employment allowance from £5,000 to £10,500. That means that this year 865,000 employers will pay no national insurance contributions at all, and more than half will either gain or see no change to their national insurance contributions. It is a bit rich for anyone in the Conservative party to mention black holes, after the one that they left for us to clear up.
Session: Employer National Insurance Contributions
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Several of my constituents have written to me, concerned that Arriva, which provides local bus services, has cancelled or reduced some of their local routes, such as the 322 in Maple Cross and the 728 in South Oxhey, leaving them with no other transport options aside from costly taxis. What will the Minister do to ensure that everyone has access to public transport, such as those vital bus services?
Context
Residents of Maple Cross and South Oxhey are concerned that local bus routes have been cancelled or reduced, leaving them with no alternative transport options except for costly taxis.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
I will expect the hon. Gentleman to walk through the Lobby with the Government when our Bus Services (No. 2) Bill comes forward. It is exactly designed to take back control of our bus services, which the Conservative party completely and spectacularly failed to do.
Session: Local Bus Services
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The River Chess in Rickmansworth is one of the chalk streams that goes through my constituency. The volunteers at the Rickmansworth Waterways Trust are keeping our canal heritage alive, despite funding for the Canal & River Trust being cut. I believe the cut is short-sighted, because these waterways tackle water shortages, boost biodiversity and protect 2,500 miles of national assets for a modest cost. Will the Minister rethink the funding cuts and back the Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign, so that local champions like David Montague and his team at Batchworth lock are not left to sink or swim on their own?
Context
MP Gagan Mohindra mentions the River Chess in Rickmansworth as one of the chalk streams through his constituency. He highlights the importance of volunteers supporting the canal heritage and expresses concern over funding cuts to the Canal & River Trust.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Hardy)
The hon. Gentleman is quite right to say how important volunteers are in supporting our natural environment up and down the country. He will be aware that the decision to reduce the funding for the Canal & River Trust was taken by the previous Government, and that was extended under this Government. There will be a tapering off of some of the funding, but we continue to support water projects up and down the country. As I have already mentioned, the changes that we are introducing for water companies will help to protect not only our beautiful chalk streams, but all our rivers, lakes and seas.
Session: Chalk Streams
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Grand Union Community Energy in my constituency is a non-profit community group that has done excellent work in Kings Langley to raise funding to install solar panels on the roofs of local schools, developments and car parks. It also educates local residents on how they can utilise community energy to reduce energy bills, which we have all seen rise under this Government. What steps are being taken across Government to ensure that community projects such as Grand Union Community Energy are implemented more widely?
Context
The hon. Gentleman references the work of Grand Union Community Energy in his constituency, which has raised funding to install solar panels on local schools and car parks, reducing residents' energy bills.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his excellent question. I 100% agree with him about the role of community energy providers. We hope to work more closely with such groups, as part of our commitment to Great British Energy, which aims to unleash a wave of community energy projects across the country.
Session: Rooftop Solar Power
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What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the new trading relationship with the EU. The Government continue to celebrate last month’s latest EU surrender deal, continuing their long-term ambition to undo the results of a democratic vote that their leadership has never agreed with and is doing its best to reverse at every opportunity. The Government have already proven that when Labour negotiates, Britain loses.
Context
The new trading arrangements between the UK and the EU have been established, leading to concerns about their adequacy and impact on UK economy.
Nick Thomas-Symonds (The Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office)
The only thing that has been surrendered is the credibility of the Conservative party. This Government have used the independent post-Brexit trade policy to secure a deal with India, a deal with the United States, and a deal with the EU that is good for jobs, good for bills and good for borders.
Session: EU Trading Relationship
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The Government claim to be the party of business, but speak to businesses today and they are hurting. Reduced opportunities for wealth creation and entrepreneurship, employee national insurance contributions and the Employment Rights Bill are destroying opportunity. What are the Government doing to incentivise our wealth creators and encourage job creation?
Context
Businesses are facing reduced opportunities for wealth creation and increased employee national insurance contributions, raising concerns about job creation.
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Liz Kendall)
The Government are providing the stability that businesses desperately need. We are working to transform skills in this country—that is absolutely what most businesses say to me they are desperately short of. We are overhauling our job centres, so that we actually serve businesses’ needs. I would just say gently to the hon. Gentleman that it was under his party that we saw the lowest business investment in the G7. We are going to overhaul that and make this the best country in which to start up and grow a business.
Session: Topical Questions
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Certain sports often remain inaccessible to women and girls early on, making it harder for them to join later. Will the Minister confirm how her Department is supporting clubs like Chess Valley rugby football club, in my constituency of South West Hertfordshire, that promote women’s participation at all levels?
Context
The MP highlights the issue of certain sports remaining inaccessible to women and girls early on, making it harder for them to join later. He mentions Chess Valley rugby football club as an example.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)
The hon. Gentleman raises an important point. I attended the launch of the women’s innovation hub at Loughborough University a few weeks ago, and I convened the women in sport taskforce, along with Karen Carney. We are clear that we want to support women’s sport at every level.
Session: Grassroots Sports
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Local bus services are part of the integrated travel plans for my constituency, but my constituents also rely on Transport for London to commute into London. One frustration of my community is that concession fares are offered to London residents who live very close to the Hertfordshire border but not to my constituents. As accessibility to public transport remains one of my top priorities, will the Minister push Transport for London to extend those concessions to every TFL user regardless of their address?
Context
Residents of South West Hertfordshire rely on Transport for London to commute into the city. However, some residents near the Hertfordshire border do not receive the same concessionary fare offers as their London counterparts.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
That is a devolved matter, but I appreciate that TFL also subsidises many routes outside that boundary. I am happy to pick up that matter with the hon. Gentleman outside the Chamber.
Session: Local Bus Services
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My constituents in South West Hertfordshire remain concerned about the significant delay to the redevelopment of Watford general. With the Chancellor already bringing a second emergency Budget before the House tomorrow, and with care homes, hospices and charities facing unsustainable pressure from this Government’s national insurance increases, what reassurances can the Minister give my constituents that the Labour party truly care about healthcare, rather than scoring political points?
Context
The redevelopment of Watford General Hospital has faced significant delays, with care homes, hospices, and charities experiencing pressure due to increased National Insurance contributions.
Wes Streeting
The irony! There is one big difference between what this Government are doing and what the Conservative party did for 14 years, which is that this Government will actually deliver a new Watford general hospital where the Conservative party failed.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Access to Banking Hubs: Hertfordshire
25 June 2025
Responding: Emma Reynolds
Main Concerns
['Mr Gagan Mohindra points out that access to banking services is critical, especially for those unable or less comfortable with online banking. He notes the significant reduction in bank branches since 2015 and highlights the lack of banking hubs in his constituency compared to other areas. Post offices are essential but do not provide the same level of service as a dedicated banking hub.']
Specific Asks
['He calls on the Minister for more funding to establish additional banking hubs, particularly in rural and semi-rural areas where face-to-face services are crucial.']
Local Government Reorganisation
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Building Homes and Renewing Communities
03 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Opposition Day
07 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Civil Service Pensions
06 July 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...
Local Government Reorganisation
26 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
26 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate focuses on the urgent need to review the legislative framework and enforcement regime to close the gap between rights and reality for disabled travellers in the UK. It highlights progress m...
Student Loans
18 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Lord Mandelson: Government Response to Humble Address Motion
12 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Pharmacy First: Withholding Payments
12 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Concerns have been raised about the withholding of Pharmacy First payments to pharmacies, with many pharmacies not realising that some of their money is missing. This issue is particularly problematic...
Attendance
73.4%
69 of 94 votes
Aye Votes
36
38.3% of votes
No Votes
33
35.1% of votes
Abstentions
25
26.6% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
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
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
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 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
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 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
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
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
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: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
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 NO
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
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: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
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
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
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
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
03 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
9
PMQs Asked
106
Ministerial Questions Asked
118
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
94
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
+146% above average
This MP:
9
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+691% above average
This MP:
106
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2328% above average
This MP:
118
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+7% above average
This MP:
73.4
Average:
68.8
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 Gagan Mohindra's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.