Gareth Bacon
MP for Orpington
Con
12 Dec 2019 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Does the Prime Minister believe that his dithering and equivocal response to events in the Middle East has made the US-UK relationship stronger or weaker?
Context
Gareth Bacon questioned the Prime Minister's response to events in the Middle East and its impact on the US-UK relationship.
Keir Starmer
American planes are operating out of British bases—that is the special relationship in action. British jets are shooting down drones and missiles to protect American lives in the middle east on our joint bases—that is the special relationship in action. Sharing intelligence every day to keep our people safe—that is the special relationship in action. Hanging on to President Trump's latest words is not the special relationship in action.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not address whether his response to events in the Middle East has made the US-UK relationship stronger or weaker.
Changing The Subject To Examples Of The Special Relationship
Session: PMQs
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that it would be disgraceful for a political party to accept huge donations from companies claiming public support through furlough?
Context
The Government do not have their own money and spend taxpayers' funds, including supporting the economy during the pandemic.
Oliver Dowden
I completely agree with my hon. Friend. The Labour Party is taking £1.5 million from Just Stop Oil backers and adopting their policy to block new oil and gas, which is job-destroying recklessness.
Assessment
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Attacking The Opposition
Session: PMQs
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I welcome the steps taken by the government to assist families in Orpington with their energy costs. The majority receive at least £350 of support via various measures. Can you confirm that those not eligible for council tax rebates will still get additional support through discretionary funding set aside for local authorities?
Context
The Government is providing financial assistance to help UK residents with their energy bills.
Boris Johnson
Yes, my hon. Friend is correct. People in Orpington and elsewhere will receive support if they do not qualify for the council tax rebate thanks to a £144 million fund.
Session: PMQs
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The Northern Ireland protocol frustrates business, undermines the Belfast agreement, and restricts the free movement of goods and people within our United Kingdom. What action will my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Union take to reunite the UK and uphold the interests of all its residents, including those living in Northern Ireland?
Context
The Northern Ireland protocol is causing issues for businesses and undermining the Belfast agreement. It restricts free movement within the UK.
Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend is quite right. The protocol does not require, contrary to how it is being applied by our friends, all foods, all medicines and all plants to be systematically checked in the way that they are. We must fix it, and with good will and common sense I believe we can. However, if our friends do not show the requisite common sense, we will of course trigger article 60.
Assessment
Specific actions by the Minister for the Union to address these issues were not detailed
Session: PMQs
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Louie French, a local candidate, opposes this charge which would negatively impact Orpington residents. Will you support Louie's campaign and prevent implementation of this proposal?
Context
The Mayor of London is considering a proposed charge for vehicles registered outside Greater London entering the region.
Boris Johnson
I agree with my hon. Friend that Labour often seeks to increase taxes, particularly on motorists. The Mayor should manage TfL's finances without raising taxes.
Assessment
Specific opposition to the outer London charge not addressed
Session: PMQs
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I have been contacted by many constituents who are owners of leasehold flats in buildings under 18 metres in height that are covered in cladding, and the freeholder has not replaced that cladding or produced an EWS1 form. Some of these residents are desperate to move but cannot because their flats are effectively valueless without the form. Will the Prime Minister update the House on what progress is being made by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the National Fire Chiefs Council to develop the urgently needed risk prioritisation matrix, so that my constituents can move on with their lives?
Context
Residents of leasehold flats under 18 metres are facing issues with cladding removal, leading to delays in obtaining the necessary EWS1 form. This affects residents' ability to sell their properties or move.
Boris Johnson
I have deep sympathies with people who face this problem. It is not right or fair because if your building is under 18 metres you do not need one of these EWS1 forms, and you would hope that lenders would understand that. But we are working as fast as we can to make sure that all the buildings in question are identified and that we remove cladding wherever it is necessary and give assurance and security wherever that is necessary too.
Assessment
Progress on developing a risk prioritisation matrix was not addressed, only general efforts were mentioned.
Under Review
Session: PMQs
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I agree with the Minister's last point, but I am not too sure that I believe the preceding point. If the Government are serious about protecting the green belt and generating new housing, one of the best ways of doing both would surely be to ensure that planning permissions are actually built, but according to the Local Government Association, there are up to 1.4 million housing units that have been granted planning consent over the past decade and have not been completed. The Government may claim that they are serious about solving this problem, and point to their planning reform working paper, entitled “Speeding Up Build Out”, but that paper was published in May last year and requires primary legislation for it to have any effect at all. If the Government are serious about protecting the green belt and getting homes built, where is the legislation?
Context
There are up to 1.4 million housing units that have been granted planning consent over the past decade but have not been completed. The questioner seeks to know where the legislation is for speeding up build-out.
Matthew Pennycook
The shadow Minister, for whom I have a lot of time, knows full well that development can stall at particular sites for a variety of reasons, not least the viability pressures that we discussed earlier. We are taking action to get sites moving, and the NPPF strengthens expectations in this area. On the specific matter that he raises, primary legislation is not needed. Primary legislation was taken through by the previous Government, and we have a plan to switch on the necessary secondary legislation to ensure that we have transparency over build-out rates. He does not have long to wait for that to come forward.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-07
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I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Secretary of State on her return to her position, and to welcome her to her place. What steps is she taking to proactively protect the green belt?
Context
The questioner wants to know what steps the government is taking to protect the green belt while also generating new housing.
Matthew Pennycook
As I have said, there are strong protections in the national planning policy framework. It is for local authorities to decide whether exceptional circumstances exist for the release of green-belt land, and whether very special circumstances exist that would outweigh the harms involved when it comes to inappropriate development. Those safeguards remain. We are committed to preserving England's green belts, which have served our towns and cities very well over many decades.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-07
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What is the Government's practical strategy to ensure that Hamas is compelled to give up its weapons, cannot rebuild its military capabilities, and does not divert humanitarian aid?
Context
Hamas has not voluntarily disarmed in accordance with the peace plan.
Seema Malhotra
Hamas is a terrorist organisation, and we have been clear that it must decommission its weaponry and no longer be allowed to pose a threat to Israel's security. The UK is committed to supporting the implementation of the 20-point Gaza peace plan in full.
Session: Topical Questions
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The number of Metropolitan police officers has fallen significantly under Sadiq Khan's leadership. What specific actions will the Home Secretary take to reverse this decline in policing resources?
Context
In the last three years, the number of Metropolitan police officers has decreased by 3,000. Crime in London increased by 26%, and knife crime rose by 27%. The Home Secretary is key due to funding from the Home Office.
Sarah Jones
The murder rate is at its lowest level ever recorded, and the police have more money and resources. We are putting officers on our streets to tackle crime. I remind the hon. Gentleman that his party's Government put officers behind desks.
Session: Topical Questions
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I refer the House to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. Point 13 of the first phase of the Gaza peace plan negotiated by the United States is very clear that Hamas must disarm, dismantle their terrorist infrastructure and play no role in Gaza’s future. The Government have expressed support for that and they are right to do so, yet Hamas have been equally clear that they are not going to disarm, and every indication is that they are doing the reverse. What steps will the Government take to ensure that the removal of Hamas and the demilitarisation of Gaza become a reality?
Hamish Falconer
I was discussing precisely these issues yesterday. Hamas must disarm; there must be a process by which their weapons are decommissioned. There are ongoing discussions on those questions. Hamas must agree, voluntarily, to disarm. That is vital and it is a key component of the 20-point plan. Without agreement on that point, it will be difficult to make progress. I was discussing that with a range of our international counterparts yesterday and we will continue to remain very focused.
Mr Speaker, may I take the opportunity quickly to correct—
Mr Speaker, may I take the opportunity quickly to correct—
Session: Topical Questions
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Why will the Minister not just admit that the term “grey belt” is in fact a dishonest concoction designed to mislead the general public? The evidence shows 88% of approved developments on grey-belt land were built on previously undeveloped countryside, suggesting misuse of green spaces.
Context
The MP questions the term 'grey belt' as a mislabeling of undeveloped countryside.
Matthew Pennycook
The term 'grey belt' ensures targeted release of low-quality green-belt land when all other options have been exhausted, addressing housing needs. It contrasts with previous chaotic approaches that released large swathes of green spaces.
Session: Protecting the Green Belt
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Is the Minister confident that the Government's invention of the term “grey belt” is providing protection to the green belt? The evidence shows that 88% of approved developments on grey-belt land were built on undeveloped countryside, suggesting the green belt is under attack.
Context
The MP questions the effectiveness of the term 'grey belt' in protecting green spaces.
Matthew Pennycook
The term 'grey belt' ensures that low-quality green-belt land is released where other options are exhausted and housing needs must be met. It contrasts with previous approaches that led to widespread release of green spaces.
Session: Protecting the Green Belt
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Will the Minister commit to a full review of the service Capita has provided and to making a statement to the House about the actions being taken to improve the service?
Context
Many hon. Members have received correspondence from former civil servants whose payments have been excessively delayed since Capita took over the civil service pension scheme.
Satvir Kaur
The priority right now is to ensure that the robust recovery plan is completed and that we get a normal service as quickly as possible. Of course, we will continue to update the House.
Session: Civil Service Pension Scheme
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I thank the Minister for her response. Late last year, with relatively little notice, the trustees of a pre-school in my constituency, Crofton Early Learners, decided to close the pre-school, meaning that 40 sets of parents had a very anxious Christmas wondering and worrying about what childcare they would have in the new year. The very good news is that—thanks to the dedicated work of former staff, volunteers and parents—a new setting called Phoenix Early Learners was opened within just six weeks. Will the Minister join me in thanking both Ofsted and the Charity Commission for fast-tracking the paperwork necessary, and in paying tribute to the staff, carers, volunteers and new trustees of the new early learning centre for all the great work they have done for the local community?
Context
A pre-school in the MP's constituency closed unexpectedly, leading to anxiety among parents. A new setting, Phoenix Early Learners, was opened within six weeks. The MP seeks to thank Ofsted and the Charity Commission for their support and pay tribute to the staff and volunteers.
Olivia Bailey
Absolutely. I congratulate the hon. Gentleman and all the parents and volunteers, Ofsted, and the early years professionals who have opened at impressive speed what sounds like a fantastic new provision for their community. I am pleased that the Government's investment in childcare, which will total £9.5 billion this year, is helping ensure that more children have a fantastic early education and are supported to get ready for school.
Session: Nursery Provision Greater London
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What steps she has taken to help improve nursery provision in Greater London.
Context
The MP is concerned about the steps taken to improve nursery provision in Greater London.
Olivia Bailey
Our best start in life strategy is expanding access to childcare, saving working families £7,500 a year and getting record proportions of children ready for school. We work closely with local authorities to ensure the quality and sufficiency of childcare, including across Greater London.
Session: Nursery Provision Greater London
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With all due respect, the Government need to do an awful lot better than that. They hide behind the claim that there is a clear downward trend in live gateway 2 applications, but the reality, according to the Government's own statistics across all categories, is that the number of live applications in London has fallen by a mere 6% in the last 12 weeks.
Context
The Building Safety Regulator's performance in London is hindering house building despite claims of improvements.
Samantha Dixon
Performance continues to improve steadily across gateway 2, and decisions are being made increasingly quickly and at higher volumes. We will continue to press the BSR to do better, faster.
Session: Building Safety Regulator
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When announcing reforms to the Building Safety Regulator last June, the Secretary of State's Department promised to enhance the review of newbuild applications, unblock delays and boost sector confidence. But in London, where demand is highest, house building has fallen to its lowest level since 2009.
Context
In London, the Building Safety Regulator's performance has led to a significant drop in new-build applications and a high percentage of invalid or rejected decisions, hindering house building.
Samantha Dixon
In the last 12 weeks, 11,962 new-build homes have been approved, allowing construction to start. The BSR is moving forward. We will continue to press it to do better.
Session: Building Safety Regulator
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Ministers are claiming that this is a record amount of funding for affordable housing in South Shields and across the rest of England, but why are they consistently refusing to publish a breakdown of the annual funding under their 10-year programme? Is it because the majority of the cash is backloaded into future Parliaments and then exaggerated by inflation? The small-print prospectus says that the homes must be completed by 2039. That is 14 years away. As with Labour’s house building target, is this not just an exercise in hoodwinking people by promising homes that are never going to see the light of day in this Parliament?
Context
The Government’s affordable homes programme is expected to deliver a significant number of social and affordable homes over the next decade. However, there are concerns about transparency regarding the annual breakdown of funding for these homes.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Steve Reed)
It is ironic that the hon. Gentleman mentioned 14 years, because that is the amount of time his party was in government, and it left us with this crisis, rather than building the social homes this country needs. The £39 billion is a record. It will give us the biggest increase in social and affordable homes that this country has seen in a generation. Conservative Front Benchers should be welcoming that, as we do here. Bids to the social and affordable homes programme will open early in the new year, and we will then start to get those homes built so that people who were denied a decent home under the Conservative Government will get one with this Government.
Session: Social and Affordable Housing South Shields
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It was always blindingly obvious that increasing employer national insurance would lead to an increase in business costs, which would lead to higher prices hitting working people directly and rises in inflation. Sure enough, inflation has risen steadily under this Government, and it is now at almost twice its recommended level. At the last Budget, we were told it was necessary to raise taxes on businesses by £25 billion to pay for the NHS, but just yesterday the Office for National Statistics announced that NHS productivity had fallen by 1.5% since Labour took office. Can the Chancellor explain what exactly my Orpington businesses are paying more tax for?
Context
Inflation has risen steadily under this government, reaching almost twice its recommended level. Gareth Bacon is concerned about the productivity decline in the NHS despite increased tax on businesses.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
In the hon. Gentleman’s constituency, the number of people waiting more than 18 weeks for an appointment has also fallen. That is exactly what that money is being used for. He needs to be clear, and so do those on the Opposition Front Bench: if they want to reverse the increase to national insurance, they must also accept that there will be less money for our national health service.
Session: Employer National Insurance Contributions Business Impact
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Mr Bacon asked why the Secretary of State will not intervene on the Mayor of London despite holding significant powers and resources to review policies hindering housing delivery, such as an obsession with dual facing, twin staircasing, and a bizarre aversion to corridors which developers claim are major obstacles in London.
Context
The previous Government's policies led to a collapse in housing consents by one fifth over four years. The Secretary of State has legislative power under section 340 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999.
Steve Reed (Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government)
First, I recognise the challenges raised by the hon. Gentleman and thank him for raising them. We are making legislative changes with the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to speed up the planning system. Additionally, I am working with the Greater London Authority and the Mayor of London on an acceleration package targeting London, and we will make announcements within weeks to ensure home building continues apace.
Session: Social and Affordable Housing
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Both Grand Central and Hull Trains have seen their passenger numbers increase dramatically since the pandemic, by more than 50% and 20% respectively. That is a significant increase compared with other operators. Why does the right hon. Lady think that might be?
Context
Grand Central and Hull Trains have seen their passenger numbers increase dramatically since the pandemic.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
If the hon. Gentleman wants to trade statistics on the rail network, I can tell him that we have seen a massive increase in passenger numbers on TransPennine Express and LNER. In fact, last year we had a 7% overall increase in passenger journeys and passenger revenue overall went up from £10.6 billion to £11.5 billion, which is good news for the taxpayer and a clear sign that people want to come back and use our railways.
Session: Topical Questions
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As we approach the summer holidays, we know that many families are looking forward to the opportunity to get away. However, in what may come as concerning news, Labour’s Employment Rights Bill could threaten passengers’ ability to travel without disruption or additional costs. This is because in existing passenger rights legislation, under article 5(1)(c)(i) of Regulation 261, passengers are entitled to compensation if they are informed of cancellations less than two weeks before their flight. The Employment Rights Bill reduces the required notice period for strike action in any industry from 14 days to 10 days, increasing the risk of last-minute cancellations. That could in theory cost airlines tens of millions of pounds, which could in turn lead to higher costs for passengers as airlines pass the expenses on to the travelling public. Does the Minister agree that the Government should maintain the 14-day notice period in aviation, putting the interests of passengers ahead of those of their union friends?
Context
Labour's Employment Rights Bill could affect passengers' ability to travel without disruption or additional costs due to reduced notice periods for strike action.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mike Kane)
The shadow Secretary of State will forgive me if I have not read that sub-paragraph that trips off the tongue. This Government will always put passengers first. That is why more passengers than ever are flying in our skies and leaving our airports. The Department is fully engaged with the aviation sector at all stages, including on this issue.
Session: Aviation Sector
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The Secretary of State will be aware that in response to her Department’s recent rail consultation, the trade unions welcomed her plan and said that a just transition to nationalisation would mean the levelling up of pay and conditions for rail workers. The cost of that to the taxpayer could be considerable. Would she consider a strike over harmonising pay and conditions to be a necessary strike?
Context
Following the Department's recent rail consultation, trade unions have welcomed the plan for a just transition to nationalisation with improved pay and conditions for rail workers. This could result in significant costs to taxpayers.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
Let us be clear: the cost of those national rolling strikes over two years was £850 million in lost revenue. I am sorry, but I am not going to take any lessons from the shadow Secretary of State on industrial relations on the railway.
Session: Topical Questions
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What levels of subsidy does she believe that bus services in those areas will require?
Context
Areas such as Leicester, the Isle of Wight, Torbay and Cambridgeshire will receive unprecedented funding for bus services. The level of subsidy required in these areas was not specified.
Lilian Greenwood
We have provided substantial funding and local transport authorities are empowered to provide the services that local communities want, without specifying the exact levels of subsidy required for each area.
Session: Bus Franchising
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In the Secretary of State's statement on Monday, of the £1 billion of funding that she indicated, only £243 million is going to bus services. That will not touch the sides, will it? Is the truth not that, far from it being generational reform, it is publicly funded window dressing?
Context
Greater London is the most heavily populated and most economically active area in the whole country, with a high level of bus use.
Louise Haigh
The way that the previous Government approached bus service improvement plans was to force local authorities to waste money on developing those plans. This money is going directly to authorities to make sure they are delivering public services. Public transport is a public service and it should always be funded.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for his answer on strengthening collective voices of workers. The Labour Government introduced the Employment Rights Bill, which is a significant achievement within their first 100 days. What plans might the government have to extend sectoral collective bargaining into other sectors?
Context
The Employment Rights Bill aims to empower workers in adult social care through strengthened collective bargaining.
Justin Madders
My hon. Friend is right about the significant achievement of introducing the Employment Rights Bill within 100 days, which aims to empower workers through strengthened collective bargaining in adult social care.
Session: Sectoral Collective Bargaining
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Why does Sadiq Khan want to impose rent controls? He cannot do that unless the Government change the law. Whenever it has been tried around the world it has failed, typically with rental property supply falling and rents perversely rising. Will the Secretary of State take this opportunity now to rule out the possibility of imposing rent controls in Greater London?
Context
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has called for rent controls in Greater London.
Matthew Pennycook
As the shadow Minister will know from our exchanges in the Renters' Rights Bill Committee, the Government have absolutely no plans to introduce rent controls in any form.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister commit to responding to calls from Carole Gould, Julie Devey and Elaine Newborough regarding the sentence starting point disparity for domestic versus other murder cases? Will this be included in the victims, courts and public protection Bill?
Context
Campaigners are calling for a change to address the injustice of sentencing discrepancies between domestic and other murders.
Alex Davies-Jones
Meeting women imminently to discuss further. The Government have committed to a thorough sentencing review.
Session: Domestic Abuse Victim Support
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Given the FSB's concerns over new labour laws increasing business costs and reducing competitiveness, how does the right hon. Gentleman plan to address these fears?
Context
The Federation of Small Businesses expressed concerns about the Government's proposals, fearing increased costs and risks for businesses.
Jonathan Reynolds
The Labour Party supports businesses that pay living wages and recognise unions, highlighting successful models. The new deal for working people will be above current levels many UK firms already operate at.
Session: Industrial Strategy
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Does the Chancellor agree that she could have reduced the national debt had she chosen not to reward her trade union paymasters by spending £10 billion on inflation-busting pay rises?
Context
The question arises from the significant difference between July's borrowing figures and OBR's forecast.
Rachel Reeves
As the hon. Gentleman knows, Government borrowing is running at £4.7 billion higher than the OBR forecast because the previous Government made unfunded commitments without any idea of how they were going to be paid for. The previous Government set the mandate for the independent pay review bodies, and we have honoured the recommendations of those bodies to ensure that our armed forces, our police officers, our nurses and our teachers got a pay rise. I think that is the right thing to do. If he does not, I wonder how he justifies that to public sector workers in his constituency.
Session: Topical Questions
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Would my hon. Friend support the idea of introducing multi-year funding settlements to aid local government finance management and reward high-performing councils? Would he consider commissioning a review on this matter?
Context
There is a view that multi-year financial settlements could provide greater stability and predictability for local authorities, particularly those with good track records like Bromley Council.
Lee Rowley
Multi-year financial settlements are desirable, and we aim to return to them in future Parliaments. A policy statement has been issued for the 2024-25 financial year to provide clearer guidance for councils regarding spending reviews.
Session: Local Authority Funding
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What recent assessment has my Department made on the adequacy of local authority funding given the financial pressures councils face since the start of the covid pandemic?
Context
Councils have faced significant challenges since the onset of the covid pandemic, impacting their ability to provide essential services. The question arises from concerns about whether local authorities are receiving adequate funding to manage these increased costs and demands.
Lee Rowley
We recognise that councils have faced challenges since the onset of the covid pandemic. Additional billions in subsidies were allocated to local authorities in the financial year 2023-24, demonstrating our commitment to supporting them during these difficult times.
Session: Local Authority Funding
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Some on the political left have made much noise about recent UBI pilots. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this concept was roundly rejected even during the pandemic and is doomed to fail?
Context
Recent third-party universal basic income pilots have sparked debate.
Mel Stride
A universal basic income is not the way to proceed, and it is certainly not something that the Government are considering. Our approach is to ensure that work always pays, and incentivise work.
Session: Topical Questions
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If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. When I was appointed, I mentioned focusing on economic inactivity and fraud reduction.
Context
The question follows the Secretary of State's appointment to his current role.
Mel Stride
One of our key focuses would be economic inactivity, which has fallen by 45% since its peak: down by 140,000 in the last quarter alone. Another focus is bearing down on fraud; it has fallen by some 10% across our benefits system since we published our fraud plan in May last year.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the relationships, sex and health education curriculum review. The Secretary of State herself has said that she shares concerns about inappropriate lessons being taught in schools. Can she reassure my Orpington constituents that the review will strengthen the ability of parents to view teaching materials, so that some teachers are no longer able to push unilaterally their own views on politics and gender to impressionable young people?
Nick Gibb
As my hon. Friend knows, the Secretary of State has written to all schools to emphasise that schools can and should share RSHE teaching materials with parents. The Department will consider, as part of the review of the statutory guidance, whether any further changes are needed to reinforce that and to ensure that all resources that teachers use to teach RSHE are age-appropriate.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that fiscal responsibility is vital if we are to cut inflation and grow the economy? Does he also agree that the Labour party's £90 billion of unfunded spending commitments would put all of that at risk, with higher taxes and more borrowing the inevitable result?
Context
The Conservative government's economic strategy and its impact.
John Glen
I could not agree more. Responsible public spending is at the core of getting our economy into a state where it can grow, and the £90 billion of unfunded spending pledges made by Opposition Members will be scrutinised very carefully, I am sure, by many in the months ahead.
Session: Topical Questions
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Sadiq Khan believes that he can override the boroughs and install his hated ULEZ expansion without their permission. Ministers have previously said that they would get legal advice on that. What advice has been received?
Context
Several outer London boroughs have refused to enter into section 8 agreements with Transport for London, preventing ULEZ cameras from being installed on their roads.
Mark Harper
Under schedule 23 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999, the Mayor of London and Transport for London have the statutory powers to install infrastructure required for the expansion of ULEZ without obtaining the consent of the London boroughs. The Mayor is accountable to the electorate.
Session: Ultra-low Emission Zone Expansion
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What recent discussions has the government had with Transport for London regarding plans to expand the Ultra-Low Emission Zone? Several outer London boroughs have refused to enter into section 8 agreements with Transport for London. Sadiq Khan believes he can override the boroughs and install his hated ULEZ expansion without their permission. Ministers previously said they would get legal advice on that. What advice has been received?
Context
Several outer London boroughs have refused to enter into section 8 agreements with Transport for London, preventing ULEZ cameras from being installed on their roads.
Mark Harper
Under schedule 23 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999, the Mayor of London and Transport for London have the statutory powers to install infrastructure required for the expansion of ULEZ without obtaining the consent of the London boroughs. The Mayor is accountable to the electorate.
Session: Ultra-low Emission Zone Expansion
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Will my hon. Friend join me in reminding the hon. Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood (Cat Smith) that it was Labour that first introduced voter identification, in Northern Ireland in 2003? The Electoral Commission was unable, in its 2021 public opinion tracker, to identify a single respondent who said they were unable to vote.
Context
The Conservative member points out that Labour introduced voter identification in Northern Ireland in 2003 and mentions the Electoral Commission's inability to identify respondents who said they could not vote due to lack of ID.
Dehenna Davison
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. He has made the case for why these measures are needed and will benefit our democracy.
Session: Voter Identification Requirements Local Election Turnout
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I thank my hon. Friend and welcome her back to her well-deserved place on the Treasury Bench. Would she agree that the Mayor of London's decision to go ahead with the expansion of the ultra low emission zone despite overwhelming opposition to the scheme expressed in a public consultation shows complete contempt for the people of outer London? Would she further agree that what appears to be a clear attempt by Transport for London to interfere with the outcome of the consultation in order to predetermine the result further undermines the democratic process?
Context
The MP criticises the Mayor of London for proceeding with an expansion of the ultra low emission zone despite significant opposition expressed in a public consultation, questioning the integrity of the democratic process.
Rachel Maclean
I thank my hon. Friend for his vital question. I have seen the reports he refers to and I totally share his concerns about the consultation process led by the Mayor of London. Clearly these plans will have a significant impact on the communities that my hon. Friend represents so ably, which is why we must get to the bottom of what happened and hold the Mayor of London to account.
Session: Statutory Public Consultations
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What recent assessment has been made of the contribution of statutory public consultations to local decision making?
Context
The MP questions the contribution of statutory public consultations to local decision-making, particularly focusing on recent assessments and their effectiveness.
Rachel Maclean
Meaningful engagement with local communities is essential to the improvement of public services, and our reforms in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill will strengthen community engagement in planning and increase the opportunities for engagement through the development of digital services.
Session: Statutory Public Consultations
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What recent discussions has her Department had with Metro Mayors on attracting more foreign direct investment?
Context
The MP met with Andy Street to discuss foreign direct investment and the importance of London as a gateway for global investments.
Kevin Hollinrake
I met Andy Street this week to talk about foreign direct investment, and Lord Johnson will meet the 10 Metro Mayors today to discuss how we can attract more investment into mayoral combined authorities. The Department connects strategic regional opportunities to major international capital through sovereign investment partnerships established over the past 18 months.
Session: Foreign Direct Investment Metro Mayors
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I chair the all-party parliamentary group for London as a global city, and last year we published our first report which featured analysis of the London-plus effect, showing how companies that first invest in London go on to contribute £7.6 billion and create 40,000 jobs throughout the country. Is my hon. Friend's Department willing to consider convening roundtables with the Metro Mayors on how to maximise the potential benefit to the UK of the London-plus effect?
Context
The MP chairs the all-party parliamentary group for London as a global city, which published a report on the 'London-plus effect'. This refers to companies that first invest in London contributing £7.6 billion and creating 40,000 jobs throughout the country.
Kevin Hollinrake
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Andy Street was very clear about the importance of London to regional development in the west midlands. The Department convenes roundtable joint sessions with the M10 Metro Mayors twice every year, in addition to ongoing ministerial-mayoral bilaterals and official-level engagement. Such meetings include discussions on shared priorities in international trade and investment and greater collaboration throughout all regions to increase foreign direct investment from new and existing investors.
Session: Foreign Direct Investment Metro Mayors
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In 2019, our trade with CPTPP countries reached £110.7 billion, so does my right hon. Friend share my optimism that joining the bloc will increase our national prosperity? Does he agree that free trade and helping businesses such as those in Orpington to export are how we will create genuine, long-term, sustainable wealth?
Context
The MP notes the 2019 trade figures with CPTPP countries.
Kemi Badenoch
I share my hon. Friend's enthusiasm for CPTPP. Joining CPTPP will offer new opportunities for businesses in Orpington and across the UK. The potential increase to UK GDP is projected to be £1.8 billion. More than 99% of British goods exported will be eligible for tariff-free trade, including in new markets such as Malaysia.
Session: Topical Questions
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Yesterday, I returned from Delhi after holding trade talks with my counterpart, Minister Piyush Goyal. We agreed that an ambitious, balanced deal can be reached at the earliest opportunity. Meeting key UK and Indian businesses made clearer still the opportunities that the FTA would create for businesses in Orpington and across the UK.
Context
The MP returns from Delhi after holding trade talks with his Indian counterpart.
Kemi Badenoch
Yesterday, I returned from Delhi after holding trade talks with my counterpart, Minister Piyush Goyal. We agreed that an ambitious, balanced deal can be reached at the earliest opportunity. Meeting key UK and Indian businesses made clearer still the opportunities that the FTA would create for businesses in Orpington and across the UK.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Asylum Applicants: Mental Health and Wellbeing
27 June 2023
Responding: Sarah Dines
Main Concerns
['The hon. Member for Orpington is concerned about the high number of asylum seekers waiting more than six months for a decision on their claims, which rose from approximately 18,000 in 2019 to 60,000 by early 2021. He highlighted a specific case of Mr A, a Syrian refugee who has been waiting since March 2022 for an update on his asylum application and faced significant mental health issues due to the delay.']
Specific Asks
['The hon. Member urges the Home Office to address cases like that of Mr A with urgency and compassion, calling on officials to review such applications promptly and take into account the mental health implications of prolonged uncertainty for individuals seeking asylum.']
Full name of the bill being debated - Which clause or amendment is being debated
10 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The reasoned amendment tabled by the official Opposition has been selected. The amendment aims to introduce significant changes to the bill to address issues related to [specific issue], highlighting ...
Spring Forecast
03 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Commonhold and Leasehold Reform 2026-01-27
27 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
New Towns 2026-01-15
15 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The New Towns Act of 1946 aimed to address severe housing shortages, overcrowding, and poor living conditions post-war by planning whole communities with homes alongside jobs, schools, services, and g...
Planning Reform 2025-12-16
16 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
National Plan to End Homelessness 2025-12-11
11 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Planning and Infrastructure Bill 2025-12-08
08 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill 2025-11-25
25 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Proposes new clause 45 to stop the automatic publication of local government members' home addresses in public registers, ensuring that such information is only published if explicitly requested by a ...
Taxes 2025-11-12
12 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion calls on the Government to control public expenditure as promised by the Chancellor not to raise taxes, citing broken manifesto commitments, unemployment increase, and fiscal irresponsibili...
Road and Rail Projects 2025-07-08
08 July 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Education on methanol poisoning
29 January 2026
The petition addresses the issue of methanol poisoning among tourists due to contaminated bootleg alcohol, highlighting a tragic incident in Laos that resulted in multiple deaths, including Simone Whi...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
81.6%
80 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
47
48.0% of votes
No Votes
33
33.7% of votes
Abstentions
18
18.4% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
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
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
6
PMQs Asked
66
Ministerial Questions Asked
69
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
1
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+64% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+392% above average
This MP:
66
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1320% above average
This MP:
69
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-59% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+18% above average
This MP:
81.6
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Gareth Bacon's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.