Graham Stuart
MP for Beverley and Holderness
Con
5 May 2005 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I associate myself with the Prime Minister's remarks about Ann Widdecombe. I take this opportunity to thank him for his public service, and wish him and his family all the best for the future. Most of us can only dream of playing the role of Jude Bellingham—scoring the winning goal and leading our team to victory—yet the Prime Minister did it. But politics, like football, is a ruthless game, and he has now been handed a red card by the 152 Members on the Benches behind him. What advice does this Prime Minister have for the right hon. Member for Makerfield (Andy Burnham) to ensure that he, unlike the Prime Minister, does not end up with an early bath?
Context
The question is posed in a metaphorical manner, comparing the Prime Minister's political career to playing football. The context involves the PM stepping down after facing significant opposition.
Keir Starmer
I think that is the first and, sadly, probably the last time I will be compared to Jude Bellingham. I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that. On the question of red cards, I cannot tell him how much incoming I had a week ago Monday, after President Trump intervened on the USA red card, asking me to get the England red card adjusted. Just for the record, Mr Speaker, I did not attempt that. For my successor, and for the England team, I will not give advice; I will simply give my wholehearted support. Just for the record, Mr Speaker, I do not care what the score is tonight, as long as we win.
Assessment
The PM did not provide specific advice to Andy Burnham but instead referenced a previous political event and his own support for future leaders.
Referenced Previous Events
Provided General Sentiment Without Specifics
Session: PMQs 2026-07-15
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Rural residents are worried about higher fuel prices. The Chancellor said that fuel duty would go up in September. Will the Prime Minister confirm if fuel duty will go up in September?
Context
Rural residents are concerned about higher fuel prices, and the Chancellor has said that fuel duty would go up in September.
Keir Starmer
Fuel duty is frozen until September. We will look carefully at the situation in light of what is happening in Iran.
Assessment
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Session: PMQs
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The whole House recognises the authenticity of the right hon. Lady's back story—her pride in being a carer and her recent elevation. In contrast, the chief constable of Northamptonshire was sacked for misrepresenting his CV, and just last month a nurse was imprisoned for doing the same. Does the right hon. Lady agree that such serious consequences are right and just in such cases?
Context
The MP questions the Deputy Prime Minister about recent cases of CV misrepresentation, suggesting that serious consequences are appropriate in such instances.
Angela Rayner
I know where the right hon. Gentleman is trying to go with this. While it is tempting—[Interruption.] What I will say to the right hon. Gentleman is that in the last four months our Chancellor has shown more competence than the last four Chancellors that were appointed by his Government.
Assessment
The Deputy Prime Minister did not address whether serious consequences are appropriate for CV misrepresentation.
Changing Subject
Criticizing Opposition
Session: PMQs
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When the Prime Minister gets passionate, things get done. Brexit is done. The vaccine roll-out is done. So will he personally intervene so that the immunocompromised, like my constituent Scott, can get access to British wonder-drug Evusheld—not next winter, not next year, but now—so that they can enjoy this summer and enjoy their freedom?
Context
The question raises the case of a constituent, Scott, who is immunocompromised and seeks access to Evusheld. The MP asks for personal intervention from the Prime Minister.
Boris Johnson
Evusheld has potential to reduce infection risk. We must look at evidence before deciding if it should be available, but I will keep my hon. Friend updated on progress.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not commit to a specific timeline or intervention for access to Evusheld, only to review the evidence and update the MP.
General Principles
Session: PMQs
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The Conservatives will save our high streets. Donna, who ran the Beverly Card Company, saw her business rates increase from £135 a month to £840 a month, leading to the closure of her business. She will have to make payments for the next four years for those business rates. Will the Chancellor stop trimming, support the Conservative plan and abolish business rates altogether for the 250,000 high street businesses? He needs to stop talking and sounding sympathetic, and actually do something that makes a difference to our high streets.
Context
Graham Stuart highlighted the closure of a local business due to increased business rates and called for the abolition of business rates for high street businesses.
John Healey
The Government has put in £4.3 billion to help cushion the changes in business rates and is in the process of reviewing and reforming the business rates system.
Session: High Street Renewal 2026-09-08
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What should people expect in terms of NHS dentistry by 2029-30? We have had no clarity from the Minister as to the vision for the future. What can we expect?
Context
The MP is concerned about a lack of clarity from the Minister on future plans for NHS dentistry, with only 39% access within two years. The MP seeks a clear vision.
Stephen Kinnock
We aim to deliver fundamental reform before the end of this Parliament. It is complex with various contract models, and we need time to get it right. A public consultation will be launched soon.
Session: Access to NHS Dental Services 2026-07-14
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I recently met Alex Miles, managing director of Yorkshire Learning Providers, and heard a worrying tale that differs greatly from what the Minister has told the House today. I heard that established apprenticeship standards are being defunded and that new product foundation apprenticeships that no employer in Yorkshire has asked for are being rolled out. Yorkshire Learning Providers has no partisan points to make; it just wants to ensure that young people can get into work with an apprenticeship standard that works for them and for employers. Does the Minister accept that the Government are not getting this right and that he needs to look at this again?
Context
The MP is concerned about established apprenticeship standards being defunded while new product foundation apprenticeships are rolled out without demand from employers.
Josh MacAlister
I thank the right hon. Member for the question and the serious spirit in which he asks it. We are providing £9 billion of funding for 16-to-19 programmes in the 2026-27 academic year. We are making a wider range of changes to further education support, qualification routes and apprenticeships to directly respond to the kinds of criticisms from providers and employers that he refers to, and I genuinely believe that the Government have got that right. If there are particular aspects that Alex Miles wants to write to me about, I will be happy to take a look.
Session: Further Education Pathways
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People in Beverley and Holderness want high-quality and speedy care, not massaged waiting list numbers that suit Labour narratives. The last Labour Government repeatedly found manipulated numbers regarding waiting lists. Can she reassure people in Beverley and Holderness that we will have genuinely improved healthcare rather than widespread manipulation?
Context
The MP is concerned about potential manipulation of NHS waiting lists, referencing the previous Labour Government's record.
Karin Smyth
If anyone has forgotten, the last Labour Government left the NHS in a better state than it was under successive Governments. The point that the Conservatives seem to be intent on following up forever is an important one. Some 85% of the activity is a result of direct patient care. Validation, both clinical and clerical, is a long-standing routine practice of waiting list management. At roughly 15%, it is no different now from what it has been before.
Session: Waiting Lists Unreported Removals
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What assessment has been made of trends in the level of unreported removals from waiting lists?
Context
The Conservative MP is questioning the government's assessment of trends in unreported removals from NHS waiting lists, suggesting that these numbers may be manipulated.
Karin Smyth
Over 85% of waiting list removals are made as a result of patient care, and since the end of the pandemic, unreported removals have been below pre-pandemic levels. Record levels of elective activity are being delivered by NHS staff, enabling us to cut waiting lists and meet our interim target of 65% of patients being seen within 18 weeks—the highest performance in over four years.
Session: Waiting Lists Unreported Removals
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Will the Minister give the House an undertaking that he will look at the issue with an open mind and listen properly to the people of Skidby, Little Weighton, and Walkington regarding their concerns over large-scale solar developments?
Context
Stuart mentions local opposition to a large-scale clean air solar farm, highlighting the concern about industrialising farmland and affecting rural communities.
Katie White
We must ensure that we involve local communities in decisions. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs introduced the 'Land Use Framework', ensuring less than 1% of land will be used for solar projects.
Session: Climate-related Transition Plan
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Will the Minister look at establishing an industrial support fund, so that rather than having an ad hoc approach, such as that seen when supporting Grangemouth, we have something strategic to ensure that we do not lose the industrial base upon which so much of this country depends?
Context
The question arises from the pressures faced by integrated industrial clusters like Saltend in the constituency, due to higher energy costs and global events.
Lucy Rigby
I believe the right hon. Member mentioned the British industrial competitiveness scheme. That is being expanded. He will also be aware of the British industry supercharger package, which provides additional price relief from April 2026 as well.
Session: Global Trade Support for Businesses
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May I pursue the point about coastal communities and cancer care? A young dad in Withernsea, a coastal town in my east Yorkshire constituency, went to the doctor repeatedly saying that there was something wrong with him and was repeatedly told that he was fine, before being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. He survived, but only just. What, in real terms, will happen to ensure that communities such as those in Withernsea can see decent cancer care and proper diagnosis, especially given that, as was pointed out by my right hon. Friend the Member for Goole and Pocklington (David Davis), Hull university teaching hospitals NHS trust is one of the worst-performing trusts in the country?
Sharon Hodgson
The national cancer plan is a key part of our work to build an NHS fit for the future, and it explains how we will make England a world leader in cancer outcomes. The right hon. Gentleman’s constituents will now be able to see a GP much sooner than they could before the 2024 election, which will ensure that they can get that earlier diagnosis, which is the only thing that will help them to survive and live longer.
Session: Cancer Treatment
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Will the Minister discuss with DCMS opposite number about uploading fire and safety certificates for more robust future schemes?
Context
Cornwall has the second highest number of short-term lets after London, with concerns over fire safety and certificate uploads to register.
Matthew Pennycook
More than happy to engage with DCMS counterpart and raise specific points as requested.
Session: Short-term Holiday Lets Registration
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As the Minister knows, before Hull Trains, Hull and east Yorkshire were a forgotten part of the rail network. Hull Trains put that right, connecting the great port city of Hull, and indeed Beverley, directly to London. It is also one of the most popular train services in the whole country. I am pleased to hear what the Minister has said, so will he meet me—and perhaps colleagues—to discuss the future of open access and Hull Trains, to ensure that it is safeguarded into the 2030s and beyond, as I know he wants?
Context
The MP is concerned about the future of Hull Trains, an important open access operator serving Beverley and Holderness, in light of recent reforms.
Keir Mather
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his request for a meeting, which I will make sure is reflected to the Rail Minister. I understand the importance of the contribution that Hull Trains makes, both to the east riding of Yorkshire and across the country. Under the Railways Bill, it is absolutely right for GBR to be the directing mind for the railway, to ensure that we can make best use of the network, but we are also very clear that where open access represents best use, those trains will get on the network.
Session: Open Access Rail Services Beverley and Holderness
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Whether her Department is taking steps to ensure that open access rail services continue to be available in the Beverley and Holderness constituency. As the Minister knows, before Hull Trains, Hull and east Yorkshire were a forgotten part of the rail network. Hull Trains put that right, connecting the great port city of Hull, and indeed Beverley, directly to London. It is also one of the most popular train services in the whole country. I am pleased to hear what the Minister has said, so will he meet me—and perhaps colleagues—to discuss the future of open access and Hull Trains, to ensure that it is safeguarded into the 2030s and beyond, as I know he wants?
Context
The MP is concerned about the continuation of open access rail services in his constituency, particularly after Hull Trains improved connectivity.
Keir Mather
We are clear that open access will continue to play an important role on the reformed railway under Great British Railways, which will oversee a network designed to deliver better outcomes for passengers. Existing open access operators, such as Hull Trains, will be able to continue running under their current access agreements, serving communities including Beverley and Holderness. I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his request for a meeting, which I will make sure is reflected to the Rail Minister. I understand the importance of the contribution that Hull Trains makes, both to the east riding of Yorkshire and across the country. Under the Railways Bill, it is absolutely right for GBR to be the directing mind for the railway, to ensure that we can make best use of the network, but we are also very clear that where open access represents best use, those trains will get on the network.
Session: Open Access Rail Services Beverley and Holderness
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The Minister is aware that major hydrogen projects in the Humber area led by National Grid are ready to go and are vital for the region with £18 billion of value-add and 360,000 jobs at stake. Without certainty from Government, investors cannot commit. When will the allocation rounds for hydrogen transport and storage business models open so that this investment can move forward?
Context
Major hydrogen projects in the Humber area, including those by National Grid, are ready to go. Investors need certainty from Government before committing.
Chris McDonald
The right hon. Member's concerns have been addressed, having spoken to the hydrogen industry myself. The representation he has made to me and to the Energy Minister will be considered. I can assure him that the hydrogen strategy will be out soon.
Session: Clean Energy Private Sector Investment
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What steps can the Chancellor take to alleviate the situation for rural families affected by heating oil costs?
Context
Richard from Beverley faces a huge spike in heating oil costs due to being off-grid.
Rachel Reeves
Everybody gets support with their electricity bill, regardless of how they heat their home. We had representations from the Labour group of rural MPs over the weekend, and my colleague the Financial Secretary to the Treasury is going to meet all MPs with an interest in this area tomorrow. The most important thing this Government are doing is trying to de-escalate the crisis in the middle east, because that is the way to get prices down for all our constituents, whether for heating oil or at the pumps.
Session: Cost of Living Families
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Might the Secretary of State come to Long Riston to see Oasis services, where I visited on Friday? The services face a fivefold increase in business rates and a £4,000 increase in hiring young people. Does the national youth guarantee not remind you of Ronald Reagan's view that if something is moving, they tax it; if it keeps moving, they regulate it; and when it stops moving, they subsidise it?
Context
A local organisation in Long Riston, part of Beverley and Holderness, faces a significant increase in business rates and higher costs for hiring young people.
Pat McFadden
The truth is that the Conservatives presided over a huge post-covid rise in the number of young people not in education, employment or training, and they did precisely nothing about it. They also presided over a huge rise in the number of young people going on to sickness and disability benefits and did precisely nothing about it. They have discovered a thirst for change only after leaving office—they have no credibility and no plan on this issue. In contrast, we are responding through the youth guarantee, through changes to the apprenticeship system, and by giving young people more hope that the Government will help give them a chance in life.
Session: Support for NEET Young People
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Sammi from Keyingham in my constituency, who was one of the first in her family to go to university, graduated in 2016 after borrowing £40,000. She has now been working in the medical field for over four years, but that £40,000 has grown to £46,000. I was glad to hear the Minister's previous answer, but Sammi and others want to hear that there will be concrete action to stop the outrageous interest, which is higher than one would expect for a personal loan or a mortgage. Will the Minister do something about it?
Context
A constituent, Sammi, who graduated in 2016 with £40,000 in student loans, now has £46,000 due to high interest rates. She is seeking concrete action to stop the outrageous interest rates.
Josh MacAlister
I hope the right hon. Member started by apologising to Sammi in his correspondence, because the last Government froze the threshold on 10 separate occasions. I could list them all. They started in the year that the policy was designed and introduced—the same year in which the commitment was made to increase the threshold in line with inflation, which the Conservatives did not do.
Session: Student Loan System
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Blind and partially sighted children in the East Riding of Yorkshire receive lower funding through the higher needs block than anywhere else in the country. In the latest settlement, the East Riding will receive the smallest increase in the country at just 2%, compared with an average of over 6%. How can it possibly be justified that children in the rural, coastal East Riding of Yorkshire who are already worst funded in the country are going to see the gap widen? Minister, please explain.
Context
Blind and partially sighted children in the East Riding of Yorkshire receive lower funding through the higher needs block compared to other areas, with only a 2% increase in the latest settlement.
The Minister for School Standards (Georgia Gould)
Revenue funding for young people with complex SEND has increased by £1.8 billion since July 2024, bringing total high-needs funding to well over £12 billion. The Government will be setting out more in the schools White Paper around further funding and how that is distributed.
Session: SEND Blind and Partially Sighted Children
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The local government settlement strips £27 million from East Riding of Yorkshire council. I learned today that there will be an additional £21 million cost over the next three years from the minimum wage and the jobs tax. Does the Minister really think it is acceptable that local residents should have sky-high council tax rises and falling quality of services?
Context
The local government settlement has reduced the budget for East Riding of Yorkshire council by £27 million over three years, leading to potential service cuts and higher council tax.
Alison McGovern
The hon. Gentleman and I were both in this House for the entire period of austerity, which landed at the door of town halls more than almost anywhere else, so if he wants to look for someone to blame for the parlous state of council finances, I would recommend a mirror.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituent Katie has served in the RAF for 25 years. In preparation for her return to civilian life, she secured an MOD rentals tenancy to provide housing stability before she receives her pension next year and can buy a house of her own. At short notice, that tenancy was withdrawn, leaving her and her family facing potential homelessness, in clear violation of the armed forces covenant. Despite repeated appeals and over 28 days of silence from the Ministry of Defence, no resolution has yet been offered. Will the Minister please review this case urgently and the letter I sent to Ministers on 5 December to ensure that female veterans like Katie are properly supported during their transition back to civilian life?
Context
A constituent's MOD rentals tenancy was withdrawn, leaving her and her family facing potential homelessness. The Member requests the Minister review this case urgently.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Louise Sandher-Jones)
I thank the right hon. Member for raising this case. If he would provide me with the details afterwards, I will of course take a closer look.
Session: Women Veterans
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T2. The Conservatives brought in a national guarantee of 11,500 post offices in the network. Labour has promised to scrap that. What assurances can Ministers give to people in Middleton, Lockington, Leconfield, Cherry Burton, Aldbrough, Walkington, Tickton, Hedon, Wawne, Skirlaugh, Sproatley, Beverley, Roos, Ottringham, Keyingham, Withernsea, Easington and Thorngumbald that their post offices will be retained?
Context
The Conservatives have introduced a national guarantee of 11,500 post offices in the network.
Blair McDougall
As I said to the hon. Member for West Worcestershire (Dame Harriett Baldwin), we are committed to ensuring not just that we work to maintain the post office network, but that we deal with some of those long-standing issues about the viability of the business going forward—issues that the Conservatives had 14 years to fix and did not.
Session: Topical Questions
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Getting care out of hospitals and into the community very much depends on a functioning hospital. Last month, I met the group chief executive officer of Hull University teaching hospitals NHS trust, which has been placed in segment 4 of the NHS acute trust league table. She acknowledged the urgent need for improvement but cannot deliver transformation alone. Could the Minister meet me to discuss what more can be done to support this important hospital on its road to transformation and improvement?
Context
Hull University teaching hospitals NHS trust has been placed in segment 4 of the NHS acute trust league table, indicating urgent need for improvement. The chief executive acknowledges the need for change but requires additional support.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his question and I am not familiar with the details of that case, but if he would not mind writing to me, I would be very happy to take that issue forward. He is right that there is a mountain to climb, not least because of the mess left by the previous Government, but we are climbing that mountain step by step. The 10-year plan is a big step in the right direction; it is now all about delivery, and that is what we are doing every day.
Session: Hospital to Community Care
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The Minister is new to the Dispatch Box, so perhaps we can forgive her for suggesting that the Conservatives cut the number of family hubs, since we invented them. Focusing on the issue of cost and moving away from primary schools, private providers are finding that the jobs tax and other hits are making it more and more difficult to pay the bills and ensure that that entitlement—which we all want to see given to parents—is delivered. Can I invite the hon. Lady to give any reflections from her early days as a Minister on how we can deliver that? Can she reach out to those in the Treasury and elsewhere to make them understand the ecosystem in which those providers sit?
Context
Graham Stuart points out the challenges private providers face due to economic pressures, questioning how to ensure entitlements are delivered effectively.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Olivia Bailey)
Sure Start was one of the greatest successes of the last Labour Government, and it drove significant improvements for our children. The Conservative party systematically dismantled that across our country, with significant negative consequences for our children and young people. When this Government say that we are prioritising early years, we are putting our money where our mouth is—unlike the Conservatives, who had a pledge with absolutely no plan—with £8 billion this year and £9 billion next year to expand childcare and give every child the best start in life.
Session: Childcare Affordability
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When I meet veterans across Beverley and Holderness, particularly at Withernsea or Beverley veterans breakfast clubs, the No. 1 issue they raise with me is homelessness among veterans—an issue that the Minister for Veterans and People will recognise. They ask what more we can do, and I share that question with the Secretary of State: what more can we do to ensure that those who have put their lives on the line to serve our country do not find themselves homeless in their later days?
Context
Veterans in Beverley and Holderness have raised concerns about homelessness, an issue the Minister for Veterans and People is aware of.
John Healey
I share with the right hon. Gentleman, and, I think, every Member of this House, the pleasure and honour of attending such breakfast clubs with veterans in my constituency. He is right about the range of concerns that veterans raise, which includes the pressures of homelessness. Recognising the forces’ service in local authority housing priorities is our first step, and the £50 million going into the Op VALOUR system to increase support for veterans will also play a part.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituent Scott Young, a 34-year-old father-to-be from Beverley, was left permanently blind in one eye after NHS failures including a two-month delay to urgent surgery following a diabetic haemorrhage. The trust now blames the delays on admin mistakes and repeated these delays until I intervened when his remaining sight was at risk. Yet the Hull University teaching hospitals NHS trust response contained factual errors, such as claiming a heart condition delayed surgery even though it had not been diagnosed during the delay period. Does the Minister agree that such failings demand accountability, and what steps can he take to improve the administrative processes within our hospitals?
Context
Scott Young, a constituent of Graham Stuart from Beverley, was left permanently blind in one eye due to NHS failures including a two-month delay for urgent surgery following a diabetic haemorrhage. The trust blamed the delays on administrative mistakes and repeated these delays when his remaining sight was at risk until intervention by Graham Stuart.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
I am very sorry to hear of Scott’s experience. What the right hon. Gentleman has outlined is clearly unacceptable. I will absolutely follow up on that issue with officials and report back to him. We cannot allow that sort of poor performance to exist, and those responsible must be held to account.
Session: Urgent Eyecare East Yorkshire
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Great leadership is critical to supporting children to have a healthy mental condition. Will the Minister join me in congratulating Leon Myers, the headteacher of Swinemoor primary school, on the twice-repeated outstanding rating for that school, on his focus on the traditional values of endeavour, resilience and competitive spirit, and on his recent MBE in recognition of the transformation of opportunity he provides to children across the Swinemoor estate?
Context
Leon Myers, headteacher of Swinemoor primary school, has received an MBE for his work on transforming opportunities for children across the Swinemoor estate.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Stephen Morgan)
I thank the right hon. Member for his question, and I pay tribute to the member of staff he mentioned and all those who work across the education system to deliver improvements in life chances for all young people; I thank him very much for his hard work.
Session: Mental Health Support in Schools
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Around Beverley, there are proposals for five solar farms, totalling 465 MW. Can the Minister assure my constituents that the scientific evidence that will be used to assess this will include the cumulative impact of these projects on the area around Beverley?
Context
Proposals for five solar farms in Beverley totalling 465 MW have raised concerns about the cumulative impact on the area.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Kerry McCarthy)
Yes, of course we look at the cumulative impact of these developments. Having been in the Department, the right hon. Gentleman will know that we have an excellent team of scientists led by Professor Paul Monks, who I want to pay tribute to because he is standing down later this year. I am sure the right hon. Gentleman would want to do so too.
Session: Net Zero Policies
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In light of the pressure on prison places, what assessment has the Minister made of the Government’s early release scheme? The data shows that nearly a quarter of those released reoffended again within just one year. Does he believe that the criteria used to determine eligibility were fit for purpose?
Context
Pressure on prison places due to the early release scheme introduced by the current government. Nearly a quarter of those released under this scheme reoffended within just one year.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Sir Nicholas Dakin)
Due to the circumstances that this Government found when we came into office, we had no option but to introduce a temporary change to the law to allow prisoners serving an eligible standard determinate sentence to be released on licence. This scheme had many more constraints than the early release scheme operated by the previous Government, which was rushed out just before the election. The data has not yet been published, so the right hon. Gentleman will have to wait for that.
Session: Prison Capacity
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Dental patients with untreated need end up in hospitals. In places like Hedon in my constituency, we have seen more and more dental practices moving away from the NHS. I have a constituent who found it took her three years to get her child their first check-up, and that dental practice has now ceased to look after NHS patients. She also cannot get the NHS treatment she deserves herself, even though she had a child in February. What in the 0-year plan will change that and ensure that everyone can get access to NHS dentistry?
Context
The MP highlighted issues of delayed dental care for constituents, referencing a child's three-year wait for the first check-up.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
The right hon. Member is right to point to children’s dental health. After we won the election in July, I looked across my portfolio and it was pretty much a car crash in every aspect, thanks to the incompetence of previous Governments. Perhaps the most shocking statistic of all is that the biggest reason five to nine-year-old children are admitted to hospital is to have their rotten teeth removed. That is a Dickensian state of affairs. We are working with the British Dental Association on contract reform. We have got to incentivise NHS dentistry, do away with the false economy set up under the last Government and get dentistry back to where it needs to be.
Session: Care in the Community
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Yesterday, apprentices came here from Vivergo in my constituency. The hundreds of people directly employed there, and the thousands in the supply chain, wonder how this Government, on the verge of producing an industrial strategy, can want to abandon the nascent bioethanol industry in this country entirely. What will he do to stop that?
Context
The UK government has announced a trade deal with the US that includes access to the entire UK bioethanol market. This decision is causing distress among companies in the nascent UK bioethanol industry.
The Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Jonathan Reynolds)
I understand the prominence of the issue in the right hon. Member’s constituency. We already import a significant amount of ethanol from the US: 860,000 tonnes of bioethanol. We recognise the competitive pressures that the US trade deal will bring—it is obviously not yet in operation—and have met the companies affected and continue to negotiate with them. They are already very distressed and lose significant amounts of money, so what they really need are regulatory changes from the Department for Transport for the market as a whole. I can assure him that we are working on that.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister apologise to pensioners who lost their winter fuel allowance when they needed it most?
Context
Pensioners faced hardships during the last winter due to lack of winter fuel allowance.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Dame Nia Griffith)
I should just remind the House that we did maintain the triple lock, which gave pensioners a boost of over £400 this spring. Pensioners will again benefit from the winter fuel allowance.
Session: Clean Energy Wales
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Has the Secretary of State made representations to the Chancellor ahead of Wednesday’s meeting to ensure that more landlords are not forced to close their businesses?
Context
The jobs tax and slashing of business rate relief have negatively impacted local businesses such as the Barrel in Walkington.
Angela Rayner
I might like a pint; wouldn't he like to know?
Session: Topical Questions
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In 2010, just 12% of homes had an EPC C rating or above, so those homes were too cold and had bills that were too high. It was 60% by 2024 when we left power. Will the Minister share with the House the ambition and give us a number for the percentage of homes that we should expect to have that basic EPC C rating by the end of this term, which I hope will be the only one the Minister has, so he should make a difference while he can?
Context
The MP referenced the historical data on homes with EPC C ratings and challenged the Minister to set a clear target for new homes by the end of his term.
Matthew Pennycook
As I made clear, I recognise the December 2021 uplift in energy efficiency standards means that most new builds that come through achieve an EPC rating of A or B. Off the top of my head, though I stand to be corrected, I think about 84% of new homes meet those standards. But as I said, we have announced that we want to introduce future standards this autumn, which will drive even more ambitious energy efficiency and carbon emission requirements for new homes.
Session: New Homes Minimum EPC Rating
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If she will establish a national statutory inquiry into rape gangs.
Context
The issue of child sexual exploitation and abuse has been highlighted, particularly in the context of historical cover-ups by religious institutions. There is opposition from senior figures within political parties to local and national inquiries into rape gangs.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Jess Phillips)
Child sexual exploitation and abuse are the most horrific crimes, and the Government are taking decisive action to ensure that victims and survivors of grooming gangs get the justice they deserve. This includes delivering on key recommendations from the seven-year independent inquiry into child sexual abuse, such as mandatory reporting; all police forces in England and Wales have been asked to review historical cases where no further action was taken and to reopen investigations; Baroness Louise Casey has been commissioned to conduct a national audit of the nature and scale of grooming gangs. We will leave no stone unturned in pursuit of truth and justice.
Session: Rape Gangs Statutory Inquiry
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What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the autumn Budget 2024 on costs for businesses. Johnson’s of Hedon, a DIY store, has traded successfully for 56 years but its owner Mike Brooke says that the national insurance hike introduced by the Chancellor has finally made the business unviable. Was the cruel destruction of Johnson’s of Hedon and the jobs it provides deliberate or an accident?
Context
The question follows an assessment by the Chancellor regarding policies in the autumn budget. A specific business, Johnson's of Hedon, a DIY store that has been operating for 56 years, is struggling due to increased employers' national insurance contributions.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
The money from national insurance—which only came in last month—is being used to fund investment in the national health service. Since the general election we have delivered 3 million additional NHS appointments, which benefits constituents across East Yorkshire and throughout the country. The trade deal with the European Union was welcomed by the Confederation of British Industry, the Food & Drink Federation, the Institute of Directors, and others because it will add about £9 billion to the size of the UK economy.
Session: Business Costs Impact of Autumn Budget
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I know how on top of her brief the Minister is, so will she confirm that fewer than a third of council homes had an energy performance certificate C rating in 2010 compared with over 70% by last year? Less than 12% of homes in the UK had decent insulation in 2010 when Labour last left office and when the right hon. Member for Doncaster North (Ed Miliband), who is chuntering from a sedentary position, was in power, and more than 50% did by the time we left office. Will she commit to a faster rate of improvement under this Government than we ever saw under the previous Labour Government?
Context
The MP questioned the Minister about the improvement in energy efficiency ratings for council homes from 2010 to the present, contrasting it with Labour's tenure. He cited statistics showing improvements under Conservative leadership.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Miatta Fahnbulleh)
I welcome the right hon. Member’s commitment to our plans to upgrade homes. However, he is trying to rewrite history, because when we look at the record of the previous Government, we see many failures, but the most abject and egregious was the failure to insulate enough homes to ensure that households were protected from price rises. That is the Conservatives’ legacy, and it is one we are determined to turn around. That is why we are committed to upgrading millions of homes across the country.
Session: Energy Efficiency Council Leaseholders and Social Homes
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Graham Stuart raised concerns about the disparity in funding, noting that each child with special educational needs in the East Riding receives £968 compared to £3,564 in Camden, questioning the fairness of current allocations and requesting a commitment to equitable funding through the review process.
Context
Children in the East Riding of Yorkshire receive significantly less funding than those in Camden, despite similar needs. Graham Stuart emphasized the need for fair funding across all regions.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
Bridget Phillipson agreed on the importance of equitable funding but noted that current allocations were based on existing formulas. She committed to examining all matters as part of their wider reform, emphasizing responsibility and focus on better outcomes.
Session: SEND Funding
View All Questions -->
The housing numbers for London were cut by 20% by the Government, but again and again we find in Hansard the Secretary of State asserting that 1.5 million homes will be built during this Parliament in England. Why did the Chancellor tell us a few days ago that only 1.3 million will be built across the whole of the UK, and will the Secretary of State please confirm that the 1.5 million target has gone?
Context
The housing numbers for London were cut by 20% by the Government, but the Chancellor recently announced that only 1.3 million homes will be built across the UK.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Angela Rayner)
The Minister for Housing and Planning answered this question just a moment ago. Perhaps my Mancunian accent will help: the OBR scored the national planning policy framework changes that we have already made. That is where that figure came from. Our other plans, including the new homes accelerator programme, the money that we have invested since then, and the changes in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, mean that the number will increase, and we will meet our 1.5 million homes target.
Session: Housing Supply
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister ensure that the consultation group is restricted to organisations that represent Down syndrome people only and promise that statutory guidance will finally be issued before the end of this calendar year?
Context
Colleagues from across the House supported a debate calling for the Down Syndrome Act 2022 to be implemented three years after its passage. The Minister for Secondary Care stated that Down syndrome-specific guidance would be produced.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ashley Dalton)
Work to develop the Down Syndrome Act statutory guidance is being taken forward as a priority, with a view to publishing it for consultation by the summer. It involves people with Down syndrome as part of a wider group.
Session: Special Educational and Disability Needs
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Can the Minister reassure the House that we will never have a repeat of the Building Schools for the Future programme, ensuring we have functional schools with brilliant teachers?
Context
The previous Labour Government's Building Schools for the Future initiative spent £55 billion on buildings and IT, which was considered ineffective in transforming education.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Stephen Morgan)
Ensuring that schools and colleges have the resources and buildings they need is key to our mission to break down barriers to opportunity. I will take no lectures from the Conservative party on education.
Session: School Building Programmes
View All Questions -->
The great university cities of York and Hull are unusual in that they do not have a direct rail line between them. The whole region—Labour MPs, Liberal Democrat councillors, Conservatives—is united in believing that reopening the Beverley to York line, so that the two great minsters of Hull and York can be reconnected, would bring economic growth and a brighter future for the area. Will the Minister agree to meet me and colleagues to discuss this project and how it could help unlock the growth that we all seek across the House?
Context
The MP emphasized the economic growth potential from reopening the Beverley to York rail line, which would reconnect two great cities in the region. All political parties agree on this project's importance.
Darren Jones (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
I am sorry to hear that the right hon. Gentleman failed to persuade his party, when in government for 14 years, to open that line. I can reassure him that this Government take rail infrastructure seriously, and I will happily consider any detail that he wishes to write to me about.
Session: Economic Growth New Transport Infrastructure
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We heard from the chief executive officer of Great British Energy the other day. He said that it was not in his brief to cut bills by £300. What is Great British Energy for, then? It turned out that the jobs were not going to materialise either, so how will the Government make sure that we do not have some bureaucrat job-creation scheme in every region of the country, as the Minister’s Back Benchers are calling for, but actually have a company that invests in things that otherwise would not be invested in? Technologies such as wind and solar are already investable, so will Great British Energy focus on those things that need to be brought closer to market?
Context
Mr Stuart questions the actual investment and job creation potential of Great British Energy.
Michael Shanks
The right hon. Gentleman strongly makes the case for the importance of a publicly owned energy champion investing in parts of the energy system that are not currently getting that investment; I appreciate his recognition of that. What the interim chair of Great British Energy said very clearly—of course, it has not appointed a CEO yet—and what we have said consistently is that Great British Energy’s headquarters in Aberdeen will of course create jobs, but the majority of the jobs that will be created by that investment will come from the investment that Great British Energy makes in supply chains, in projects, and in developing the clean power that we need. Great British Energy will champion the industries that the right hon. Gentleman speaks about and deliver jobs in this country to reindustrialise communities, and Conservative Members will have to explain why they are against those jobs when they are created, including if they are created in the right hon. Gentleman’s constituency.
Session: Great British Energy Regional Offices
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Down’s Syndrome
19 March 2025
Responding: Karin Smyth
Main Concerns
['The Down Syndrome Act 2022 received Royal Assent three years ago but has not been implemented. Draft guidance produced does not adequately cover the specific needs of people with Down syndrome, reducing them to a subset of learning disabilities. This limited perspective fails to provide tailored support for speech and language therapy required by individuals with Down syndrome.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should build and issue effective cross-ministerial guidance as promised in the Act, engage key stakeholders properly, empower Ministers to implement the Act fully, improve healthcare outcomes for people with Down syndrome, and ensure that every integrated care board appoints a named executive lead at board level to drive better outcomes.']
Agricultural and Business Property Relief
14 January 2025
Responding: James Murray
Main Concerns
["The Chancellor's autumn Budget announced a significant change to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR), imposing a 20% tax on the value of land and machinery exceeding £1 million. This could result in one farm closure per rural constituency every year, according to government estimates. The impact is particularly severe for small family farms, which may lose their livelihoods and local knowledge critical for maintaining watercourses."]
Specific Asks
['The right hon. Gentleman asks the Government to reconsider these changes before they take effect in April 2026, urging a threshold increase between £4 million and £5 million to protect family farms from being wiped out by inheritance tax.']
Health and Care Bill - Schedule 1
07 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to confer primary care functions on integrated care boards, thereby ensuring better coordination and integration of health ser...
Points of Order
14 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr Carmichael highlighted the concern regarding the management of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, specifically noting proposed changes to payments for coastguard rescue officers that could impact ...
Transport (Scotland) Bill - Schedule 4 - Minor and Consequential amendments
10 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment seeks to make minor and consequential changes to the bill, ensuring consistency in the provisions. It includes technical adjustments to align with existing regulations and improve clarit...
Steel Industry Nationalisation Bill - New Clause 8: Contingent liabilities
08 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment aims to narrow the definition of a steel undertaking so that it must predominantly involve the manufacture or processing of steel. It seeks to prevent unnecessary nationalisation by ensu...
Energy Security
19 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Criticises the Government's energy policy, particularly the ban on new oil and gas licences. Emphasises the negative impact of these policies on Aberdeen, the North East of Scotland, and UK economic s...
Referral of Prime Minister to Committee of Privileges
28 April 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion calls for the matter of Peter Mandelson's appointment as US Ambassador to be referred to the Privileges Committee due to claims that the Prime Minister misled the House. Kemi Badenoch argue...
Children and Social Work Bill - Clause 56 - Functions of adjudicator in relation to admission numbers
15 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment moves to strengthen obligations to support sibling contact for children who are looked after. It aligns with recommendations from the Family Rights Group and Become, and is supported by ...
Opposition Day
24 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Fuel Duty
18 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The House believes it is wrong to increase the main fuel duty rates on specific dates in 2026 and 2027, as global oil prices are rising. These increases will affect drivers, farmers, businesses, and o...
Attendance
61.2%
60 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
33
33.7% of votes
No Votes
27
27.6% of votes
Abstentions
38
38.8% of votes
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED 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
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
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
4
PMQs Asked
60
Ministerial Questions Asked
115
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
8
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+348% above average
This MP:
60
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2266% above average
This MP:
115
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-15% below average
This MP:
8
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-12% below average
This MP:
61.2
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 Graham Stuart's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.