Greg Smith
MP for Mid Buckinghamshire
Con
12 Dec 2019 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
The Prime Minister and I once opposed High Speed 2, but he changed his stance. With the upcoming reset, will he intervene personally for my constituents affected by this project?
Context
Traffic chaos and underfunding of mitigation projects in Wendover due to HS2 construction. Landowners await compensation.
Keir Starmer
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising this matter and acknowledge its impact on his constituents, ensuring their voices are heard during the reset process.
Assessment
The specific ask about personal intervention was not directly addressed; only acknowledged the issue's importance.
Under Review
Session: PMQs
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The clear message from yesterday's Farm to Fork summit is that food security matters. As we await today's written statement on ground-mounted solar, can my right hon. Friend assure me that proposed solar installations in my constituency, which would cover thousands of acres of agricultural land—from a 2,100 acre installation in the Claydons, called Rosefield, to smaller but equally destructive ones, such as the one proposed for an area near the village of Kimblewick—now have less chance of getting approved?
Context
Proposed solar installations in Mid Buckinghamshire would cover thousands of acres of agricultural land, from a 2,100 acre installation called Rosefield to smaller but equally destructive ones near Kimblewick.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise this. Particularly at a time of increasing geopolitical risk, we must protect this nation's food security and our most valuable agricultural land. We can achieve our solar deployment targets by using brownfield sites and rooftops away from our best farmland.
Session: PMQs
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Will my right hon. Friend instruct the Department for Transport to fast-track those proposals so we can end overcrowding on Chiltern?
Context
Commuters from Haddenham and Thame Parkway, Princes Risborough face daily misery due to overcrowding on Chiltern Railways.
Rishi Sunak
I agree with my hon. Friend that the performance on Chiltern has not been good enough in recent times. I know that Chiltern has recently begun engagement with the rolling-stock leasing market, which will help reduce overcrowding, but also, together with DfT, it is looking at providing additional capacity at peak times. I know that the rail Minister my hon. Friend the Member for Bexhill and Battle (Huw Merriman) will ensure that these plans continue to progress and keep my hon. Friend the Member for Buckingham (Greg Smith) updated.
Assessment
Did not provide a specific timeframe or commitment for fast-tracking proposals
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister commit to finding a better system of financial modelling to ensure accurate forecasting for lowering taxes?
Context
The Office for Budget Responsibility has been criticized for inaccurate forecasts, raising concerns about the accuracy of tax policy decisions.
Rishi Sunak
The OBR has brought transparency and independence, but thanks to effective management, inflation is halved, borrowing controlled, and the largest tax cuts in a generation are being delivered.
Assessment
Shifted focus from economic modelling accuracy to recent tax cut achievements
Session: PMQs
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To secure Abigail's freedom and other hostages, Israel is releasing convicted terrorists. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to continue his welcome support for Israel against Hamas and Iran-backed terror groups?
Context
Abigail Mor Edan, a four-year-old orphan released from Hamas captivity last weekend, was freed as part of an agreement involving the release of convicted terrorists.
Rishi Sunak
We support Israel's right to defend itself, secure hostages, and deter further incursions. We welcome the extension of a ceasefire agreement for humanitarian aid and hostage release negotiations are ongoing.
Session: PMQs
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I was delighted when the Prime Minister said last year that, on his watch, we would “not lose swathes” of farmland to solar applications, yet my constituency sees a constant flow of planning applications for solar farms and battery storage plants on food-producing land. Can I ask my right hon. Friend: when will his pledge become a reality?
Context
Smith's constituency sees numerous planning applications for solar farms and battery storage on agricultural land despite the Prime Minister's pledge to protect farmland.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend makes an excellent point. Solar is one of the cheapest forms of electricity generation, so it is right that we try and see more of it across the country, but we do need to protect our most valuable agricultural land so that it can produce food for the nation and increase our food security. That is why, thanks to our changes, the planning system now sets this out explicitly with a clear preference for brownfield sites. Of course, we want to do more to encourage barn-top solar, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will be updating the House with further information on that policy in due course.
Assessment
The specific ask about when the pledge will become a reality was not addressed.
Changing Subject To Broader Context
Vague Commitment To Provide More Information Later
Session: PMQs
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My constituents rely on many nearby hospitals: Milton Keynes, where the Government have committed to a new women and children's hospital; Stoke Mandeville, which has just completed the build of a new children's A&E; but also Wycombe, where infrastructure and maintenance issues in the ageing tower are preventing about 2,000 operations from going ahead every year. My local NHS trust has a plan for a new £200 million clinical centre at Wycombe Hospital. Will my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister work with me and Buckinghamshire colleagues to make that a reality?
Context
Milton Keynes Hospital, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, and Wycombe Hospital face various challenges including infrastructure issues at Wycombe Hospital that prevent around 2,000 operations from being performed annually.
Rishi Sunak
Although, as my hon. Friend knows, we are no longer inviting further schemes to join the new hospital programme, I can tell him that new schemes will be considered through the rolling programme of capital investment in hospital infrastructure. That will secure the building of new hospitals beyond 2030, and it will mean investment to upgrade the NHS estate across the country.
Assessment
Support for a specific £200 million clinical centre at Wycombe Hospital
Hedging Language
Broad Commitments
Session: PMQs
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Despite being world leaders in motorsport, the UK has not hosted a round of the World Rally Championship since 2019. We now have an opportunity to host a round in Northern Ireland next year to bring in in excess of £100 million to the economy, but to make that happen the promoters need Government underwriting of approximately £1 million. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this event simply must go ahead and will he instruct the relevant Departments to work with the motorsport all-party parliamentary group, Motorsport UK and the promoters to make it happen?
Context
The UK has not hosted a round of the World Rally Championship since 2019. Promoters need Government underwriting of approximately £1 million for the event to go ahead, expected to bring in over £100 million to the economy.
Rishi Sunak
Northern Ireland is a fantastic place to host international events. I am delighted that my hon. Friend shares my enthusiasm for driving forward prosperity in Northern Ireland. However, with tourism being devolved in Northern Ireland, I suggest that he engages with Tourism NI on this potential event, and I look forward to hearing how he gets on.
Assessment
Financial support from the government
Suggests Engagement With A Devolved Body Instead Of Committing To Direct Action
Session: PMQs
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Last week, the Princes Centre in Princes Risborough celebrated its 10th year as an independent daycare provider. Will my right hon. Friend join me in thanking Kim Challoner and her team for their first-class service? As Chequers is near Princes Risborough, will he visit to deliver these congratulations personally?
Context
The Princes Centre provides support to adults with various mental health challenges, learning disabilities, and conditions such as dementia. It celebrated its 10-year anniversary recently.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend, who, among his many other distinctions, is my Member of Parliament, and I join him in thanking the entire team at the Princes Centre for everything that they do. I will certainly keep his kind invitation in mind.
Assessment
No concrete commitment to visit
Keeping An Open Mind
Session: PMQs
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Following a large community campaign, my parish council and residents successfully opposed a mega-prison project near HS2 and East West Rail. Given its proximity to existing state infrastructure, is it fair to expect these communities to bear more burden? Will you instruct the Ministry of Justice not to appeal this decision?
Context
The MP discussed the refusal of a planning application for a new prison in his constituency, emphasizing fairness to communities already suffering from major infrastructure projects.
Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend campaigned vigorously; he makes a valid point about fairness but I refrain from commenting on specific planning matters, though relevant Ministers will certainly consider his concerns.
Assessment
The PM did not commit to instructing the MoJ against appealing the decision.
Session: PMQs
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Flood risk from new development is a key concern for many of my constituents, as highlighted by a case in Ickford, where developers promised that flood risk would be a once-in-100-year eventuality, yet the village has flooded three times this year alone. Will my right hon. Friend commit to seriously beefing up the way flood risk is assessed and treated as part of the planning process?
Context
A case in Ickford highlights concerns about flood risk from new development.
Boris Johnson
I have deep sympathy for Ickford in my hon. Friend's constituency and the flooding it has suffered; I know Ickford. It is very important that local authorities follow the rules in making their planning decisions, as I am sure he would agree, and we are making a huge investment—£5.2 billion—in flood defences to protect the 300,000 homes at risk across the country.
Assessment
Commitment to enhancing assessment was not made directly
Session: PMQs
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Will the PM join me in congratulating those wealth creators, innovators and entrepreneurs and commit to extending their enterprise zone status and business rates relief period from 2021 to 2024 for continued economic growth?
Context
Silverstone Park and Westcott in Buckinghamshire have been critical in bringing high-tech innovators across various fields.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson
I will certainly look at the proposal that my hon. Friend makes, and I am sure my right hon. Friend the Chancellor will want to study it, but I also congratulate everybody involved with the Aylesbury Vale enterprise zone on the cutting-edge technology that exemplifies the very best of this country and shows the way to our future.
Session: PMQs
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Can the Minister be really specific? How many civil servants and special advisers are due to be permanently staffed at No. 10 North, and once they are all in place and working there, will the Government publish statistics for their attendance at the office?
Context
The MP seeks specific details on staffing arrangements for No. 10 North.
Dan Tomlinson
As permanent teams are formed, and they will be formed, we will ensure that those who live nearby and at a commutable distance are encouraged to apply, and we hope they will do so. There are already some 80,000 civil servants working in the north-west of England, and I think it is a fantastic change, introduced by this Government, that more civil servants and more people from more parts of the country can contribute, at the heart of Government, to building the change that this Government want.
Session: No. 10 North 2026-09-10
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What estimate she has made of the cost of setting up No. 10 North.
Context
The MP inquires about the costs involved in establishing No. 10 North.
Dan Tomlinson
No. 10 North will drive growth in every postcode of the country, working alongside mayors, council leaders and businesses from across Britain. The costs of setting up and running No. 10 North are covered by existing Cabinet Office budgets.
Session: No. 10 North 2026-09-10
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What estimate he has made of the average annual cost to motorists of discontinuing the 5p fuel duty reduction from December 2026.
Context
The Government has announced a £600 million package including the extension of the 5p fuel duty cut to the end of the year.
James Murray
As part of the £600 million package the Government announced in May, there will be no rise in fuel duty this year. This means that the temporary 5p cut will be extended till the end of the year, providing certainty to motorists. In total, the decisions taken since the 2024 general election to freeze fuel duty save motorists 11p per litre, or £120 per year for the average car, compared with the plans inherited from the previous Government.
Session: Fuel Duty Cost of Living 2026-09-08
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I cannot believe the Minister just said he wanted to give families breathing space when the RAC Foundation has found that, since fuel prices increased due to international issues earlier this year, the Treasury has raked in £1 billion extra from the VAT on fuel. How can it possibly be fair on motorists or give them any breathing space whatsoever to carry on with another fuel duty hike in January?
Context
The RAC Foundation has noted that since fuel prices increased due to international issues earlier this year, the Treasury has collected an additional £1 billion in VAT from fuel.
James Murray
The hon. Gentleman is right to point to the fact that international events have an impact on prices here at home. We did not want to get involved in that conflict, unlike the Conservative party. None the less, we are impacted by it, and the right thing for us to do as a Government is to make sure we are providing breathing space for families as we weather international events.
Session: Fuel Duty Cost of Living 2026-09-08
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If we get the chaos predicted, will the Government demand that the system be shut down and paused until technology is ready?
Context
There are concerns that the introduction of the EES system will cause chaos for holidaymakers and freight operators.
Keir Mather
Ministers have been clear with French and EU counterparts, that they should do all they can to avoid disruption, including using existing flexibilities in EES regulations. We are not being complacent and asking for things retrospectively; we are taking the right steps now.
Session: EU Entry-Exit System Transport Delays 2026-07-16
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How on earth have we got to a situation where the Secretary of State is making last-minute dashes to the European Commission and the French Government?
Context
The Government is facing criticism for last-minute meetings with European counterparts to address issues.
Keir Mather
The meetings that we are having on EES, both in Government and with our counterparts, are to ensure that we get this right, ahead of the peak period. We have supported the port of Dover and Eurotunnel with £3.5 million each in preparation for EES, and earlier this week, we announced £20 million in funding, subject to relevant checks, to further support border infrastructure at the port of Dover.
Session: EU Entry-Exit System Transport Delays 2026-07-16
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The Minister mentioned the ongoing Carr-Hill review and extra investment but did not address the specific timeline for its publication or assurances against disadvantages for rural areas under this government. Can he provide a clear commitment?
Context
In Mid Buckinghamshire, the Carr-Hill formula review and housing pressures raise concerns about GP funding models.
Stephen Kinnock
The Carr-Hill review is ongoing and will be published very soon. We have invested an extra £1.6 billion in general practice, recruited over 2,000 more GPs, and extended online services.
Session: General Practice Partnership Model 2026-07-14
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I am concerned about the uncertainty of GP partnerships in my area due to government reviews and housing pressure. When will the Carr-Hill formula review be published? Will rural areas like Buckinghamshire not face disadvantage?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the funding model review in rural areas like Mid Buckinghamshire, where housing pressures add to uncertainties.
Stephen Kinnock
The Carr-Hill review is ongoing and will be published very soon. We have invested an extra £1.6 billion in general practice, recruited over 2,000 more GPs, and extended online services. More than three quarters of people now say it is easy to contact their GP.
Session: General Practice Partnership Model 2026-07-14
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Ministers have consistently been trying to argue that solar needs 1% of agricultural land, yet in a spectacular display of disjointed Government, their own land use framework talks about 9% of our agricultural land being taken out of food production for environmental schemes. At the same time—[Interruption.]
Context
Discrepancies between government claims about solar farm land usage (1%) and actual figures in the land use framework (9%). Question highlights inconsistency.
Ed Miliband
What is he on, Mr Speaker? To be clear, even in the most ambitious scenarios, our plans for solar in 2030 would use 0.6% of agricultural land; I am happy to repeat that. The wider issue is that the Conservatives complain about energy bills, and energy bills are too high, but we have the cheapest form of power available—solar power—and they say no to it.
Session: Large-scale Solar Farms 2026-07-07
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Next week, those swingeing 50% tariffs on steel imports will hit manufacturing businesses across the country, putting thousands of jobs at risk. While they are intended to protect domestic production, industry is warning that many grades simply are not made in the UK in the quantity needed. It is a simple question for the Chancellor: will she guarantee that tariffs will not apply where businesses cannot get steel in the UK?
Context
Next week, swingeing tariffs on steel imports will come into effect, putting manufacturing businesses and thousands of jobs at risk.
Rachel Reeves
Our steel strategy protects the UK steel industry, so that more orders can come to British Steel and other steel manufacturers in the UK. We will not allow our steel sector to be undercut by cheap foreign imports.
Session: Support for Industry
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My right hon. Friend the shadow Foreign Secretary rightly challenged the Government on the use of Chinese slave labour in the manufacture of solar panels. Chinese companies also dominate the mining companies using slave labour to extract cobalt in the Democratic Republic of Congo, so how much more needs to happen for the Government to challenge this evil use of slave labour, particularly by the Chinese state?
Context
Chinese companies are involved in the manufacture of solar panels using slave labour, as well as mining cobalt in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The questioner seeks action against this practice.
Seema Malhotra
Following on from the Foreign Secretary's comments, we stand resolute in support of human rights around the world, including in supply chains. We continue to raise the issue with Governments and the international community at every available opportunity.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister for Housing and Planning review the 2,500 square metre threshold for edge of town centre and out of town centre planning applications and conduct an assessment of their impact on the high street, particularly through the lens of supermarkets setting up things like key cutting and shoe repair kiosks, which decimate our high streets, as has recently happened in Princes Risborough?
Context
The MP questioned the impact of planning applications on high streets, particularly through supermarket kiosks that offer services such as key cutting and shoe repair.
Matthew Pennycook
If the hon. Gentleman would like to write to me with further details about the matter, I will of course consider it.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given the unresolved dispute between unions and the Government regarding staffing on East West Rail, what assurance can be given that Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire residents will be able to travel to Universal by rail?
Context
East West Rail was announced as a key transport connection but faces operational delays due to union disputes.
Heidi Alexander
I would caution the hon. Gentleman against his indignant tone, given the inheritance that we received from his Government on East West Rail. When we came into office, no operator had been appointed to run East West Rail; we got on with it and did it. We had to finish the work at Winslow station; we got on with it and did it. We need to ensure that services on East West Rail are fit for the sort of usage that is now likely to happen, given that planning permission has been granted for Universal, and that includes the nature of staffing on the rail line. As the Minister for Aviation said in response to a previous question, Chiltern Railways is leading the discussions, and we are keen to see services enter into operation as soon as possible.
Session: Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Transport Links
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More than two thirds of driving test centres have a maximum 24-week waiting time, and the average waiting time for a test is 22.3 weeks—a month longer than in July '24. For all the Government's talk of recruiting new examiners, the instructor recruitment conversion rate is just 4%. When will the Government stop talking about taking action and actually get a grip of the driving test wait time crisis?
Context
There is a significant increase in the average waiting time for driving tests, with more than two-thirds of driving test centres having a maximum wait time of 24 weeks. The current instructor recruitment conversion rate is only 4%.
Simon Lightwood
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency is continuing driving examiner recruitment, with 1,577 full-time driving examiners in May 2026—an increase of 147 compared with May 2025, when there were 1,430 full-time equivalents.
Session: Topical Questions
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As if the Government's announcement on watering down the provisions of the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 were not disappointing enough, the secondary legislation to enact what is left of it still has not been tabled. Where is it?
Context
There has been disappointment over the Government's announcement to water down provisions of the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023, and secondary legislation is yet to be tabled.
Sarah Jones
It is a shame: the hon. Gentleman is much nicer when we meet personally than he is in the Chamber. He knows that we are working on that, and he knows that we will do it as soon as we can, but I am happy to have another conversation with him.
Session: Topical Questions
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Despite Labour's promise to cut energy bills, we have seen increases. The Minister said he wants to reduce bills. Will he consider the Conservatives' cheap energy plan: scrapping carbon taxes, removing VAT on energy for three years, and ending legacy renewable subsidies?
Context
Labour promised to cut energy bills but saw them rise. The MP suggests scrapping carbon taxes, removing VAT from energy for three years, and ending renewable subsidies.
Martin McCluskey
The economic recklessness of uncosted promises is evident. Before this crisis, bills were going down until the war in Iran affected costs. The Government has invested record-breaking £90 billion in renewables for 23 million homes, deploying wind turbines and reactors that reduce energy bills.
Session: Household Energy Bills
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I raised with the Prime Minister at PMQs a couple of weeks ago the case of Twentyfour Hair, a salon in Princes Risborough in my constituency, which for the first time in 21 years cannot afford to take on a new apprentice. That message is echoed by businesses across my constituency. In order to improve uptake in new apprenticeship starts, which I entirely support, what steps is the Secretary of State taking with the Chancellor to get rid of this punitive level of business taxation, which is preventing businesses from taking them on?
Context
A local business in Greg Smith's constituency, Twentyfour Hair, for the first time in 21 years cannot afford to take on a new apprentice due to high taxes. This situation reflects many businesses across his constituency.
Pat McFadden
I referred in my previous answer to the step I am taking, which is to put in place a £2,000 hiring incentive for small businesses taking up a new apprentice. If it is someone who has been unemployed and on universal credit for six months, there is the potential for an additional £3,000 hiring incentive on top of the £2,000. We want to incentivise small businesses to take on apprentices, for reasons that I think are shared right across the House and because of the great opportunities that they entail.
Session: Apprenticeships
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Can the Foreign Secretary guarantee that there is nothing in the reset negotiations or rumoured Bill incompatible with section 38 of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act?
Context
There are rumours about a potential reset Bill with the EU.
Stephen Doughty
The Minister for the Cabinet Office has set out answers to those questions.
Session: Topical Questions
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In the heart of Weymouth, the Rectory is an iconic building, but it has stood empty for over a decade. We want to transform the Rectory building into a cultural and visitor centre, hosting art, boosting the local tourism economy and welcoming visitors to Weymouth all year round. With that in mind, will the Secretary of State meet me and all the key stakeholders so that we can finally crack on and deliver the exciting Rectory proposals?
Context
The MP wants to transform an iconic but vacant building in Weymouth, known as the Rectory, into a cultural and visitor center.
Lisa Nandy
It does sound very exciting. The tourism Minister and/or I would be happy to follow that up with my hon. Friend and make sure that we can deliver on that exciting project.
Session: Tourism Sector
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What steps her Department is taking to support the tourism sector. I am grateful to the Secretary of State for that answer. With people coming to Buckinghamshire to enjoy the beauty of our countryside walking in the Chilterns, the tourism sector is important, but with the punitive levels of business tax hitting all those businesses—such as camping at Orchard View and country retreats at Starveall farm—talk of a tourist tax and an overnight levy could be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Can the Secretary of State confirm that she is actively lobbying the Chancellor not to bring in such a levy?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of high business taxes on local businesses in his constituency that are crucial to the tourism industry.
Lisa Nandy
The tourism Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Barnsley South (Stephanie Peacock), has of course discussed these issues with the industry. She has held several meetings with the industry as part of English Tourism Week, and has also discussed this issue with colleagues in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and in the Treasury. However, the idea behind a tourism levy is that it would be locally driven and led. It would enable local areas to decide how they wanted to apply it, so that would be a matter for Buckinghamshire itself.
Session: Tourism Sector
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What steps she is taking to help reduce waiting times for driving tests.
Context
Driving test waiting times remain high, affecting many young constituents who are resorting to paying for cancellation apps.
Simon Lightwood
I know that driving test waiting times remain too high, but there are signs that we are starting to turn the corner thanks to the action that we have taken since coming into government. We are increasing examiner capacity, improving booking rules and using Ministry of Defence examiners to provide additional tests. We now have over 100 more examiners in post than in February last year, and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has delivered over 124,000 more tests this financial year than last year. We will keep the House updated as progress continues.
Session: Driving Test Waiting Times
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The reality on the ground is very different: people are waiting far longer for their driving test than they should have to, and that is happening under this Government. Waiting times have got worse by weeks since July 2024. The Minister likes to talk about recruitment campaigns. The reality is that there has only been one recruitment campaign, which led to those 26,000 applications. In other parts of the public service, such as the police, there are constant recruitment campaigns. Will the Government now put driving instructors on a constant recruitment campaign?
Context
Driving test waiting times have worsened since the Government took office, with only one recruitment campaign leading to 26,000 applications.
Simon Lightwood
It is absolute nonsense from the Opposition. Let me tell the House what this Government have done compared with the complete inaction of the previous Government. We are changing the booking service to allow only learner drivers to book and manage their tests. We are introducing a limit on the number of times that learner drivers can move or swap their test to twice, and are making use of the Ministry of Defence to drive up the number of tests available.
Session: Driving Test Waiting Times
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The costs of motoring are going up for everyone later this year because of the choices of this Labour Government. A set of motorists who are too often forgotten are those who drive our heavy goods vehicles and light goods vehicles; they are suffering because of their rest facilities, especially increasing fuel thefts from hauliers. Freight crime is an incredibly serious matter. Will the Secretary of State set out clearly what she is doing with urgency to support our hauliers, who keep our economy moving, and to get the facilities they need that will not just give them good rest space but also keep them safe?
Context
Hauliers are facing increasing costs and issues such as fuel theft.
Heidi Alexander
Secure, high-quality parking facilities and truck stops for HGV drivers are a part of that. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Transport has met colleagues in the Home Office a number of times so that haulage firms and logistics companies can be sure that their vehicles are safe and their fuel supplies are secure.
Session: Support for Motorists
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Starlink is a US telecoms company owned by a South African American who advocates civil war in the United Kingdom. OneWeb is a European satellite telecoms company, which is part-owned by the UK. Yesterday the Science Minister told my Committee that OneWeb could be used to ensure domestic communications resilience in remote areas. Can the Minister tell me whether our critical rural broadband infrastructure is more dependent on Starlink or on OneWeb?
Context
Concerns about UK's critical rural broadband infrastructure dependency on US-based Starlink vs European-owned OneWeb.
Ian Murray
We are a shareholder in Eutelsat, of which OneWeb is a part, and we will be examining all these issues. We have asked for Eutelsat to come forward with proposals to ensure that we have that resilience here in the UK, and we want to make more use of that shareholding.
Session: Rural Broadband
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Following on from that last question, the loan charge and taxpayer fairness APPG, which I co-chair, wrote to Ministers on 1 July, 22 September and 25 November last year, with questions about the 2005 preferential deal with the large banks. Does the Minister feel that it is acceptable that we have not had a reply to those letters? When will we get one?
Context
The loan charge and taxpayer fairness APPG wrote to Ministers multiple times last year regarding the 2005 preferential deal with large banks.
Dan Tomlinson
The letters that were sent will receive a reply very shortly. A decision was made that in the run-up to the announcement of the independent loan charge review, it would not be appropriate for the Government to set out in detail their views on a live issue that an independent reviewer was looking at. That review was published alongside the Budget. I apologise for the fact that the response has not come in the weeks since; it will be with the hon. Member and the APPG very shortly.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister think it is reasonable that my constituents did not receive a penny of carer's allowance for the entirety of last year while caring for their daughter living at home with them and that whenever they phone the Department they are simply told, “Case awaiting update”?
Context
Greg Smith's constituents did not receive carer's allowance for the entirety of last year, and when they contacted the Department, they were told that their case was 'awaiting update'.
Stephen Timms
I would be very grateful if the hon. Gentleman would drop me a line about that case so that I can look into what has happened.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Centre for Social Justice reported 707,000 young people with university degrees are out of work and on benefits. Employers in Mid Buckinghamshire are seeking apprentices instead of graduates. What is the Secretary of State doing in conjunction with the Department for Education to better signpost young people into pathways for learning and education that will actually help them get a job further down the line?
Context
The Centre for Social Justice reported that 707,000 young people with university degrees were out of work and on benefits. Employers in Mid Buckinghamshire are seeking apprentices instead of graduates.
Pat McFadden
The hon. Gentleman will find that graduate unemployment is an international issue. If we want more non-higher education skills, he should support our plans to stop the decline that we saw in youth apprenticeship starts when his party was in power and to direct more money to youth apprenticeship starts. That is precisely what we will do.
Session: Support for NEET Young People
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Ministers do not want to listen to Hyundai, so let us try Stellantis. It has announced €22.2 billion of charges as it scales back its electric vehicle production, and its CEO has stated: “What we are announcing…is an important strategic reset of our business model...to put our customer preferences back at the centre of what we do”. We are all sent here to represent our constituents, so why will the Government not listen to consumers, set the car market free and adopt the Conservative plan to scrap the ZEV mandate?
Context
Stellantis has announced €22.2 billion of charges as it scales back its electric vehicle production.
Heidi Alexander
To drive investment in car manufacturing, this Government must provide some certainty about the direction of travel, and there is no doubt that the future is zero emission. We are working with the industry to deliver a successful transition, which is why we made the adjustments—the new flexibilities—that I announced last April.
Session: Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate
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Does the Minister appreciate how communities feel threatened by large-scale solar? The No. 1 complaint concerns the threat to food security, with developers citing a 1% land use figure while real figures suggest covering nearly 2,000 farms capable of producing 2 billion loaves of bread.
Context
Communities feel threatened by large-scale solar farms and worry about the impact on food security. Campaign groups like Stop Oversized Solar express concern that future deployment could cover an area equivalent to Greater London.
Michael Shanks
This is absurd nonsense. In ambitious deployment scenarios, only 0.4% of UK land would be occupied by solar. The Conservatives' policy would increase bills and turn away investment driving jobs.
Session: Large-scale Solar Projects Community Engagement
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Will the Secretary of State instruct his officials who are putting together construction plans for a new mega-prison adjacent to HMP Grendon to actually listen to local voices, rather than insisting from a distance on traffic management plans that will put thousands of heavy goods vehicles down totally inappropriate rural roads?
Context
Mr Smith questions the government's plans for a new mega-prison near HMP Grendon, highlighting concerns about traffic management.
Jake Richards
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right; when we are building new prisons, we have to think about the local area and ensure that we listen to local people’s views.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Secretary of State accept that cancelling an £18-million, purpose-built, 152-place SEND school in Buckinghamshire, due to open in 2028, and replacing it with just £8 million over three years will inevitably increase reliance on high-cost independent placements, worsen outcomes for children with the most acute needs in Buckinghamshire, and ultimately cost the taxpayer more, while failing some of the county’s most vulnerable children?
Context
The question addresses the cancellation of a £18-million, purpose-built SEND school in Buckinghamshire due to open in 2028, which is being replaced with £8 million over three years.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
We are giving councils significant extra capital investment to create places and provision much more quickly than many of them would otherwise have been able to. We are offering most local authorities a choice between continuing with their free school or accepting some alternative funding to deliver the same number of specialist places. Some projects without trusts appointed, which had opening dates very far into the distance, would not have created the places that we need as quickly as we need them. This is about bringing forward the places, giving parents confidence, and making sure that we are not sending children far away from home, which, as the hon. Member correctly identifies, we should not be doing.
Session: SEND High-quality School Places
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I am grateful to the Secretary of State for that answer, but it is curious to see what is and is not in the Red Book from the Budget we just had. Page 88 shows in intricate detail just how big the welfare budget will get as a result of the scrapping of the two-child benefit cap, but there is no such analysis anywhere in the Red Book of defence spending. Will he set out clearly at the Dispatch Box when the UK will hit the domestic 3% target, and when we will ultimately get to that 5% target? In which financial year will that be?
Context
MP asks about the UK's commitment to NATO's defence expenditure target of 5% of GDP by 2035. He notes the absence of analysis in the recent Budget Red Book regarding future defence spending.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
We have committed to the target of 5% by 2035, like all 31 other allies. This Government have already put in an extra £5 billion in the first year and will hit 2.6% by 2027—three years earlier than anyone expected. We have an ambition for 3% in the next Parliament.
Session: NATO Defence Expenditure Target
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What discussions have Ministers had with their Australian counterparts about matching that important action against terror at home and abroad?
Context
The MP asked about discussions between UK and Australian officials regarding the listing of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a state sponsor of terrorism.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Yvette Cooper)
We continue to have many strong conversations with our Five Eyes partners on a range of issues around both state and terror threats. The hon. Gentleman will also know that the Government have committed to strengthening the law so that we have new proscribing tools that can apply to state threats as well as to terrorism threats.
Session: Topical Questions
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Much of Buckinghamshire’s tourist economy is under- pinned by walkers coming to enjoy our countryside and the beautiful Chilterns, but on top of the tourism tax, the industry is threatened by the Secretary of State’s Government threatening to plaster Buckinghamshire with solar panels, which will drive the walkers away. What representations is she making to her colleague the Energy Secretary to protect tourism in Buckinghamshire?
Context
The MP raised concerns about the impact of solar panel installations on the local tourism industry.
Lisa Nandy (Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport)
I would be happy to discuss this matter further with my colleagues in government. The Government are committed to balancing the need for renewable energy and protecting our natural beauty spots that are important for tourism. I will certainly take your concerns back to the Energy Secretary.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for that answer, however a couple of weeks ago I met my constituent Dom, who runs a small music studio. The cost pressures on the music industry coming from this Government are unsustainable at the moment, not least from business rates—even after yesterday’s announcement—employer national insurance and the minimum wage. With so many small music studios having closed in recent years in this country, how will the Government ensure that our music industry has a solid future?
Context
The MP met a constituent, Dom, who runs a small music studio facing cost pressures from business rates, employer national insurance, and the minimum wage. Many small music studios have closed in recent years.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts (Ian Murray)
The creative industries sector plan is right at the heart of this Government’s industrial strategy, and music plays a key part in that. We will have the music 10-point plan shortly, and the £30 million music growth fund will support grassroots music, including those kinds of studio. I was at Co-op Live in Manchester just last month launching Discover! Creative Careers. It has a studio there, and it is trying to open up to the public. This is about access to studios and also about supporting them. I hope that the ticket levy, which we hope to get to 50% of all shows next year, can support studios, as well as the other growth projects we have in place.
Session: Music Recording Studios
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What assurance can the Minister give Buckinghamshire council that it will not find itself with a real-terms cut in spending power as it delivers essential services to my constituents?
Context
Modeling by the County Councils Network indicates that, under current funding and council tax increase conditions, Buckinghamshire council will face a below-inflation real-terms cut in spending power.
The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)
As I said in an earlier answer, we made a policy statement on the fair funding review consultation last week. In addition, as I have said, the vast majority of upper-tier councils will see their incomes increase in real terms over the next three years. More details will come as we finalise funding arrangements. The Department will work closely with Buckinghamshire and all other councils to ensure that their finances are stabilised after 14 rocky years.
Session: Buckinghamshire Council Funding
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I agree with the Minister that rooftops are the place to put solar. Indeed, as my right hon. Friend the Member for East Surrey (Claire Coutinho) made clear when she was Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, agricultural land should be protected from ground-mounted solar installations. The campaign group Stop Oversized Solar has found that operational sites and solar facilities in the planning pipeline alone are set to replace an area of farmland bigger than Merseyside, and that overall up to 5% of UK cropland is at risk from solar, so why do the Government persist with their claim that land take will be 1%? When Labour said that food security is national security, did the energy team not get the memo?
Context
The question addresses the claim that up to 5% of UK cropland is at risk from solar installations, questioning why the government maintains its stance on a land take of 1%. The question also references food security as national security.
The Minister for Energy (Michael Shanks)
I always welcome consensus in the House, so I am delighted to hear that there is still consensus on rooftop solar. The Conservatives have moved away from so many of their previous positions and I was not sure if this was going to be another, although I wonder why that rooftop solar was not built over the past 14 years. But we will leave that to one side.
On the hon. Gentleman’s question about land use, we have been clear that ground-mounted solar will play an important part as the energy cannot all be generated from rooftop solar, but we want to ensure that communities are part of the decision making. The planning process is hugely important in that, but we also recognise that some communities have felt that there has not been a joined-up strategic approach. That is why we are publishing the strategic spatial energy plan, alongside the land use framework. Even in our most ambitious scenarios, 0.4% of land will be taken up with solar.
On the hon. Gentleman’s question about land use, we have been clear that ground-mounted solar will play an important part as the energy cannot all be generated from rooftop solar, but we want to ensure that communities are part of the decision making. The planning process is hugely important in that, but we also recognise that some communities have felt that there has not been a joined-up strategic approach. That is why we are publishing the strategic spatial energy plan, alongside the land use framework. Even in our most ambitious scenarios, 0.4% of land will be taken up with solar.
Session: Large-scale Solar Farms
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We are in a farming emergency with the family farm tax, the early cutting off of the sustainable farming incentive and the watering down of measures to prevent equipment theft from farms. Will the Leader of the House look at extending DEFRA questions to a full hour so that rural communities are not left behind?
Context
There is a family farm tax, early cutting off of the sustainable farming incentive and watering down of measures to prevent equipment theft from farms.
Alan Campbell
I will look at the hon. Gentleman’s suggestion, but as he knows, if one thing expands, something else is squeezed. I will look at that, but it might not be as easy as he suggests.
Session: Business of the House
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I am grateful to the Minister for his answer, but villages in my constituency—less than 50 miles from where we all are now—such as Cuddington and Bryants Bottom still have zero mobile coverage. I have raised this issue with the Minister’s predecessor and all the networks. When are we going to get to a point where warm words about rural connectivity turn into actual rural connectivity?
Context
Villages such as Cuddington and Bryants Bottom in the questioner's constituency still have zero mobile coverage despite proximity to urban areas. Previous efforts with the Minister's predecessor and network providers have not resulted in improvement.
The Minister for Digital Government and Data (Ian Murray)
The shared rural network has already delivered for 95% of the UK’s land mass a year early, and we are fully committed to making sure that 4G is available to all our populations. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to write to me, I would be very happy to meet him about the specific notspots in his constituency.
Session: Mobile Phone Signal Rural Communities
View All Questions -->
T4. In a stunning setting with superb facilities, Garsington Opera in Stokenchurch provides incredible training opportunities for young people who want a career in the arts. Does the Minister agree that this is a vital facility, and what more will she do to ensure that all young people who want a career in the arts have those training opportunities?
Context
The MP noted that Garsington Opera offers training opportunities for young people interested in careers in the arts. The MP wants to ensure these opportunities remain available.
Ian Murray
I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the DCMS ministerial team and the entire Government are fully committed to ensuring that there is full access to training and skills in the arts. I would be happy to meet him to discuss that project, but if any young person in any part of this land wants to get into the arts, this Government are for them.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Air Traffic Control Disruption
10 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Education and Skills Reform
09 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Church Commissioners
03 September 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Asked about the financial impact of parish shares on churches and the support available from the Church of England once reserves are exhausted. Emphasised the importance of churches in providing commu...
Building Homes and Renewing Communities
03 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Sudden Cardiac Death: Young People
01 September 2026
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
The MP initiated a debate on the tragic case of Adam Ankers, who collapsed during a football match due to sudden cardiac arrest. Despite the presence of trained coaches and a defibrillator, no CPR was...
Direction of Government
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
British Steel
16 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Gibraltar: UK-EU Treaty
16 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
UK-Switzerland Enhanced Free Trade Agreement
14 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
European Entry and Exit System
08 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
80.9%
76 of 94 votes
Aye Votes
41
43.6% of votes
No Votes
35
37.2% of votes
Abstentions
18
19.1% 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
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
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
12
PMQs Asked
249
Ministerial Questions Asked
307
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
94
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+228% above average
This MP:
12
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+1758% above average
This MP:
249
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+6217% above average
This MP:
307
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+17% above average
This MP:
80.9
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 Greg Smith's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.