Helen Maguire
MP for Epsom and Ewell
Lib Dem
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
Will the Minister commit to directing Ofcom to establish a single set of mandatory crisis response standards for platforms?
Context
False information was viewed over 2 million times during riots, highlighting the need for clear crisis protocols.
Kanishka Narayan
The Government wants tougher accountability, faster action on risky platforms, and has asked Ofcom to expedite codes. However, the approach is risk-based rather than uniform, focusing resources on greater risks.
Session: Ofcom Crisis Response Protocol 2026-07-01
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What discussions has she had with Ofcom on updating crisis response protocols under the Online Safety Act 2023?
Context
The question arises from the need to address misinformation during crises, as highlighted by recent riots in Epsom and Ewell where false information spread widely despite police clarification.
Kanishka Narayan
The Government has asked Ofcom to expedite work on updates to codes of practice under the Online Safety Act 2023. Platforms face strict duties to deal with illegal content, and those with higher risk must do more to prepare for heightened risks.
Session: Ofcom Crisis Response Protocol 2026-07-01
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Epsom and St Helier hospitals need urgent funding now, not just patchwork repairs. In 2024, 600 operations were cancelled due to ventilation issues and the situation is only going to get worse. Will the Minister address the backlog of hospital repairs now to ensure that patients and staff have safe and modern facilities in Epsom and Saint Helier hospitals?
Context
Epsom and St Helier hospitals need urgent funding for repairs due to ventilation issues.
James Murray
Under this Government, we have increased capital investment in our NHS estates, including hospitals. Under the previous Government, that was sorely lacking, which stored up the problems we are experiencing today. There is a huge amount that we need to invest in, to ensure that the NHS is fit for the future, but we also need to reform the service, which is why modernising the NHS is a key priority for me and this Government.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister outline whether more central guidance is forthcoming on the apprehension of individuals using e-scooters?
Context
There has been a rise in the use of e-scooters, which are dangerous with some reaching speeds up to 17 mph.
Sarah Jones
I am working closely with the Department for Transport on challenges with e-scooters, and making sure that we have more neighbourhood police in our communities is the core issue.
Session: Topical Questions
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In Epsom and Ewell, many residents face a daily battle to get a GP appointment. There are numerous potential housing developments on the horizon, and the rising population is set to put even more pressure on already stretched GP services. The Liberal Democrats would require developers to build new GP surgeries, ready for when residents move in. Can the Government explain what they are doing to support GPs in my constituency, so that they can manage the surge in patient demand from day one of a development being completed, rather than leaving communities to pay the price later?
Stephen Kinnock
As I said to the hon. Member for North Shropshire (Helen Morgan), we are looking at the way that section 106 and CIL are used. I certainly look forward to working with councils across the country, but as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has said, when people go to the ballot box on 7 May, they should think very carefully about how much more effective it is when councils work in partnership with this Labour Government.
Session: Topical Questions
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In November, I joined a local ambulance crew and saw at first hand the great work they do for our community, but services are under huge strain. Will the Minister designate ambulance stations as critical infrastructure to protect them from closure and set up an emergency fund to support them?
Context
The MP observes the work of local ambulance crews and notes significant service strain. She proposes designating ambulance stations as critical infrastructure to prevent closures and sets up an emergency fund for support.
Karin Smyth
I commend the hon. Member for going out with her crews. We look at things such as where ambulances are located and how they operationalise their services. We will continue to work with NHS England on the best model for local constituencies.
Session: Ambulance Response Times
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Primary care accounts for around 25% of NHS carbon emissions; many GPs in inefficient buildings face high costs. Only five GP practices accessed boiler upgrade grants since May 2022, due to lack of capital funding. Will the Minister meet me and Royal College of General Practitioners to discuss decarbonisation scheme access for GPs and expand GB Energy's investment model?
Context
The question relates to primary care's significant carbon emissions, with GPs facing barriers like ageing buildings. Only five GP practices accessed the boiler upgrade grant since May 2022.
Katie White
I thank the hon. Member for raising this really important issue, agreeing on figures. We have an ambitious plan; today's local power plan may address some needs, I will review it further. Retrofitting can be costly and complex, exploring private finance and novel options like property-linked finance. Today's announcement helps.
Session: Decarbonisation Schemes GP Access
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Primary care accounts for around 25% of the NHS's carbon emissions, many GPs are in ageing, energy-inefficient buildings with high costs. Only five GP practices accessed the boiler upgrade grant since May 2022; most can't access public sector schemes due to lack of capital funding. Will the Minister meet me and the Royal College of General Practitioners to discuss decarbonisation scheme access for GPs, and expand GB Energy's investment model?
Context
The question stems from concerns about primary care's significant carbon footprint, with GPs working in inefficient buildings. Research shows low uptake of the boiler upgrade grant scheme by GP practices.
Katie White
The hon. Member raised an important issue with figures on low uptake of the boiler upgrade grant by GPs. We have an ambitious plan, today's local power plan may meet some needs; I will review this further. Retrofitting costs can be high and complex, we explore private finance options and novel solutions like property-linked finance.
Session: Decarbonisation Schemes GP Access
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Last night, Surrey Heartlands ICB and two hospital trusts in Surrey declared a critical incident, which means that some hospitals cannot guarantee safe treatment for patients or operations could be cancelled to make urgent care a priority. Will the Secretary of State confirm what action the Government are taking to support those trusts and what funding will be made available to ensure such incidents do not recur?
Context
The MP is concerned about critical incidents declared by Surrey Heartlands ICB and two hospital trusts, impacting patient care. She seeks clarity on the government's response.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
A number of critical incidents have been running across the country this week. To be clear, a critical incident does not mean that there is unsafe care or that we are unable to provide care. A critical incident means that there is a challenge, and the system mobilises in response to help meet that challenge so that people do receive safe care. As I have said, we are investing more in our urgent and emergency care services and we are seeing the impact of that through year-on-year improvements to date. We are not out of winter yet; we still have lots of hard yards ahead. I am confident that when we emerge from winter, we will be able to tell a story of year-on-year improvement.
Session: A&E Waiting Times
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Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People, based in my constituency and supporting nationwide partners, is now on day three of a wind down after entering administration. The NHS agreed to buy the building but will not use it immediately. Another charity offers an alternative to keep operating, but its hands are tied by PPF. Does my right hon. Friend agree that urgent plans must be set out to save this essential service for disabled people and meet in the next week?
Context
The hon. Member reports that the charity, which supports over 20,000 disabled people annually, has gone into administration. She urges urgent plans to save this essential service.
Alan Campbell
I will draw this issue to the attention of the relevant Health Minister to make sure the hon. Lady gets the response she needs.
Session: Business of the House
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People’s experiences of medical discharge from the armed forces vary significantly, and too often it fails those who need the support most. What steps is the Minister taking to improve the discharge process, including improving consistency across units?
Context
The hon. Member highlights the inconsistency in medical discharge processes across units, asking about steps being taken to improve this.
Louise Sandher-Jones
I thank the hon. Member for raising an important point. Making sure that service personnel who leave under the medical discharge are fully set up for success in their post-service life is fundamental and a huge priority for me.
Session: Topical Questions
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The UN has now confirmed famine in Gaza City. More than half a million people face catastrophic conditions of starvation, destitution and death. This is a man-made disaster, described by the UN Secretary-General as “a failure of humanity”. At least 600 daily truckloads are needed to avert further famine-related deaths, yet Israel continues to block aid. Will the Government commit today to concrete actions to pressure the Israeli Government to lift the obstruction, including sanctioning all members of the Cabinet, including Netanyahu, who are complicit in the illegal aid blockade?
Context
The UN has now confirmed famine in Gaza City. More than half a million people face catastrophic conditions of starvation, destitution and death.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
I have been clear already about our views on the vital urgency of lifting aid restrictions. I have gone myself to the border to see our aid in al-Arish. I have spoken to our partners. UK-Med, for example, has been chasing consignments since March. We make these points with force to the Israeli Government, and we have already taken far-reaching sanction action, as discussed by the Foreign Secretary yesterday afternoon.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Aid
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Over 50% of our food and £2.7 billion in lifesaving medicines depend on the cold chain, but operators face soaring energy costs and growing grid instability. In Epsom and Ewell, Sunswap is pioneering battery and solar-powered refrigeration, which cuts emissions while protecting vital supply chains. Will the Minister commit to targeted support for renewable energy innovators like Sunswap, whose technology can strengthen both sustainability and national resilience?
Context
Over 50% of the UK's food and £2.7 billion in lifesaving medicines depend on cold chain logistics, facing soaring energy costs and grid instability. Sunswap in Epsom and Ewell is pioneering solar-powered refrigeration to cut emissions while ensuring supply chain resilience.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Michael Shanks)
The hon. Lady is right that we have an enormous amount of innovation in this space and real potential to meet our future needs, not just as a result of the pathway that we have outlined, but through innovative solutions like the one she mentioned, which provide specific support to targeted industries. I am happy to look further into her proposals, and at the funding available for innovation. If she wants to write to me with any details, I will happily follow up.
Session: Renewable Energy
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The Government’s commitment to reach 5% on GDP on defence spending is the right decision. As we face the once-in-a-generation threat from Russia, it is vital that we regenerate our armed forces after years of decline under the Conservatives. However, we need more urgency. The International Institute for Strategic Studies warns that if there is a ceasefire in Ukraine, Russia could
“pose a significant military challenge to NATO allies…as early as 2027.”
In order to strengthen our defence, we need to give people better incentives to join the armed forces. Will the Minister consider accelerating recruitment by backing the Liberal Democrat proposal for a £10,000 signing bonus to attract new recruits?
“pose a significant military challenge to NATO allies…as early as 2027.”
In order to strengthen our defence, we need to give people better incentives to join the armed forces. Will the Minister consider accelerating recruitment by backing the Liberal Democrat proposal for a £10,000 signing bonus to attract new recruits?
Context
The MP supports the Government's commitment to reach 5% of GDP on defence spending but calls for more urgency, citing warnings from the International Institute for Strategic Studies about Russia's military challenge.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
We are determined to make our armed forces attractive to those who wish to join them. We have introduced a raft of changes in recent years that will allow us to attract and retain the best people, so I think it would be unwise for me to respond at this stage to the idea that there should be an upfront payment for joining the forces.
Session: Defence Spending Cross-party Talks
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My constituent with epilepsy responded to the ‘Pathways to Work’ consultation, highlighting that the questions implied the Department views PIP as a pity payment instead of a benefit designed to offset disability costs like seizure alert devices or accessible transport. Without such support, disabled people are less able to live independently and seek employment. Does the Minister agree that cutting PIP payments pushes more disabled individuals further from living independently and gaining employment?
Context
A constituent with epilepsy responded to the 'Pathways to Work' consultation, highlighting that PIP is viewed as a benefit offsetting disability costs rather than a pity payment. The constituent emphasized that without such support, disabled individuals are less able to live independently and pursue employment.
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Liz Kendall)
I do not recognise the attitude that the hon. Member describes—quite frankly, we feel precisely the opposite. This vital benefit makes a crucial contribution towards the extra costs of living with a disability. That is why we want to reform it to protect it for generations to come, because we do not think that it is sustainable to have a doubling of the number of people on PIP over this decade from 2 million to more than 4.3 million.
Session: Personal Independence Payment 2025-06-23 (1)
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While I welcome the recent announcement of £12 million of extra funding for Epsom and St Helier university hospitals NHS trust, it is quite frankly a drop in the ocean in comparison with the scale of need, because the current backlog at the trust costs £150 million. Patients and staff deserve safe and modern facilities, not patchwork repairs. I therefore ask the Secretary of State to meet with me and visit Epsom and St Helier hospitals to see at first hand the scale of the challenge and how we can accelerate progress.
Context
The current repair backlog at Epsom and St Helier university hospitals NHS trust is £150 million, with recent funding of £12 million seen as insufficient.
Wes Streeting
I absolutely appreciate the challenges that the hon. Member describes, having met with the trust myself. The Minister for Secondary Care, my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol South (Karin Smyth) and I have both met with local MPs about the challenges facing Epsom and St Helier. Lord Darzi’s investigation found that the Conservatives left a £37 billion black hole in NHS capital. We are reversing that trend, with the largest-ever capital budget for health. The £12.1 million for Epsom and St Helier trust for estate safety is in addition to the £207 million of capital that the NHS South West London integrated care board is receiving, including for maintenance backlogs. It will take time, but brick by brick Labour is rebuilding our NHS.
Session: NHS Buildings Maintenance Backlogs
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Thanet House in Leatherhead has rightly been withdrawn from the Community Accommodation Service Tier 3 scheme following serious concerns, including about drug dealing, antisocial behaviour and safeguarding risks. Despite raising my constituents’ concerns numerous times, I have received no response from the probation delivery unit. Will the Secretary of State ensure that robust monitoring and clear accountability are in place across all CAS3 properties, and commit to ensuring that the Probation Service responds promptly to concerns raised by MPs and local residents?
Context
Thanet House in Leatherhead was withdrawn from the CAS3 scheme due to serious concerns, including drug dealing, antisocial behaviour, and safeguarding risks. The questioner has raised constituent concerns multiple times but received no response.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Sir Nicholas Dakin)
It is important that the Probation Service deals with any concerns promptly and effectively. The Department wrote to the hon. Lady on 20 April with further details in relation to her concerns, and Thanet House was withdrawn from the scheme on 20 May.
Session: Community Accommodation Service Tier 3
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In dodging last week’s peace talks in Turkey, President Putin proved once again that he has no interest in stopping the fighting; his goal remains the subjugation of Ukraine. Moreover, this afternoon’s reported phone call between Putin and President Trump once again presents the alarming possibility that, between them, the Kremlin and the White House will agree a carve-up of Ukraine, which would be utterly intolerable. What more are the Government doing to invest directly in Kyiv’s weapon production to ensure we strengthen Ukraine’s ability to resist Putin’s war machine, resist attempts at a carve-up by Putin and Trump, and secure maximum leverage for any peace negotiations?
Context
The MP expresses concern over potential peace talks that could result in a carve-up of Ukraine between Russia and the US. She seeks direct investment to strengthen Kyiv’s ability to resist Russian aggression.
The Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry (Maria Eagle)
Mr Speaker, I was waiting to hear whether the hon. Lady had got the wrong question, but she fitted it in and it was in order, so I congratulate her on that. We are co-operating across different European arrangements, and our own, to ensure we can supply Ukraine. We in the UK have stepped up, spending £4.5 billion this year. We co-ordinate a lot of the UK and European-wide efforts to ensure that Ukraine can stand up to the aggression it still faces from Russia, no matter what President Putin or anybody else has to say about it.
Session: Defence Sector Jobs
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Last week’s “Panorama” documentary brought fresh allegations of war crimes by Special Air Service and Special Boat Service forces, raising grave new questions about the conduct of the special forces during Operation Herrick in Afghanistan. It also highlighted the vital importance of promoting transparency and accountability across our armed forces. In the light of these developments and the ongoing public inquiry, will the Secretary of State consider looking at how Parliament could scrutinise the work of the special forces?
Context
New allegations have been raised regarding war crimes committed by Special Air Service and Special Boat Service forces during Operation Herrick in Afghanistan, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability.
John Healey (The Secretary of State for Defence)
The previous Government, with our support, set up the Haddon-Cave inquiry, whose job it is to get to the bottom of any allegations and investigate them fully. That is the job it is doing, and it has our full support—and, I hope, the continued support of the House—in doing it.
Session: Topical Questions
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Families in Surrey wait over two years for EHC assessments from Surrey County Council which are frequently remote and inaccurate, resulting in inadequate funding and schools unable to meet children's needs. What reassurances can be offered that timely and thorough assessments will be prioritised?
Context
In Surrey, families face significant delays in obtaining education, health and care plan assessments, with some waiting over two years. Assessments are often conducted remotely without meeting the child, leading to inaccurate plans.
The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)
Unfortunately, the hon. Lady's description reflects a common situation for many children and families. The system needs reform which we are actively working on with experts and engaging local authorities and families to ensure better outcomes for SEND children.
Session: SEND Support
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We support the Government’s commitment to strengthening defence ties with our European partners, but they need to go further and faster to ensure that the UK does not get left behind. Has the Defence Secretary spoken with his counterparts in the EU about the value of the new stand-alone UK-EU defence pact, which will enable the UK to better influence decisions around new finance programmes, such as a rearmament bank to support defence investment across Europe?
Context
The government is committed to strengthening defence ties with European partners.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
Yes. Last week I met with High Representative Kallas and spoke with Commissioner Kubilius, and that was exactly the subject of our conversations.
Session: EU Defence and Security Agreement
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I welcome the creation of the violence against women and girls taskforce, which is an important step towards enabling complaints to be heard and addressed outside the chain of command, and I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Glastonbury and Somerton (Sarah Dyke) for raising this important issue. Like the taskforce, the Government have committed to a new veterans strategy focusing specifically on the experience of women who have left the service. Will the Minister outline the timescale for the development and implementation of that strategy, given how vital it is that women come and serve in the armed forces, and that they feel safe and secure in doing so?
Context
The Government have committed to a new veterans strategy focusing specifically on the experience of women who have left the service, aimed at ensuring that they feel safe and secure after leaving the armed forces.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Al Carns)
As part of our future veterans strategy, a women veterans annexe will provide specific guidance on females wanting to leave the armed forces. It is also important to mention that we are not just setting up the violence against women and girls taskforce; we have the sexual harassment survey going out, the tri-service complaints system, the review of our zero-tolerance policy by a KC to move to 100% action, an international culture and behaviours conference to learn best lessons from our international partners, and the modernisation of our military appraisal system to ensure that people who get involved in unacceptable behaviour are tracked through the system so they can be held to account.
Session: Sexual Harassment
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If we want to strengthen our armed forces, we must fix the recruitment delays. One young recruit signer, Jimmy, applied in September 2023 but will not start until January 2025. That is largely due to medical record hold-ups and poor communication. I welcome the aim for applicants to receive a decision within 10 days, and a training start date within 30 days, but how will Serco deliver that in practice? What safeguards will be in place to ensure that recruits get clear, timely responses and are not lost in the system?
Context
A young recruit, Jimmy, applied in September 2023 but will not start until January 2025 due to medical record hold-ups and poor communication.
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Luke Pollard)
The hon. Lady is right that we need to speed up the recruitment process. We inherited a situation where it takes, on average, more than 250 days from the point of application to turning up at a training establishment, often without any understanding of how long that will take. That is why the Secretary of State introduced the 10/30 policy, which means a provisional offer within 10 days of starting, and a provisional start date within 30 days of application. We are doing that to reduce the time of flight, including working cross-Government to improve speed of access to medical records. There will be further announcements in due course. We are making progress on that, but there is a lot more to do to fix the damage to the recruitment process that was run by the last Government.
Session: Armed Forces Recruitment
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Recent weeks have seen troubling headlines for LGBT personnel, and we on the Lib Dem Benches believe that everyone is welcome in our armed forces, regardless of their sexual orientation, ethnicity or gender identity. Can the Minister outline what steps have been taken to promote the British values of inclusion, particularly for the LGBT community, among our NATO allies? Will the Minister provide an update on the compensation scheme for LGBT veterans who were impacted by the military’s anti-gay ban?
Context
There have been recent troubling headlines regarding LGBT personnel in the military.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Al Carns)
When we started the Etherton review, a lot of engagement went out across some of our NATO allies to take best practice. Now that we have launched the programme, we are also making sure that people can understand the successes and perhaps some of the improvements as it progresses. As the House will know, the Defence Secretary announced our findings from the Etherton review on 12 December, with a 50% increase in the financial redress system for those affected by the LGBT ban. Things are now heading in the right direction, with more than 500 people starting the application process.
Session: Minority Groups in the Armed Forces
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What steps are the Government taking to improve female representation in all areas of sport, not just on the playing field but in the commercial side of sport, including in advertising, management and merchandise?
Context
There is a need to increase diversity and inclusion at various levels of sports, including management and advertising.
The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)
The hon. Lady raises an important issue. We need to ensure there is diversity in representation at all levels in sport. I am happy to look further into the issues she has raised.
Session: Topical Questions
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Recent flooding in Leatherhead left footpaths near essential services such as train stations overflooding with sewage. In Leatherhead, there are no alternative options to divert water. Given the importance of long-term flood preparations, will the Chancellor commit to securing funding for flood defences beyond 2025-26?
Context
Recent flooding in Leatherhead left footpaths near essential services overflooding with sewage, highlighting the need for long-term flood preparations. There are no alternative options to divert water.
Torsten Bell (The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury)
Specific flood defence schemes will be considered in the normal way. When it comes to funding beyond 2025-26, those will be decisions on overall levels of funding that are taken in the spending review later this year.
Session: Green Infrastructure Investment
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What steps is the Ministry of Defence taking to address the UK’s deficiencies in anti-ballistic-missile defences, and how are we preparing for potential hybrid attacks on our critical infrastructure?
Context
No land-based anti-ballistic-missile systems to protect critical infrastructure, military bases or population centres.
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Luke Pollard)
It is important that the strategic defence review is able to report its recommendations. This Government back defence and will continue to do so, ensuring that those capability gaps are filled.
Session: Topical Questions
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What measures is DWP taking to help employers hire individuals with learning disabilities?
Context
Only 6.9% of people with learning disabilities are currently in paid work, impacting local charities such as the Sunnybank Trust.
Stephen Timms
The hon. Member raises an important point. The Buckland review looks at employment support for autism, and we are looking to implement its proposals.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that the criminal record implications of a sentence do not disproportionately impact an individual?
Context
One in four people of working age in the UK has a criminal record, facing barriers with employers despite no longer posing a threat.
Nicholas Dakin
The issue is always under review, but that is where we are at the moment.
Session: Topical Questions
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The owner of Horton pharmacy in Epsom has raised concerns about the financial burden that increased employer national insurance contributions will place on community pharmacies. Pharmacies provide frontline care, and without support, their viability and the accessible healthcare they offer could be at risk. That will add pressure to an already strained NHS.
Context
A pharmacy owner in Horton, Epsom raised concerns about increased employer national insurance contributions affecting community pharmacies' viability.
James Murray
Primary care providers have yearly negotiations with the Department on what services they provide and what money they are entitled to. More broadly, the reason why we are, in the Budget, taking difficult decisions about national insurance and other matters is precisely to fund the NHS.
Session: Topical Questions
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I have heard from many young people who tried joining the military but faced long waits for their medical assessment. How is the Minister ensuring that the medical assessment process runs efficiently?
Context
The MP heard from young people who were deterred by long waits for medical assessments when trying to join the military, leading some to choose other paths.
Luke Pollard
We have already made progress by removing outdated medical processes and are working with health colleagues to ensure smooth access to applicants' medical records, reducing delays.
Session: Armed Forces Recruitment and Retention
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Tomorrow marks 1,000 days since the illegal invasion of Ukraine. With the incoming White House Administration casting doubts on continued US support for Ukraine, I echo the calls heard across the House today urging the Minister to confirm that the Government plan to authorise the use of Storm Shadow missiles in Russia.
John Healey
I urge the hon. Lady to look back in the record at the answer that I have given two or three times already to this House.
Session: Topical Questions
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During a hospital stay, my constituent, an exclusively breastfed baby's mother, encountered resistance from staff when she tried to keep her child with her. This led to significant distress requiring PTSD treatment. What steps is the Minister taking with Government colleagues to ensure that hospitals support breastfeeding mothers appropriately?
Context
A constituent of Helen Maguire, a new mother who was exclusively breastfeeding her infant, experienced resistance from hospital staff when trying to keep her child with her during a stay. The distress caused the woman to require post-traumatic stress disorder therapy.
Bridget Phillipson
The hon. Lady raises an important point, and I am very sorry to hear about her constituent's experience. A Health Minister will pick up on this point and have a conversation with her because new mothers, including those who are breastfeeding, absolutely deserve the right level of support and advice.
Session: Topical Questions
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Many households are facing homelessness due to increasing household costs. What support can the Chancellor provide to them?
Context
Many households are facing homelessness due to rising living expenses.
Rachel Reeves
Building the homes that our country needs is a top priority for this Government. In our manifesto, we committed to build 1.5 million homes in this Parliament, including social housing, so that people have access to secure and affordable accommodation and that every family have a roof over their heads. We will set out more details on all of this in the Budget tomorrow.
Session: Topical Questions
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This year, British military jets have been involved in several operations in the middle east without consulting Parliament. Allowing the Commons to debate military action wherever feasible is essential to ensuring public accountability. Will the Secretary of State set out the Government's stance on the use of a parliamentary vote to approve military action?
Context
There have been instances of British military jets being involved in middle east operations without parliamentary consultation. The MP is seeking clarification on the Government's stance on requiring a vote for such actions.
John Healey
It is a convention that if military action is authorised by the Prime Minister, that is reported as soon as possible to this House. It is important to any Prime Minister and any Government that if they commit UK forces to military action, they will want the support of all sides of this House.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Firearms Licence Holders: Mandatory Medical Markers
28 January 2026
Responding: Mike Tapp
Main Concerns
['In 2021, Sophie Martyn was one of six people in Plymouth who lost their lives in a mass killing. At the inquest it emerged that the murderer’s GP had not placed a marker on the medical notes as requested by the police, leading to public safety concerns. A survey found that 87% of existing certificate holders believe GPs should inform the police if they become aware of changes that could impact safe gun ownership.']
Specific Asks
['Calls for mandatory use of medical markers in GP records for firearm licence holders and improved communication between doctors, patients, and law enforcement to safeguard public safety.']
Pavement Parking
03 September 2025
Responding: Lilian Greenwood
Main Concerns
['People are forced into the road due to blocked pavements, risking danger for parents with prams, wheelchair users, and people with sight loss. According to research, 62% of over-65s in England are worried about obstructions on the pavement, four out of five blind or partially sighted people face difficulties walking on the pavement weekly, and 99% of wheelchair users have been forced into the road because of it.']
Specific Asks
["The lead MP asks for a default national prohibition with local exceptions to ban pavement parking throughout England, in line with London's rules, providing clarity for drivers and ensuring pavements are safe for everyone."]
Relationship Education in Schools
01 April 2025
Responding: Catherine McKinnell
Main Concerns
['The relationship education that young people receive does not address contemporary issues, with 41% of teachers witnessing aggressive misogyny, 51% seeing pupils advocate sexual violence, and only 43% of students feeling represented by existing education. Online sources and pornography are primary information sources for many young people, with 60% unaware of signs of healthy or unhealthy relationships.']
Specific Asks
['The debate calls for urgent adaptation in relationship education to counter inappropriate ideas and protect women and girls from violence, focusing on prevention through education and addressing the role of social media in shaping perceptions.']
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Community
11 December 2024
Responding: Alistair Carns
Main Concerns
["The UK's explosive ordnance disposal capacity is stretched due to global conflicts, particularly in Ukraine. The number of people killed or injured by explosive weapons has increased by 70% in the past three years, with an estimated 150,000 sq km of land contaminated and needing clearance. There are currently only around 2,000 de-miners in Ukraine for a task requiring at least 10,000 working over ten years to clear the affected areas. Additionally, there is a lack of coordination among equipment donor countries, import/export licensing issues, and ongoing challenges with victim assistance."]
Specific Asks
['The UK Government should consider its post-conflict services more carefully and ensure that research into de-mining technology receives support. There needs to be better consideration in Whitehall for the long-term assistance required by victims of explosive weapons both globally and domestically.']
NHS Corridor Care
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Expressed deep concern about the issue of 'corridor care' in NHS, highlighting that treatment in corridors is not care due to lack of proper equipment and dignity. Stressed the importance of accurate ...
Department of Health and Social Care
30 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate highlights the lack of transparency in the NHS estimates and the impact of the UK-US pharmaceutical deal, which includes raising NICE cost-effectiveness thresholds from £20,000 to £35,000 p...
Estimates Day
29 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy has highlighted areas needing improvement in national security, including critical infrastructure protection and defence against hybrid warfare. T...
Nottingham Maternity and Neonatal Services
24 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Reserve Forces and Cadets Act - Schedule 6
22 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I move that the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to enhance support for reserve forces and cadet organisations, recognising their significant contribution to community resilience and ...
Thames Water
16 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
The Bill Name (not specified in the provided text) - Schedule 1 - Enforcement and Appeals
16 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. The speaker is moving for the second reading of Schedule 1 which focuses on enforcement measures and appeals processes in the bill.
Social Media Ban for Under-16s
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
15 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to express concern over the state of NHS dentistry, noting that nearly 14 million people in England could not access dental care. Highlights issues such as lack of availability for children in S...
Compassionate Use Medicine Schemes: VAT
11 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
73.5%
72 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
54
55.1% of votes
No Votes
18
18.4% of votes
Abstentions
26
26.5% of votes
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
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 AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
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
VOTED AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
0
PMQs Asked
35
Ministerial Questions Asked
85
House of Commons Debates Involved
4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+161% above average
This MP:
35
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+59% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1649% above average
This MP:
85
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 (%)
+6% above average
This MP:
73.5
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 Helen Maguire's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.