James Wild
MP for North West Norfolk
Con
12 Dec 2019 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
My constituent's mum, sister and stepfather were killed in a horrific dangerous driving crime for which a foreign national offender was sentenced to 10 and a half years. However, the family have just been told that he may be released imminently in order to be deported, having served just three years. Will the Prime Minister look at the case and at what steps can be taken to prevent that release?
Context
A constituent's family was killed by a dangerous driver. The offender may be released early to serve deportation, causing distress.
Keir Starmer
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising what is obviously a terrible case. If he provides further details, I will ensure that it is looked into as quickly as possible.
Assessment
No commitment to specific action or timeline was given.
Session: PMQs
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I am seeking to have the Queen Elizabeth Hospital rebuilt as one of eight new schemes. Can you confirm that the hospital's application is under consideration and give a timeline?
Context
MP asked for support to rebuild the ageing Queen Elizabeth Hospital, highlighting its structural issues.
Boris Johnson
The hospital's application is under consideration, with an aim to make a final decision in spring next year.
Session: PMQs
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The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn is at the heart of our local community, but it is in need of urgent modernisation. Most recently, cracks in the concrete roof have led to the closure of the physiotherapy gym. With his enthusiasm for building hospitals, can my right hon. Friend offer the people of west Norfolk hope and back our bid to build our future hospital?
Context
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn faces urgent modernisation needs, including recent cracks in the concrete roof leading to gym closures.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend for his campaign and for everything he does for his constituents. I can tell him that the bid process for the remaining eight hospitals, on top of the 40, is currently being designed. The Department of Health and Social Care is working with a variety of trusts, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Trust, as that work continues.
Assessment
Did not specifically commit to supporting the bid for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn.
Working With A Variety Of Trusts
Session: PMQs
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I was at Norwich City's match as part of the pilot to let fans back into football, but now it is delayed. With clubs facing real threats, will my right hon. Friend look at a sports recovery fund to ensure their viability?
Context
The reopening of football matches has been postponed. Clubs like King's Lynn Town and Mansfield face viability threats without fan attendance.
Boris Johnson
My right hon. Friend sympathises with his concerns about Norwich City and other football clubs not being able to proceed as they wish. The Secretary of State is looking actively at solutions.
Assessment
Did not confirm creation or intention of a sports recovery fund
Actively Looking At Solutions
Session: PMQs
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Will you encourage Ministers to look favourably at proposals for a school of nursing at the College of West Anglia?
Context
King's Lynn has received £25 million through the towns fund to support local development.
Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend is an excellent champion for his area, and if he can just contain his impatience a little bit, he may hear something to his advantage and to the advantage of his constituency from his right hon. Friend and mine, the Communities Secretary.
Assessment
Did not address the request for support on school of nursing proposal
Contain His Impatience
Session: PMQs
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Passengers on the Fen line from King's Lynn are suffering repeated cancellations and an unacceptably poor level of service. Now that the Government control both the track and the trains, will the Transport Secretary intervene and demand a robust action plan to sort out this poor performance?
Context
Passengers are experiencing repeated cancellations and poor performance on the Fen line.
Heidi Alexander
As I said earlier, publicly owned operators are performing better, on average, when it comes to reliability and cancellations. On the particular issue with the Fen line that the hon. Gentleman raises on behalf of his constituents, I will seek more information about what is causing the problems there and what plans the local operators have to improve the situation for him and his constituents.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-16
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Why this dereliction of duty? Why is she failing to tackle the ever-expanding welfare budget and blocking the defence investment plan from getting the funding needed to meet the threats we face?
Context
The former Defence Secretary criticised the Treasury's proposed increase in defence spending as insufficient, revealing a gap of £28 billion by 2030. The Chancellor has said that national security always comes first.
Rachel Reeves
The hon. Gentleman sits two places away from the former welfare Secretary who presided over a record increase in welfare spending. We commissioned Alan Milburn to address young people not in employment, education or training. I am proud to oversee the biggest uplift in defence since the cold war through difficult decisions like reducing overseas development assistance.
Session: Defence Investment Plan
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I welcome the decisions taken by the Chancellor and Government colleagues to revise the electric vehicle targets for 2030, following representations from the industry, unions and MPs. Targets are really great, but they need to match capabilities and market realities. What assessment has she made of how the change will safeguard jobs in the automotive supply chain in my constituency of Stourbridge and across the UK?
Context
The Chancellor has revised the electric vehicle targets for 2030 following representations from industry, unions, and MPs.
Rachel Reeves
I thank my hon. Friend, and other MPs who speak for constituencies with automotive businesses, for their representations. As she said, we are bringing forward the review of the zero emission vehicle mandate, so it will now take place this year—a year earlier than planned. In that, we will look at a slower phase-in of those targets to bring us closer, for example, to where the EU is.
Session: Support for Industry
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Great Northern service passengers are unhappy about frequent weekend closures. Given the Secretary of State oversees track and trains, does she agree that discounts should be offered for rail replacement buses?
Context
Passengers on Great Northern services are frustrated with repeated weekend closures.
Heidi Alexander
While it is sometimes essential to do weekend maintenance, we try to minimise disruption and properly communicate with passengers in advance. We cannot provide direct compensation at present but aim to reduce disruption.
Session: Topical Questions
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Buckinghamshire farmers are hugely exposed to the global volatility in the fertiliser market, and many farmers in my constituency have faced increased costs of over 14%. Will the Minister update the House on what other efforts the Government will make to support the supply chains for farmers in Buckinghamshire so that they can be competitive and sustain domestic food production?
Context
The MP is concerned about the volatility in the fertiliser market impacting farmers' costs.
Angela Eagle
The Government are committed to ensuring that fertiliser markets work fairly for farmers and to strengthening resilience in the supply chain. We are ensuring that we can have a more reliable source of fertiliser and more efficient use in our own country, and we are doing a lot of work on this issue as I speak.
Session: Cost of Fertiliser
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What steps she is taking to help support farmers with the cost of fertiliser. North West Norfolk is home to a leading UK producer of liquid fertilisers, whose production depends on urea ammonium nitrate. With no domestic supply and conflict in the Middle East constraining global markets, the United States is our primary reliable source. Will the Minister urge the Department for Business and Trade to suspend the 6% import tariff on US origin UAN in order to protect farmers and food prices?
Context
The MP is concerned about the rising cost of fertiliser due to global market volatility and production constraints.
Angela Eagle
May I point out that UK production of fertiliser using those processes was made reliant on America because the last Government decided to close the ammonia factory? In looking at resilience, the Chancellor has announced a business engagement exercise to consider whether targeting tariff cuts on fertiliser would be of assistance, so that is an ongoing issue.
Session: Cost of Fertiliser
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On Thursday I was on the water with King's Lynn Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets. As the Minister will know, the Army and Air Force cadets are wholly funded by the Ministry of Defence. What provision will the Royal Navy make to fund vital equipment, such as the new boats that those cadets need?
Context
The Minister discussed the unique funding arrangements for sea cadets, prompting questions about equipment.
Louise Jones
I appreciate that the hon. Member understands the unique funding arrangements for the sea cadets, and how they are rightly proud of their history and traditions. I take his point and understand that we must do what we can to support the sea cadets in getting the kit, training and volunteers needed to keep delivering their fantastic activities.
Session: Topical Questions
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Unemployment is up with youth unemployment at 16% 16%, and the jobs tax and Employment Rights Act are destroying opportunities. Should Ministers listen to M&S CEO about understanding business better? Will they reduce regulatory burden?
Context
Unemployment is rising, particularly youth unemployment at 16%. The Employment Rights Act has been cited as causing job losses.
Kate Dearden
Youth unemployment was a long-term problem under previous governments, with NEET numbers rising by 250,000. The youth guarantee provides hiring incentives for foundational apprenticeships in retail and hospitality. Grants worth £2.5 billion will help create over 500 500,000 opportunities for young people.
Session: Employment Rights Act 2025
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Despite implementing what the Justice Secretary said were the strongest ever checks, every week criminals are being given a “Get out of jail free” card. How many of those 441 prisoners, wrongly let out of prison on Labour's watch, remain at large?
Context
The MP is questioning why it still takes days for the Prison Service to notify police when prisoners are wrongly released.
Jake Richards
The truth is that this is a long-standing issue in our criminal justice system, and it is a disgrace—any release in error is a disgrace. We are building more prisons than we have done since the Victorian era. We introduced the Sentencing Act 2026 for sustainability in our prison system.
Session: Prisoner Releases in Error
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What estimate he has made of the number of prisoners released in error since July 2024. Despite implementing what the Justice Secretary said were the strongest ever checks, every week criminals are being given a “Get out of jail free” card.
Context
The MP is questioning the government's transparency regarding prisoner releases in error since July 2024.
Jake Richards
The Government are committed to transparency on this issue. We publish data on releases in error each July in the HM Prison and Probation Service annual digest. On 15 April we also published ad hoc data for April 2025 to March 2026, alongside Dame Lynne Owens' independent review and the Government's response, accepting, in principle, all the recommendations.
Session: Prisoner Releases in Error
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Whereas the Conservatives froze fuel duty for 14 years, Labour is planning to increase it by 5p, costing families £150 a year and hauliers £2,000. When the Chancellor was asked to reverse her hike, she said she was “loath to spend Government money” to do so. There is no such thing as Government money; there is only taxpayers' money. Rather than increase taxes again, will she actually help households and businesses facing higher prices and scrap this fuel hike?
Context
The Conservative Party froze fuel duty for 14 years. Labour plans to increase it by 5p, which would cost families £150 £150 a year and hauliers £2,000.
Dan Tomlinson
We on the Labour Benches are fiscally responsible. We will make sure that we continue to get borrowing down in a sustainable way, as we did over the last financial year, when borrowing fell by £20 billion. Whenever the Conservatives have had the chance, they have borrowed more, which pushes up interest rates for families and means that we have to have higher taxes in the long run. That is not the approach that we will take. The plans that the Conservatives set out in their final Budget before they left office would have seen fuel duty increase every single year. Instead, we have frozen it since we took over.
Session: Fuel Costs Support for Motorists
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The Chancellor said, “National security always comes first,” but she delayed the helicopter contract for our industrial base and we know that she is blocking the defence investment plan. Labour's former Defence Secretary and secretary general of NATO, Lord Robertson, said, “We cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget.” He is right, so why is the Chancellor failing to grip the benefits bill and invest in our defence?
Context
The question arises from a criticism of the Chancellor for delaying the helicopter contract and blocking the defence investment plan, while increasing welfare spending.
James Murray
Those on the Opposition Front Bench have some cheek. The hon. Gentleman is sat next to the hon. Member for Central Devon (Sir Mel Stride), who oversaw the biggest increase in welfare spending on record, with a £33 billion increase in welfare spending in the last year of the Conservative Government. This Government are serious about getting people back into work, while increasing defence investment at the same time to 2.6% of GDP by next April—something the previous Government never managed.
Session: Defence Industrial Strategy
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At the Queen Elizabeth hospital in King's Lynn, nearly half of patients are waiting more than 18 weeks from referral to treatment and the trust is now part of the national improvement programme. Last month's elective sprint delivered 2,000 additional elective activities, with evening and weekend working. Will the Health Secretary ensure that additional support is provided so that increased level of activity continues in the months to come?
Context
The MP is concerned about the ongoing performance of Queen Elizabeth hospital in King's Lynn, where nearly half of patients are waiting more than 18 weeks from referral to treatment and the trust is part of the national improvement programme.
Wes Streeting
I think that was a rare acknowledgment from the Conservative Benches that things are finally moving in the right direction, thanks to the work of this Labour Government. I am very grateful for the hon. Gentleman's support. He is absolutely right that we need to provide digital support. That is why we have the biggest capital allocation in the history of the NHS and we continue to press on with the technological improvements and data infrastructure that is needed to provide the improvements that staff are working so hard to deliver.
Session: Hospital Trusts Performance
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Twenty thousand households across North West Norfolk and 140,000 across the county are off the gas grid and paying much higher prices for heating oil. Ministers are creating an expectation that support will be there for those who need it. What action will the Government take if Norfolk county council is unable to meet the demand and provide support through the crisis and resilience fund to those who are struggling?
Context
Twenty thousand households across North West Norfolk and 140,000 across the county are off the gas grid, paying much higher prices for heating oil.
Ed Miliband
The hon. Gentleman asks an important question. The reason why we decided to put the money into the crisis and resilience fund three weeks after this crisis began was to get the money out the door quickly. During the previous crisis, that took 200 days.
Session: Household Energy Bills
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The Chancellor promised in her first Budget that she would not extend the freeze on income tax thresholds, because it “would hurt working people. It would take more money out of their payslips.” In her second Budget, the Chancellor broke her promise with a £23 billion tax rise, bringing a million more people into paying higher rate tax. When people are set to struggle with the cost of living over this Parliament, why are the Government choosing to make their lives harder?
Context
The Chancellor broke a promise to not extend the freeze on income tax thresholds, leading to a £23 billion tax rise and a million more people paying higher rate tax, which is causing concern among constituents struggling with the cost of living.
Rachel Reeves
Some people have short memories, haven't they, Mr Speaker? I remember the Conservatives freezing those thresholds on a number of occasions. We said in our manifesto that we would not increase the headline rates of national insurance, VAT and income tax that working people pay, but I did say clearly at the Budget last year that we would have to ask everyone to make a greater contribution, because of the downgrade in productivity, which is a result of the mismanagement of the economy by the last Government over 14 failed years.
Session: Cost of Living Families
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I recently met Big C in King's Lynn and learned that local patients receive faster diagnosis but face delays in starting treatment, with only 52% treated within two months while the national average is 71.9%. What action will be taken to improve this trust's performance?
Context
The Queen Elizabeth hospital trust in King's Lynn has a cancer treatment performance rate of only 52%, compared to the national average of 71.9%. This causes significant anxiety among patients.
Wes Streeting
The faster diagnosis standard has been met with a December 2025 performance of 77.4%, aiming for 80% by March end. We acknowledge the shortcomings in timely treatment commencement, and we will address these issues to ensure more rapid progress.
Session: Cancer Diagnosis
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The Chancellor promised hospitality firms that she would lower their taxes, but her business rate raid is hammering every town, village, city and high street. This is not just an attack on pubs; hotels, cafés, music venues and many more are being hit. It is two months since the Budget caused huge worry for these businesses, and we await details of this latest U-turn, but the key question is: does the Chancellor get it? Does she get that it is not just pubs but hospitality, leisure and retail businesses that need support because of her terrible choices?
Context
Two months after the Budget announcement, businesses in the hospitality sector are facing significant financial difficulties due to an increase in their business rates. The Conservative government had promised tax relief but is now seen as failing these businesses.
Dan Tomlinson
Conservative Members do not get it, because when they were in government, they set out plans to remove the temporary pandemic rates relief overnight in 2025. That would have seen an increase of 300% in business rate bills overnight for businesses on the high street. We have taken a different, fairer and more proportional approach, phasing out the pandemic relief over a slower time period and extending it into this year.
Session: Support for Businesses
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What are the Government doing with partners, so that we can hear the voices of those freedom fighters?
Context
The Iranian regime is killing protesters in their thousands, and there is a communication blackout.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
As I said to the House yesterday, we treat the internet blackout in Iran as a breach of the human rights of the Iranian people. We continue to work on this issue with our partners for the reasons that my ministerial colleagues have set out, but I will not give further commentary on operational business.
Session: Topical Questions
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When will my constituents Colleen and Andy get the redress they need, so that they can make long-term provision for their son?
Context
The MP is highlighting the ongoing issue of compensation for families affected by the use of valproate, a drug linked to severe birth defects and developmental disabilities.
Wes Streeting
The hon. Member is quite right to hold the Government’s feet to the fire on this issue. We are having cross-Government discussions about this issue and other groups of victims of state failure. We will keep him and the House updated.
Session: Topical Questions
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There are 1 million privately owned scooters, which are illegal to use on public roads. I declare an interest, having bought one a few years ago in the expectation that I would be able to ride it legally by now, but that is permitted only under state-licensed schemes. Why have the Government extended trials that began six years ago by a further two years, rather than getting on with allowing people to use their e-scooters with proportionate regulation to deliver the benefits of micromobility, particularly in areas such as North West Norfolk that have limited public transport?
Context
There are currently 1 million privately owned scooters in the UK, which are illegal to use on public roads. The extension of six-year-old e-scooter trials by two years has been criticised for not allowing people to legally use their e-scooters with proportionate regulation.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
The extension of our e-scooter trials will deepen our understanding of e-scooter safety, their impacts on disabled people and pedestrians, and how they can be better integrated with the wider transport systems in communities with different populations and geographies. Extending the trials will give the certainty needed by industry to continue investing in our trials and more time to learn how best to regulate e-scooters.
Session: E-scooters
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The Chancellor promised a new golden era of hospitality, but the reality of her business rates raid, as the British Beer and Pub Association has said, is
‘sleepless nights, pay cuts and staff layoffs’
for publicans, who will be paying an extra £13,000 on average. Why did the Chancellor tell businesses last week that their taxes were going down when they are going up, and will she think again and change the multipliers?
‘sleepless nights, pay cuts and staff layoffs’
for publicans, who will be paying an extra £13,000 on average. Why did the Chancellor tell businesses last week that their taxes were going down when they are going up, and will she think again and change the multipliers?
Dan Tomlinson (The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury)
The multipliers are a product of the change in the valuation, and they did come down. We brought them down even further for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. Without intervention this year, the bills paid by pubs would have increased by 45% as a result of the increase in value since the pandemic; because of this Government’s significant intervention this year, bills are going up by 4%. That is the impact of the changes this Government has made.
Session: Hospitality Sector and SMEs
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The Minister told the Health and Social Care Committee that the spending envelope for dentistry would be confirmed by the end of the summer at the latest. Is the Office for Students still waiting for a ministerial direction to launch that competition for new places, so that UEA can bid along with others and so that we can get training places in Norfolk for the first time?
Context
The Minister told the Health and Social Care Committee that the spending envelope for dentistry would be confirmed by the end of the summer at the latest. There is concern about whether the Office for Students will receive a ministerial direction to launch a competition for new places, allowing University of East Anglia (UEA) to bid alongside other institutions.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
The hon. Gentleman is right: it is the Government’s responsibility to give a steer to the Office for Students, and we are very close to being able to put that together. I am expecting some advice from my officials later in the week, and I shall be happy to keep the hon. Gentleman updated on further progress.
Session: NHS Dental Services Norfolk
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I am concerned about the potential impact of solar farms on our food security. My constituents are worried about the Droves and High Grove solar farms which will cover 7,000 acres. Why is the Government focusing on putting solar farms on Norfolk’s agricultural land rather than brownfield sites or rooftops?
Context
Concerns raised about the Droves and High Grove solar farms covering 7,000 acres in North West Norfolk. The questioner points out that these farms play a vital role in food security for his constituents.
The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Dame Angela Eagle)
Only 0.1% of land is currently used for solar farms, a figure that will increase to 0.4% by 2030 according to the clean power commitment. Our planning framework ensures that solar farms do not go on prime agricultural land and prioritises lower-quality land and rooftops for such developments.
Session: Solar Farms Food Security
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When the Chancellor imposed £40 billion of tax rises, she chose to double business rates for leisure, retail and hospital businesses—and she is going to come back for more. It may be in vain, but perhaps I can offer her a policy suggestion: scrap business rates for 250,000 shops, pubs and restaurants. Rather than hike taxes, will she adopt Conservative policy and control welfare spending so that we can back our small businesses?
Context
The Chancellor imposed £40 billion of tax rises, which led to a doubling of business rates for leisure, retail, and hospital businesses. The questioner suggests scrapping business rates for 250,000 shops, pubs, and restaurants as an alternative.
James Murray (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
That question barely deserves a response. The business rates relief we inherited from the previous Government when we came into office was due to end entirely in April of this year. It is only because of us that it was extended for a year while we put in place permanently lower multipliers for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses. Those are businesses on high streets right across our country, and that will be announced at the Budget on 26 November.
Session: Business Rates Affordability for SMEs
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James Wild questioned why the Government was proceeding with an unemployment Bill and proposed a £5 billion annual tax on British businesses when every £1 of regulatory costs has the same impact as £1 taken in tax.
Context
The Business Secretary recently boasted about deregulatory actions, including scrapping the British Hallmarking Council.
Peter Kyle
Peter Kyle criticized the Conservatives for not acting during their 14-year tenure. He highlighted his own announcements of £230 million in deregulation per year, suggesting that the Conservatives should provide better questions.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Government want to drive growth through house building, but even before the departure of the Deputy Prime Minister, they were predicted to miss the 1.5 million new homes target by half a million. How does the Chancellor and her team of tax raisers think a 3,000% hike in the builders tax, adding £28,000 to the cost of building a new home, will help to deliver the new homes that young people need? Rather than consult on it, why will she not rule out this damaging tax rise?
Context
The MP is concerned about the potential impact of a proposed hike in the builders tax, which would increase construction costs significantly.
Rachel Reeves (The Chancellor of the Exchequer)
I think Opposition Members will recognise that building companies have strongly welcomed the reforms we have made to get the country building, and they are very much against the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and others in the House of Lords opposing the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which could have been given Royal Assent by now without that opposition. Instead of scaremongering about something that is being consulted on, the shadow Minister might want to get on and back the positive things that the Government are doing.
Session: Planning Reform Economic Growth
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This Government have a track record of announcing trade deals and then nothing actually happens, as our steel sector can attest. Two months on from the Prime Minister crowing about a deal with the EU, will the Minister confirm whether any legal text has been agreed on SPS checks, sharing criminal records data and energy co-operation, and whether any of those measures have been implemented?
Context
The MP questions the implementation progress of recent agreements with the EU, citing previous delays.
Nick Thomas-Symonds (Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office)
If the hon. Member is seriously saying that our trade deals make no difference, he should visit Jaguar Land Rover and speak to the workers there, whose jobs were saved by the economic deal with the United States. He is absolutely right to say that the new common understanding is not in itself a legal text, but we will be moving to agree that legal text as soon as possible. Given the questions from Conservative Back Benchers so far, they all seem to want it done as soon as possible, despite the opposition from those on their Front Bench.
Session: Relations with the European Union
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The Climate Change Committee says that we will need oil and gas until at least 2050, but rather than maximise North sea production, the Government are taxing it out of existence. Harbour Energy has just announced hundreds of job losses as a result of the Chancellor’s 78% windfall tax. Instead of costly transition imports, will Ministers use the spending review to think again and focus on an energy policy that will deliver cheaper and cleaner energy that is affordable for consumers and businesses?
Context
The MP references the Climate Change Committee's view that oil and gas will be needed until at least 2050, but criticises the Government for taxing North Sea production out of existence. Harbour Energy has announced hundreds of job losses due to a 78% windfall tax.
Darren Jones (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
I welcome the hon. Gentleman’s encouragement. That is why we are investing in home-grown secure energy, including renewables, nuclear and other forms of energy. In yesterday’s UK-EU trade deal—which I am sure the shadow Minister would like to welcome—we have enhanced our arrangements with the European Union on electricity trading, enabling us to export energy we produce in the UK to the European Union and vice versa. That will ensure energy security, as well as good jobs and good businesses in the energy sector, for decades to come.
Session: Clean Energy Transition Spending Review
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Will the Secretary of State be straightforward with the House today about how much taxpayers’ money has been spent so far on British Steel?
Context
The hon. Member asks for transparency regarding the financial support given to British Steel by taxpayers.
Jonathan Reynolds
The amount of working capital provided to British Steel to date stands at £94 million, which is considerably less than if we had given a large amount of money to Jingye, or if we had had to deal with the complete loss of the entire British Steel site and business.
Session: Topical Questions
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A British Retail Consortium survey this week of major retailers employing half a million people found that 70% say that the £5 billion a year Employment Rights Bill will have a negative impact on their business and half said that it would lead to job cuts. How does the Minister expect our high streets to cope with that extra cost, coming on top of higher business rates and higher national insurance? When will the Government actually listen to businesses and to the people creating jobs in this country?
Context
A British Retail Consortium survey found that major retailers employing half a million people believe the £5 billion a year Employment Rights Bill will have a negative impact, with 70% expecting it to affect their business negatively and half anticipating job cuts. This follows concerns about higher business rates and national insurance.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)
The Conservative party has a rather dismal record on support to workers. I gently say to the hon. Gentleman that most businesses that do the right thing by their employees support the Employment Rights Bill. One reason the Bill is so important is that it will help put more money into people’s pockets, and that will have a knock-on benefit for high street businesses.
Session: High Street Businesses
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Growing the economy will need cheaper energy, but INEOS’s chief executive has warned that Labour’s crippling carbon taxes and other levies threaten UK manufacturing and make us more reliant on imports. When will Ministers start listening and realise that their dogma-driven energy policy is costing jobs and investment, and when will they actually act to make our electricity prices more competitive?
Context
INEOS’s chief executive warned that Labour's carbon taxes and levies threaten UK manufacturing, making the country more reliant on imports.
Sarah Jones (Minister of State, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The main driver of the price disparity is the wholesale electricity cost, which is driven by the UK’s reliance on natural gas. The best way to secure bills for the long term is to deliver clean power by 2030, and that is what we are doing.
Session: Reducing Industrial Electricity Prices
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Headteachers are warning that the gap in funding to cover the Chancellor’s jobs tax is equivalent to losing more existing teachers than the Government are planning to recruit. I have heard this message loud and clear from headteachers on my recent school visits, and unfunded pay awards will just make this worse. Why is the Education Secretary not standing up for our schools?
Context
Headteachers have warned that the gap in funding to cover the Chancellor's jobs tax is equivalent to losing more existing teachers than the Government are planning to recruit.
The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)
This Labour Government have made some tough decisions to fix the foundations of our economy and our public services. We make no apologies for doing what the last Government failed to do while in office. The extra money from national insurance contributions means we can protect key educational priorities.
Session: School Costs and Employer’s National Insurance Contributions
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The right hon. Gentleman talks a good game about scrapping quangos and I support the review he announced to reduce the size of the bureaucratic state. Why then, despite the rhetoric, are the Government at the same time creating dozens of new quangos?
Context
The MP questions the government's rhetoric about scrapping quangos while simultaneously creating dozens of new ones.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Pat McFadden)
This is another debate, which has gone on for many years and relates to the question of headcount—Governments can magically reduce headcount by creating a quango somewhere, but the headcount may not have changed at all. What is informing the drive this time is the fiction that an arm’s length body can somehow absolve Ministers of responsibility. It does not work like that in the real world. Sometimes there is a good case for having an arm’s length body, but in the end, we know that accountability will be with Ministers, and that is what is informing how we look at these things at the moment.
Session: Civil Service Reform
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Businesses have just been hit by the Chancellor’s £25 billion jobs tax, which will cost working families £3,500; also, business rates are nearly doubling for hospitality and retail businesses. How does imposing taxes that the Office for Budget Responsibility says will result in lower wages, higher prices and fewer jobs help growth and those on the lowest incomes, and will the Chancellor keep her promise not to come back with more taxes in this Parliament?
Context
The Chancellor's decision to impose a £25 billion jobs tax has resulted in significant financial burdens for working families and businesses, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors.
James Murray (Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury)
The shadow Minister talks about business rates support. I remind him that if we had carried on with the plans inherited from the Conservative party, business rates relief would have ended entirely this month. It is only thanks to a decision of this Government that rates relief is continuing for this year, ahead of permanent reforms that will permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality and leisure premises on the high street from April 2026. That is thanks to a decision this Government made.
Session: Lowest Incomes Support
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Can the Minister confirm that the Government will enable the Office for Students to allocate new dental training places in the east of England to start in 2026?
Context
There is an urgent need for dental training capacity in Norfolk, where new dental training places are required to start in 2026.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
Before instructing the Office for Students, we need to have clarity on our financial envelope post-comprehensive spending review in June. Once that is known, and if funding allows, we will be looking at creating new dental training places.
Session: Access to NHS Dental Services
View All Questions -->
Once again the Minister has failed to answer the question about the cost estimate. The Government’s dogma-driven 2030 target will drive up costs and that we will see pylons and substations imposed against the wishes of local people. That will damage our countryside and it relies on Chinese supply chains.
Context
The question seeks clarification on the cost estimate for decarbonizing the electricity grid by 1030, following up on an earlier inquiry. It also highlights concerns about proposed infrastructure projects in specific areas.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Michael Shanks)
Once again, we hear from Conservative Members about all these grand plans that they wish they had done in the 14 years that they were in government. They could have moved forward on undergrounding if they were so keen on it, but of course they did not. The reality is that it is for individual companies to set forward the design of individual projects, and cost estimates for undergrounding are five or ten times more expensive.
Session: Electricity Grid Decarbonisation
View All Questions -->
Farming’s vital role in growing our rural economy, growing our food and protecting the countryside is threatened by Labour’s family farm tax. The self-proclaimed “iron Chancellor” is proving herself to be the tin-eared Chancellor, ignoring evidence from the National Farmers Union and others showing that the tax is based on flawed assumptions. Ahead of Saturday’s farming day of unity, rather than threatening family farms, will she speak to farmers, think again and withdraw those damaging proposals?
Context
Farming’s vital role in growing our rural economy, growing our food and protecting the countryside is threatened by Labour’s family farm tax. The National Farmers Union and others have shown that the tax is based on flawed assumptions.
Rachel Reeves
The problem with the Conservatives is that they support increased spending in vital areas but they have not supported any of the tax increases necessary to pay for them, which, frankly, is why we are in the situation we are in today, having inherited a £22 billion black hole in the public finances. The hon. Gentleman will know that in the Budget we announced £5 billion for the farming budget over two years— including the largest funding directed at sustainable food production and nature recovery in this country’s history—and £60 million to support farmers affected by flooding.
Session: Economic Growth
View All Questions -->
Upgrading Ely junction would deliver more passenger services to King’s Lynn in my constituency, boost freight and unlock benefits of £5 for every £1 invested. Will Heidi Alexander confirm whether that is a priority in the Department's bid for the spending review?
Context
Upgrading Ely junction would deliver more passenger services to King’s Lynn in James Wild's constituency, boost freight and unlock benefits of £5 for every £1 invested.
Heidi Alexander
We are working on a whole range of schemes in respect of the spending review, and I will provide the hon. Gentleman with more information as soon as I have it.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
My constituents who stand to benefit from this increase will welcome it, but how many members of the mineworkers' pension scheme will be losing out on winter fuel payments worth up to £300 due to decisions taken?
Context
The MP noted that constituents who benefit from pension increases will welcome them but asked about potential loss of winter fuel payments for some members.
Ed Miliband
This is actually to do with the disastrous economic legacy left by the Conservative party. The truth is that, even in tough times, the Labour Government are showing with their decisions on the MPS how we can make our society more just.
Session: Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme Living Standards
View All Questions -->
What is the Government's precise target for delivering greater savings from a £400 billion procurement budget?
Context
The MP asked about the Government's precise target for delivering savings from the £400 billion procurement budget.
Georgia Gould
£400 billion is an enormous amount of public money. We need to ensure that it goes into growth and delivers on our missions. We will provide further information in February.
Session: Public Procurement Reform
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn
23 March 2022
Responding: Edward Argar
Main Concerns
["The hospital in Norfolk is in a poor situation and clearly needs rebuilding. The building conditions are affecting the confidence of patients in the care received, as highlighted by Jerome Mayhew with his question about ceiling maintenance using acrow props. The MP is concerned about the structural issues affecting Queen Elizabeth Hospital, including the presence of RAAC planks which pose a significant risk to life. The hospital has been in special measures but recent improvements have led to it being rated 'good' by the CQC in three domains: caring, well led and effective. However, QEH's ageing infrastructure is problematic with 79% of buildings containing RAAC planks and 470 steel and timber supports across 56 parts of the hospital. The risk of catastrophic failure remains a concern, especially after the critical care unit had to close due to safety issues last year."]
Specific Asks
["The MP urges the Government to include Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn as one of the eight new hospital schemes, and requests a decision on the shortlisting of these hospitals. The MP also asks for rapid progress on the selection process and funding for QEH's bid, which includes £18 million for an orthopaedic centre."]
British Steel
16 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr Carmichael highlighted the concern regarding the management of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, specifically noting proposed changes to payments for coastguard rescue officers that could impact ...
Early Release of Prisoners
07 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Calls on the Government to exempt from automatic early release under the Sentencing Act 2026 offenders who have been convicted of sexual offences against adults or children, including rape and groomin...
Steel Tariffs
17 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Transport (Scotland) Bill - Schedule 4 - Minor and Consequential amendments
10 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment seeks to make minor and consequential changes to the bill, ensuring consistency in the provisions. It includes technical adjustments to align with existing regulations and improve clarit...
Milburn Review: Interim Report
02 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Government Procurement Strategy
22 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
26 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Fuel Duty
18 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The House believes it is wrong to increase the main fuel duty rates on specific dates in 2026 and 2027, as global oil prices are rising. These increases will affect drivers, farmers, businesses, and o...
Lord Mandelson: Government Response to Humble Address Motion
12 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
79.2%
57 of 72 votes
Aye Votes
34
47.2% of votes
No Votes
23
31.9% of votes
Abstentions
15
20.8% of votes
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
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
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
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 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
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 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
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
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
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
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
03 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 25
Ayes: 187
Noes: 351
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 86 stand part
Ayes: 344
Noes: 173
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 9
Ayes: 181
Noes: 335
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 26
Ayes: 172
Noes: 334
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 63 Stand part
Ayes: 348
Noes: 167
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 24
Ayes: 184
Noes: 331
Failed
12 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 185
Noes: 344
Failed
12 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 7
Ayes: 188
Noes: 341
Failed
17 Dec 2024
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 100
Noes: 351
Failed
17 Dec 2024
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 206
Noes: 353
Failed
5
PMQs Asked
95
Ministerial Questions Asked
190
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
72
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
+36% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+595% above average
This MP:
95
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3825% above average
This MP:
190
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+14% above average
This MP:
79.2
Average:
69.5
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 James Wild's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.