Jeremy Hunt
MP for Godalming and Ash
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Does the Prime Minister agree that our biggest single foreign policy priority is the preservation of NATO with America at its heart? If so, following his welcome announcement yesterday, is the next step to talk to our European allies and for all of us to agree to spend 3% of GDP on defence within a specified timescale, so we can look the President in the eye and say that Europe is finally pulling its weight on defence?
Context
The question follows the Prime Minister's announcement about NATO, focusing on the importance of American leadership in NATO.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I agree with the right hon. Gentleman entirely on the priority in terms of NATO. Putin thought he could weaken NATO. He has only made it stronger and larger. NATO’s strength comes from the US, European partners and others working together, and that is absolutely the focus of my work at the moment. It is right, as he says, that European countries, including the United Kingdom, need to do more on capability, co-ordination and defence spend.
Session: PMQs
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Hospitalisations in London have peaked, so the Prime Minister was absolutely right to hold his nerve on new restrictions in the last few weeks, but does he agree that the NHS faces not just omicron staffing absences, but permanent and dangerous staffing shortfalls in nearly every specialty? Will he end the cycle whereby those shortfalls continually threaten not just patient care, but sometimes even our freedoms, by overhauling workforce planning?
Context
Hospitalisations in London have peaked, but the NHS faces permanent staffing shortfalls in nearly every specialty.
Boris Johnson
I think my right hon. Friend's amendment may have re-emerged in another place, and I thank him. We are taking a different approach, and that is having record numbers of people working in our NHS—more than ever before, with 5,000 more doctors this year than last year, and 10,000 more nurses.
Assessment
The Prime Minister avoided committing to overhauling workforce planning
Changing The Topic
Session: PMQs
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The NHS is currently experiencing significant staffing shortages across many specialties. Will my right hon Friend support an amendment that would mandate regular independent forecasts of required doctor and nurse numbers, backed by 50 NHS organisations?
Context
There are severe shortages of doctors and nurses in the NHS, despite increased funding. The Health and Care Bill has an amendment supported by 50 NHS organisations to require regular forecasts on staff numbers.
Boris Johnson
The Prime Minister supports ensuring adequate staffing for the NHS but does not commit to supporting the specific amendment.
Assessment
Commitment to support the amendment
We Have 50,000 More Healthcare Professionals And 60,000 Nurses In Training
Session: PMQs
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Could he tell us how many of the tests are currently being turned around within 24 hours and whether he would be willing to publish that number on a regular basis?
Context
Jeremy Hunt congratulates the Prime Minister on reaching 200,000 daily capacity for testing. He inquires about the current turnaround time for tests.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
Johnson acknowledges that 90% of tests are already completed within 48 hours, including those from fixed and mobile testing sites. He commits to achieving 24-hour turnaround for all tests by end June, excepting postal test issues.
Session: PMQs
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Public sector productivity is improving, with the latest Office for National Statistics figures showing output continuing to grow faster than inputs. Can the Minister confirm that the Government expect that will have a positive impact for residents in Feltham and Heston and people across the country, ensuring that Government services are faster, better and easier to access?
Context
Seema Malhotra questions the impact of public sector productivity improvements on residents in Feltham and Heston.
Emma Reynolds
Driving public sector productivity is extremely important in two ways: first, because we get better value for money for taxpayers for the tax that people are putting in; and secondly, as she says, we are driving efficiencies, faster service delivery and using AI in the NHS to really drive improvements in care, as well as delivering more bang for buck.
Session: Public Sector Productivity 2026-09-08
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What steps he is taking to improve public sector productivity. The public sector is 20% of our national output, offering a major opportunity for the Government to improve national productivity. Was it wise to give ASLEF train drivers an above-inflation pay rise without any apparent productivity quid pro quo? With public finances tight, should the rule not be that above-inflation increases must have productivity gains sitting alongside them?
Context
Jeremy Hunt questions the steps being taken to improve public sector productivity, highlighting the importance of the public sector to national productivity.
Emma Reynolds
We are wondering about the next book in the trilogy and thank Jeremy Hunt for his advice. On train drivers and their pay, I am proud to be part of a Government who have avoided strikes that impact on public spending.
Session: Public Sector Productivity 2026-09-08
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The Secretary of State knows of my concern about the lack of accountability to bereaved parents because trust lawyers advise trusts to ignore their duty of candour. Will the issue be addressed in the Health Bill so that parents know trusts will always tell the truth after a tragedy?
Context
There are concerns that trust lawyers advise trusts to ignore their duty of candour when there is the prospect of legal action, affecting accountability for bereaved parents.
James Murray
The amendments he tabled will not be voted on today, but I understand that they raise an important issue. The Hillsborough law is due to have its Commons stages completed and will apply the duty of candour to future maternity services reviews such as those in Leeds and Sussex.
Session: NHS Accountability 2026-07-14
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At the UN General Assembly this year, will the Foreign Secretary hold a high-level meeting to look at this issue and shine a spotlight on the human rights abuses that continue to this day in Myanmar?
Context
Facebook was used to recruit civilian death squads in Myanmar, and ethnic cleansing continues.
Stephen Doughty
The challenge of misinformation relates not only to Russia but also to states like Myanmar. We are working closely with partners to identify and tackle these networks.
Session: Social Media Disinformation
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Given that national debt is around 95% of GDP and debt interest costs are nearly 4% of GDP, does the Chancellor agree that it would be irresponsible to fund any cost of living support by increasing borrowing? That would further drive up borrowing costs, choke off growth and saddle future generations with totally unfair debt.
Context
In response to concerns about the national debt being around 95% of GDP with interest costs nearly 4%, Jeremy Hunt questioned the Chancellor's strategy for funding cost-of-living support.
Rachel Reeves
I congratulate the right hon. Gentleman on running his fourth London marathon this week for a cancer charity. I know that cause is dear to his heart. He makes an important point. I understand why people are calling for immediate support, but the previous Government's untargeted support—I understand why the former Chancellor did what he did—cost more than £100 billion in total and it meant that interest rates, inflation and taxes have ended up being higher than they needed to be. We managed to reduce Government borrowing by £20 billion last year. The budget deficit is below 5% for the first time since 2019. Sticking to fiscal responsibility is not just good for the public purse; it is also good for ordinary families and businesses.
Session: Conflict in the Middle East Cost of Living
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The Secretary of State and I are equally frustrated that more progress has not been made despite numerous inquiries dating right back to the Morecambe Bay inquiry in 2014. Does he agree that one reform would be full continuity of care for every pregnant mum, with a team of clinicians led by a named senior clinician responsible from pre-birth to post-birth?
Context
The question follows numerous inquiries, including the Morecambe Bay inquiry in 2014, regarding issues in maternity care.
Wes Streeting
There is so much evidence to underpin the importance of continuity of care. I do not want to get ahead of the recommendations of the Amos investigation, but there is much to commend what the right hon. Gentleman says.
Session: Maternity Care
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One of the things that makes our economy less resilient is high levels of debt. The Chancellor and I have both followed fiscal rules that allowed us to claim that debt was falling, when in fact it continued to rise, both in absolute terms and as a proportion of GDP. Does she think it is time to consider a new fiscal rule that actually reduces debt—for example, a rule that public spending will not increase faster than economic growth?
Context
The Chancellor and the previous Government have followed fiscal rules that allowed them to claim debt was falling, when in fact it continued to rise, both in absolute terms and as a proportion of GDP.
Rachel Reeves
Debt is lower in every year of the forecast that I published last week than it was in the plans that I set out in the Budget just back in November. The fiscal rules that I introduced in the October after I became Chancellor said, first of all, that we had to balance day-to-day spending with tax receipts, and that is important. They also stated that, subject to getting debt down as a share of GDP, we could invest in the things that can actually grow the economy. The right hon. Gentleman and I both know that growth is the best way to ensure that our public finances are sustainable, and that we improve living standards for working people.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for Housing and Planning for his constructive meeting last week on the community infrastructure levy. Could he tell the House whether Liberal Democrat-controlled councils such as mine in Waverley should be charging the community infrastructure levy to private householders who do a straightforward extension on their house?
Context
Councils such as Waverley should be charging the community infrastructure levy to private householders who do a straightforward extension on their house.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
As this is topicals, I do not want to repeat the extensive conversation that the right hon. Member and I have had. He knows that we are making good-faith efforts to resolve the issue and to bring some redress forward for his resident freeholders.
Session: Topical Questions
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If the Government end up paying a fee for British companies bidding for European defence contracts, will they charge the EU a fee when its companies want to bid for British defence contracts?
Context
There are concerns about potential fees that might be charged to British companies bidding for European defence contracts.
John Healey (The Secretary of State for Defence)
Any arrangements that we make will be in the best national interests of this country and the interests of our industry. They will be fair, and they will ensure that our UK industry can participate fully in any programmes and make the biggest possible contribution alongside the European Union, within the context of NATO.
Session: Topical Questions
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Is the Secretary of State aware that to access the platform at Ash Vale station in my constituency, people have to go up multiple flights of steps, equivalent to two or three floors, making it all but impossible for many older people and disabled people to use the rail network? Before she decides on how to allocate funding under the Access for All scheme in the spending review, will she or one of her Ministers visit Ash Vale, where we promise her a warm Surrey welcome?
Context
People in the constituency of Godalming and Ash have to climb multiple flights of steps to access the platform at Ash Vale station, making it difficult for older people and disabled individuals to use the rail network. Feasibility studies have been done on 50 Access for All stations.
Heidi Alexander
I am aware that feasibility studies have been done on 50 Access for All stations, and we are reviewing the outcomes of those studies. I apologise to the right hon. Gentleman for not knowing whether that station in his constituency is one of those 50. I promise him that I will talk to officials about the matter.
Session: Topical Questions
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On VE Day, I remember the role of Dunsfold aerodrome in my constituency, which played a vital role in the battle of Britain. I thank the Minister for her response. She knows that the proposed expansion of the Surrey hills national landscape will have a huge impact by improving biodiversity and natural protection in villages such as Dunsfold, Tongham, Bramley, Wonersh and Shamley Green in my constituency. Before she makes the final decision on whether to go ahead, will she spare the time to meet me so I can explain to her just how important the expansion is to my constituents?
Context
The Surrey Hills National Landscape boundary variation project, aimed at expanding the area of outstanding natural beauty to include villages such as Dunsfold, Tongham, Bramley, Wonersh, and Shamley Green in Sir Jeremy Hunt's constituency.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mary Creagh)
I am always happy to meet the right hon. Gentleman. This and the Yorkshire wolds are under active consideration, as I am sure he is aware. There is a legal process to be followed ahead of that, but I know his constituency and will be very happy to meet to discuss the matter further.
Session: Surrey Hills National Landscape
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The chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives has said that the axing of the maternity safety ringfenced pot would be a “wrecking ball” to the efforts being made to improve maternity safety. Just a single or a small group of babies being spared lifelong disability would pay for the cost of that ringfenced pot many times over. I know that the Secretary of State cares about this matter deeply, so will he reconsider?
Context
The MP referenced the concerns of the Royal College of Midwives regarding the potential axing of a maternity safety ringfenced pot.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
The funding is still there, but as many people have urged me, including the right hon. Gentleman, we are taking the decision to give more freedom and flexibility to independent care boards, systems and providers to determine how they can best spend NHS resources on services to improve patient care, safety and outcomes.
Session: Topical Questions
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What recent discussions he has had with Ofwat on encouraging water companies to increase investment in sewage discharge reduction measures. In Bramley, sewage was spilled into the local river for 59 hours; in Godalming, it was 83 hours; in Chiddingfold, 410 hours; and in Cranleigh, 691 hours. Thames Water agreed to invest £400 million by the end of next year as a result of pressure from Jeremy Hunt and others. Will the Secretary of State meet me and the chief executive of Thames Water to see whether that money is actually being spent?
Context
Sewage was discharged into rivers for significant durations in Jeremy Hunt's constituency, with Godalming experiencing sewage discharge for 83 hours in 2023. This issue highlights the need for increased investment by water companies.
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Steve Reed)
The situation described by the right hon. Gentleman is absolutely outrageous, and Members across the House will recognise similar situations in their own areas. We need to completely reset the water sector so that these situations cannot continue, which is why Sir Jon Cunliffe is leading a water commission. I would be happy to arrange for the right hon. Gentleman to meet an appropriate Minister to discuss his concerns.
Session: Sewage Discharge Reduction Water Company Investment
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Is the Minister aware of the brilliant work done by Mersey Care NHS foundation trust in reducing in-patient mental health suicides to zero, which is an extraordinary achievement. Under a former Health Secretary, who may be standing not a million miles away from where I am standing now, that became an objective for all mental health in-patient units across the NHS. Will the Minister look into whether that objective still stands? If not, can it be reinstated?
Context
The right hon. Member refers to the work done by Mersey Care NHS foundation trust, which has reduced in-patient mental health suicides to zero.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
While not familiar with the detail, the Minister sounds positive about the development mentioned. He highlights the Government’s commitment to delivering the cross-sector suicide prevention strategy for England. The 8,500 new mental health workers will be specially trained to support people at risk.
Session: Mental Health Services
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My constituents in the village of Crowthorne will welcome the Government's action to tackle this massive issue and support connectivity for phones and 4G in rural and semi-rural constituencies. Will the Minister have a meeting with me to discuss the issues affecting Crowthorne?
Context
The village of Crowthorne faces issues with digital connectivity for mobile phones and 4G, impacting rural and semi-rural areas.
Chris Bryant
I am getting more popular day by day, which is unusual in my life. I am, of course, very happy to discuss the issues in Crowthorne.
One thing that really concerns me is that quite often, the published version of what connectivity is available in everybody's constituency will say that there is 92%, 93% or 95% of connectivity from all four operators, but actually, if we stand there with a mobile phone, there will not be any connectivity whatsoever. I have written to Ofcom and it has written back saying, for instance, that in that precise location the coverage may be above or below the predicted level, leading some consumers to not get the service they expected. There is a phrase for that.
One thing that really concerns me is that quite often, the published version of what connectivity is available in everybody's constituency will say that there is 92%, 93% or 95% of connectivity from all four operators, but actually, if we stand there with a mobile phone, there will not be any connectivity whatsoever. I have written to Ofcom and it has written back saying, for instance, that in that precise location the coverage may be above or below the predicted level, leading some consumers to not get the service they expected. There is a phrase for that.
Session: Digital Connectivity Rural Areas
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Will the Secretary of State's plans allow managers more autonomy to innovate, save money and improve care for patients?
Context
The MP welcomes the Secretary of State's plans but cautions against firing incompetent managers, suggesting micromanagement from the centre as a problem.
Wes Streeting
We need to give more freedom and autonomy to good leaders in the NHS, including clinical leaders and managers. This includes announcing new support and investment for a college of leadership.
Session: NHS Health and Social Care Reform
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We all know why the Chancellor is inventing this fictitious black hole. Thirty times this year, before the election, she promised not to raise tax, and now she is planning to present the biggest tax-raising Budget in history. More consensually, however, as this is our final exchange, I welcome her announcement last week of a £2.3 billion loan for Ukraine. Does she agree that the strongest signal of resolve that we can send to Putin is a commitment to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence, and does she understand why so many people are worried by the fact that she has yet to do so?
Context
The Chancellor is planning the biggest tax-raising Budget in history. The UK has spent £2.3 billion on loan for Ukraine.
Rachel Reeves
I have always respected the right hon. Gentleman, but I think it is important for us not to deny the seriousness of the situation that we face with the black hole in the public finances. Combined with the lashing out at independent economic institutions, it suggests that he has more in common with Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng than perhaps we thought. I watched my party lurch towards an ideological extreme and deny reality, and we spent years in opposition as a result. The shadow Chancellor risks taking his party down the same path.
Session: Topical Questions
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This are indeed our final exchanges in the House, so before tomorrow's fireworks I wish the Chancellor well for the future in her role. There has been a lot of common ground between us. For example, before the election she said that raising employers' national insurance was a jobs tax that would take money out of people's pockets. I very much agree with her on that; does she agree with herself?
Context
The Chancellor previously stated that raising employers' national insurance was a jobs tax.
Rachel Reeves
The right hon. Gentleman knows better than almost anyone else that there a was £22 billion black hole in the public finances. That will require difficult decisions, but even in those circumstances we will do everything in our power to protect the incomes of ordinary working people, so we are committed to ensuring that no working people will see higher taxes in their payslips after the Budget.
Session: Topical Questions
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The ministerial code states that Ministers must ensure no conflict of interest arises. Why is cronyism wrong under the Conservatives but acceptable under Labour?
Context
The ministerial code states that Ministers must ensure no conflict of interest arises between public duties and private interests.
Rachel Reeves
The right hon. Gentleman has a bit of a brass neck criticising this Government, after the appointments and the partying at Downing Street that we saw under the last Conservative Government. We are appointing a covid corruption commissioner to get money back for taxpayers.
Session: Topical Questions
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When the Chancellor was sitting on the Opposition Benches she repeatedly attacked cronyism. Did she tell the Treasury permanent secretary that Ian Corfield had made a donation to her before getting him appointed as a director in the Treasury?
Context
The Treasury permanent secretary, Ian Corfield, has a history of political donations to the Chancellor.
Rachel Reeves
All Governments appoint people to the civil service. The donation from Ian Corfield was declared over a year ago in the proper way, and we answered all the questions in the right way that the civil service asked when we made that appointment.
Session: Topical Questions
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May I recommend some scintillating summer reading to the Secretary of State: the study of 4.5 million patients that showed people who see the same GP over a long period are 30% less likely to go to hospital and 25% less likely to die? Will he, after reading that, consider changing the GP contract to get rid of the micromanagement, and replace it with what doctors and patients want, which is the ability to have a long-term relationship?
Context
A study of 4.5 million patients showed that consistent GP care reduces hospital visits and mortality.
Steve Barclay
I think my right hon. Friend knows me well enough to know that I will have a close interest in reading anything over the summer that is data driven. He highlights an extremely important issue. Just yesterday, I met with Andrea and Simon Brady, whose daughter tragically died of cancer at the age of 27. One of the key concerns they raised was the lack of consistency when it came to the GP that Jessica went to see, and the fact she kept seeing different people, which led to a lack of continuity of care. Specific cases speak to this issue, and I am happy to look at the data that my right hon. Friend can share.
Session: Topical Questions
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Has the Secretary of State read the study in the British Journal of General Practice that says that people who see the same GP over many years are 30% less likely to go to hospital, 30% less likely to need out-of-hours care and 25% less likely to die? If he has, will he consider changing the GP contract to restore individual patient lists and reverse the change of two decades ago so that everyone has their own family doctor?
Context
A study in the British Journal of General Practice indicates that people who see the same GP over many years are less likely to go to hospital, need out-of-hours care or die.
Sajid Javid
I have not read that review, but now that my right hon. Friend has mentioned it I will certainly take a look at it. He raises an important point about access to GPs. He is right to say that many people would want to see the same GP again and again—that would be their preference. One can see how that may lead to better clinical outcomes, but I hope he will respect the fact that others do not mind if they do not see the same GP and just want rapid access. It is important that we get the right balance.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Secretary of State will have read the scandal exposed in The Sunday Times this weekend that six babies are born every month after being exposed to sodium valproate, which has been known for many years to cause disabilities. Last year the Government consulted on putting warning labels on valproate. Is it not time to go much further and ban the prescription of sodium valproate to epileptic pregnant mothers?
Context
The Sunday Times exposed that six babies are born every month after being exposed to sodium valproate, which causes disabilities.
Sajid Javid
My right hon. Friend is right to raise this, and many of us will have seen the recent reports, especially from the families affected. It is right that we reconsider this and make sure that sodium valproate, and any other medicine, is given only in the clinically appropriate setting.
Session: Topical Questions
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Yesterday, the Foreign Secretary said that one of the things that pained her the most was the sale of embassy buildings over many years and she hoped no more of it would happen on her watch. Will she cancel the proposed sale of 45% of our Tokyo embassy estate, which would deeply dishearten one of our closest allies at a time when we are seeking to strengthen the western alliance?
Context
The Foreign Secretary expressed regret over the sale of diplomatic buildings in previous years, including a recent proposal to sell 45% of the Tokyo embassy estate.
Elizabeth Truss
I share my right hon. Friend's deep attachment to our Tokyo facilities and am working very hard with our officials on what we can do to make sure we retain our terrific presence, which is just over the road from the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
Session: Topical Questions
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Today is the first day of Brain Tumour Awareness Month. The Secretary of State kindly wrote to me in January when my mother died from a brain tumour, and Baroness Tessa Jowell, who was much loved on all sides of the House, also died from a brain tumour. Given that it is the biggest cause of cancer death for the under-40s, and we still do not really know what causes them, does he agree that this should be a priority for research, so that we understand as much about brain tumours as about other cancers?
Context
The MP is concerned about the high mortality rates for brain tumours, especially among younger people.
Sajid Javid
I once again express my condolences to my right hon. Friend for his loss. He is absolutely right to raise this issue and the need for more research. That is one of the reasons why, back in 2018, we announced £40 million of extra research funding over the next five years. I can tell him that some £9 million of that has already been committed to 10 projects. In addition, the Tessa Jowell Brain Matrix is an exciting new trials platform that will give people with brain cancer access to trials of treatments that are best suited for their individual tumours.
Session: Topical Questions
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This morning, the Health Secretary is reported in The Times as saying that the NHS can learn from the way in which academy chains are regulated, but he will know that the education system has no national targets, while the NHS uses more national targets than any healthcare system anywhere in the world. Will he look at the role of targets and the risk that they focus managers on bureaucratic numbers, sometimes at the expense of quality of care for patients?
Context
The MP questioned the Health Secretary's statement about learning from academy chains' regulation in terms of NHS target setting.
Sajid Javid
I very much agree with my right hon. Friend; as the whole House knows, he speaks with considerable experience. We need to do things differently, especially as a result of the pandemic and the challenges that it has created. That requires reform, and we will set out further reforms in due course. He is absolutely right about targets: they can play an important role, but they can also lead to poor outcomes for patients, and all targets need to be properly reviewed.
Session: Topical Questions
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A genocide is happening in Tigray. What work is the Minister doing with our partners to send a message to Prime Minister Abiy that no aid can be channelled through the Ethiopian government until the genocide stops?
Context
There are warnings of genocide occurring in Tigray, a situation that raises serious ethical questions.
Vicky Ford
We are working closely with our partners in the US and UN, supporting Obasanjo's mediation efforts. As for the Nobel peace prize, it is a decision for the Nobel Committee.
Session: Ethiopia Tigray Crisis
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Does the Secretary of State agree that every additional doctor trained means one fewer locum hired, which is cheaper for the NHS and better for patients?
Context
The Secretary of State knows that some in Government are worried about the extra cost of training more doctors.
Sajid Javid (Secretary of State for Health)
I agree that we want more full-time doctors, which will mean less demand for locums and is very good for the NHS. I also agree that there should be more focus on the workforce, and I hope my right hon. Friend welcomes the measure to merge Health Education England with the NHS.
Session: Topical Questions
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I warmly welcome my successor's successor to her place, although saying that makes me feel rather old. She will know that Richard Ratcliffe, Nazanin's husband, has restarted his hunger strike this week. She will also know that Nazanin is not going to come home until we pay the debt that we owe Iran for the Challenger tanks, which the Defence Secretary has accepted that we owe Iran. When are we going to repay that debt, and what will the Minister do to ensure that hostage taking never pays?
Context
Richard Ratcliffe, Nazanin's husband, has restarted his hunger strike.
Elizabeth Truss
I have huge sympathy for Nazanin and Richard Ratcliffe. I have spoken to both of them about the terrible situation that Nazanin faces. It is imperative that she is not put back into jail in Iran, and I am working as hard as I can, both directly with the Iranian authorities—I have had a meeting with Iranian Ministers—and with our international allies to bring Nazanin and the other UK detainees home.
Session: Topical Questions
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I would like to ask the Secretary of State about pressures in emergency care and comments that the new chief executive of NHS England made to the Health Committee this morning that we have shortages of 999 call handlers. Is he concerned about the time it is taking to answer some 999 calls? Do we have those shortages? What are his plans to address them if we do?
Context
The MP highlighted shortages of 999 call handlers mentioned by the new chief executive of NHS England.
Sajid Javid
My right hon. Friend speaks with real experience, especially on tough winters for the NHS, and he highlights shortages across the NHS. There is a huge pressure at the moment on 111 calls as well, and emergency care generally, including ambulance services. A significant amount of support has been put in, especially over the past few months, with additional funding. We will set out a detailed plan with the NHS, coming shortly in the next couple of weeks, on exactly what more we will be doing.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am concerned about the need for 4,000 more doctors to tackle the backlog in the NHS. Does he agree that this is about reform as well as money, particularly in respect of the way we plan our workforce?
Context
The Health and Social Care Committee heard that additional doctors are needed to address the NHS backlog. The question is prompted by discussions on how to reform the system alongside financial investments.
Rishi Sunak
My right hon. Friend speaks on these matters with extreme authority and experience, and I thank him for all his engagement on them with me and others. He will know that we are committed to delivering 50,000 more nurses and 50 million more primary care appointments, but as part of that plan we must ensure that we get the number of GPs right as well.
Session: Topical Questions
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I congratulate the Secretary of State on his new role. There are 1.5 million older people, disabled people and carers with unmet needs who are desperately waiting for care reform. What is the Secretary of State's estimated start date for the implementation of the care package that the Government claimed was ready in their manifesto more than 20 months ago?
Context
There are 1.5 million older people, disabled people and carers with unmet needs who are waiting for care reform.
Sajid Javid
As the Government have said, we want to make sure that every person in this country has the dignity that they deserve in old age. We have recognised that the current system needs substantial reform. The process of reform has already begun in, for example, the Health and Care Bill that will have its Second Reading tomorrow, but we do need a new, sustainable way to fund care and we will come forward with the plans later this year.
Session: Topical Questions
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The British Medical Association has warned that the freezing of the lifetime and annual pensions tax allowance until April 2026 could significantly impact the retention and overtime of health and care staff, with 72% of doctors that it surveyed saying that it would make them more likely to retire early. What consideration has been given to the BMA's proposal of offering a tax unregistered scheme, similar to that of the judiciary, for those in the NHS?
Context
The British Medical Association warns that freezing the lifetime and annual pensions tax allowance until April 2026 could significantly impact retention and overtime among health and care staff, citing a survey indicating that 72% of doctors are more likely to retire early.
Matthew Hancock (Secretary of State for Health and Social Care)
We made very significant progress on this in the Budget immediately following the general election, as the hon. Lady will know. That has removed this problem for the vast majority of doctors who serve in the NHS. I am very glad that we were able to make that progress. I am always happy to look at suggestions from the unions and others, but I am glad to say that we have made a good deal of progress on this one.
Session: Topical Questions
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Why was an NHS payroll financing contract given to Lex Greensill's firm without competition? Why wasn't this meeting declared? What pressure did you put on officials for this decision?
Context
A private meeting between the Secretary of State, Lex Greensill, and David Cameron led to a controversial NHS payroll financing contract awarded without tender.
Matthew Hancock (Secretary of State for Health and Social Care)
Ministers were not involved in deciding to facilitate salary advances. I reported the meeting to officials as required, and there was no pressure put on them regarding this decision.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can I add my support to the previous question about the urgent need to sort out the issue of Kuvan, because I too have constituents suffering very badly from the long wait that they have had? Will he publish a workforce plan this year with independent projections for doctors and nurses over the next couple of decades?
Context
Frontline NHS staff have done a magnificent job this year but are worried about the long-term training of doctors and nurses. The questioner wants to know if there will be a workforce plan published.
Matthew Hancock
We now have a record number of doctors in the NHS. We are on track to meet our manifesto commitment to 50,000 more nurses and have seen an increase in the number of doctors too. Of course there is more to be done but this is undoubtedly a question that we will return to.
Session: Topical Questions
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Congratulating on the vaccine roll-out speed, what measures can be taken to manage public expectations that population-level immunity will take time?
Context
Concerns about public expectations outpacing the system's ability to deliver vaccinations.
Matthew Hancock
The Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee is correct that this will be a marathon, not a sprint. As of early morning today, 39.9% of over-80-year-olds in England have been vaccinated; we are on track to vaccinate all top priority groups by 15 February.
Session: Topical Questions
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Nearly two years on from the NHS 10-year plan, we still do not have the workforce projections published. Can he assure the House that, when they are published, they will be the independent projections and not what the Treasury has negotiated with his Department as part of the spending review?
Context
The MP asked about the independent publication of future NHS workforce projections after nearly two years without them.
Matthew Hancock (Secretary of State for Health and Social Care)
Over the past year, we have 13,500 more nurses in the NHS than we did a year ago. We are going to have 50,000 more nurses in the NHS by the end of this Parliament.
Session: Topical Questions
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Have those clinics been commissioned, and when will those long covid sufferers be able to access them throughout the country?
Context
The Secretary of State's letter stated that clinics were going to be set up so that long covid sufferers could get mental health support, face-to-face counselling and rehabilitation.
Matthew Hancock
My right hon. Friend makes an incredibly important point. I know very well the impact of long covid; it is something that I understand deeply. We are in the process of setting up those clinics and there will be further information on this very shortly.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Myanmar: Human Rights
10 June 2026
Responding: Hamish Falconer
Main Concerns
['Mr Hunt is concerned about the ongoing civil war and human rights abuses in Myanmar since the military coup in 2021. He highlighted that thousands of people have been killed, over 30,000 arbitrarily detained, and nearly all pro-democracy candidates banned. The country faces daily airstrikes on civilian buildings, arson, torture, sexual violence, and has displaced around 4 million people. The situation in Myanmar has deteriorated significantly since the military coup five years ago, with widespread military abuses leading to 3.6 million internally displaced people and a further 1 million refugees in Bangladesh. The Burmese military are stepping up airstrikes targeting health facilities and civilians, using tactics that include war crimes and crimes against humanity. These atrocities have escalated as the junta seeks to entrench its rule through abusive military operations and stage-managed elections.']
Specific Asks
["Mr Hunt asks the Government to commit to the Foreign Secretary chairing a high-level meeting at UNGA in September, respond to Tom Andrews' final report, consider invoking article 14 of the Rome statute for an ICC investigation into mass atrocity crimes, and sanction military-controlled banks. I call on the Minister to work with our partners to identify and sanction sources of revenue and arms for the Myanmar military, including jet fuel sector sanctions like those in Canada and EU-US sanctions targeting Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise. We need to join other countries in sanctioning international telecommunications companies that provide revenue to the military and track activists."]
Community Infrastructure Levy: Homeowners
29 April 2026
Responding: Matthew Pennycook
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the profound life-changing consequences for ordinary families across the country due to the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). There are now more than 100 known cases of homeowners facing unexpected CIL charges, ranging from £26,000 to £235,000. £235,000. Some councils, like Waverley in my constituency, have charged over £550 per square metre, one of the highest rates in the country. Families are being forced to sell or remortgage their homes and face immense financial burdens alongside stress and uncertainty.']
Specific Asks
['I urge the Government to reform CIL legislation to distinguish between commercial developers and householders, provide clear guidance for local councils not to charge homeowners, establish a mechanism for redress and correct mistakes after liability notices, and specify that interest from unspent CIL should go back into the CIL account.']
Health and Care Bill - Schedule 1
07 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to confer primary care functions on integrated care boards, thereby ensuring better coordination and integration of health ser...
Public Office (Accountability) Bill
14 July 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Nottingham Maternity and Neonatal Services
24 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Investment Plan
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Water Companies
08 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East: Economic Update
24 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East: Economic Update
09 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Spring Forecast
03 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East
02 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
56.1%
55 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
29
29.6% of votes
No Votes
26
26.5% of votes
Abstentions
43
43.9% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
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 Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
4
PMQs Asked
38
Ministerial Questions Asked
153
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
7
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
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+184% above average
This MP:
38
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3048% above average
This MP:
153
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-26% below average
This MP:
7
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-19% below average
This MP:
56.1
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 Jeremy Hunt's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.