Jerome Mayhew
MP for Broadland and Fakenham
Con
12 Dec 2019 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
A Mayor of Manchester has managed to out-manoeuvre a sitting Prime Minister, taking the keys to No. 10. The Prime Minister appears to have been brought down by an inability to articulate a plan for government. Will we miss him in a few months' time?
Context
The Prime Minister is stepping down after being outmanoeuvred by a mayor of Manchester with no clear successor identified.
Keir Starmer
The economy has been stabilised, public services are stronger, half a million children lifted out of poverty, biggest investment in defence and security since the 1980s, our international standing restored.
Assessment
No specific reasons for missing him mentioned
Session: PMQs 2026-07-15
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In October last year the Chancellor delivered a massive tax, borrow and spend Budget. Now her plans have collapsed around her ears, with an emergency Budget to cut that spending, so has the time now come for the Prime Minister to state in public that he has full confidence in the Chancellor?
Context
The Chancellor delivered a massive tax, borrow, and spend budget last year which has since collapsed.
The Prime Minister
I have full confidence in the Chancellor—thank you.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not address why he has full confidence despite collapsing plans.
Session: PMQs
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Mr Speaker, 'losing a farm is not like losing any other business—it can't come back.' Can the Prime Minister understand why farmers now think his Administration is duplicitous?
Context
Prime Minister's previous statement about farmers losing their farms being unique. Farmers now question whether the current administration is trustworthy.
Keir Starmer
The Budget includes £5 billion for farming over two years, with £350 million announced last week. Threshold for ordinary family case is £3 million.
Assessment
Why farmers think the government is duplicitous
Changed Subject
Session: PMQs
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Some dental practices are taking advantage of post-covid demand to take their NHS practices private, earning more money but leaving behind those most in need. Training a dentist costs constituents in Broadland over £300,000. Does my right hon. Friend agree that if a dentist accepts public funding in order to qualify, they should be asked to commit to NHS dentistry for a number of years before going private?
Context
Some dental practices are taking advantage of post-covid demand to take their NHS practices private, leaving behind those most in need.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend makes an excellent point, and we are investing £3 billion in dentistry. We reformed the NHS dentistry contract last year to improve access for patients, but more needs to be done, which is why the Government will bring forward the dentistry recovery plan in due course.
Assessment
Specific commitment on dentist training and qualifications
Session: PMQs
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More than 1.5 million people living outside London stand to be impacted by the Mayor's new London-wide ultra low emission zone. Labour and the Liberal Democrats are all for the ULEZ charge; they do not care about the cost of living crisis. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the best way to protect commuters and small businesses from the spread of this unfair, £12.50-a-day tax is to vote Conservative on 4 May?
Context
The Mayor's new London-wide ULEZ charge affects commuters outside of London.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. He failed to mention that just this week, Labour in Wales has introduced plans for further road charging as well, increasing cost pressures for the public and businesses. I urge Opposition parties to listen and to stand up for the public and small businesses, just as the Conservatives do.
Assessment
Did not address ULEZ charge protection
Attacked Opposition'S Policies
Session: PMQs
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The Prime Minister will be well aware of the dogged campaign of my hon. Friend the Member for North West Norfolk (James Wild) for a rebuild of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn. That hospital is constructed from failing aerated concrete, and its ceilings are now supported by more than 3,000 wooden and metal props. Is the Prime Minister also aware of the strength of feeling locally in support of the rebuild, not just in North West Norfolk, but in Broadland, North Norfolk, Norwich North, Mid Norfolk, South West Norfolk, Huntingdon, North West Cambridgeshire and South Holland and the Deepings, whose populations are all served by that hospital? Will he support our campaign?
Context
The hospital is constructed from failing aerated concrete, with ceilings supported by over 3000 wooden and metal props. Jerome Mayhew campaigns for a rebuild.
Rishi Sunak
I thank my hon. Friend and, indeed, my hon. Friend the Member for North West Norfolk (James Wild), because I know that they are great supporters of this project. I know that over the last year or so the Queen Elizabeth Hospital has been allocated over £50 million to address the most immediate issues at the site. I also know that they have expressed their interest in being part of the new hospital programme—the Department of Health and Social Care is looking through all those bids.
Assessment
Did not commit to support rebuild, instead noted allocated funds for immediate issues and pending review by department
Allocated £50 Million
Pending Bid Review
Session: PMQs
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If someone who grows up in Norfolk wants to become a dentist, the nearest place they can train is Birmingham or London. It is not really surprising, therefore, that in Norfolk we have a dearth of dentists, whether NHS or private. We also know that where there is a dental training school, more dentists end up working locally. Will my right hon. Friend agree to look again at the benefits of establishing a dental training school alongside the excellent medical school at the University of East Anglia?
Context
Someone growing up in Norfolk who wants to become a dentist must travel far for training, leading to a dearth of dentists.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend will know that there are around 400 dentists with NHS activity in Norfolk and Waveney, but he is right that centres of dental development build on existing local infrastructure to help to retain and recruit dentists, and I advise him to encourage his local integrated care board to look at proposals for one of those centres in his area.
Assessment
Directly avoided the specific ask about establishing a dental training school in Norfolk
Session: PMQs
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The A47 Acle Straight, the only road linking Great Yarmouth to Norwich, is a bottleneck and dangerous site with a 30-year campaign for dual carriageway status. Despite this, the highways authority has announced no plans even to consider it until 2030 at the earliest. What can my right hon Friend do to give hope that this decision will be reconsidered?
Context
The A47 Acle Straight is a critical road linking Great Yarmouth to Norwich with a long-standing campaign for dual carriageway status. The highways authority recently announced no plans for upgrade until at least 2030.
Boris Johnson
I appreciate the temporary disappointment my hon Friend is experiencing, but this Government are immensely ambitious for transport infrastructure improvement. Active consideration is now being undertaken again for the project. Parliamentary colleagues will meet Baroness Vere, the roads Minister, this week to discuss additional scheme options from 2025 onwards.
Assessment
Specific timeline and concrete commitment to reconsider and expedite the upgrade of the A47 Acle Straight were not provided.
Session: PMQs
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Can the Minister explain how the scheme will help her to halve violence against women and girls?
Context
More than 100 organisations have warned the Government about the early release scheme putting women and girls at increased risk.
Alex Davies-Jones
We have had to put the early release scheme in place to ensure that our criminal justice system is able to function and help all victims, regardless of the type of crime. We have increased funding to support victim support services, and there will be a presumption on tagging on release. We are introducing world-first restriction zones to ensure that victims no longer have to constantly look over their shoulder, wondering where their perpetrator is.
Session: Tackling Violence against Women and Girls 2026-09-09
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Rural and coastal communities are reliant on seasonal tourism. Introducing a new tax on holidays is tough for businesses. Will the Government commit to publishing an independent assessment on the impact before introducing the tax?
Context
The MP expresses concern that introducing an overnight visitor levy will further strain businesses reliant on seasonal tourism.
Stephanie Peacock
Introducing a levy will be up to local areas, and it will make sense for those areas to invest the funds generated in improving the local tourism offer.
Session: Overnight Visitor Levy Rural and Coastal Communities 2026-09-03
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What discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of an overnight visitor levy on rural and coastal communities. Rural and coastal communities rely on seasonal tourism. Introducing a new tax on holidays is tough for businesses. Will the Government publish an independent assessment on the impact before introducing the tax?
Context
The MP discusses the potential impact of an overnight visitor levy on rural and coastal communities.
Stephanie Peacock
The Government are committed to giving powers to local areas to enact an overnight levy. We will work closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and HM Treasury on developing the policy.
Session: Overnight Visitor Levy Rural and Coastal Communities 2026-09-03
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Given that the Minister has reversed the decision and that he has signally failed to express his support for the chief executive, can he now confirm whether or not he still has confidence in the chief executive of the MCA?
Context
The MP is concerned about the misrepresentation of Coastguard Rescue Officers' views by the MCA.
Keir Mather
May I start by extending my thanks to the shadow Minister? Anyone who can endure trading remarks with me on the Railways Bill for as long as we were in Committee together is an absolute stalwart and a credit to the House, so I thank him for working with me on that. On the broader questions he raises about the MCA, the MCA and His Majesty's Coastguard do vital work. Ministers have full confidence in the service, but when those on the ground raise concerns on the scale we have seen, and when the evidence base proves insufficient, it is absolutely right that we pause and engage again. That is exactly what the decision to not move ahead with the new model in September facilitates. It will ensure that we treat CROs with the dignity and respect they deserve and, most importantly, that we get this system right.
Session: Maritime Sector 2026-07-16
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The beef breeding herd has declined significantly over a decade, with dairy cattle, pigs, and chickens also decreasing. In response to food security being national security, why do the Minister and Secretary of State allow the SNP to avoid responsibility through devolution?
Context
Discussion about the decline in livestock numbers and the SNP's role in devolved agricultural matters.
Kirsty McNeill
Farming is a devolved matter and the SNP has failed to support Scotland's farmers; high rejection rates in their future farming investment scheme indicate overly bureaucratic practices.
Session: Livestock 2026-07-15
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What recent discussions has the Minister had with relevant stakeholders on Scottish livestock numbers? The beef breeding herd is down 373,000 over a decade, indicating industry distress. In her initial response, she mentioned food security as national security; however, why do she and the Secretary of State allow the SNP to use devolution to shield from responsibility?
Context
Discussions about the decline in Scotland's beef breeding herd and overall livestock numbers, including dairy cattle, pigs, and chickens.
Kirsty McNeill
It is a question of accountability, not shielding. Farming is devolved and the SNP has failed to support Scotland's farmers; high rejection rates in their future farming investment scheme illustrate this failure.
Session: Livestock 2026-07-15
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Given press reports of another government U-turn, does the Home Secretary still believe that the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain should be increased from five years to 10 years?
Context
Press reports suggest a U-turn on the indefinite leave to remain policy.
Shabana Mahmood
It has been settled Government policy since last summer that the qualifying period will rise from five years to 10 years. The Government are consulting on transitional arrangements and will come forward with a final decision later this year.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-13
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If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. The incident involved over 10,000 Muslims and the arrests of twelve individuals.
Context
An event in Suffolk faced a credible threat, leading to arrests for extreme right-wing terrorism.
Shabana Mahmood
The Home Secretary thanked Suffolk police, Counter Terrorism Policing, and organisers for their swift response to a credible threat. Twelve individuals have been arrested in an ongoing investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-13
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In response to my first question, there is no correlation between what the Minister says and what is happening on the ground. In Broadland and Fakenham, the number of apprenticeships has dropped by 20% from 150 down to 120. Despite stating that more apprenticeships are a good idea, why does he not sign up for 100,000 new ones and support the Conservative new deal for young people?
Context
The number of apprenticeships in Broadland and Fakenham dropped by 20% from 150 to 120 in the last year. There is a concern that government support for apprenticeships is not translating into actual opportunities on the ground.
Josh MacAlister
I think we should look at what people do, not what they say. This is a Government who are reversing the decline; apprenticeship starts by young people reduced by 40% under the previous Government. We are taking a range of steps, including supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and giving greater flexibility in the apprenticeship system, all to create an extra 50,000 opportunities for young people.
Session: Apprenticeships
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What steps her Department is taking to support apprenticeships for young people. I am concerned about the inconsistency between the Government's claims and reality; the number of apprenticeships has dropped in my constituency, from 150 down to 120. Despite stating that more apprenticeships are a good idea, why does he not sign up for 100,000 new ones and support the Conservative new deal for young people?
Context
The number of apprenticeships in Broadland and Fakenham dropped by 20% from 150 to 120 in the last year. There is a concern that government support for apprenticeships is not translating into actual opportunities on the ground.
Josh MacAlister
I think we should look at what people do, not what they say. This is a Government who are reversing the decline; apprenticeship starts by young people reduced by 40% under the previous Government. We are taking a range of steps, including supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and giving greater flexibility in the apprenticeship system, all to create an extra 50,000 opportunities for young people.
Session: Apprenticeships
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Last night, he and his Secretary of State ordered Labour Members to vote against the protection of rail discounts for veterans and their families. He told us that the Government have no plans to cancel veterans' railcards. At the last general election, Labour had no plans for a family farm tax or to raise our taxes—in fact, they had no plan for how to govern the country. Surely that is all the more reason to protect veterans in the Railways Bill, so why will the Secretary of State and the Minister not stand up for our brave veterans?
Context
The MP questions why the Government voted against protecting rail discounts for veterans in the Railways Bill.
Keir Mather
It is disappointing that the shadow Minister fails to recognise the fact that I confirmed at this Dispatch Box last night that none of the existing concessionary schemes for veterans are changing. More than that, we accepted a fantastic recommendation from a colleague on the other side of the House to increase the entitlements available for veterans and their families when attending Remembrance Sunday services. This Government are putting veterans and their families at the heart of our rail network.
Session: Passenger Rail Services
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Last night, the Secretary of State claimed that the arrival of the class 701s at South Western Railway was an example of what a nationalised railway could do. As she well knows, those trains were ordered back in 2017 by a private company from a private company, using private finance. Her only involvement was some garish vinyl wrap and to turn up and claim the credit, all while ordering Avanti West Coast and, now, Govia Thameslink to cut services to the public. She told us that nationalisation would be more than a paint job and that passengers would come first. Why has she done the exact opposite?
Context
The MP criticises the Secretary of State for claiming credit for trains ordered by a private company.
Keir Mather
The trains that the shadow Minister references were sat in the sidings for years, underused, and have been brought into service by this Government. If he wants to improve the passenger experience and make sure that promoting the interests of passengers and future passengers on the railway is at the heart of how our system operates, he should have done the right thing and voted for the Railways Bill on Third Reading yesterday.
Session: Passenger Rail Services
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What steps will the Government take to address the issue where sentencing policies might not adequately punish offenders?
Context
Organised shoplifting is occurring with impunity. Police have identified suspects in more than a third of cases, but sentencing laws may allow for suspended sentences under 12 months.
Sarah Jones
We are making progress. We introduced new powers in the Crime and Policing Act 2026, and we are launching a centre for AI soon. Our focus is on targeting prolific offenders more effectively.
Session: Topical Questions
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Our economy needs access to oil. Last October, the Government announced that they were going to sanction Russian oil and jet fuel. Yesterday, they decided not to do so, on the same day that they banned new drilling in the North sea. Why do the Government support Putin's Russian oil, but not our UK oil?
Context
The question is about the inconsistency between government's previous announcement of sanctioning Russian oil and their decision not to do so, while banning new drilling in North Sea.
Chris Bryant
The thing about a Labrador is that when it has got hold of the wrong end of the stick, it is very difficult to get that stick back. A lot of hon. Members have got the wrong end of the stick about what we are doing. We are increasing the sanctions on Russian oil. Up until now, it has been perfectly possible to bring Russian oil products into the UK if they are processed elsewhere, without any impediment whatsoever. It is absolutely right that we are bringing that to an end.
Session: Topical Questions
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Pubs in my constituency will respond to that answer with disbelief. There were 74 pubs in my constituency at the last count—that may be an inaccurate figure now; it could have dropped—employing roughly 2,000 people, and on top of that there are cafés such as the Heydon Village Tea Room. They tell me that they are being crucified by the Government's policy of the jobs tax, the removal of business rates relief and the business rates revaluation, and to top it off there is now talk of an overnight levy for pubs with rooms. Why do the Government not want pubs and hospitality to thrive in Broadland and Fakenham?
Context
There are currently 74 pubs in the constituency employing roughly 2,000 people. The business rates revaluation and removal of business rates relief have negatively impacted these establishments.
Kate Dearden
We absolutely want pubs and our hospitality sector to thrive. They are the backbone of our communities and often provide people's first job. That is why they are so vital to our high streets, to the hon. Member's constituency and to our local communities. As he will know, pubs in particular have been under huge pressure in recent years. Their numbers have fallen by nearly 7,000 since 2010—a roughly 15% reduction and among the highest across hospitality overall. That is why, since April, every pub and live music venue will have 15% off their new business rates bill, on top of the support announced at the Budget. We know that we continuously need to support our pubs and the wider industry. That is why I work really closely with the Hospitality Sector Council and with publicans and pubs all across the country, to understand how we can better support them, and I will continue to do so.
Session: Pubs Broadland and Fakenham
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What steps he is taking to support pubs in Broadland and Fakenham constituency.
Kate Dearden
Pubs such as The Crown and the Running Horse in the hon. Member’s constituency are a real asset, bringing people together and supporting community life. They are now benefiting from a 15% reduction in their business rates bill, with bills frozen in real terms for a further two years. Around three quarters of pubs will see their bills stay the same or fall, saving the average pub around £1,650 this year. Going even further, the Government are launching a review of how pubs are valued for business rates. The hospitality support fund has been increased to £10 million, to support businesses, including pubs, to invest, grow and remain resilient.
Session: Pubs Broadland and Fakenham
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If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.
Context
The question is about the Minister's departmental responsibilities.
Peter Kyle
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for not ruining my moment to shine. I told the House that I would be an activist, interventionist champion for business. I am very pleased to say that later today, the Chancellor will announce funding for two of our foundational sectors: ceramics and chemicals. She will set out more detail to the House shortly, but I can say that we are working with industry and experts to provide the targeted intervention that those sectors need. Today's business tells the story: this Government stand with British business when it comes to creating the resilient and growing economy that this country deserves.
Session: Topical Questions
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If cutting jury trials is to reduce the backlog, why is there not a sunset clause that would allow for the restoration of full jury trials once the backlog is reduced?
Context
The Justice Secretary's proposal to cut jury trials aims at reducing the backlog. The question seeks clarity on whether there will be a sunset clause.
David Lammy
If the hon. Gentleman had listened during the Second Reading debate, he would have heard me say that demand in the system is up. Police arrests are 10% up. For all those reasons, alongside the backlog that we inherited from the Conservative Government, it is important that we put in place reform that is sustainable for the long term, and that is why there is not a sunset clause.
Session: Jury Trials
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When are the Government finally going to realise that those job losses and business closures are not happening despite the work of the Government, they are happening because of it?
Context
Six hospitality venues are closing every day due to national insurance tax rises and additional costs of the Employment Rights Act 2025.
Kate Dearden
This Government are restoring stability and rebuilding opportunity for people. Hospitality thrives when the economy grows, wages rise, and people have more money to spend. We are reforming the broken system of business rates and building a better support system for businesses, so they can thrive and support all employment, particularly for our young people.
Session: Hospitality Sector
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What steps his Department is taking to support the hospitality sector?
Context
The hospitality sector is facing significant challenges and the MP is concerned about the steps the government is taking to support it.
Kate Dearden
The Government have significantly increased the hospitality support fund, providing £10 million over three years to help hospitality businesses become more resilient. We have permanently reduced business rates for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties, benefiting 750,000 properties. We are also beginning cross-Government work on a high streets strategy, developed with businesses and representatives, to be published later this year.
Session: Hospitality Sector
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The Minister answered a question about unemployment by giving data about employment. By how much has general unemployment increased since July 2024?
Context
The MP questions the government's data on unemployment, specifically inquiring about the increase since July 2024.
Pat McFadden
I did talk about unemployment. As I said, the unemployment figures are lower, on average, than when the hon. Gentleman's party was in power. We are, of course, doing everything we can to help people into work, which is why I referred to the measures that we are taking, including the youth guarantee and increased apprenticeship starts.
Session: Unemployment
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A number of my constituents have been in touch about being unable to book driving test appointments. These delays affect training, education, and job opportunities. Will the Minister outline specific steps her Department is taking to reduce the backlog at test centres in Scotland?
Context
The MP mentioned constituents unable to book test appointments, impacting training, education, and employment opportunities.
Lilian Greenwood
Like my hon. Friend, I understand learners need access to driving tests for jobs and training. Booking system changes, continued recruitment, and extra tests through overtime schemes will benefit learners across Great Britain, including those in Scotland.
Session: Driving Test Waiting Times
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Does the Minister accept that removing the cheapest fares in pursuit of a political slogan is not always in the best interests of the travelling public?
Context
There are concerns that recent changes in rail fares following nationalisation have led to higher costs for passengers, contradicting claims of simplification.
Keir Mather
Better late than never, Mr Speaker. The shadow Minister is becoming exercised about rail fares now, but fares rose by 60% between 2010 and 2014 under his Government, and there was an £850 million strike cost to the taxpayer. For the first time in 30 years, we are freezing rail fares so that passengers can have money back in their pocket and continue to use the railway. If the shadow Minister wants to bring down costs for passengers in the long term, the only way is to get behind our move to create Great British Railways.
Session: Rail Fare Affordability
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Is this going to be another U-turn from the Government, or can the Minister take this opportunity to put those rumours to rest by saying from the Dispatch Box that the scope, funding and timeframe for Northern Powerhouse Rail are not going to be changed?
Context
Rumors suggest the government may be reconsidering Northern Powerhouse Rail due to perceived instability in northern mayoralties.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Keir Mather)
This Government are committed to levelling up our railway across the United Kingdom, including in the north of England. We will put passenger experience and affordable fares at the very heart of what Great British Railways seeks to do.
Session: Passenger Rail Services
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But it is not just LNER, is it? We have also heard worrying accounts about Greater Anglia and c2c, shortly after they have been nationalised. The Government say that fare simplification is one of their key objectives; fair enough, but there are increasing numbers of accounts of discounted tickets being removed in the name of fare simplification. How will the Secretary of State prevent the fare simplification process from turning into just the removal of discounts?
Context
Worries have been raised about the removal of discounts in the name of fare simplification on Greater Anglia and c2c, shortly after they were nationalised.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
As we extend contactless ticketing, passengers will benefit from simpler, more flexible travel, and the majority of single tickets will be the same price or even lower. We do not want this positive change to have any perverse impacts, so we will monitor it as it beds in.
Session: Rail Fares
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What assessment he has made of the potential impact of Government policies on the economy in Northern Ireland?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the economic policies' effectiveness in Northern Ireland, especially regarding productivity and support for workers, families, and businesses.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
Northern Ireland’s economy is one of the strongest of any part of the United Kingdom: it has the lowest unemployment and its economic growth outpaced the rest of the UK in the year ending the second quarter of 2025. That performance is being supported by this Government’s policies, including significant investment in economic development and a record settlement for the Executive.
Session: Economic Impact of Government Policies
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Can the Foreign Secretary demonstrate that she really is in charge by telling us the precise instructions that she gave Mr Powell before he met the Chinese Foreign Minister four days ago?
Context
A rumour circulating that the Foreign Secretary is not in charge of decisions related to China, questioning her authority after a meeting with Jonathan Powell.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Yvette Cooper)
As the hon. Member will know, a planning process is under way; it is quasi-judicial, so I cannot cut across it. In January, as Home Secretary, I and the former Foreign Secretary, my right hon. Friend the Member for Tottenham (Mr Lammy), wrote a letter during the planning process, setting out a number of national security considerations that required resolution before a decision could be made. Further updates will follow on that.
Session: China Threat to UK Interests
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What assessment has been made with Cabinet colleagues of recent trends in levels of economic growth in Scotland? The latest growth figures in Scotland have been terrible—just 0.2%—and are even worse than Labour’s figures for England at 0.3%. What has been more damaging to the Scottish economy: SNP policies in Holyrood, or Labour policies here in Whitehall?
Context
The question arises from recent trends showing poor economic growth figures in Scotland, particularly the latest figure of just 0.2%.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Kirsty McNeill)
Despite the UK economy being forecast to be the second fastest growing G7 economy this year, and despite private companies such as Iberdrola investing £10 billion in Scotland’s energy sector alone, there is more to do. The recently published Muscatelli report shows that under the SNP, economic growth has been ignored, and the unique potential of communities across Scotland has been held back. That is why today the Chancellor will set out a Budget to boost economic growth in each and every part of the UK.
Session: Economic Growth
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Welsh farming is central to the Welsh economy. However, it faces a double whammy from the sustainable farming scheme and inheritance tax changes. Over 85% of active farms in Wales face IHT bills that exceed their incomes, spelling economic disaster. Why is Labour deaf to farmers' voices?
Context
The National Farmers' Union Wales reports that over 85% of active farms in Wales will have IHT bills exceeding their income, posing an economic disaster.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Anna McMorrin)
Our reforms aim to strike a fair balance, fixing our public finances after Conservative chaos while maintaining support for families and farms. The majority of those claiming agricultural property relief will not be affected by the changes.
Session: Farmers Inheritance Tax
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What assessment has she made of the level of threat China poses to UK interests? In her former role, the Foreign Secretary wrote to the Planning Inspectorate raising no objections to the Chinese super-embassy application. She did not mention any concerns about secret basements or proximity to key data cables in London. Does she now regret this previous lack of action?
Context
MP references the former Foreign Secretary's detailed assessment of threats from China, including espionage and cyber-attacks. He also mentions concerns about a Chinese super-embassy application that the current Foreign Secretary previously supported without raising security issues.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Yvette Cooper)
The Government takes robust measures to ensure security through various means. The planning process is independent and follows its established procedures.
Session: China Assessment of Threat Level
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How many working days have been impacted by strikes in the civil service since July 2024. Now, even its staff have a strike mandate; they are refusing to attend work even for two days a week. What are the Government doing to enforce attendance levels at work? When does he think the ONS will find time to report on it?
Context
Since July 2024, there have been significant numbers of working days lost due to civil service strikes. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates that 36,000 working days were lost in the public administration and defence sector between July 2024 and August 2025.
Nick Thomas-Symonds, Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
Attendance levels are certainly important. However, the hon. Gentleman has got some chutzpah because under the previous Prime Minister—the UK lost more days due to strike action than France did. We will work in partnership with trade unions to avoid unnecessary disruption.
Session: Civil Service Strikes
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What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the spending review 2025 on economic growth in Scotland? The jobs tax has decimated business confidence and seen unemployment rise. Along with Budget impacts on Scotch whisky, family farms, oil and gas industry, hospitality, entertainment, and business confidence—the Scottish Hospitality Group said it does nothing to support the sector.
Context
Jerome Mayhew questioned the impact of the government's spending review on Scotland, citing concerns about business confidence, unemployment rise, and sector-specific impacts such as Scotch whisky, family farms, oil and gas industry, hospitality, entertainment, and overall economic growth.
The Secretary of State for Scotland (Ian Murray)
Under this Government, it is the working people of Scotland who will feel the benefit of economic growth. We have given the largest settlement in the history of the Scottish Government—£14 billion extra. The stability in the economy has enabled four interest rate cuts, meaning cheaper mortgages for home owners. Fuel duty is frozen, meaning 3 million Scots motorists pay less at the pump. The minimum wage is up, meaning a pay rise for 200,000 of the lowest-paid Scots—[Interruption.] That deserves a large cheer, because it is for the lowest-paid Scots.
Session: Spending Review 2025 Economic Growth
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The Government know that bus franchising is commercially risky and very expensive for any local authority. We know that because Transport for London costs taxpayers £650 million a year in subsidy, and Andy Burnham’s Bee Network in Greater Manchester is currently on course for an annual deficit of £226 million, when its business plan was for a forecast profit. What is the point of giving risky franchising powers to every local authority in the country when the Government do not provide the money to support them?
Context
The costs associated with implementing a full bus franchise model are significant, and local authorities may not have the necessary funds to support such initiatives.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
I will not take any lectures from the Conservatives under whose watch we saw 300 million fewer bus miles. As I have explained to the hon. Gentleman in Committee and in various exchanges, the full fat franchising—as it is commonly known—in Greater Manchester is only one kind of franchising available to local authorities.
Session: Local Bus Services
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The Minister seems to be in denial. As a former entrepreneur, I visit lots of businesses in my constituency, and I talk to them about their fears. Not a single one has anything positive to say about the Employment Rights Bill—indeed, they are concerned that it will reduce employment, not increase it, and it has been estimated that it will increase costs by more than £5 billion. The Minister has been asked this before, so he has had a lot of time to think about it: can he name a single business that publicly supports the Employment Rights Bill?
Context
The Employment Rights Bill is expected to increase costs for businesses. Previous questions have asked about business support.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Justin Madders)
I can certainly name a number. I also refer the hon. Member to Hansard on Tuesday 11 March, column 953, where I named a small business. A number of other businesses have been in support: Centrica, Co-op, Richer Sounds, Nationwide, Adept, One+All, Pedal Me, Inkwell—there are many businesses that we talk to on a regular basis and that understand that treating staff well is a good thing for those businesses. It is a pro-growth, pro-worker measure.
Session: Employment Costs
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Perhaps the Secretary of State did not understand the nature of the offer from Greater Anglia. It was not expecting to be bought out; it was offering to continue its current arrangements for a couple of years. In a previous answer, the Secretary of State said to me that the benefit of rail nationalisation will be the £150 million of efficiency savings. Let’s see how that is going. Her first nationalisation will be South Western Railway in two weeks’ time. That new service will need trains, yet The Telegraph has revealed that inept contract negotiations by her Department, where there was no effective competition, mean that the cost of re-leasing the same trains is increasing by £250 million over five years. Are those the efficiency savings she had in mind?
Context
The MP questions the cost effectiveness of re-leasing trains for South Western Railway, challenging the claim of efficiency savings.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
The up to £150 million of savings that the taxpayer can enjoy as a result of train operating companies coming back into public ownership are the saved management fees that we are currently paying to private sector operators, and efficiencies will be delivered on top of that.
Session: Economic Growth
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Greater Anglia supports economic growth in the east of England with modern, quiet, fast trains, paid for by £2 billion of private sector investment. Its service is the most punctual in the country, it is popular with its passengers, and it is run so efficiently that instead of costing the taxpayer, it pays money into the Treasury. It is currently train operator of the year. Greater Anglia knows that nationalisation is coming, and it has offered to extend its operations to allow the Government to focus on the worst performing operators first. Why did the Government refuse? Is the Secretary of State focused on improving the lives of passengers, or is it an ideological determination to put the unions back in charge of the railways?
Context
The MP asks why the government refused an offer from Greater Anglia to extend its operations, questioning whether the focus is on improving passenger lives or ideological motivations.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
I really do not know how many times I have to say this to the hon. Gentleman. I met him a couple of days ago, and I explained that our process for bringing train operating companies into public ownership is designed to offer best value for money to the taxpayer. We will not be buying out failing private sector operators by breaking contracts early. He is right to say that Greater Anglia provides an excellent service, and I am confident we will build on that when it comes into public ownership in October.
Session: Economic Growth
View All Questions -->
The latest experiment in nationalisation has shown in just two years that state inefficiency has pushed up costs—not reduced them—by £600 million, forcing fares to rise, alongside an increase in delays, a slump in customer satisfaction, and cuts, instead of improvements, to services. The data shows that in England, Greater Anglia has been the best performing operator, saving money for taxpayers while serving passengers with modern, punctual trains. The Secretary of State is about to launch a public consultation on nationalisation—one that has been as delayed as ScotRail trains. I am told that even the plan to publish it today has been further delayed, with the excuse of No. 10 on the line. If the Secretary of State consults, she has to be prepared to listen. Will she now listen to the deep concerns of the rail industry, and not just the ever-generous unions, and avoid another disastrous nationalisation?
Context
The Member pointed out that nationalization in Scotland led to increased costs and delays.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
I assure the hon. Gentleman that the consultation on establishing Great British Railways is coming soon, and I look forward to discussing it further with him. I am confident that by bringing together the management of track and train, we can strip out duplication in our railways, provide better value for the taxpayer and ensure that trains are turning up on time, with reliable and punctual services.
Session: Cost of Rail Services
View All Questions -->
I am very interested by that last answer, because the Government do think that nationalisation will reduce the cost of rail travel. What lessons has the Secretary of State learned from the SNP’s nationalisation of ScotRail?
Context
The Member questioned the benefits of nationalization based on the Scottish experience with ScotRail.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
We will be increasing value for money in the way we operate our railways. To start off with, we will be getting rid of up to £100 million a year in management fees that we are currently paying out of the public purse to the train operating companies. We are determined to drive up performance on our railways and give better value for money to the taxpayer.
Session: Cost of Rail Services
View All Questions -->
What steps he plans to take to help reduce employment costs. The president of the Confederation of British Industry recently said that, because of things like the Employment Rights Bill, employers will be laying people off and will be less likely to employ, and that is before the national insurance tax on employment imposed by this Government. Does the Minister accept responsibility for the increase in unemployment that we are already seeing?
Context
The question arises from concerns over rising employment costs due to government policies such as the Employment Rights Bill and national insurance tax, which have reportedly caused employers to consider layoffs and hiring freezes.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Justin Madders)
I think it is something of a stretch to say that a Bill that is not even law yet, most of the provisions of which will not come into force until next year, is driving unemployment already. I quote back to him what the head of the CBI said yesterday about our growth plan. He said: “This positive leadership and a…vision to kickstart the economy and boost productivity is welcome.”
Session: Employment Costs
View All Questions -->
Will the Secretary of State match the previous government’s £8 billion allocation for road maintenance? As we have seen with recent flooding causing potholes and road damage, changing weather patterns are worsening this problem. The last Government allocated an additional £8 billion for road improvements from cancelling HS2, yet Labour is only committing to £1.8 billion.
Context
The last Government allocated an additional £8 billion for road improvements, paid for by cancelling the northern leg of HS2. Labour's current commitment is only £1.8 billion.
Heidi Alexander (The Secretary of State for Transport)
We are more than matching previous government commitments; Labour’s funding commitment is an additional £500 million, unlike the fantasy figures from the Conservative Government.
Session: Road Maintenance
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Farmland Flooding
15 January 2025
Responding: Emma Hardy
Main Concerns
["Seventy four per cent of the total floodplain in the United Kingdom is agricultural land, with more than 1,000 flood warnings for farmland last winter. The incidences of flooding are increasing, impacting farmers' ability to use their fields productively."]
Specific Asks
['The Government should continue to work with farmers and support them through initiatives like the farming recovery fund, which compensates farmers for uninsured losses due to flooding.']
Dental Healthcare: East Anglia
11 December 2024
Responding: Stephen Kinnock
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the significant problem of access to NHS dentists in East Anglia, where Norfolk is described as a 'Sahara of dental deserts'. The ratio of NHS dentists per 100,000 population has dropped from 39 to 36, while the national average increased to 53. There are only 17 full-time equivalent NHS dentists per 100,000 population in East Anglia, and the amount of money spent on dental treatment by the NHS is £39 per mouth compared to a national average of £66. Additionally, there were over 1,000 people presenting at NHS A&E with significant dental problems last year."]
Specific Asks
['I ask the Government to confirm whether additional dental training places will be made available by the Office for Students in 2025 and if there will be a regional allocation specifically for East Anglia. I also request that the Minister advocate to HM Treasury regarding the negative impact of national insurance contributions on struggling NHS practices.']
Financial Education in Schools
06 September 2023
Responding: Nick Gibb
Main Concerns
['The MP is concerned about the lack of financial education provided to children, citing personal experience and academic research. He mentions that habits form by age seven, and that many adults wish they had better financial education during the cost of living crisis. The MP highlights a correlation between financial education received in childhood and later earning capability and pension savings. Additionally, he notes the significant impact on mental health due to financial stress and the loss of productivity for individuals experiencing such stress.']
Specific Asks
['The MP asks the government to actively support a campaign to increase awareness of financial education as part of the national curriculum in England, develop improved teaching assets, facilitate access for external providers, and mandate schools to provide financial education if they are not doing so voluntarily.']
Local Government Reorganisation
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Investment Plan
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Pathways Study: Puberty Suppression
22 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Compassionate Use Medicine Schemes: VAT
11 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...
Lebanon: Israel Defence Forces Operations
03 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs to make a statement on the Israel Defence Forces’ operations in Lebanon. Emphasised that the IDF is expanding its i...
High Speed 2 Reset
19 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Debate on the Address
13 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Lord Mandelson Humble Address: Government Response Update
27 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
23 April 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The DVLA is not fit for purpose in how it delivers its responsibilities, particularly regarding medical driving licences. Last year alone, the agency issued over 12 million driving licences and handle...
Permanent Post Office in Fakenham
17 June 2025
Residents of Fakenham and surrounding villages need a permanent Post Office to meet the community's needs for cash access and postal services.
View Full Petition -->
Permanent Post Office in Fakenham
14 May 2025
The petition addresses the absence of a permanent Post Office in Fakenham, a large town in Broadland and Fakenham constituency, for over five years, along with the closure of high street banks, which ...
View Full Petition -->
Fakenham Swimming Pool
24 October 2024
The petition addresses the need for adequate exercise facilities in Fakenham, particularly a new swimming pool, following the closure of the previous one.
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
67.4%
64 of 95 votes
Aye Votes
36
37.9% of votes
No Votes
28
29.5% of votes
Abstentions
31
32.6% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
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: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
8
PMQs Asked
132
Ministerial Questions Asked
185
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
3
Petitions Presented
95
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
+119% above average
This MP:
8
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+885% above average
This MP:
132
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3707% above average
This MP:
185
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
+22% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-3% below average
This MP:
67.4
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 Jerome Mayhew's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.