Joe Robertson
MP for Isle of Wight East
Con
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that the scheme is administered properly and mistakes are cut out, and would she consider meeting me to explore the issues raised by my constituent's case?
Context
Stan, a constituent, is facing endless delays due to poor administration of the scheme, causing further stress to his family. The Minister's predecessor worked on improving the scheme.
Louise Haigh
The Government has done considerable work to improve the scheme, setting out reforms and new statutory instruments. The Minister will ask her noble Friend to meet the hon. Member and his constituent to consider the experience and how to improve the system.
Session: Infected Blood Compensation Scheme 2026-09-10
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Will the Minister confirm that the visitor economy growth strategy will consider the harm caused by the new tourism tax, and say when it will be published?
Context
Oxford Economics estimates that the overnight visitor levy will lead to a £1.8 billion reduction in spending and a decrease in tax receipts.
Stephanie Peacock
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, who I know is a huge champion for his constituency, and indeed on this subject. We are committed to increasing visitor numbers—he will have heard my answer to the previous question on the overnight levy, and there is a strong case for any money raised to be reinvested in tourism. As I said, I was in Blackpool last week speaking to tourism industry leaders and businesses, and far from the doom and gloom that the hon. Member alludes to, I witnessed a great deal of hope, hard work and dynamism.
Session: Tourism Industry 2026-09-03
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I am sure he understands that the world did not start in 2016, and I will not be told by anyone how to best represent my constituents, or what I can or cannot say. The dynamic of when dynamic pricing was introduced prior to 2010 is important, and evidence about this needs to be factored into ongoing work.
Context
The MP has received a letter from the MCA restricting what he can discuss regarding evidence on ticketing and reliability issues for cross-Solent ferry services.
Keir Mather
The hon. Gentleman of course knows best how to represent his constituents on these important matters. I believe that the dynamic he is pointing to is the dynamic of when dynamic pricing was introduced prior to 2010, and the need to be able to compare and contrast the impact of that on pricing. Evidence about that is of course important, and I hope it is factored into the ongoing work.
Session: Maritime Sector 2026-07-16
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Young people are struggling to find their first job due to high taxes on part-time work, air passengers, and ferry passengers. Will the Minister recommit to the Government's target of 50 million international visitors by 2030, and will she tell the Chancellor to cut these taxes?
Context
High taxes on tourism are impacting visitor numbers and the economy. The government has not addressed these issues adequately.
Stephanie Peacock
I will take no lessons from the hon. Gentleman regarding his party's previous policies, and I have committed to increasing visitor numbers.
Session: Tourism and Leisure
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The Government's tax regime is putting a strain on the tourism sector, with high national insurance rates, taxes on part-time work, air passengers, and ferry passengers. Will the Minister recommit to the target of 50 million international visitors by 2030 and urge the Chancellor to cut these taxes?
Context
High taxes are impacting the UK's tourism sector, including increased national insurance rates and new taxes on part-time work. An overnight visitor levy is proposed.
Stephanie Peacock
I will take no lessons from the hon. Gentleman regarding his party's previous policies, and I have committed to increasing visitor numbers. I wish him not to talk down our tourism industry.
Session: Tourism and Leisure
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Coastguard rescue officers are brave men and women who work on the frontline to save lives, keep our coastline safe and, at times, arrive on the scene of small boat crossings. It is therefore shameful that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has decided to strip them of the small payment they receive and rehire them as unpaid volunteers. Will the Minister meet me, my constituent Martin Groom and other brave frontline CROs to discuss a way forward and save the coastguard as we know it from collapse?
Context
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has decided to strip coastguard rescue officers of small payments they receive, rehiring them as unpaid volunteers. This could lead to the collapse of the current structure.
Keir Mather
I would be happy to meet the hon. Member, with whom I work productively on a number of issues in this space. He will be aware that the MCA is responding to a Court of Appeal judgment that made it clear that the current arrangement could not legally continue. We believe that protecting volunteering preserves one of the most valuable forms of public service, which he outlines. I look forward to working with him to support those volunteers.
Session: Topical Questions
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The crisis in social care is particularly bad in my constituency on the Isle of Wight, partly because of our unique geography but also because the Government have reduced funding to our local authority. Our council is now looking at discharging patients to the mainland, away from family and friends, which is completely unacceptable. Will the Government recognise our unique challenges as an English island and help provide a social care solution that recognises the challenges we face?
Context
The crisis in social care is particularly bad on the Isle of Wight due to unique geography and reduced funding.
Stephen Kinnock
The hon. Member and I have discussed this issue, and I absolutely recognise the need to ensure that social care is provided in the most convenient way possible to his constituents and as close as possible to home. Obviously we are fixing a broken system, but we have delivered £4.6 billion more in funding, we are delivering the fair pay agreement, and we are working hard to ensure that we get adult social care back on its feet and fit for the future.
Session: Topical Questions
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Oh dear. My question was about how many prisoners have been released in error under this Government, and the Minister does not seem to know the answer. That is okay, as I can tell him. It is 441, which over a two-year period is the worst on record.
Context
The MP is referencing a specific number of prisoners released in error and criticising the government for not providing an answer.
Jake Richards
That question is a very good example of someone not listening to my answer but assuming that he had. We will release the data for this very serious and important issue, as we should, in due course.
Session: Prisoner Releases in Error
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Drinks producers warn that, because of the UK Government's decision to allow Wales to include glass in a deposit return scheme, there is the threat of up to 90% of products being removed from shelves. Why have the Government taken the decision to allow a United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020 exclusion that threatens jobs and consumer choice, and that will require unique Welsh labelling—all at a time when Wales already recycles 92% of glass at the kerbside?
Context
Drinks producers warn that the UK Government's decision to allow Wales to include glass in a deposit return scheme may lead to up to 90% of products being removed from shelves. This could threaten jobs and consumer choice in the UK.
Jo Stevens
We have worked closely with the devolved Governments on a UK-wide DRS, and now have alignment across the UK on including polyethylene terephthalate plastics and metals in a DRS with the launch date of October 2027, which is good news for business. We considered the Welsh Government's exclusion proposal, in line with our commitments under the 2025 review of the UK Internal Market Act, and in doing so engaged with businesses and environmental stakeholders across the UK. We believe that the Act exclusion that we have agreed, in response to the Welsh Government, is the most pragmatic way that we can protect trade and support growth in the UK.
Session: Economic Growth
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I thank the Secretary of State for that answer. As we mark the fourth anniversary of the illegal invasion of Ukraine, we salute the fortitude and bravery of the Ukrainian people. As we see conflicts open up elsewhere in the world, particularly the current situation in the middle east, how do we ensure that Ukraine continues to receive all the support it needs to determine its own future, and that the future of the Ukrainian people does not slip down the agenda, leading to another frozen conflict?
Context
Concerns over Ukraine's ongoing needs and the possibility of conflicts elsewhere drawing attention away from Ukraine.
Yvette Cooper
The hon. Member is exactly right to raise the importance of continuing our focus on Ukraine. This is about our security, as well as Ukraine's security. That is why last week I announced additional support for Ukraine's energy infrastructure and additional sanctions to keep the pressure on Russia, particularly on its oil and gas system and its shadow fleet. That is why we are also continuing to provide Ukraine with significant military support. We will stand with Ukraine today, tomorrow and for as long as it takes.
Session: Support for Ukraine
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While the Secretary of State talks about support for youth services, it offers little consolation to young people who cannot get a job due to increased youth unemployment under this Government. Will she relay this message to the Chancellor?
Context
The MP criticises the government for rising youth unemployment, stating that young people are struggling to find jobs under current policies.
Lisa Nandy
This generation of young people was let down by the Conservative Party for many years, but we are now back in control and ensuring that 1 million young NEETs have guaranteed work, education or training as a right.
Session: Universal Youth Services
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The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has compared GPs' salaries to that of the Prime Minister. I can understand why he is taking a keen interest in how much a Prime Minister is paid, but can the Government assure the House that the GP contract will include an increase in GP funding over and above inflationary pressures?
Context
The Secretary of State's comparison of GP salaries to the Prime Minister led to questions about ensuring adequate funding for GPs.
Ashley Dalton
I am not entirely sure what any of that has to do with wellbeing indicators—
Session: National Wellbeing Indicators
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Hard-working men and women in the coastguard, such as Bembridge resident Martin Groom, do vital work securing our borders, including, in some cases, intercepting small boats. The coastguard treats them as volunteers, but the Court of Appeal has disagreed and said that they are workers. Will the Government do the right thing and afford them all the rights, protections and fair payment that their worker status entails? The security of our nation relies on them.
Context
The coastguard treats volunteers as volunteers, but the Court of Appeal has disagreed and said they are workers.
Keir Mather
The Government are currently considering the judgment handed down in the Groom case and the next steps that we will take with His Majesty's Coastguard. In the meantime, we are grateful for the contribution of volunteers across wider society.
Session: Topical Questions
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What economic assessment has been done to arrive at the figures of a 50% reduction in the emissions trading scheme levy on ferries crossing between Northern Ireland and Great Britain versus a 100% reduction for Scottish islands?
Context
The MP asked about the economic assessment behind the emissions trading scheme levy reductions for Northern Ireland, which contrasts with those given to Scotland.
Hilary Benn
The figures are based on the assessment that there are particular requirements for the Scottish islands in terms of services, access to essential care and so on. That is why that exemption has been applied for Scotland. The impact of this measure on trade between GB and Northern Ireland will be very small in light of the overall costs of moving goods and transportation.
Session: Economic Impact of Government Policies
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Last year, the Government sold our fishing rights in return for access to the EU’s Security Action for Europe defence fund, but they did not get a penny in return. The Prime Minister, who is in the Chamber, now says that he wants to renegotiate. Will the Secretary of State please explain what lessons he has learned from the failures in negotiations last year?
Context
The Government sold off fishing rights in exchange for access to the EU's SAFE defence fund but received no financial benefit. The Prime Minister now wants to renegotiate.
John Healey
The hon. Gentleman will recognise that, for the first time, we have in place a security and defence partnership agreement with the European Union. That is part of our stepping up our willingness to work with the European Union. He knows that the SAFE negotiations did not come to a successful conclusion. That was quite simply because it was not in the interests of the British taxpayer and the British defence industry. We will do a great deal more to support the wider security of the European Union and European nations through NATO.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps his Department is taking to support the hospitality sector. What the Minister does not say is that the Government have also taxed those businesses and made it harder to employ people, which is why there are 100,000 fewer people working in hospitality since her Government came to power. Hospitality businesses in my constituency are hanging on to one thread of hope: the vague assertion that the Government will look again at valuations. Will the Minister look again right now, scrap business rates for hospitality and back our high streets?
Context
The question is prompted by concerns about the impact of government policies on the hospitality industry, including business rates and employment challenges. Joe Robertson highlights that there are 100,000 fewer people working in hospitality since the current government came to power.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Kate Dearden)
Every high street in every corner of our country is supported by our hospitality industry. They are absolutely vital to our economy, supporting over 2 million jobs. The sector is really personal to me; my first job was in the hospitality industry, and I know that many Members across this House also have that personal connection. We are reversing the damage that Conservative Members did to our economy, and businesses still do not thank them for it. Nor do people whose wages under the previous Government simply did not give them the disposable income to spend in their local pubs, spend in their high streets and support restaurants. That is why we are reversing that, ensuring that people see a rise in their living standards, cutting costs for households and raising wages to boost and support our high streets. That is what we are absolutely focused on doing: rebalancing our economy so that it works for working people and businesses alike.
Session: Hospitality Sector
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The best thing the Government can do to support young people is to ensure they have jobs, but in the three months to October last year, unemployment for 18 to 24-year-olds rose by 85,000. What does the Secretary of State have to say to the Chancellor, who is over-taxing jobs, including for young people?
Context
The unemployment rate for young people aged 18 to 24 increased by 85,000 in the three months to October last year. Joe Robertson questions how this aligns with government policy.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
The hon. Gentleman is right that there are supply and demand issues facing young people seeking employment. The Chancellor is focused on creating good jobs in every part of the country. My right hon. Friend Pat McFadden recently announced a programme to specifically target 18 to 21-year-olds, ensuring they do not get written off at a young age.
Session: Improving Outcomes for Young People
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A study by the Health Foundation has found that the cost to the NHS of staff sickness and staff turnover is of the order of £12 billion a year. Will the Government’s new workforce plan cover the issue of excessive cost through the entirely avoidable turnover of staff?
Context
The Health Foundation study found that the cost to the NHS of staff sickness and staff turnover is about £12 billion a year.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
Yes, because those issues are a result of the shocking staff morale as a result of the policies of the hon. Gentleman’s Government. As highlighted by Lord Darzi, staff morale, and issues around staff sickness and the huge increase in agency spending on their watch, are all signs of a system that is not functioning for patients or staff. We absolutely will bring forward measures to address those issues.
Session: NHS 10-year Workforce Plan
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Tomorrow will mark a year to the day since the Government launched the plan for change, to great fanfare, with its milestones, its mission boards, and its dashboards that never materialised. We have now found out that the five mission boards have been deleted from the latest list of Cabinet Committees. Has there been any change at all from the plan for change?
Context
The question concerns the request made by a Labour party staff member for Lord Alli’s pass to No. 10 Downing Street and seeks clarity on who in the Labour Party signed off on this.
Darren Jones
I welcome the introduction of the plan for change to the debate today, and the hon. Gentleman will be as excited as I am about the promise of change being delivered: five interest rate cuts; mortgage rates coming down; wages growing faster than the cost of living; NHS waiting lists down not by 2 million, 3 million or 4 million, but by 5 million appointments; a better start in life for young people across the country—
Session: Topical Questions
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The Government have taken responsibility for SEND funding away from local authorities such as the Isle of Wight council, but they cannot explain where the money is coming from. Surely the Secretary of State understands how concerned parents are up and down the country. She can reassure them right now and explain where the money is coming from, or is she, in fact, planning cuts?
Context
Parents are concerned about the removal of SEND funding from local authorities and its source.
Bridget Phillipson
I recognise the very real worry that parents across the country have about the system of support for children with SEND, which the hon. Gentleman and the Conservative party left on its knees. He would do well to reassure parents, not to scaremonger. I suggest that he goes away from here, reads the Budget document and what the OBR has to say, and does not listen to those on his Front Bench.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Isle of Wight Youth Trust is set to lose £200,000-worth of funding by the end of the financial year. Early support hubs will lose funding across the country, and up to half of those surveyed say that they may have to close services. Will the Secretary of State speak to cross-departmental colleagues to ensure that bridge funding is put in place so no young person loses out?
Context
The Isle of Wight Youth Trust is set to lose £200,000-worth of funding by the end of the financial year. Up to half of the 24 surveyed said that they may close services.
Lisa Nandy
Our forthcoming national youth strategy will meet our pledge to ensure that there is no reduction in youth funding and that every pound is spent better, with a particular focus on rebuilding those places and spaces that have been allowed to fall into disrepair or have been lost. On the particular issue that the hon. Gentleman raises, I appreciate that it is urgent. I am happy to take it away with the Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, my hon. Friend the Member for Barnsley South (Stephanie Peacock), and to ensure that we get the hon. Gentleman a proper reply.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Secretary of State has failed to end industrial action like he said he would. How is that helping to reduce waiting lists?
Context
The Secretary of State previously promised to end industrial action but has not yet done so, raising concerns about the impact on reducing waiting lists.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
Industrial action sets back our progress on waiting lists, but frankly, the Conservatives presided over an absolute mess—not just over the course of 14 years, when waiting lists rose every single year during the Conservatives’ time in power, but in their catastrophic mishandling of industrial relations. We came in, and we settled with the British Medical Association—[Interruption.]
Session: NHS Waiting Lists
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What steps she is taking to help improve the integration of public transport in the Isle of Wight East constituency. Does the Minister accept that public transport will never be truly integrated for the Isle of Wight while it continues to rely on unregulated, unlicensed ferry services owned by private equity groups making bumper profits?
Context
MP Joe Robertson is advocating for improved public transport integration in the Isle of Wight East constituency, highlighting concerns about ferry services.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Keir Mather)
Again, the hon. Member makes a powerful point on behalf of his constituents—it is right to be frustrated by the affordability and reliability of ferry services to the Isle of Wight. I agree that urgent action needs to be taken to resolve the issues that he and his parliamentary colleagues are campaigning on. That is why it is incredibly important that we get a cross-Solent chair in place quickly, so that they can grip this issue.
Session: Public Transport Integration Isle of Wight East
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Will the Leader of the House consider setting aside Government time for a debate on regenerating coastal communities, so that we can properly consider issues facing towns like Sandown on the Isle of Wight?
Context
Concerns about transport connectivity, pressure on tourism, derelict buildings and declining high streets in coastal towns like Sandown.
Alan Campbell
I endorse what the hon. Gentleman has said and if people want to see fantastic regeneration in action, they should come to Whitley Bay. This is an issue replicated across the country and I am sure that a debate on the issue, if he sought one from the Backbench Business Committee, would be timely.
Session: Business of the House
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According to the British Retail Consortium, the Chancellor’s last Budget caused a £7 billion cost to retail, leading to shop closures, declining high streets and job losses. If the Chancellor will not acknowledge the damage she has caused, how will she go about rectifying it? Can I recommend that she starts with the 100% business rate relief put forward by the shadow Chancellor?
Context
The British Retail Consortium claims the Chancellor's last Budget caused a £7 billion cost to retail, leading to shop closures and job losses. Joe Robertson is concerned about these impacts.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
I thank the hon. Gentleman for that question. In his own constituency in the Isle of Wight, the six-monthly waiting list figures show that 5% fewer people are waiting for 18 weeks or longer. That is only possible because of the money we put into the NHS because of the tax changes we made. On retail sales and the impact on shops, retail sales have increased for the last four months in a row, with the most recent numbers for August and September outpacing expectations.
Session: Employer National Insurance Contributions Business Impact
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The Government are restricting applications to the civil service fast stream summer internship programme in favour of those kids who they deem to be from working-class backgrounds. What does the Minister have to say to the children of hard-working nurses, police officers and teachers who will now not get the same opportunities because of decisions made by this Government?
Context
Discusses the civil service fast stream programme and its restrictions on applications to benefit working-class children, affecting those from other backgrounds.
Anna Turley (The Minister without Portfolio)
The fast stream programme is the No. 1 graduate employee scheme in the country with over 70,000 applicants for just 754 appointments. We are taking proactive decisions to ensure that people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds can take internships as the number of working-class people in the civil service is three times smaller than the broader UK workforce.
Session: Civil Service Recruitment
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The Attorney General has claimed we need the European convention on human rights and the European Court to solve the illegal migration crisis—an extraordinary claim. How will the Minister explain, therefore, how Australia managed its migration problems and how the US is managing our Rwanda plan outside this convention?
Context
The Attorney General's claim that the European convention on human rights is necessary to solve the illegal migration crisis sparked a debate about alternative approaches.
The Minister for Border Security and Asylum (Alex Norris)
The hon. Gentleman heard the Home Secretary’s point on the convention, but it is clear that gimmicks such as Rwanda do not work—£700 million for merely four volunteers to go. What works is effective processing, quick decisions and quick removals. That is what we will get under this Government, and it is what we do not get from those who carp from the Opposition Benches.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps is the Minister taking to include ferry services in the integrated public transport strategy? The MP expressed concern over the lack of regulatory powers for local leaders, especially the new Mayor for Hampshire and the Solent, to integrate ferry services with mainland transportation systems. He cited an example where Red Funnel's ferries are older than the newly appointed maritime Minister, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this issue.
Context
The issue revolves around the inclusion and regulation of ferry services as part of an integrated public transport system, particularly focusing on the Isle of Wight.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Keir Mather)
The hon. Member speaks with passion about the state of ferry services in his constituency, an issue that I am keen to engage with him on further. The former maritime Minister was very engaged in this work. I will be meeting the hon. Gentleman next week alongside my hon. Friend the Member for Isle of Wight West (Mr Quigley) to take this conversation forward. On stakeholder engagement, local engagement is something I will be taking part in through the Department.
Session: Integrated Public Transport Strategy Ferries
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I have been campaigning to support victims of spiking. Following my meeting with the Solicitor General, her office's correspondence seems to miss the point and does not follow our conversation. The CPS is heavily quoted but fails to address the loophole in the law I've identified. Will she agree to meet again with me and representatives from the CPS to understand this issue?
Context
Robertson has been campaigning on spiking cases and had a meeting with the Solicitor General.
The Solicitor General
The hon. Member has done important work in this area. We met previously to discuss the potential for reckless spiking, and I entirely understand why he is concerned about that. The correspondence that we sent reflected that we had discussions with the CPS who felt that the circumstances he was concerned about were very unlikely to arise. However, I am more than happy to meet him again if he believes there are issues that need further clarification.
Session: Support for Victims of Crime
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The Minister talks about her 10-year health plan, with “Fit for the Future” splashed across the front cover, but really, it is a plan from “Back to the Future”, with no new ideas that have not been discussed since Alan Milburn tried to do this in the year 2000. It will only be successful if the Government deliver, but there is no detail in there on how they will deliver. Can the Minister help us: how will she deliver on the priorities, including preventive ill health? Where can we read the “how”, or is it all still fermenting in Ministers’ heads?
Context
The question challenges the effectiveness and detail of the government's plans for delivering preventative healthcare measures outlined in their 10-year health plan.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ashley Dalton)
We are already delivering. As I have said, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is making its way through Parliament at the moment. We are tackling the obesity crisis through tackling junk food advertising to children. We are working on school food standards, and we are also bringing in rules around planning for junk food establishments near schools. We are supporting people to make healthier choices when it comes to alcohol, and we are tackling air pollution, which particularly affects working-class communities. The list goes on and on, and I would be more than happy to give the hon. Member another list if he needs one.
Session: 10-Year Health Plan Prevention of Ill Health
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Given that the Government’s plan for change tracking dashboard is still in development, can I ask the Minister to include a column or facility to track all the U-turns—or, as the Government may prefer to call it, “The Changes to the Plan for Change (Subject to Change)”?
That way, the public can see where those U-turns have taken place, such as on winter fuel payments, the grooming gangs inquiry and welfare reform. It would also help Labour Back Benchers to keep up with the Government’s current position.
That way, the public can see where those U-turns have taken place, such as on winter fuel payments, the grooming gangs inquiry and welfare reform. It would also help Labour Back Benchers to keep up with the Government’s current position.
Context
MP asked about the inclusion of a column or facility to track all U-turns in the Government's plan for change tracking dashboard.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Pat McFadden)
I hear a cry for more delivery statistics, so let me help the hon. Member out. We have also recruited 1,500 new GPs, deported 30,000 people with no right to be here, and expanded free school meals to lift 100,000 children out of poverty. He is welcome.
Session: Plan for Change Tracking Dashboard
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The backlog of cases in the Isle of Wight coroner service is the worst in the country, causing pain and distress to too many families, some of whom are waiting 800 days to find out what is happening to their loved ones. Will the Minister offer any comment or support to those families, and will she agree to meet me to discuss how we deal with the problem of the Isle of Wight coroner?
Context
The backlog of cases in the Isle of Wight coroner service is causing pain and distress to families waiting for over 800 days.
Alex Davies-Jones
I thank the hon. Member for his engagement on this issue. He has written to me and we have had quite productive conversations about it. I recently met the chief coroner to discuss the specific issue on the Isle of Wight, because we know that the delays are causing untold turmoil to families in an already awful, traumatic process. I will happily meet the hon. Member to discuss a way forward, but I am reassured by the action being taken by the chief coroner to address the issue in the Isle of Wight directly.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Government may not be buying hotels, but it is filling them up with asylum seekers. The number has gone up in the past year, not down, yet the Government say that they will reduce them to zero by the end of this Parliament. Will the Minister confirm whether the commitment to end the use of asylum hotels by the end of this Parliament is a guaranteed pledge on which we can judge their success or failure—yes or no?
Context
The number of people in hotel accommodation for asylum seekers has increased despite the government's pledge to end the use of hotels by the end of this Parliament.
The Minister for Border Security and Asylum (Dame Angela Eagle)
By March this year, 15% fewer people were in hotel accommodation than at the end of 2024. We are saving money on the chaos that we inherited from the Conservatives, and we have announced that we will end the use of hotels by the end of this Parliament.
Session: Asylum Accommodation
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Earlier this week, I was unsuccessful in trying to amend the Government’s proposed new spiking law to ensure that reckless spiking is an offence. Will the Solicitor General meet me to discuss the challenges of prosecuting violent crime towards women and girls if the Government are unpersuaded to ensure that reckless spiking becomes illegal?
Context
The MP was unsuccessful in trying to amend the Government’s proposed new spiking law to ensure that reckless spiking is an offence.
The Solicitor General (Lucy Rigby)
I am more than happy to meet the hon. Member to discuss that issue. He will be pleased to know—indeed, he may well already know—that we introduced a new offence for spiking and that we have included new spiking training for up to 10,000 staff in the night-time economy to ensure they have the skills to support victims and prevent such incidents.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls Prosecution
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The Minister sounds unexpectedly optimistic, given that so many question marks remain over promises and aspirations for defence spending. Can she confirm the impact of handing over the Chagos islands and billions of pounds to Mauritius?
Context
The decision to hand over the Chagos islands and billions of pounds to Mauritius has raised questions about its impact on Wales.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Dame Nia Griffith)
I want to focus on the benefit for Wales from the defence budget; that is what these questions are about. This spending will bring the industry more jobs, and upgrade our military homes in Wales.
Session: Defence Spending Wales
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I welcome the Minister’s words on wanting a more joined-up Government, but I have concerns that the Department for Transport and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government are not working well enough together both generally and specifically on cross-Solent transport to the Isle of Wight. Will he encourage better joint working between those Departments, both generally and specifically for that most important issue for my constituents where clearly Local Government and Transport need to work together to create regulation to improve passenger experience?
Context
The MP expresses concerns about the lack of collaboration between the Department for Transport and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in relation to cross-Solent transport issues.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Pat McFadden)
The hon. Member makes a strong point. I spend every day encouraging Departments to work together, but he will have heard me say that departmental DNA is strong. He is right that if we want to achieve things, we must overcome departmental DNA sometimes and ensure that Departments work together to deliver good projects. That is exactly what we are trying to do.
Session: Joining Up Government
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Ministers across various Departments have repeatedly said that oil and gas is here to stay for many years. Issuing new North sea oil and gas licences would support tens of thousands of jobs, return millions in tax revenue to the Treasury and help to grow the Scottish economy. Why are the Government refusing to issue any new licences?
Context
The MP is concerned about the economic impact of not issuing new North sea oil and gas licences in Scotland.
The Secretary of State for Scotland (Ian Murray)
A consultation on Rosebank and Jackdaw is concluding, and the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero will report on it in due course. There is also the North sea transition consultation, which has concluded, as I mentioned earlier, and which will take into account all those issues. It will be published in due course.
Session: North Sea Oil and Gas Licences Economic Growth
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Together with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the previous Conservative Government invested £30 million in park tennis courts—2,500 of them all over the country, including in and around Hartlepool. That is to the benefit of local communities, so why are this Government not continuing that investment?
Context
The previous Conservative Government invested £30 million into park tennis court infrastructure across the country, including Hartlepool.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)
As I said, all future decisions are for the spending review. We are a very big supporter of the LTA’s work and are really pleased to see it, and would be happy to meet LTA to discuss it.
Session: Covered Tennis Courts Hartlepool
View All Questions -->
The Chancellor increased the cost of employing people in social care by raising national insurance contributions for social care employers, and then exempted NHS employers from those increased costs. When will this Government properly support social care and relieve the sector from pressures caused by the Chancellor under this Government?
Context
The Chancellor raised national insurance contributions for social care employers but exempted NHS employers, causing pressure on the social care sector.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
Thanks to the decisions taken by this Chancellor, we are putting £26 billion more into health and social care. Thanks to the decisions taken by this Chancellor, the spending power of local authorities has risen. Thanks to the decisions taken by this Chancellor, we have delivered the biggest expansion of carer’s allowance since the 1970s. Thanks to the decisions taken by this Chancellor, we have significantly increased the disabled facilities grant, not just last year but this year.
Session: Health and Social Care Reform
View All Questions -->
T7. National per pupil funding criteria are a blunt instrument for fairly funding schools in rural areas like mine on the Isle of Wight, which is also separated from the UK mainland by sea. Will the Minister meet me and representatives from the Isle of Wight council to discuss how fairer funding for Isle of Wight primary schools can be provided so that no more of them close unnecessarily?
Context
National per pupil funding criteria are not suitable for fairly funding schools in rural areas.
Catherine McKinnell
I appreciate the concerns raised. The Isle of Wight local authority is working to address issues around surplus primary places in the best way, but it will take time to look at funding challenges. I am more than happy to continue this discussion as the issue is very important.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Seasonal Hospitality Businesses in Coastal Areas
03 June 2026
Responding: Kate Dearden
Main Concerns
['The hospitality industry provides a significant portion of jobs and economic activity in coastal communities, particularly on the Isle of Wight where it accounts for 38% of economic activity. Coastal areas face challenges such as cheap competition from holidays abroad, changing holiday preferences, high travel costs, aging demographics, fewer job opportunities, and lack of infrastructure investment. The sector has lost over 100,000 jobs since the 2024 Budget due to a £3.4 billion annual cost increase. Pub closures are on the rise, with businesses blaming government tax policies for their difficulties.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should scrap plans for an overnight visitor levy, introduce a national insurance holiday for young people and those not in education or employment, permanently remove business rates for hospitality businesses, urgently publish the promised visitor economy growth strategy, and disapply the Emissions Trading Scheme tax on car ferry travel to the Isle of Wight.']
Swimming Facilities
04 June 2025
Main Concerns
['Swimming remains one of the most popular activities in England, with around 12.5 million adults going swimming each year—that is around 27% of the population. Seventy-two per cent of schools use public pools to deliver their statutory responsibility for learning to swim, and 85% of young people learn to swim in a public pool, with almost 2 million children learning to swim outside school through Swim England’s “Learn to Swim” programme each year. Seventy-five per cent of grassroots sports clubs use leisure facilities to deliver social and sporting opportunities to communities. And 66% of NHS cancer rehabilitation services take place in leisure facilities. The number of people with a limiting health condition or disability taking to the pool has grown from 15% two years ago to 24% more recently.']
Specific Asks
['Local authorities have responsibility for supporting the provision of both formal and informal opportunities for communities to be active, but they also need support from the Government. Councils spend £1.4 billion a year on sport, leisure, green spaces, parks and playgrounds, making local government the biggest public funder of sport and leisure services.']
Employer National Insurance Contributions: Charities
07 January 2025
Responding: Stephanie Peacock
Main Concerns
['The rise in national insurance contributions for employers and the reduction of the threshold from £9,100 to £5,000 has affected charities significantly. Charities deliver nearly £17 billion worth of public services annually and are essential in supporting local government responsibilities. Sarah Elliott, CEO of NCVO, highlighted that this change represents a major shock for the sector since the pandemic, leading to potential drastic service cuts due to an additional cost of £1.4 billion.']
Specific Asks
['Joe Robertson asks the Government to rethink these national insurance changes and considers exempting all charities from such contributions or at least focusing on health and social care provider charities.']
Dover and Portsmouth: Protests
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Direction of Government
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Timms Review: Interim Report
09 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr Carmichael highlighted the concern regarding the management of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, specifically noting proposed changes to payments for coastguard rescue officers that could impact ...
Department for Work and Pensions
30 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Department for Work and Pensions supports nearly 23 million people and spends around £300 billion each year. The central question is not just about cost, but whether the system is fair, timely and...
Puberty Blockers
23 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
As a consultant paediatrician, Caroline Johnson highlights the ethical concerns surrounding the PATHWAYS clinical trial that involves administering puberty-suppressing hormones to children with gender...
Pathways Study: Puberty Suppression
22 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Water Companies
08 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East: Economic Response
21 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
78.6%
77 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
46
46.9% of votes
No Votes
31
31.6% of votes
Abstentions
21
21.4% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
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
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
VOTED NO
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
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
0
PMQs Asked
51
Ministerial Questions Asked
67
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+280% above average
This MP:
51
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1279% above average
This MP:
67
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+14% above average
This MP:
78.6
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 Joe Robertson's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.