John Milne
MP for Horsham
Lib Dem
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
One of my Horsham constituents, a victim of abuse, has seen her abuser let off with a suspended sentence after the case took too long to go to trial. She now has to live with a debilitating illness caused by her abuse, while her abuser gets to carry on with his life. Court delays are bad in any case, but for victims of abuse, they can be an extra hardship. Does the Minister think that we need to think of some special provision for such cases?
Context
A constituent received a suspended sentence after the case took too long to go to trial, resulting in significant hardship.
Sarah Jones
We have a whole strategy, led through the Ministry of Justice, to ensure that we speed up those court cases. He is right to highlight the particular impact for abuse cases. We are ramping up the support that we give to victims and making sure that we are helping people and trying to give them information about what is happening.
Session: Domestic Abuse Police Response 2026-07-13
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The warm home discount is beneficial, but more can be done with heat networks. The winding down of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme may hinder sign-ups to these networks. Can you examine our engagement strategies with businesses, public sector bodies and housing providers to ensure wider uptake?
Context
The MP discusses the lack of public sector and business awareness regarding heat networks as a solution for energy efficiency.
Martin McCluskey
My hon. Friend raises an important point about reaching clean power targets through increased use of heat networks for clean heating. We are already supporting this with the Green Heat Network Fund, and we will continue to assess how best to support these initiatives in future.
Session: Essential Energy Guarantee 2026-07-07
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I am concerned that the Government's failure to make an effective case on energy bills and its recent manifesto pledges has become problematic. I believe introducing an essential energy guarantee could immediately help with electricity affordability. In the long run, increasing renewable energy is crucial. Does the Minister accept that promising a £300 reduction in energy bills was a mistake given other influencing factors?
Context
The MP is concerned about energy costs for constituents. He references a Liberal Democrat plan to address immediate electricity affordability, emphasizing the need for more renewables in the long term.
Martin McCluskey
I am disappointed at your statement. We are making a strong case for our pledge to reduce energy bills by £300, which still stands. Renewables are indeed the quickest way to lower bills. The warm home discount currently supports nearly 6 million households, with over 5,000 people in my hon. Friend's constituency receiving this support.
Session: Essential Energy Guarantee 2026-07-07
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Military personnel risk life and limb to keep the country safe, thus they deserve proper support. However, many veterans find that their military compensation is counted towards income when applying for local means-tested benefits. Will the Minister commit to ending this practice?
Context
The question addresses the issue of military compensation received by veterans being counted as income for local means-tested benefits.
Calvin Bailey
The hon. Member makes a powerful point about military compensation being counted towards income for means-tested benefits, and I cajoled local councils into ceasing this practice by writing letters and lobbying on behalf of veterans.
Session: Operation Valour 2026-07-06
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Will the Minister commit to a firm delivery deadline for the 'identifying local vulnerability' project given delays and the potential impact on preventing such tragic outcomes?
Context
The question stems from a case where an individual's benefits claim issues led to tragedy, highlighting the need for improved data sharing and timely implementation of projects aimed at identifying vulnerabilities.
Andrew Western
Data sharing with local authorities is essential, particularly in homelessness prevention. Early benefits from the roll-out of the scheme are expected by 2027, but no firm delivery deadline was committed.
Session: Identifying Local Vulnerability 2026-06-29
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What progress has been made on the 'identifying local vulnerability' project, which is intended to improve services through enhanced data sharing between local and central government?
Context
The question arises from the ongoing work on data sharing with local authorities aimed at identifying and addressing local vulnerabilities.
Andrew Western
The Government are committed to improving data sharing with local authorities. Work has taken place to establish customer needs and ways of working, and future stages will focus on deploying the best technological solution.
Session: Identifying Local Vulnerability 2026-06-29
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In my constituency, there are increasing numbers of unadopted roads because developers leave them with estate managers or they do not meet construction standards. Will the Minister consider issuing guidance to control these abuses?
Context
Increasing numbers of unadopted roads in constituencies due to developer practices or non-compliance with construction standards.
Matthew Pennycook
We are consulting on ending the prevalence of estate management arrangements, exploring mandatory adoption for certain public amenities under common adoptable standards.
Session: Road Adoption
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Train travel to the south coast increases significantly in the summer months, but Horsham sits on a line to the south that faces severe delays and cancellations. Govia Thameslink's forecasts show demand continuing to rise sharply. Without a resolution to the notorious Croydon bottleneck, we risk undermining economic growth and confidence in public transport. Where does Croydon sit in the Government's priorities, and will the Minister commit to finally advancing these long-promised, endlessly postponed works?
Context
Concern about the lack of steps to incentivise summer rail travel, especially in areas with significant demand increases.
Keir Mather
I understand that some of these temporary changes reflect lower summer demand, which falls by around 6% overall and 15% in peak periods. Aligning services to that reduced usage enables a more cost-efficient timetable. It reduces taxpayer subsidy and it unlocks savings. The hon. Member is right to point to where that might be causing an impact for his constituents, so I would be glad to pick that up with him to see what more we can do to advance the pace of works that affect his constituency.
Session: Summer Rail Travel
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Whether she is taking steps to incentivise summer rail travel. Train travel to the south coast increases significantly in the summer months, but Horsham sits on a line to the south that faces severe delays and cancellations. Govia Thameslink's forecasts show demand continuing to rise sharply. Without a resolution to the notorious Croydon bottleneck, we risk undermining economic growth and confidence in public transport. Where does Croydon sit in the Government's priorities, and will the Minister commit to finally advancing these long-promised, endlessly postponed works?
Context
Concern about the lack of steps to incentivise summer rail travel, especially in areas with significant demand increases.
Keir Mather
While we bring passenger services into public ownership, we have frozen rail fares so that passengers can travel for less this summer—the first fares freeze in 30 years, saving passengers £600 million. Alongside that, our £3 bus fare cap and free bus travel for children in August will help families make the most of the holidays. For road users, we are also keeping costs down by continuing the freeze on fuel duty for the rest of this year. I understand that some of these temporary changes reflect lower summer demand, which falls by around 6% overall and 15% in peak periods. Aligning services to that reduced usage enables a more cost-efficient timetable. It reduces taxpayer subsidy and it unlocks savings.
Session: Summer Rail Travel
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To get the best out of intermittent energy producers such as wind and solar, we need to invest in battery energy storage systems. However, these face new safety challenges. Will he agree to a further meeting to specifically address the unmet needs in national construction standards?
Context
The question arises from the need to address new safety challenges in battery energy storage systems, following guidance issued by the National Fire Chiefs Council.
Ed Miliband
The hon. Gentleman raises an important point. I know that the Energy Minister has met him and the National Fire Chiefs Council to discuss this issue. We take the safety of battery technology incredibly seriously, and I am sure that the Energy Minister will be happy to meet him again for further discussions.
Session: Clean Power
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In my constituency, Chess Dynamics, part of Cohort, is world-leading in developing counter-drone and air defence technology but has been kept on hold since last year. Will you meet me and Chess Dynamics to provide clarity on the investment needed for new air defence systems?
Context
The MP highlighted the situation in his constituency where Chess Dynamics, a leading developer of counter-drone and air defence technology, has been awaiting clarity on the defence investment plan. The company cannot proceed with commissioning new air defence systems due to lack of certainty.
James Murray
This Government is raising investment in defence to the highest sustained level since the cold war. Over a thousand contracts have been signed, including a billion-pound contract for medium helicopters in Yeovil, half-a-billion pounds invested in radar systems, and £100 million boost for submarine-hunting aircraft.
Session: Defence Industrial Strategy
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What discussions have you had with the Secretary of State for Defence on the effectiveness of the defence industrial strategy?
Context
The MP inquired about discussions regarding the effectiveness of the UK's defence industrial strategy, focusing on how private investment is being leveraged to support it.
James Murray
The Chancellor and the Defence Secretary meet regularly to discuss defence, including the defence industrial strategy. They recently met leaders from the UK financial sector to discuss how private investment can be leveraged to accelerate defence readiness.
Session: Defence Industrial Strategy
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Will the Minister commit to resourcing vital support services like Access to Work and eliminating its backlog of over 62 62,000 cases as a matter of urgency? I am concerned about delays in Access to Work support leading to job loss for disabled individuals.
Context
Delays in Access to Work support have affected a constituent's ability to remain employed, highlighting the need for improved service efficiency and resource allocation.
Stephen Timms
Access to Work is vital. The demand surge has led to delays; we are sorry about affected constituents. Last year, reforms were announced for Access to Work due to increased demand. We are working on proposals and will put them before the House as soon as possible.
Session: Disabled People Benefits Reassessments
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If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities covering recent activities such as celebrating Paralympic success and investments in arts and culture.
Context
Since the last meeting, there have been several key developments including celebrating Paralympic athletes and investing in cultural venues.
Lisa Nandy
Since our last meeting, we celebrated Paralympians' success and invested £130 million to protect cultural venues across the UK. The Government is committed to making arts accessible to everyone.
Session: Topical Questions
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There are real concerns that Pride in Place is just another example of this Government's blind spot on rural areas. Groups such as the Rural Services Network and Plunkett UK warn that villages are being left behind. Key rural assets are disappearing fast, and Plunkett is calling for a targeted £10 million rural community ownership fund to help. What are the Government doing to ensure that rural communities are not left out again?
Context
There are real concerns that rural areas, such as those mentioned by groups like the Rural Services Network and Plunkett UK, may be left behind due to a lack of targeted funding for key rural assets. Groups advocate for a £10 million rural community ownership fund.
Steve Reed
Of course, the funding was distributed according to data provided by the indices of multiple deprivation, so it is going to the most deprived areas, wherever they may lie in the country—be it in urban or rural areas. The fair funding review also ensured that funding targeted the areas that needed it most and were most deprived of it by the previous Government. It included a measure on rurality to ensure that rural areas get their fair share.
Session: Pride in Place Community Spaces
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Is the Home Office working with DWP colleagues to strengthen income assessments using HMRC data and remove the 2% collect and pay surcharge so survivors can secure child support without direct contact?
Context
Women often struggle to access child maintenance safely while enduring financial abuse from their partners.
Jess Phillips
The Department for Work and Pensions is a core part of the interministerial group working on the VAWG strategy, focusing on financial tools used in cases of domestic abuse. The aim is to ensure state systems are not used as tools by abusers.
Session: Financial Abuse
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My constituent Lucinda Ritchie is a disabled woman with full mental capacity. Until recently, she was living in her own home in Horsham, with NHS support. Against her express wishes, she has been moved into a nursing home an hour away from her family, and denied the right to return. Will the Minister look into Lucinda's case, and will he work with counterparts in the Departments for Work and Pensions and for Health and Social Care to ensure that people's basic human rights are protected in medical decision making?
Context
A disabled constituent was moved against her wishes into a nursing home, highlighting the need for better protection of rights in medical decision-making.
Jake Richards
The practicalities of that case are for colleagues in the Department of Health and Social Care, but the hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to say that human rights in a health setting are incredibly important. Specific tribunals deal with that issue, and I would be very happy to deal with that case in writing if he writes to me.
Session: Topical Questions
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Even while sitting here, I have had word from a constituent whose heating oil cost has risen, in one go, to 129.9p plus VAT per litre. I recognise that the Chancellor has been pressed by a number of Members on this. Can she assure us of immediate action, as vulnerable residents are in immediate crisis?
Context
The MP is addressing the immediate crisis faced by constituents due to a sudden rise in heating oil costs, particularly a constituent facing a 129.9p plus VAT per litre price.
Rachel Reeves
While only 4% of people in Great Britain use heating oil, I recognise that this is a particular issue for many constituents, and in Northern Ireland the figure is more than 60%. I am keen for the hon. Gentleman to take these issues to the meeting with the Financial Secretary to the Treasury tomorrow. We are working closely with the Competition and Markets Authority to stop price gouging. There is no reason why a company should be charging twice as much as it was for heating oil; we need to put a stop to those practices.
Session: Topical Questions
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A recent Adzuna report shows youth unemployment at an 11-year high and a decline in job vacancies. The new 'jobcentre in your pocket' digital service is not expected until 2028. Will the Secretary of State assure us that all options, including leveraging the private sector and technology, are being considered to accelerate delivery and support jobseekers now, rather than years down the line?
Context
A recent Adzuna report shows youth unemployment at an 11-year high and a decline in job vacancies. The current timeframe for the new digital service is 2028.
Pat McFadden
We do want to support jobseekers now. As I said, there is a long-term challenge with youth unemployment, which we are responding to through the measures I have outlined. If we can be more ambitious than those measures in the future, we very much will.
Session: Support for NEET Young People
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Merry Christmas to you and your team, Mr Speaker. In just its first year, biodiversity net gain has helped restore the equivalent of 7,300 football pitches of habitat, leveraged over £320 million of private investment and supported more than 4,400 jobs. However, the Government’s intention to exempt developments under 0.2 hectares risks killing off this new industry just as it is beginning to thrive. This is a major Government U-turn, and the consequences for environmental projects in my constituency will be severe. Will the Minister reconsider?
Context
Biodiversity net gain has helped restore habitat, leveraged private investment and supported jobs. However, the Government's intention to exempt developments under 0.2 hectares risks undermining these benefits.
Emma Hardy (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
I am unable to provide an immediate response on this matter as I was not directly addressed by Mr Speaker for a question. The Minister did not address the specific request in her responses.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituent Steve is currently being denied access to justice because he cannot afford to take action against a publicly funded body under Competition and Markets Authority legislation. His only other option is to proceed on a no win, no fee basis. Will the relevant Minister agree to meet me and Steve to discuss possible solutions?
Context
A constituent is being denied access to justice due to inability to afford action against a publicly funded body under Competition and Markets Authority legislation.
David Lammy (The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
I ask the hon. Gentleman to write to me first, as it sounds like there is some technical detail in that case. If necessary, I will then ask the relevant Minister to meet him.
Session: Legal Aid
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What fiscal steps are being taken to help increase growth in rural areas? Later today I will chair a meeting of the all-party parliamentary group for rural business and the rural powerhouse, which focuses on generating rural growth. If we could push rural productivity closer to western European averages, it would fix the Government’s budgetary black hole all by itself. Will the Minister agree to set a measurable target for increasing rural productivity so that we can hold the Government to account on progress?
Context
The MP noted concerns about the economic disparity between urban and rural areas, highlighting that improving productivity in rural regions could significantly impact national budgetary forecasts.
James Murray (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
Growth is the No. 1 mission of this Government, and we are committed to unlocking growth in every corner of this country. We have committed £2.7 billion per year to supporting sustainable farming, £2.3 billion of transport funding for places beyond city regions through the local transport grant, and more than £1.9 billion for gigabit broadband and 4G connectivity. That funding will help to tackle key blockers to growth in rural areas, unlocking the opportunities and benefits of growth for people right across the UK.
Session: Economic Growth Rural Areas
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A lasting peace in Ukraine can only be achieved if we remove the incentives for war. However, President Trump's initial peace plan—badly translated from Russian—included such measures as a dramatic cut in Ukrainian army manpower, the surrender of key fortress positions, a pledge never to join NATO, and an open door to Russian propaganda across the whole of Ukraine. Does the Secretary of State agree that peace on such terms would only encourage Putin to resume war in a few years' time, on much stronger terms than today?
Context
President Trump’s initial peace plan included measures such as a dramatic cut in Ukrainian army manpower, surrendering key fortress positions, and never joining NATO.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Yvette Cooper)
The Prime Minister addressed some of those points last week. Initial proposals were published; as he said, some of those proposals were clearly unacceptable, and there have been considerable discussions since then, including in Geneva and in the US between the US and Ukraine. Those discussions have been important, and we continue to support Ukraine. The important thing about a lasting peace is that it cannot simply be an opportunity for Putin to continue his aggression after a pause, which is why security guarantees and lasting peace arrangements are so crucial.
Session: Ukraine
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Earlier this year I carried out a survey among farmers in my constituency, who said that they did not bother to report over a third of rural crimes because they felt that not enough happened when they did so. I would not say that nothing has been done, because we now have a specialist rural crime unit across Sussex, but there is an issue with police call centres and staff who do not appear to understand rural issues. Will the Solicitor General look at improving training at call centres in my constituency and across the country?
Context
The MP conducted a survey among farmers in his constituency, who reported that over a third of rural crimes were not reported due to perceived ineffectiveness. The issue was raised regarding police call centres lacking understanding of rural issues.
The Solicitor General
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising that important issue. I will certainly pick up the issue of police response with Home Office colleagues. The Government are committed to implementing the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023, which aims to prevent the theft and resale of high-value equipment, particularly for use in an agricultural setting.
Session: Rural Crime
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We have seen promises of new schools and clinics repeatedly broken in my constituency. With 21,000 extra houses just announced by the Chancellor for Horsham district, will the Minister meet me to discuss how we can legally ensure that key local infrastructure promises are met?
Context
In John Milne's constituency, promises of new schools and clinics have repeatedly been broken by national bodies such as the Department for Education and integrated care boards due to budget constraints.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
The hon. Gentleman knows that I am always happy to sit down and talk to him about these and other issues. It must be said that when preparing a local plan, planning practice guidance recommends that local planning authorities use available evidence of infrastructure requirements to prepare an infrastructure funding statement. Local authorities are not doing that in all cases, which is why the chief planner wrote to all local planning authorities recently to remind them of their statutory duty to do so.
Session: New Housing Developments Infrastructure
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What recent progress has been made on developing policy regarding pavement parking? Will the Minister assure us that any enforcement powers will be extended to local authorities and not just the police, to make regulations effective? Furthermore, will he reassure us that local authorities have the power to make exceptions in impractical areas?
Context
The previous Government consulted on pavement parking rules but failed to take action. The current government is considering devolution in shaping their thinking on the issue.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
We continue to engage actively with local authorities in developing this policy. Local authorities already have the power to restrict pavement parking by introducing traffic regulation orders, and we are exploring additional measures to assist them.
Session: Pavement Parking
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In my constituency of Horsham, I have been asked to support a woman left in limbo regarding the trial of her ex-partner on a domestic abuse charge. When she was finally given a date, the trial was pulled as a result of an administrative error as she sat waiting in the courtroom. A new date was set for a whole year later. She suffered emotional distress and had to take time off work, which cost her £500. She installed CCTV at her own expense and endured months of further intimidation. Will the Minister undertake to set clear guidelines about maximum waiting times for trials to solve the problem now and in the future?
Context
A constituent of John Milne is facing a significant delay in her trial for domestic abuse charges, suffering emotional distress and financial losses due to the administrative error that postponed her trial by a year.
Sarah Sackman
I am terribly sorry to hear about the case of the hon. Member’s constituent, which exemplifies exactly why we are so determined to grip the backlog in our Crown courts. That is also why we have asked Sir Brian Leveson to recommend a once-in-a-generation reform to deliver swifter justice for victims such as the hon. Member’s constituent. Ultimately, getting the backlog down so that we can look her in the eyes and say, “We can deliver swifter justice,” will make the real difference.
Session: Court Backlog and Pre-trial Waiting Times
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What assessment has been made of the potential merits of recognising the state of Palestine? What is happening in Gaza is hard enough to watch, but if we are to prevent the west bank from going the same way in a few years’ time, we must act today. Does the Minister agree that recognising the principle of a Palestinian state, without making any judgment for the moment on its borders, is the strongest and most effective way to reaffirm the UK’s long-standing commitment to a two-state solution, while there is still territory left to form it with?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the current situation in Gaza and potential future developments in the West Bank, highlighting the importance of timely action to prevent similar outcomes.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state at a time that has the most impact and is most conducive to long-term prospects for peace. UK bilateral recognition is the single most important action we can take towards Palestinian statehood, which is why it is important to get the timing right, so that it creates genuine momentum and is not simply a symbolic gesture.
Session: Recognition of the State of Palestine
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In her March Green Paper, the Secretary of State promised to provide an additional £1 billion in funding to help benefit claimants back into work, but only £400 million has actually been allocated, and even that will not come until 2028-29. We have heard some talk of efficiency savings, which is practically the definition of a magic money tree if ever there was one, so will the Minister confirm that the promised £1 billion for employment support will be all new money, and not cannibalised from other vital DWP services?
Context
John Milne noted discrepancies between promised funding and actual allocation for helping benefit claimants back into work.
Liz Kendall
Yes. Already this year, we are rolling out £300 million of support through our Get Britain Working plan and Connect to Work. That will rise to £600 million next year and build to an additional £1 billion. This is the biggest ever investment into employment support for sick and disabled people, because we believe work is the route out of poverty. We want to build dignity and a better life for those who can work, while protecting those who cannot.
Session: Topical Questions
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Previous Governments have promised to bring forward legislation to ban conversion therapy, but it has not happened yet. Eris, one of my constituents in Horsham, tells me that recent headlines have created fear and uncertainty within the trans community, increasing their sense of isolation. Will the Minister show the LGBTQ community that they are not ill or something to be converted, and commit to action within the next 12 months?
Context
Previous governments have made promises but failed to deliver legislative action. Constituents like Eris from Horsham report increased fear and uncertainty in the trans community.
The Minister for Equalities (Dame Nia Griffith)
As we know, the previous Government repeatedly broke their promises to deliver on the issue of conversion practices and allowed the debate to become ever more toxic and divided. We are committed to bringing forward legislation to ban these abusive practices—that is a key manifesto commitment. We will be publishing our draft Bill later in this Session, and we want to work with Parliament to ensure that our legislation is robust and does not negatively impact legitimate support for those exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Session: Banning Conversion Practices
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My constituent has been through no fewer than eight Justice Secretaries, looking for a solution to the problem of locked child trust funds; he has had to start over again each time from scratch. Will the Minister give me and Mr Turner a clear understanding of what exactly the legal impediment is to a solution, and of what part of Government the objection is coming from, so that we can make a legal challenge to it, if necessary?
Context
Andrew Turner, a constituent of John Milne, lacks mental capacity and faces difficulties accessing his locked child trust fund. This issue has been ongoing for eight Justice Secretaries.
Sarah Sackman (Minister of State, Ministry of Justice)
We have to balance the desire to support young adults who lack capacity in accessing what is their property by right with the need to ensure that everybody who needs to access those child trust funds has the proper legal authority to do so. Safeguards must be in place, not least to ensure that those vulnerable adults are protected from economic abuse. That is why we must work very carefully across Government to ensure that those protections are kept in place.
Session: Locked Child Trust Funds
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Following our departure from the EDA, what plans do the Government have to secure a more effective working relationship with Europe's defence procurement strategy and to form stronger links with the EDA?
Context
The UK has recently left the EU, including the European Defence Agency (EDA), amidst rising defence expenditures across Europe due to Russian aggression in Ukraine.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
Quite simply, the answer to both the hon. Gentleman’s first question and his second question is exactly the partnership deal that we have signed this afternoon.
Session: UK-EU Defence and Security Agreement
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What diplomatic steps his Department is taking to support Ukraine? If that is the case, why do the Government continue to prevaricate over seizing billions of pounds in frozen assets held in UK banks, which could be used to build Ukraine defenses? The longer we delay, the more likely it is that those funds will become wrapped up in other negotiations and we will lose the chance altogether.
Context
The UK has committed to supporting Ukraine but there is ongoing debate over the seizing of billions in frozen Russian assets held in UK banks. The questioner raises concerns about delays in taking action, which could result in lost opportunities for asset utilization.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising the issue, but it is not an issue on which the Government should act unilaterally. It is a multilateral issue on which we should act with our G7 partners and our European partners, recognising that some partners in Europe are hugely exposed. The best way in which to move forward is to pool those assets, and discussions on that are ongoing.
Session: Ukraine Diplomacy
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The Government say that their PIP reforms will help people into employment, but the Multiple Sclerosis Society says that 60% of sufferers believe those reforms will make it harder for them to find work, not easier. An estimate must have been made of what percentage of claimants will feasibly enter employment as a result of these reforms. Will the Minister share those figures?
Context
The Multiple Sclerosis Society has stated that the Government's PIP reform will make it harder for MS sufferers to find work, contrary to government claims.
Stephen Timms
This is a very important set of reforms, for exactly that reason—to make sure people do have the opportunity to move into work. One in five working-age PIP claimants were in work in March last year; we want many more to have that opportunity. We are going to improve employment support substantially, Connect to Work is being rolled out across the country this year, and there will be an additional £1 billion per year for employment support by the end of the Parliament. As the hon. Gentleman knows, the impacts of these changes will be set out by the Office for Budget Responsibility at the time of the autumn Budget.
Session: Personal Independence Payment Eligibility Criteria
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What estimate has her Department made of the potential impact of changes to the eligibility criteria for personal independence payment on the number of people receiving that payment who will move into employment?
Context
The Government is planning reforms to the eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payment, which could affect recipients' ability to move into employment.
Stephen Timms
This is a very important set of reforms, for exactly that reason—to make sure people do have the opportunity to move into work. One in five working-age PIP claimants were in work in March last year; we want many more to have that opportunity. We are going to improve employment support substantially, Connect to Work is being rolled out across the country this year, and there will be an additional £1 billion per year for employment support by the end of the Parliament. As the hon. Gentleman knows, the impacts of these changes will be set out by the Office for Budget Responsibility at the time of the autumn Budget.
Session: Personal Independence Payment Eligibility Criteria
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Merry Christmas to you, Mr Speaker, and to your team and to colleagues across the House. My constituents have long felt the impacts of flooding, and many residents have been isolated in rural areas after a storm. I have recently produced a flooding report. Will the Minister meet me to discuss it, so that I can support the work of the Department?
Context
The constituency has long felt the impacts of flooding, especially after storms. A flooding report has been produced to address these issues.
Emma Hardy
There is a very easy and short answer to that: I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Lobular Breast Cancer: Moon Shot Project — [Wera Hobhouse in the Chair]
09 July 2026
Responding: Stephen Kinnock
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the lack of specific treatment for lobular breast cancer, which affects over 8,000 women annually in the UK. The disease is currently treated using protocols designed for other forms of breast cancer despite significant biological differences. This leads to suboptimal outcomes and highlights the need for dedicated research.']
Specific Asks
['I ask the Government to provide £20 million over five years for the Lobular Moon Shot Project, which aims to establish the fundamental biology of lobular breast cancer and pave the way for targeted treatments.']
Water Scarcity
09 December 2025
Responding: Emma Hardy
Main Concerns
['The UK is experiencing a water shortage despite complaining about the rain. This year was the hottest and driest spring on record, causing farmers to lose £800 million due to drought. By 2050, there will be a national supply-demand deficit approaching 5 billion litres per day unless action is taken. Currently, 40% of groundwater bodies are over-extracted, and only 16% of England’s surface waters are in good ecological status.']
Specific Asks
['The Government needs to look at measures such as mandatory rainwater harvesting on new homes and major renovations to reduce pressure on reservoirs and the need for river abstraction. Additionally, a timetable for reforming permitted development rights for farm reservoirs should be provided.']
Local Housing Need Assessment Reform
13 May 2025
Responding: Alex Norris
Main Concerns
['The current standard method for assessing local housing need has failed to provide clear, objectively determined house building targets and has contributed to making the affordability crisis worse. The method is based on a false premise that does not reflect real working conditions in constituencies like Horsham.']
Specific Asks
['John Milne asks the Government to reform the standard method to better reflect genuine local need and win public consent, focusing on the type of housing being permitted rather than just raw totals.']
Gatwick Airspace Modernisation Review
18 December 2024
Responding: Mike Kane
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the impact of the Gatwick airspace modernisation review on local communities, particularly in my constituency. The review involves a conflict of interest as the airport operator is also managing the process. Residents are worried about noise pollution and public health impacts from new flight paths. There is suspicion that the three shortlisted options represent one choice that benefits the airport operator at the expense of residents' interests. Transparency issues include no independent member in the design process, a lack of defined methodology for shortlisting flightpath options, and disregard for previous complaints about similar routes."]
Specific Asks
['I urge the Minister to reconsider the process to ensure it accounts for public wellbeing and provides credible alternatives that are accepted as legitimate by the public. The review should be transparent, with high levels of scrutiny, and aligned with recent CAA reports on equitable distribution.']
Aviation Bill - Clause 1
09 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill aims to restore the Government's power to regulate civil aviation, bolster passenger rights, modernise airspace, and improve safety. It addresses recent disruptions and seeks to ensure robust...
Local Government Reorganisation
16 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
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...
Child Savings Accounts (Mental Capacity and Disability)
30 June 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
Mr. Milne moved a Bill to make provision about access to matured child savings accounts in the name of a young person who lacks capacity, requiring the Secretary of State to review savings provision f...
Climate Change
24 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to approve the draft Carbon Budget Order 2026, which was laid before this House on 2 June.
Milburn Review: Interim Report
02 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Insurance Act 2015 (Amendment) Bill - Lords amendments and Government motions to disagree
15 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves that the House disagrees with Lords amendment 1. Does not provide additional details in the provided text.
Youth Unemployment
17 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ukraine
25 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The war has lasted four years, with Putin's brutal invasion causing immense suffering to Ukrainians. Despite the heavy toll on both sides, Putin is failing strategically while Ukraine remains defiant ...
Local Government Finance
11 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to approve the Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27, laying before the House on 9 February.
Attendance
78.6%
77 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
58
59.2% of votes
No Votes
19
19.4% of votes
Abstentions
21
21.4% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
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 NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
0
PMQs Asked
36
Ministerial Questions Asked
51
House of Commons Debates Involved
4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+169% above average
This MP:
36
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+59% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+949% above average
This MP:
51
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 John Milne's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.