Laura Kyrke-Smith
MP for Aylesbury
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I thank the Prime Minister for his commitment to mental health and to building a country that acts sooner when people need help. Five years ago, I lost one of my best friends, Sophie, to suicide after the birth of her third child; her little girl was just 10 weeks old at the time. Having a new baby can be a time of great excitement and joy, but for one in four women, it is a time of mental health challenges, from anxiety and depression to obsessive compulsive disorder and serious conditions like post-partum psychosis. I have introduced a Bill—Sophie's law—to ensure that every pregnant woman gets a mental health check-in. Will the Prime Minister work with me to ensure that no one else struggles in the way that Sophie did?
Context
The questioner lost a friend, Sophie, to suicide after the birth of her third child. She has introduced a Bill—Sophie's law—to ensure that every pregnant woman gets a mental health check-in.
Andy Burnham
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for the incredible work she is doing in memory of her friend; I know that her dad Nigel has also campaigned so strongly on this. I have always believed in whole-person care—in physical, mental and social care being delivered together. We are investing more in perinatal mental health and parent-infant relationships—more funding is going in—but I accept, as she is saying, that more needs to be done. I will look at her Bill. I understand the call for Sophie's law and will make sure that a Health Minister meets her to discuss it.
Assessment
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Session: PMQs 2026-09-09
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Mr Speaker, you will be alarmed to know that one in seven NHS staff experienced a physical attack while on shift last year. Our paramedics, doctors, nurses, police officers and firefighters go to work every day to save lives, yet they face unimaginable abuse. We have to clamp down on those who perpetrate these vile attacks. Will the Secretary of State commit to reviewing sentencing guidelines for such heinous crimes?
Context
The Government referred the sentences of teenage gang rapists as unduly lenient, but the Bar Council recommends increasing the age to 14.
David Lammy
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his question, but when the Bar Council do a detailed piece of work, it is the responsibility of the Secretary of State to look closely at what it has recommended. That is what I will do in the coming months.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-06-30
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What measures are Ministers taking to prepare for these threats and build national resilience, including informing the public about potential risks?
Context
Threats from hostile foreign actors are evolving rapidly, affecting critical infrastructure like hospital networks and transport systems.
Angela Eagle
We track evolving threats from hostile foreign actors and provide advice to help businesses, communities, and individuals deal with them.
Session: Topical Questions
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Every time I have been to Buckinghamshire College Group in Aylesbury I have met fantastic staff who bring decades of professional experience to their roles and have a deep commitment to the young people. However, many further education colleges, including ours, are struggling with staff recruitment and retention, in part because staff pay is higher in schools. As we do this brilliant work to expand technical education opportunities through FE colleges, what steps is the Minister taking to ensure that FE staff salaries are competitive and that FE colleges can continue to attract the best talent out there?
Context
The MP highlights the issue of staff recruitment and retention in further education colleges, citing higher pay in schools as a contributing factor.
Josh MacAlister
I thank my hon. Friend for drawing the House's attention to Bucks College Group and the work it does in her constituency. FE colleges have autonomy over staff pay. We have provided an additional £190 million for colleges and 16-to-19 providers for this financial year, which is broadly equivalent to the schools pay award. We have also set out positive new developments on FE teacher training support.
Session: Further Education Pathways
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What steps she is taking to improve further education pathways?
Context
The MP is concerned about the current state of further education pathways and wants to know what steps are being taken to improve them.
Josh MacAlister
As detailed in “Post-16 pathways: implementation plan”, we are creating coherent pathways, aligning learning with the skills that employers need and improving progression. New V-levels, the expansion and improvement of T-levels, and clearer level 2 pathways will support young people's progression to higher study, apprenticeships or employment.
Session: Further Education Pathways
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The “Police Anti-Racism Commitment”, a copy of which I have here, published in March 2025 by the National Police Chiefs' Council, asks police to reverse engineer the same arrest rates for different ethnic groups, even though offending rates are different. It expressly calls for different racial groups to be treated differently, saying that people should not treat “everyone 'the same'” or be “colour blind”. This is a formal policy requirement for two-tier policing. I have been raising this issue for over a year, and I have never had an answer, including from the Home Secretary last Tuesday. Let me try again: does she agree that this racist and dangerous policy document should be immediately withdrawn—yes or no?
Context
The NPCC document raises concerns about potential differential treatment in policing based on race.
Shabana Mahmood
The right hon. Gentleman knows full well that the NPCC, which is independent of Government, is rightly reviewing the wording of the “Police Anti-Racism Commitment” to ensure that there is no ambiguity or suggestion of differential treatment.
Session: Topical Questions
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Last month I joined a very generous community event at Herali, a much-loved Sri Lankan restaurant in Aylesbury, which is dependent on staff who are here on skilled worker visas. The proposed changes to ILR put many of my local residents, including Sri Lankans and Indians, in a very uncertain and difficult position. That is equally difficult for their employers, whether in the care sector, nurseries or hospitality businesses such as Herali. Will the Minister tell me what reassurance I can offer to these skilled legal migrants, who are such an important part of our communities?
Context
The MP highlighted a community event at Herali, a restaurant in Aylesbury, which depends on staff with skilled worker visas. The proposed changes to ILR create uncertainty.
Mike Tapp
That sounds like a fantastic restaurant. As the Home Secretary has already laid out, there are around 1 million young people currently out of education, employment or training. We are creating a system that is firm, protects the economy, protects welfare from rising further and avoids more pressure on our social housing demands, and also fair, so that it encourages and rewards genuine economic contribution and integration. We have consulted and had 200,000 responses, and we are working on a final solution, which will be announced in due course.
Session: Indefinite Leave to Remain Skilled Legal Migrants
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What assessment has been made of the potential impact of the proposed changes to indefinite leave to remain on skilled legal migrants resident in the UK?
Context
The MP noted the uncertainty and difficulty faced by residents in Aylesbury who are here on skilled worker visas due to proposed changes to ILR.
Mike Tapp
Our immigration system must operate in a way that attracts the best and the brightest. Earned settlement will reward those who integrate and contribute to this country, with shorter pathways for higher earners and those in public service roles among others. We are carefully considering responses to our public consultation before setting out the next steps.
Session: Indefinite Leave to Remain Skilled Legal Migrants
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Has the Secretary of State established the success or otherwise of knife amnesties introduced by previous Administrations in reducing knife crime, given the prevalence—and increase—of knife crime in many large urban centres across the country?
Context
The question arises from the need to evaluate past measures against current increases in knife crime. It specifically asks about the effectiveness of knife amnesties.
David Lammy
The hon. Gentleman is right that there is a role for knife amnesties. As it happens, I was out last week in Deptford looking at a knife amnesty programme. If he looks at the first item on my Instagram, he will see me doing that.
Session: Knife Crime Strategy
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I welcome the Government's knife crime strategy, with its ambitious goal of halving knife crime in a decade, and its recognition that serious violence is both a criminal justice issue and a social failure. I commend Thames Valley police on their hard work to tackle knife crime in Aylesbury and the villages. We have seen some really good measures, such as the knife crime amnesty bins, which have had a positive effect. As the Secretary of State knows, the challenge of knife crime starts with its root causes, which include poverty and a lack of opportunity for young people. We still struggle with that in Aylesbury and the villages. What more is the Secretary of State doing across Government to address these two root causes?
Context
The question follows the publication of a youth justice White Paper and the government's goal to halve knife crime within a decade. It references local police efforts in Aylesbury and concerns about root causes like poverty.
David Lammy
I agree that poverty, exclusion and a lack of opportunity are all root causes of crime. Our youth justice White Paper focuses on intervening earlier to address risks before they escalate, working across Government to tackle the root causes of crime, and ensuring that every child has the support and opportunities that they need to thrive.
Session: Knife Crime Strategy
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I am grateful to the Chancellor for the work she is doing to protect us from the economic impacts of this war. One of my local farmers has been in touch about the impact on red diesel prices, which are up by around 70%, and fertiliser prices, and shared his nervousness about the affordability of going ahead and planting next year's crops. Can the Chancellor outline what more she can do to protect our farmers, our food security and our food prices in light of these global challenges?
Context
Local farmers in Aylesbury are facing significant challenges due to a 70% increase in red diesel prices and rising fertiliser costs, impacting their ability to afford planting next year's crops.
Rachel Reeves
When we froze fuel duty and extended that freeze, that also impacted red diesel. As we keep under review what happens to fuel duty, we will do the same for red diesel. I think there are two crucial issues. The first is protecting supply, which is why de-escalating this conflict—not ramping it up, as the Tories and Reform would do—is so important, so that we can reopen the strait of Hormuz. The second is prices and costs. That is why we have introduced the British industrial competitiveness scheme to help businesses with energy costs and the supercharger.
Session: Conflict in the Middle East Cost of Living
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The Government are making great strides in improving parental rights at work, but for kinship carers it is still tough. In Aylesbury, I met a wonderful lady who has become the kinship carer for her baby grandson, but she was given only 10 days of paid leave from work. She now has to take unpaid leave to care for him, which is causing serious financial strain. Will the Minister join me in paying tribute to all our kinship carers for their remarkable work and outline what discussions she is having across Government to ensure that kinship carers get the support that they deserve?
Context
A constituent in Aylesbury is a kinship carer for her grandson with limited paid leave, causing financial strain.
Kate Dearden
I recognise the enormous contribution that kinship carers such as my hon. Friend's constituent make to the lives of children. The Government are committed to helping more children grow up in safe, stable and loving homes in their family network, whenever it is in the children's best interests. I acknowledge the incredible commitment and generosity of kinship carers in opening up their hearts and homes to our most vulnerable children. Kinship carers are absolutely transforming young lives, and we should not underestimate the life-changing difference that they make every single day. Our parental leave and pay review is considering the needs of all working families who do not qualify for existing leave and pay entitlements, including kinship carers.
Session: Parental Rights at Work
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I know that the Minister has been making progress with the review of the personal independence payment assessment. I hear from many people who struggle with the complexity and mistakes in the current system, including one lady with severe spinal and nerve conditions who had her payments reduced after the DWP did not receive the medical evidence that she had sent. Does the Minister agree that any changes to the system must be humane and fair, and that it must become easier to navigate and easier for people to trust?
Context
A constituent with severe spinal and nerve conditions had her personal independence payment reduced after the DWP did not receive the medical evidence she had sent.
Stephen Timms
Yes, I do agree. As my hon. Friend will know, we have set up a review of personal independence payment, which is under way at the moment. We have a steering group of 12 individuals, almost all of whom are disabled people, plus me and two other co-chairs, and we had our third full-day, in-person meeting last week. The issues that my hon. Friend raises are exactly the ones that we want to work through in the course of the review, which will report to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in the autumn.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given Alex Foster's story about encountering beheadings, terrorist material, and explicit photos on social media despite parental intervention, does the Minister agree that we must go further in protecting young people online?
Context
Alex Foster, a teenager from Aylesbury, shared his experiences of social media with the MP, citing instances of exposure to violent content and inappropriate material.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Olivia Bailey)
I agree that nothing is more important than the safety of our children. We are already taking world-leading action with the Online Safety Act 2023, and we have been very clear that nothing is off the table when it comes to children’s safety.
Session: Topical Questions
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Welcoming the new maternal care bundle, which aims to drive consistently high standards of care for pregnant women and new mums, can the NHS do more to implement it? Specifically, how will staff be trained to better screen and support women struggling with their mental health?
Context
The Secretary of State has introduced a new maternal care bundle prioritising high standards of care and mental health support.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise that issue, and I commend her for the work she is doing in this area. There is a real risk of post-natal depression. Certainly where there have been complications in birth or, worse still, injury or the most unimaginable experience of loss, we need to make sure that women and their partners and the wider families are supported from day one. That does not just mean training and support for staff and making sure that they are doing emotional wellbeing screening; it also means thinking more thoughtfully about estates.
Session: Maternity and Neonatal Care
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What further measures will the Minister consider to ensure that all faith communities, even those without their own premises, are well protected?
Context
Appalling antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach; faith communities in Aylesbury are scared.
The Minister for Security (Dan Jarvis)
As the Home Secretary has said, we were all appalled by the antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach. As my hon. Friend will know, all faith communities should be able to worship in peace and without fear. That is why the Government are investing £70.9 million in 2025-26 to strengthen security at places of worship. I listened carefully to the point she raised and would be very happy to discuss it with her further.
Session: Topical Questions
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The number of qualified GPs in Buckinghamshire has risen by 8% in the last year thanks to this Government’s determination to recruit and retain more GPs. It is a great start, but I still hear from too many people in Aylesbury who cannot get through to their GP surgery or cannot get a quick enough appointment when they do. My constituent Jane, whose husband had suffered a stroke, was advised that he needed a GP appointment the next day, but it took a month to get one. Can he set out his next steps?
Context
Despite an increase in the number of qualified GPs, some constituents still struggle with accessing GP services and securing timely appointments.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
We are recruiting more GPs, investing £102 million to create additional space for appointments in 21 GP practices across the integrated care board system. We want everyone who needs a same-day appointment to be able to book one.
Session: Access to GPs
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Buckinghamshire council has received more than £3 million in Government funding through the warm homes local grant to help residents with heating and energy efficiency this winter through things like upgrading insulation or installing smart heating controls. Will the Minister join me in encouraging eligible households in Aylesbury and the villages to apply, and can he say what impact he thinks this will have on reducing fuel poverty?
Context
Buckinghamshire council has received more than £3 million in Government funding through the warm homes local grant to help residents with heating and energy efficiency this winter. Laura Kyrke-Smith is concerned about the impact of extending the Warm Home Discount on levels of fuel poverty.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Martin McCluskey)
I know that my hon. Friend will be doing all she can to encourage her constituents to sign up for these schemes and to ensure that as many households as possible take advantage of schemes like the warm homes local grant so that their houses are retrofitted and made fit for the future. We want people living in warm and dry homes, especially as we come through the winter. My hon. Friend might be interested to know that more than 3,200 households in her constituency have benefited from the warm home discount, and we expect even more to benefit this year with the expansion.
Session: Warm Home Discount Fuel Poverty
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I am concerned about the serious delays in prosecuting domestic abuse cases. A survivor is living with constant fear due to repeated visits from her abuser, even though there is an outstanding warrant for his arrest. What steps has the Minister taken to ensure that survivors are not left vulnerable while waiting for justice?
Context
The formidable team at Aylesbury Women’s Aid report continued severe delays in the charging and prosecution of domestic abuse cases, causing a survivor to live in constant fear despite a warrant being out for her abuser's arrest.
Jake Richards
The Sentencing Bill includes important measures to protect victims of domestic abuse, ensuring they are at the heart of our criminal justice policy and probation services. These measures aim to address the concerns raised about delays in prosecuting such cases.
Session: Topical Questions
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What is the Foreign Secretary's assessment of this resolution and does he agree that accountability for these crimes and justice for Palestinians are necessary?
Context
The International Association of Genocide Scholars has passed a resolution concluding that Israel’s conduct meets the legal definition of genocide, noting 50,000 Palestinian children killed or injured.
Hamish Falconer
We have seen those reports; the Foreign Secretary referred to them in the House yesterday afternoon. As I said earlier, the threshold that the Government must test against is about the real risk, and our actions have flowed from that determination.
Session: Topical Questions
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What assessment has been made of the potential impact of the 10-year health plan for England on perinatal mental health? I am really grateful to the Minister for her answer and for her focus on this. I would like to ask about midwives, who do incredible work supporting parents and babies, including identifying and supporting women facing mental health challenges. We desperately need more of them, yet the Royal College of Midwives has found that eight out of 10 student midwives who are due to qualify this year are not confident that they will find jobs. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that newly qualified midwives are able to find work?
Context
The question concerns the impact of the 10-year health plan on perinatal mental health services. It references the number of women accessing maternal mental health services and the investment in Best Start family hubs.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
I recognise my hon. Friend’s great work in this place to support women on this issue. We recognise that newly qualified midwives are experiencing challenges in gaining that first role, partly due to the record number of midwives in post and to better retention rates. NHS England is working with employers, universities and regional midwifery leads to help midwives find those roles after qualification and to transition into workforce, and we will keep a close eye on that with them.
Session: 10-Year Health Plan Perinatal Mental Health
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Can she talk more about her ambitions to support people caught in the horrible waiting game for EHCPs?
Context
Many parents are facing unacceptable waits for EHCPs, with one parent informed that her son's assessment is unallocated and 789 children ahead.
Bridget Phillipson
We are laying foundations with more investment, through both high needs budget and capital. We will improve some of the unacceptable waits parents currently face.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am grateful to the more than 300 residents who took part in my bus survey. Many expressed frustration about Arriva’s decision to cut the X5 service, leaving schoolchildren stranded and people unable to get to work. Fortunately, on this occasion, Red Eagle Buses stepped in, but what happened speaks to the wider issue of bus companies not putting residents’ needs first. Will the Minister join me in asking Buckinghamshire council to take up the new franchising powers in the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill to fix exactly that issue?
Context
Residents in Aylesbury are frustrated with Arriva's decision to cut the X5 service, leaving schoolchildren and workers stranded. Red Eagle Buses stepped in.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
The Bus Services (No. 2) Bill puts the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders right across England, enabling them to choose the bus model that works best for their areas. The Government will support local transport authorities that decide that the franchising route is the best option for them, delivering improvements to services in their area. I hope that my hon. Friend’s local council will work with her and her constituents to find the best local solution.
Session: Local Bus Services
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Mussa Abu Darabi is just one of hundreds of Palestinians who have been killed trying to access food from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in recent weeks. Fifteen international human rights organisations have now warned that the GHF may face legal consequences for ‘aiding and abetting, or otherwise being complicit, in crimes under international law, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide.’ Will the Minister join me in condemning the murder of desperate and starving people? What assessment does he make of the GHF’s legality?
Context
Mussa Abu Darabi is one of hundreds of Palestinians killed while trying to access food from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. International human rights organizations warn that the GHF may face legal consequences for aiding crimes under international law.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
No one should risk death or injury to feed their family. As I said in this House on 4 June, Israel’s aid delivery measures are inhumane. We will not support any mechanism that endangers civilians. We have continually called on Israel, including most recently on Sunday, immediately to allow the UN and aid partners to safely deliver all types of aid at scale.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Situation
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I am delighted by the Government’s commitment to moving healthcare closer to the community, including through the establishment of neighbourhood health centres. That is exactly what we need in Aylesbury, and I am pleased that all our key healthcare providers, including the NHS trust and several GP practices, are already working together to better integrate their care, which is an important step in the right direction. Will the Minister update me on his progress towards the model of neighbourhood-based healthcare? Can he advise what more Aylesbury’s healthcare providers can do to ensure that my residents benefit from the Government’s work in this area?
Context
The MP highlighted the importance of moving healthcare closer to communities, referencing ongoing integration efforts in Aylesbury.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
It is really good to hear about the fantastic work going on in my hon. Friend’s constituency. We are working with systems to move to a neighbourhood health model by building on existing good practice, particularly around the development of multidisciplinary teams. Aylesbury is an outstanding example of that. Ahead of the 10-year health plan’s publication, local communities can continue to make progress by utilising the neighbourhood health guidelines that were published back in January.
Session: Care in the Community
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In Aylesbury town centre, we have some fantastic businesses, from Darlington’s to the Rockwood pub and Nafees bakery. They provide an amazing service to the community, but with issues such as traffic, parking and antisocial behaviour, they can struggle to get customers into town and through their doors. I congratulate the Minister on the work he is doing, but can he tell us more about how his small business strategy will support our high streets and town centres, like Aylesbury, to thrive?
Context
The MP highlighted specific local businesses struggling with issues like traffic, parking and antisocial behaviour. She congratulated the Minister on his work but sought further details.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)
I very much enjoyed my visit to my hon. Friend’s constituency and the roundtable we had with some of the fantastic businesses there. I very much hope that Conservative-controlled Buckinghamshire council will finally get its act together and sort out some of the traffic and parking issues she mentioned. We will set out our plans to do more to help small businesses across the country, including in Aylesbury, in our SME strategy. One particular measure that we will be able to take action on is to improve access to finance for small businesses, following the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s significant increase in the capacity of the British Business Bank yesterday.
Session: Support for Small Businesses
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I met Jess and Hannah from Aston Clinton in my constituency, who are doing brilliant work to encourage parents to delay giving their children smartphones. Responding on Second Reading of the safer phones Bill, the Minister for digital, my hon. Friend the Member for Rhondda and Ogmore (Chris Bryant), agreed that excessive smartphone usage is detrimental to the physical, mental and spiritual health of young people, and confirmed that the Government intend to act in this area. Can the Secretary of State share what his next steps will be?
Context
The question arises from Laura Kyrke-Smith's meeting with Jess and Hannah from Aston Clinton, who are encouraging parents to delay giving their children smartphones due to concerns about excessive use. The Minister for Digital had previously agreed that such usage is detrimental to young people's health.
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Peter Kyle)
I agree with my hon. Friend; excessive smartphone use is detrimental to children, as it is to MPs across the House. I can assure her that I am commissioning evidence on the impact of social media use on children. I am looking particularly closely at the addictive nature of some of the algorithms being deployed, and at how we can act to keep children safe and benefit their welfare.
Session: Topical Questions
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A constituent with a disability needs help with showering and dressing, but fears she will not score enough points to continue receiving the daily living part of PIP. Can the Secretary of State confirm that cases like this will be considered as part of the review?
Context
A constituent is concerned about scoring enough points for the daily living portion of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The Government are reviewing PIP assessments.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
We will engage stakeholders to consider the scope of the PIP assessment review before publishing terms of reference. We will look at the descriptors and consider the points allocated to them.
Session: Topical Questions
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I commend the Secretary of State and his team for their rapid work to get the NHS delivering better for patients again. As they develop the 10-year plan for the NHS, what measures will be taken to ensure that all women facing perinatal mental health challenges can access the right psychological support, and that there is no postcode lottery?
Context
Tomorrow is World Maternal Mental Health Day, drawing attention to the challenges faced by women from pregnancy to postpartum. The Secretary of State and his team are developing a 10-year plan for the NHS.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
I absolutely join my hon. Friend in recognising the importance of supporting women’s health throughout pregnancy and into parenthood on Maternal Mental Health Day. We are committed to improving the support available, and it will form an important part of our 10-year plan. We are investing £126 million in family hubs and Start for Life services, to support parents from pregnancy to their child’s early childhood, and we will continue to work with her on this.
Session: Perinatal Mental Health
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Will the Minister join me in welcoming the 26,000 apprenticeships in the defence sector across the country? Will the Government continue to build the right skills and workforce of the future through apprenticeships?
Context
It is National Apprenticeship Week.
The Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry (Maria Eagle)
I am very happy to acknowledge my hon. Friend’s point. I met many apprentices late last week at the launch of National Apprenticeship Week. Whichever factory I visit, I meet apprentices—young men and women—who are thrilled by the opportunities that a career in defence gives them.
Session: Topical Questions
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The situation in Jenin is causing concern due to destruction by Israeli security forces, disruption of UNRWA services, and forced displacement of Palestinians. What measures are being taken to ensure safety for Palestinians on the west bank?
Context
There has been an increase in violence on the west bank following a fragile peace agreement in Gaza, with parts of Jenin refugee camp being destroyed and thousands forcibly displaced. UNRWA services have also been interrupted.
Anneliese Dodds
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this issue. The UK is concerned about the situation in Jenin, which we continue to monitor carefully. We called on Israel at the UN Security Council meeting on 18 December to stop illegal settlement expansion on Palestinian land and are considering all options for further action.
Session: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
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We are fortunate to have some great apprenticeship providers in Aylesbury, such as the Buckinghamshire College Group and Buckinghamshire New University. When I joined pupils from the Grange school at their careers fair, I saw at first hand their excitement about the apprenticeship options on offer. We know that apprenticeships are a win-win for young people and for sectors facing recruitment challenges, such as health and social care and construction. What steps is the Minister taking to expand and strengthen apprenticeships, and to ensure that all young people who choose to go down that route are able to do so?
Context
There is a concern about the decline in apprenticeship starts, with a reduction of nearly 40%. Laura Kyrke-Smith highlights local providers and expresses excitement at career fairs showcasing apprenticeship options.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Janet Daby)
My hon. Friend is a real champion for students at Buckinghamshire colleges, and indeed for young people across Aylesbury. I know the area she represents very well. After the Conservatives left us with a collapsing apprenticeship system and other skills shortages, Labour is listening to employers and redrawing the system through Skills England, a new growth and skills levy and new foundation apprenticeships. That is how we will unlock opportunity and drive growth.
Session: Apprenticeships
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The world's forests are the lungs of the earth, but we are losing them at an alarming rate. An area the size of Azerbaijan, where COP29 was hosted, is destroyed every year. Will the Foreign Secretary explain what the Government are doing to preserve the world's forests and to support those who protect them?
Context
The MP asked about the government's efforts to preserve forests and support those who protect them.
David Lammy
I was very pleased to speak at COP on the issue of forests and to join inspirational indigenous leaders on that subject. That is why we found £3 billion for nature, of which £1.5 billion is dedicated to work on forests.
Session: Leadership on Climate Change
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What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to demonstrate leadership on climate change?
Context
The MP asked about the government's actions to demonstrate leadership on climate change.
David Lammy
I was proud to join Ministers across Government to show UK leadership on the climate and nature crisis at COP29. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced our ambitious 2035 emissions reduction target, and I reaffirmed our commitment to the global south through £11.6 billion in climate finance.
Session: Leadership on Climate Change
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Charities such as Aylesbury Women's Aid do brilliant and vital work to support survivors of domestic abuse. However, when these survivors interact with other public-facing services such as emergency or healthcare services, they are not always met with the same level of understanding. What measures is the Minister taking to ensure that survivors of domestic violence and abuse are met with a trauma-informed approach across all public services?
Context
The MP highlights the importance of a trauma-informed approach in public services to assist victims of domestic abuse.
Jess Phillips
A massive thank you to Aylesbury Women's Aid for the amazing work that it is clearly doing. I am afraid that my hon. Friend and victims are exactly right in their assessment. That is why we must have a completely cross-Government approach to ensuring that no matter where a victim stands up, all services take responsibility for their role in the lives of those who are suffering.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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I declare an interest as a former board member of the Disasters Emergency Committee. Islamic Relief told me yesterday about the situation in Jabalia where people are being starved, bombed, and shot on sight. What conversations have you had with Israeli counterparts to end indiscriminate attacks and let in lifesaving aid?
Context
Islamic Relief reported that people in Jabalia are being 'starved, bombed and shot on sight'.
Anneliese Dodds
We have been clear on maintaining international humanitarian law across the region, including Israel. We are working with UN agencies for access to aid.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Situation
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Does she agree that this is an admission of failure by the previous Conservative Government? Can she reassure constituents that this Government will do better?
Context
The MP raises concerns over the previous government's lack of action in insulating homes, which has left many families struggling with heating costs.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
I completely agree. The legacy left to us by the last Government was woeful. Ordinary people—families across the country—have paid the price of that legacy. We are clear that we will do and must do better.
Session: Warm Homes Plan
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Despite Israeli promises to flood Gaza with aid, they continue to obstruct lifesaving assistance. What conversations have the Government had with Israel to ensure such obstacles are removed?
Context
My constituents are concerned about the death and destruction in Gaza. Despite Israeli promises, repeated obstructions prevent lifesaving assistance from reaching those in need.
Anneliese Dodds
I know that my hon. Friend has a personal interest in this issue and experience of humanitarian work before coming to this place. When the Foreign Secretary was in Israel he pressed Prime Minister Netanyahu to open all border crossings, including Rafah, to facilitate a significant increase in aid.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Situation
View All Questions -->
As the backlog is cleared, what steps will be taken to prevent homelessness and destitution among newly recognised refugees? Will the move-on period be extended to 56 days as per the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017?
Context
The Home Office is addressing the backlog of asylum claims, raising concerns about refugees' immediate needs post-status grant.
Angela Eagle
We are aware of the need for a smooth transition between asylum accommodation and other accommodation for those granted leave to remain. We understand this issue, but we are considering it.
Session: Asylum Claims Backlog
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Maternal Mental Health
05 February 2025
Responding: Stephen Kinnock
Main Concerns
['In 2021, Laura Kyrke-Smith lost a friend to suicide during the pandemic due to mental health issues post-partum. She mentioned that one in five people who give birth experience a mental health problem during pregnancy or after birth, and for teenage mothers, post-natal depression is up to twice as prevalent compared with those aged 20 or over. The stigma around these problems is huge, with 70% of women hiding or underplaying maternal mental health difficulties.']
Specific Asks
['Laura Kyrke-Smith suggested four ways to improve support for maternal mental health: improving specialist perinatal mental health services, better embedding mental health support in routine maternity care, improving community support, and education and awareness raising. She also highlighted the economic consequences of maternal mental health issues costing an estimated £8.1 billion each year.']
Direction of Government
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
State of Climate and Nature
13 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Sudan
25 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Church Commissioners
18 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Thames Water
16 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Digital Safety: Children
08 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East
21 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East
23 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East
17 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East
02 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
82.7%
81 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
32
32.7% of votes
No Votes
49
50.0% of votes
Abstentions
17
17.3% 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 NO
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
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
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 NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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 NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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 AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
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
1
PMQs Asked
38
Ministerial Questions Asked
66
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
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
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+184% above average
This MP:
38
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1258% above average
This MP:
66
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 (%)
+19% above average
This MP:
82.7
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 Laura Kyrke-Smith's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.