Laura Trott
MP for Sevenoaks
Con
12 Dec 2019 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
One of the hardest things about the past year has been not being able to see loved ones in hospital. We are seeing some progress locally, but when will normal visiting hours resume across all hospitals nationwide?
Context
The inability to visit family and friends in hospitals has caused anguish for many people, but some local progress is being made. The rollout of vaccines may further improve this situation.
Boris Johnson
Balancing the wish to visit with managing infection risk is necessary. Guidance will be updated as soon as possible.
Assessment
Did not provide a specific timeline or commitment for resuming visiting hours
Referenced Balancing But No Concrete Plan
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
I thank the Prime Minister and the Health Secretary for the recent strengthened guidance to allow parents access to neonatal intensive care units whenever they need to in this pandemic. Can the Prime Minister confirm that compliance with this guidance will be monitored, and can he reassure parents, once and for all, that we know that they are integral to their child's care in hospital, and not just visitors?
Context
Guidance has been strengthened allowing parents access to neonatal intensive care units during the pandemic.
Boris Johnson (Prime Minister)
Absolutely. I know that my hon. Friend knows of what she speaks. She is completely right to say that they are partners in care and should not be considered as visitors. That is why the current guidance has been put in place—and yes, we will be monitoring it to ensure that it is observed.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Can I ask the Prime Minister that some of the promised increase in education funding be spent on repairing voluntary controlled and multi-academy trusts such as Orchards Academy and West Kingsdown in my constituency? Those types of school were unable to apply for recent funding rounds and are urgently in need.
Context
Additional education funding is promised but some schools were unable to apply for recent rounds of repair funds and need urgent attention.
Boris Johnson
Indeed, an additional £560 million has been allocated this year for essential maintenance and upgrades in school estate, including £20 million to Kent local authority and nearly £6 million to Kemnal Academies Trust. I encourage my hon. Friend's excellent campaign.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Why does the Secretary of State think it is one rule for Labour and another for everyone else, given that she described delaying teacher pay awards as a dereliction of duty?
Context
Teachers are angry about uncertainty regarding their pay awards.
Bridget Phillipson
The Secretary of State delivered the pay award in full and fully funded when she took office, addressing delays under the previous government. She criticises the Conservatives for their policy to cut state school budgets to invest in private schools.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Why does the Secretary of State think the country and so many teachers have lost faith in this Government?
Context
The resignation of the Prime Minister has affected teacher morale, with 72% of teachers believing the Government has performed badly on education.
Bridget Phillipson
The Secretary of State states that the previous government left behind a shocking rise in child poverty and major social failure, while Labour aims to drive up school standards and make change happen for teachers and leaders.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Last week, I asked the Secretary of State a specific question about SEND funding during her statement, which she failed to answer, so I will try again with the Minister today. The £4 billion for SEND announced last week, to be paid over three years, which the Secretary of State described as “new money”, is actually from within the Department's existing spending review settlement, isn't it?
Context
The Secretary of State failed to answer a specific question about SEND funding during a statement, and the questioner seeks clarification on whether the £4 billion for SEND announced last week is actually from within the Department's existing spending review settlement.
Georgia Gould
Yes, the £4 billion for SEND is from within the Department's existing spending review settlement. It is a priority that the Government takes very seriously, and it has been managed to get new investment to support children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Session: Supporting Children with SEND
View All Questions -->
The answer should have been “never”. That is what our guidance said, and that is what the Government's guidance should have said. In our universities, gender-critical feminists have been kicked off campus, while today the ayatollah is being celebrated as a martyr at University College London. This is completely unacceptable, so what is the Secretary of State doing to crack down on this two-tier system, or is she going to sit on her hands while an enemy of Britain is celebrated?
Context
The questioner expresses concern about the celebration of an ayatollah at University College London and questions the Secretary of State's actions to address hate speech on campus, contrasting this with the treatment of gender-critical feminists.
Bridget Phillipson
No, absolutely not. While I am clear that universities should be places of open discussion and dialogue, where views should be challenged and questioned—that is an important principle that this party has long supported—there can of course be no place for hate speech or intimidation on campus. Anyone involved in that kind of activity should face consequences, but that is entirely different from the wider question that the right hon. Lady started with, which is about the wellbeing of children. We all have a responsibility to approach this issue sensibly and do what is right by children. She obviously has not read the guidance properly.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Under what circumstances does the Secretary of State think it is appropriate for a five-year-old to socially transition?
Context
The questioner asks about the Secretary of State's views on the circumstances under which it is appropriate for a five-year-old to socially transition, referencing guidance that suggests it is never appropriate.
Bridget Phillipson
I genuinely expected better from the right hon. Lady. I encourage her to go away and look at the guidance we have published, which will be statutory in nature and makes the involvement of parents very clear. My view—which is also the view of Dr Hilary Cass—is that we should let children be children.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The right hon. Lady can rail against the forecasts, the Tories, her own leaky Back Benchers and probably, privately, the Treasury all she likes, but the spending review has set departmental budgets for the year in question. There is not £6 billion down the back of the sofa, so unless she can say where else the £6 billion is coming from out of Government resource departmental expenditure limits—clearly, she just failed to do so—it must be coming out of schools or SEND. So let us try again: will she be straight with teachers, parents and her own Back Benchers, and tell us what is being cut? Is it SEND or is it schools?
Context
There is confusion about where £6 billion will be sourced from in the budget deficit.
Bridget Phillipson
I do not know whether the right hon. Lady listened to what I just said. It is not coming out of school budgets.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
My question is very simple: does the Education Secretary believe that primary school teachers are indeed teachers?
Context
The question pertains to the recognition and inclusion of primary school teachers in the Secretary of State's manifesto pledge for teacher recruitment.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
I join the right hon. Lady in paying tribute to her teacher who joins us today. We all know that a brilliant teacher and the contribution that they make can always stay with us. I am slightly perplexed by the right hon. Lady’s question. She is obviously right, but after 14 years of Tory failure many of our teachers are sadly having to pick up the pieces of wider societal challenges—whether that is too many families being in temporary accommodation or the growing number of children in poverty. We are determined as a Government to turn that around.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Not only has the Education Secretary introduced a Bill to this place that will destroy standards in English schools, but now she has broken her promises on national insurance contributions compensation and is leaving schools in an impossible funding situation. Every MP has heard from headteachers who are stressed beyond belief at how to manage their funding. Can the Secretary of State guarantee that worried headteachers up and down the country will not have to make teachers redundant because of her broken promises: yes or no?
Context
The Conservative MP notes headteachers' stress due to funding issues and questions the government's commitment to education after introducing a bill that they claim will harm standards in English schools. Laura Trott mentions broken promises on national insurance contributions compensation.
Catherine McKinnell
The right hon. Lady has a firmer grip on anonymous briefings in the papers than on the details of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. She is more focused on petty political games in Westminster than on improving the lives of children and families up and down the country. The Bill will get qualified teachers in front of classrooms. It will teach a cutting-edge curriculum. It will drive down the costs of sending children to school. It will provide breakfast clubs for children who need them. It will stop vulnerable children falling through the cracks. It is a single most important piece of child protection legislation in a generation. The Conservatives voted against it. They can snipe from the sidelines; we will get on with delivering change.
Session: School Costs and Employer’s National Insurance Contributions
View All Questions -->
Despite the Education Secretary’s best attempts to rewrite history, we Conservatives did not need a court to tell us that biological sex is real. We produced draft guidance for consultation over a year ago. Why has she not published it?
Context
The shadow Secretary of State asks a specific question about draft guidance for schools on gender questioning, which was published by the Conservatives before the general election.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
We need to take this issue seriously and get it right. The draft guidance was produced a matter of months before the general election, and we are taking stock following the full and final review from Dr Cass, which should be the basis for how we proceed.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
How on earth can the Secretary of State justify spending £90 million on a one-year contract for advertising and media while cutting a £4 million Latin excellence programme mid-year that is helping to improve school standards in some of the most deprived areas of the country? Does that not show that the Secretary of State’s priorities are all wrong?
Context
The MP questions the Secretary of State's decision to spend £90 million on advertising while cutting educational programs such as Latin, computing hubs, language hubs, and advanced maths.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
Yet again, we hear a lot of sound and fury from the right hon. Lady, but no recognition of the mess that the Conservatives left behind, which it falls to this Labour Government to resolve. We are investing more in early years, more into our schools and more into 16-19 education. Yes, some of the investment we need to make is about ensuring that people come forward to train as teachers, particularly because of the chronic issues we face around recruitment and retention because of the mess left behind after the last Conservative Government.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The delay in implementing the freedom of speech Act has caused significant legal expenses for some individuals. Will you get on with implementing it?
Context
Legal fees have been incurred due to the delay in implementing the Act, causing financial hardship. The Act is said to save legal costs.
Bridget Phillipson
I do accept that academics should be free to express a wide range of views, and there will be views that people sometimes find challenging, but it also matters that we have legislation that is workable. The former Universities Minister herself said that she was concerned about what it would mean for Holocaust denial on campus.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Since the Government decided to pause commencement of the legislation, what are your plans for implementing it and addressing concerns raised?
Context
The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 was passed before the election, but the government has paused its implementation. The question is about clarifying this situation.
Bridget Phillipson
This Government are absolutely committed to freedom of speech and academic freedom. We paused commencement of the previous Government's legislation because of the serious concerns raised by very many people, including from minority groups.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The Secretary of State has made it clear that she would like more time spent on creative subjects, but she must ensure that does not come at the expense of an academic education. Last week's international education stats found that English children are the best at maths in the western world. That is brilliant news and testament to the hard work of teachers and pupils. It is also down to a world-class curriculum put in place by the previous Government. Will she finally celebrate those results and instruct her curriculum review that it must not dilute academic standards and put that progress at risk?
Context
The Secretary of State wants more time spent on creative subjects. However, there is concern that this might come at the expense of an academic education. Last week's international education statistics showed that English children are the best at maths in the western world.
Catherine McKinnell
From their shameless sense of pride, we would never know that the Conservative Government left England's school standards getting worse. Conservative Members may be happy that half of disadvantaged pupils in state schools did not meet the requirements in reading, writing or maths at the end of primary school, but we do not think their record is anything to be proud of.
Session: Creative Education Schools
View All Questions -->
Two thirds of early years places are delivered by private and voluntary providers. What assessment has the Department for Education made of the impact of last week's national insurance rise? How much more do parents have to pay in nursery fees?
Context
The MP raised concerns about the impact of last week's national insurance rise on private and voluntary providers in the early years sector.
Bridget Phillipson
We expect to provide £8.1 billion for early years entitlements in 2025-26, an increase of about 30% from the previous year. We are looking at what the changes mean for providers and will have more to say shortly.
Session: Childcare Availability
View All Questions -->
The problem that we have is that while we are learning the lessons of our defeat, the Government are failing to learn from our brilliant record on school standards. Results improved, more schools were “good” or “outstanding”, but now the party in government is trying to undermine one part of the basis for that success. Why is the Secretary of State scrapping the academy conversion support grant when it was such a push behind improving school standards?
Context
The Conservative government improved school standards, but now the current party is trying to undermine it by scrapping the academy conversion support grant.
Bridget Phillipson
The Conservative party has learned absolutely nothing and parents will not buy it. We were faced with some very tough choices because of the £22 billion hole in the public finances, as the right hon. Lady, the former Chief Secretary to the Treasury, knows all too well—[Interruption.] We are fixing the foundations and rebuilding our schools.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
There has been a lot of discussion about our record in government. Under the Conservatives, England climbed international educational league tables, but what happened to Labour-run Wales? It fell. Under the Conservatives, youth unemployment went down and school standards improved —that is the record of the Conservative Government, which we are proud to defend. Does the Secretary of State agree that academisation was one of the driving forces behind that very good school improvement?
Context
During the Conservative government, England improved in international educational league tables while youth unemployment decreased.
Bridget Phillipson
I am sorry to disappoint the right hon. Lady, but we will be talking about the Conservatives' 14 years of failure for a very long time indeed.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
During the election campaign, I held a press conference at which I outlined the glaring funding gaps in Labour's plans and the taxes they might raise to pay for them. One of those taxes was employer national insurance contributions. The right hon. Member for Bristol North West (Darren Jones)—now Chief Secretary to the Treasury—responded at the time by arguing that this was a list of things that “Labour isn't doing.” Is it correct that raising employer national insurance contributions is something Labour isn't doing?
Context
The MP references a press conference held during the election campaign highlighting Labour's funding gaps and potential tax rises.
James Murray
The right hon. Member will have to wait for the Budget tomorrow. She was a Minister not that long ago, so she might still remember that the Budget is the time when such announcements are made. Let me restate our commitment, so it is crystal clear, that we will protect working people by not increasing national insurance, income tax or VAT.
Session: Taxes on Working People
View All Questions -->
Ten years ago, the now Chancellor argued in this House that winter fuel payments should be means-tested and cut for “the richest pensioners”. The Chancellor's 10-year campaign has now come to fruition and she has proposed removing the winter fuel payment from pensioners on just £13,000 a year. Does she still think that a pensioner on £13,000 a year is rich?
Context
The question references the Chancellor's previous stance on means-testing winter fuel payments and criticises recent proposals to remove them for pensioners earning just £13,000 a year.
Rachel Reeves
What came to an end in July was 14 years of a Conservative Government who presided over a fall in living standards, the highest tax burden in 70 years, a debt, as a share of our economy, of almost 100%, and a £22 billion black hole in the public finances just this year. What we have not heard from those on the Opposition Front Bench, or indeed from any Conservative Member of Parliament, is an apology for the mess that they have left this country in, which this Government are now picking up.
Session: Cost of Living Support for Pensioners
View All Questions -->
In 2021-22, almost 18,000 pensioners in Kettering, over 60,000 pensioners in north Northamptonshire and more than 9 million pensioners in England received a winter fuel payment. We estimate that similar numbers will have received the £300 pensioner cost of living payment in 2022-23. Will those 18,000 pensioners in receipt of the pensioner cost of living payment also receive additional support such as the £400 energy bill discount, the £150 council tax rebate, the £150 disability cost of living payment and the £150 warm home discount? Will they also benefit from the energy price guarantee, saving a typical household £900 a year?
Context
In the fiscal year 2021-22, thousands of pensioners in Kettering and north Northamptonshire received winter fuel payments. The speaker estimates similar numbers will have received a £300 pensioner cost of living payment in 2022-23.
Philip Hollobone
Will those 18,000 pensioners in receipt of the pensioner cost of living payment also receive additional support such as the £400 energy bill discount, the £150 council tax rebate, the £150 disability cost of living payment and the £150 warm home discount? Will they also benefit from the energy price guarantee, saving a typical household £900 a year?
Session: Pensioner Cost of Living Payment
View All Questions -->
While £100 support is welcome, will the Chancellor and Business Secretary review additional support given severe price rises for off-grid heating oil?
Context
The price of heating oil has more than doubled in the past year, impacting rural constituents who are not on the mains gas grid.
Kwasi Kwarteng
A pot of money is reserved to help those off the gas grid, and we are happy to help constituents in this challenging time.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Parents across Sevenoaks and Swanley are facing rising childcare costs. I know that there is a huge amount of support available, so can the Secretary of State update the House on what she is doing to simplify the system so that it is clearer to people what they are entitled to and easier for people to claim?
Context
Parents in Sevenoaks and Swanley face rising childcare costs. The MP is seeking clarification on what the Government is doing to simplify the support system so that people are clear about their entitlements.
David Rutley
The Department is promoting the universal credit childcare costs offer through a national advertising campaign, using the “Childcare Choices” website and new guidance for work coaches.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Will my hon. Friend ensure that the Way to Work scheme focuses particularly on helping younger people, similar to how Kickstart was used by many local employees, especially for sectors struggling to recruit such as social care?
Context
The Way to Work scheme is replacing the Kickstart programme in Sevenoaks and Swanley, with local employers like Go-Coach and Mount Vineyard using it.
Mims Davies
The scheme has transformed how we recruit everybody, including our young people. Our DWP employment advisers are working closely with employers to meet local demand for HGV drivers and care workers, and Way to Work offers a unique opportunity to ramp up recruitment in new sectors.
Session: Kickstart Scheme Closure
View All Questions -->
I thank the Secretary of State for the extremely welcome news that he will introduce a licensing regime for non-surgical cosmetic interventions. This is a huge step forward for women's health, and one that I have campaigned for over many years, along with many across the House. I am absolutely delighted. Can he inform us how the proposed licensing regime will keep pace with the rapidly changing landscape of these treatments?
Context
The MP is pleased with the government's decision to introduce a licensing regime for non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
Sajid Javid
First, I pay tribute to my hon. Friend and to my right hon. Friend the Member for Romsey and Southampton North (Caroline Nokes) for all the work they have done on this most important of issues. Over the past few months, we have all heard in this House some horrific examples of botched, non-cosmetic procedures scarring people for life. No longer will that be allowed. We will be introducing a licensing regime for such procedures. The details of the regime will be set out in regulations, meaning that it will be flexible, agile and change in response to changes in the cosmetics industry.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Can the Minister assure me and constituents of Sevenoaks and Swanley that Nightingale court funding will continue beyond March 2022? We urgently need this court for sexual violence cases.
Context
Kent's Crown court case load is at 93% above pre-pandemic levels, and sexual violence crimes are likely to be dropped due to delays. The MP seeks assurance that funding will continue past March next year.
Tom Pursglove
More than £1 billion has been allocated to boost capacity and recover from the pandemic in courts. The temporary Nightingale courts supported recovery but decisions on future spending will be based on ongoing discussions during the spending review allocation period.
Session: Violence Against Women and Girls
View All Questions -->
What steps he is taking to protect women and girls from violent and sexual offenders. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 introduced legislation to tackle these issues.
Context
The question arises in the context of addressing crimes such as stalking, forced marriage, and female genital mutilation.
Tom Pursglove
We have introduced legislation through the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 to tackle crimes including stalking, forced marriage, and female genital mutilation. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill will introduce measures such as longer prison sentences for serious violent and sexual offenders; reforms to pre-charge bail to protect vulnerable victims and witnesses; and positive obligations through sexual harm prevention orders and sexual risk orders.
Session: Violence Against Women and Girls
View All Questions -->
I am concerned that despite necessary steps being taken against the omicron variant, there remains a possibility of primary schools and nurseries closing, which would negatively affect young children's education and wellbeing.
Context
The question arises from concerns over potential school closures due to the omicron variant. The MP is concerned about the impact of online learning on children's education and wellbeing.
Robin Walker
In-person education remains our absolute priority. Our guidance is clear that settings should do everything possible to keep children in face-to-face education safely, and I will do everything in my power to keep schools and nurseries open.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I urge my right hon. Friend to increase protections for the green belt in the forthcoming planning Bill. In Sevenoaks we are 93% green belt, yet we are constantly inundated with speculative planning applications that worry the local community. The answer should be clear: if it is green belt, it is protected; and if it is a speculative planning application, the answer is no.
Context
There is a need to increase protections for the green belt in the planning Bill.
Michael Gove
I would hate to be a developer facing my hon. Friend. When it comes to these speculative and ill-thought-out planning applications, developers had better put on their armour because she fires truth bullets at them from the hip, and repeatedly.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I welcome the Home Secretary's announcement of a new chair for the Sarah Everard inquiry. Can she assure us that necessary steps on vetting, treatment of sexual misconduct allegations, and sanctions will be taken in the interim?
Context
The Home Secretary announced the new chair of the Sarah Everard inquiry.
Priti Patel
Absolutely, and that is why we are pressing ahead with the inquiry on this particular basis. Let me say to all colleagues throughout the House that throughout all the discussions, and in view of the obvious sensitivities surrounding the murder of Sarah Everard, much thought and consideration has been given to the timeframe.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Last month, a man was jailed after being found guilty of six counts of raping a 14-year-old, two counts of sexual activity with a child, and other sexual offences; he was sentenced to only nine years' imprisonment. That follows reports that last year a man was jailed after being found guilty of raping a three-year-old in a wood; his sentence, too, was nine years. Those prison sentences are simply not long enough. Will the Attorney General agree to look at those cases and meet me to discuss what more can be done to ensure that the sentences match the crimes committed?
Context
MP cited two specific cases where perpetrators received nine-year sentences for serious crimes involving minors, expressing concern that these sentences do not reflect the severity of the offences.
Suella Braverman
My hon. Friend raises some very grave cases. I assure her that such offences are within the scope of the unduly lenient sentence scheme, and that the Solicitor General and I will consider every such referral to us with the greatest care. I am proud of our work in respect of offending against minors.
Session: Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme
View All Questions -->
What assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the unduly lenient sentence scheme in 2021? Along with many in this House, I have become increasingly concerned about unduly lenient sentences for rape, especially in relation to crimes committed against minors. Last month, a man was jailed after being found guilty of six counts of rape of a 14-year-old, two counts of sexual activity with a child, and other sexual offences; he was sentenced to only nine years' imprisonment.
Context
MP raised concerns about the unduly lenient sentence scheme's adequacy in addressing serious crimes, specifically rape cases involving minors. She cited a recent case where a perpetrator received a nine-year sentence for multiple counts of raping a 14-year-old and other sexual offenses.
Suella Braverman
In 2021, the unduly lenient sentence scheme has continued to ensure that the seriousness of offending is properly reflected in the sentence imposed. More than 100 cases have been heard by the Court of Appeal this year.
Session: Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme
View All Questions -->
After a long-fought campaign, I am delighted that Orchards Academy has been given the funding to be rebuilt. Will the Minister join me on a visit to Orchards so that he can see the difference that this funding will make to the local community in Swanley?
Context
Orchards Academy has been given funding for rebuilding.
Nadhim Zahawi
I am pleased to hear that Orchards Academy is one of the first 100 schools to benefit from the schools rebuilding programme. I will certainly join my hon. Friend on a visit.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. If I may, Mr Speaker, I will, with your indulgence, take a moment to express my deep sadness at the loss of James and David... Can we try to get the provision of new general practices on a planned basis as the new houses go up?
Context
The MP discusses the allocation of NHS capital funding and its impact on new general practices.
Sajid Javid
My hon. Friend is right to raise this... Additional funding can sometimes be allocated from section 106 or community infrastructure levy funding as well, but I am more than happy, if my hon. Friend would like, to meet him to discuss this further.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I listened carefully to my right hon. Friend's earlier answer, but does he agree that in any future planning reforms we must increase protection for our green belt? In Sevenoaks and Swanley, we are 93% green belt, yet we are constantly inundated by speculative planning applications such as that at Broke Hill, which worry the local community. The message should be clear: if it is green belt, it is protected, and if a planning application is put in for the green belt, the answer will be no.
Context
The MP asked for increased protection of the green belt in Sevenoaks and Swanley.
Robert Jenrick
The point that my hon. Friend touches on is that the current planning system is not well regarded and is not producing the kinds of outcomes that we want; that is precisely why we want to reform and modernise it. We want to ensure that protections such as the green belt have the weight that they deserve in the planning system and that we can cut out speculative development unless it is approved by democratically elected local councillors at their sole discretion.
Session: Planning System Modernisation
View All Questions -->
What steps his Department is taking to improve outcomes for rape victims?
Context
The question addresses the issue of rape victims not receiving adequate outcomes in the current criminal justice system, which has led to a lack of confidence among survivors.
Kit Malthouse
We are taking steps to ensure that we tackle this horrific crime and restore confidence in the criminal justice system, as outlined in the rape review. We aim to return the volume of rape cases going through the courts to at least 2016 levels by the end of this Parliament and are improving investigation quality and reducing victim wait times. Additionally, we are enhancing joint working among police and prosecutors and implementing performance scorecards for accountability.
Session: Outcomes for Rape Victims
View All Questions -->
Will the Crown Prosecution Service do all it can to prioritise cases of domestic violence and sexual abuse in the backlog?
Context
The concern stems from a need to ensure that cases involving domestic abuse and sexual assault are prioritised to avoid higher drop-off rates due to delays.
Michael Ellis
The CPS south-east region identifies domestic abuse cases, working with the Courts and Tribunal Service to ensure that they can be listed before the court as a priority. Work is being done to bring trial dates forward to avoid unnecessary delay.
Session: Criminal Justice System Covid-19 Recovery
View All Questions -->
I thank the Minister for his answer and for his previous engagement on the issue of a Nightingale court in Kent. Will he provide an update on when he thinks the court will be established and up and running?
Context
The MP previously engaged with the Minister on establishing a Nightingale court in Kent. She requested an update on when it would be established and up and running.
Chris Philp
My hon. Friend has been a tireless advocate for a Nightingale court in Kent. My colleague Lord Wolfson is working very actively on that question and I strongly hope we will be in a position to make a positive announcement in the very near future.
Session: Backlog of Court Cases
View All Questions -->
May I ask the Minister for an update on when a Nightingale court will be established in Kent? This will be vital to speeding up access to justice for my constituents and helping with the cases at the highest risk of attrition, such as those of sexual violence.
Context
Concern over the need for faster access to justice in Kent, particularly for high-risk cases like sexual violence.
Chris Philp
My hon. Friend has been a tireless and energetic advocate for a Nightingale court in Kent, and the options are being studied carefully by officials, who will continue to work with her and her colleagues. We have got 49 courtrooms open for Nightingale courts, and that will shortly increase to 60.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister join me in thanking the military personnel who set up the asymptomatic testing sites in Sevenoaks and Swanley? The 35 Engineer Regiment managed the whole process swiftly and efficiently, making it as pleasant as possible to visit. They deserve recognition.
Context
MP thanked 35 Engineer Regiment for setting up asymptomatic testing sites.
James Heappey
I absolutely join my hon. Friend in praising the fabulous work of the 35 Engineer Regiment and the Kent resilience unit, which supported Kent County Council to deliver its community testing programme and establish the Sevenoaks asymptomatic testing site. Armed forces personnel have been working tirelessly across the United Kingdom to help tackle this pandemic.
Session: Covid-19 NHS Support
View All Questions -->
Can the Chancellor confirm when local authorities will be able to begin distributing these vital restart grants?
Context
The MP acknowledged the measures in the Budget and asked about when local authorities will be able to start distributing restart grants.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that we must get support to businesses as quickly as possible. I am pleased to confirm to her that guidance will be published, hopefully by the end of this week, for local authorities, and that the restart grants, which are designed to take the place of our grant scheme that runs out at the end of April, will be distributed to local authorities in the first full week—the week commencing 5 April. I hope that is a reassurance to her and her businesses, and that local authorities can get the cash to them at this vital time.
Session: Covid-19 Support for Business
View All Questions -->
According to UCAS data, the number of EU students applying to study in Scotland has fallen by 40% since Brexit, with Department for Education figures predicting a 57% drop in EU student numbers. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to promote our universities and attract more EU students to study in the UK?
Context
The MP referenced UCAS data showing a significant drop in EU student applications to Scottish universities following Brexit.
Gavin Williamson
Obviously, Scottish universities are benefiting from bringing in additional fee income as a result of the changes that have happened. We have set out, as part of our international education strategy, a very ambitious plan to benefit all universities right across the United Kingdom. I would be very happy to send the hon. Lady a copy of the plan. Hopefully, she will see the real benefits of being part of the United Kingdom: we can market on a global level—not just in the European Union, but right across the world—to attract international students.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Education and Skills Reform
09 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Children and Social Media Protection Bill - Amendments 38V to 38X, Lords Amendments 105C
27 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves an amendment insisting on the Commons disagreement with Lords amendments 38V-38X and proposes new amendments in lieu of those. The amendment seeks to impose stricter social media age restriction...
Education Bill - After Clause 62 - Prohibition of smartphones during the school day
22 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to insist on Commons amendment 38J and disagrees with Lords amendments 38V to 38X. The amendment aims to prohibit the use of smartphones during the school day, aiming to protect children from on...
Children and Social Work Bill - Clause 56 - Functions of adjudicator in relation to admission numbers
15 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment moves to strengthen obligations to support sibling contact for children who are looked after. It aligns with recommendations from the Family Rights Group and Become, and is supported by ...
Student Loans
18 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Bereaved Children: Government Support
26 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate seeks to address the lack of support available to bereaved children, highlighting the personal experience of the MP whose father died suddenly when she was young. The speech emphasises the ...
Schools White Paper: Every Child Achieving and Thriving
23 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Mobile Phones and Social Media Use by Children 2026-01-20
20 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Camden Nursery Sexual Abuse Case 2025-12-04
04 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Curriculum and Assessment Review 2025-11-05
05 November 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
The Lower Thames Crossing
11 February 2025
The petition highlights the severe traffic congestion at the Dartford crossing, affecting thousands of residents daily in areas like Swanley and the Dartford Villages, leading to missed medical appoin...
View Full Petition -->
Orchards Academy
01 July 2021
The petition addresses the urgent need to rebuild Orchards Academy in Swanley due to serious structural problems, emphasising that children should have access to a safe and modern educational environm...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
53.1%
52 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
33
33.7% of votes
No Votes
19
19.4% of votes
Abstentions
46
46.9% of votes
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
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 AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
3
PMQs Asked
53
Ministerial Questions Asked
90
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
5
Statements / Bills
2
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
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+295% above average
This MP:
53
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1752% above average
This MP:
90
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-47% below average
This MP:
5
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-18% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-23% below average
This MP:
53.1
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Laura Trott's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.