Lincoln Jopp
MP for Spelthorne
Con
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I was appalled to hear that the Labour Member of Parliament for Bristol North East (Damien Egan) was prevented from visiting a school in his constituency because he is Jewish. This is antisemitism and it is happening in plain sight. With all due respect to the Prime Minister, I do not want to know how he feels about this; I want to know what he is going to do about it.
Context
Damien Egan, Labour MP for Bristol North East, was prevented from visiting a school in his constituency because he is Jewish.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
Can I start by thanking the hon. Gentleman for raising this case, because it is very serious and very concerning? All Members of Parliament should be able to visit anywhere in their constituency, schools or other places, without any fear of antisemitism. We do take this seriously. We are providing more funding for security and support that we are putting in across the country, and we will be holding to account those who prevented that visit to the school.
Session: PMQs
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The Spelthorne Litter Pickers is an outstanding organisation of 1,000 volunteers who do great work up and down my constituency, come rain or shine. Last week, they were awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service. Would the Deputy Prime Minister, the Government and indeed the whole House like to join me in congratulating the Spelthorne Litter Pickers and thank them for all they do?
Context
The Spelthorne Litter Pickers, a volunteer group of 1,000 members, was awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service.
Angela Rayner
Mr Speaker, what can I say? I absolutely agree with the hon. Gentleman—may I say my hon. Friend?—about the Spelthorne Litter Pickers. Those who come together to volunteer and help, in particular young people who do a lot of this, play an important role in all our constituencies. I think across the whole House we congratulate the Spelthorne Litter Pickers on their award, and all those who do voluntary work to support our communities.
Session: PMQs
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Now that Sue Gray has turned down an offer to be Prime Minister's special envoy, will he admit this was an invented job on taxpayers' money for cronies? If not, is a new one being hired?
Context
Sue Gray, a supposed candidate for a PM special envoy role, declined the opportunity. This prompts questions about the real purpose of such roles in government.
Keir Starmer
It wasn't.
Assessment
No explanation provided about the nature of special envoy role or future plans
Session: PMQs
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First we had the embarrassment of the Labour party being sued by the Trump campaign. Then we had the national capitulation—
Context
The Labour party was sued by the Trump campaign. The national capitulation refers to the previous government's handling of the situation.
Keir Starmer
I was intending to say that the hon. Gentleman was an upgrade on his predecessor, who of course drove up mortgages by thousands of pounds, but I withdraw that now.
Assessment
Embarrassment and national capitulation concerning Labour party actions
Driving Up Mortgages
Session: PMQs
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All my residents in Spelthorne and I are desperate to get Spelthorne's five stations into the travelcard zone. The Secretary of State has looked at this in the past, but will she look again, with South Western Railway, at the financial modelling being used to say that it is not possible? I think a load more people would use that trainline if it were in the travelcard zone.
Context
Residents of Spelthorne are eager for the five local stations to be included in the travelcard fare payment zone.
Heidi Alexander
I appreciate the importance of affordability to the travelling public, and I understand the desire of the hon. Gentleman's constituents to see lower fares. We are rolling out pay-as-you-go ticketing to make journeys frictionless in the south-east, but there are currently no plans to expand that London-wide fare payment zone.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-16
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On Armed Forces Day, I had the honour of unveiling a veterans' buddy bench in my constituency. The idea is that veterans go there and members of the public are encouraged to sit with them. Will Front Benchers encourage other constituencies to get a similar bench?
Context
A veterans' buddy bench was unveiled in Sunbury Park.
Calvin Bailey
I thank the hon. and gallant Member for that excellent idea. While we were away, Ministers showed support for veteran communities. I will look to take on those ideas and the one raised.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-06
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Could the Minister give an update on the review of documentation from Lord Mandelson's time in office, and reassure that it will not be sidelined?
Context
A review is being conducted on Lord Mandelson's time in office to ensure no leverage was used during his tenure.
Darren Jones
The investigations are ongoing; parallel reviews are happening in the European Parliament. Updates will be provided to my successor.
Session: Topical Questions
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Members of Town Farm primary school visited me and asked questions; I will leave my view on the new Secretary of State for now. Head teacher Mr Bhatti received an OBE. Will the Secretary of State put on record her thanks to Mr Bhatti and all at Town Farm primary school?
Context
Town Farm primary school in Stanwell, Spelthorne constituency, received a visit from its pupils who asked about the new Secretary of State. The head teacher, Mr Bhatti, was awarded an OBE in the King's birthday honours.
Bridget Phillipson
I am happy to extend my congratulations to Mr Bhatti and the brilliant team at Town Farm primary school, and I hope that all the pupils had a wonderful visit to Parliament. This is an opportunity that we can encourage our schools to take up, as funding is available through Parliament and the Parliamentary Education Centre.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Secretary of State will be aware of the provision in the national planning policy framework that if a proposed development is within 800 metres of a train station, it is a presumed yes from the planning inspector's point of view. However, that creates a planning loophole in my Spelthorne constituency because Kempton Park station is the first one outside the Oyster zone, so no matter how many houses are built there, no one will use the station because they will all go one stop up the line to Hampton to travel much more cheaply. As a result of that loophole, Barratt Redrow is planning to put in a planning application to flatten Kempton Park racecourse and put 2,000 homes on it. Will the Secretary of State look at the planning loophole in the NPPF to ensure that it is not abused? How would she feel if she were indirectly responsible for the destruction of an internationally famous, iconic racecourse?
Context
The NPPF provision that if a proposed development is within 800 meters of a train station, it gets presumed approval from the planning inspector, could be abused in Spelthorne where Kempton Park racecourse might be flattened for housing developments.
Heidi Alexander
It is right to prioritise development in sustainable locations, namely around railway stations. The establishment of Great British Railways will enable us to look more holistically at the way in which the ticketing and fares system works, and we are expanding pay-as-you-go ticketing to give a more seamless experience to people who travel in the south-east. I do not know the details of the planning application the hon. Gentleman refers to. If he wishes to write to me, I will look into it in more detail.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister have a look at this issue and discuss it with the Environment Agency, so that slum boats on EA land can either be registered properly and policed, or moved on?
Context
The question arises from concerns about human waste discharge from unregulated boats on Environment Agency-owned land, which can negatively affect local waterways.
Emma Hardy
The hon. Gentleman raises an important point; I would be happy to look at it with the Environment Agency.
Session: Clean Waterways Thames Valley
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Did you consult General Sir Nick Parker who said there should be no further criminal proceedings unless there is new and compelling evidence? Will you bring forward amendments based on this suggestion?
Context
General Sir Nick Parker suggested that further criminal investigations, inquests, inquiries or prosecutions should only occur with new and compelling evidence. This recommendation was part of the wide consultation process.
Hilary Benn
I have consulted widely including seeing an amendment that has been tabled. The Bill already includes provisions against repeated investigations unless essential by the commission. Further amendments are being considered based on these consultations.
Session: Replacing the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023
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The pubs in Spelthorne are under the cosh. The Minister, in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Broadland and Fakenham (Jerome Mayhew), said that a review of pubs and how they are valued for business rates purposes is ongoing. She will know that the review will not be relevant until 2029. Pubs are closing today. Young people are losing their jobs today. Will those on the Government Front Bench please do more to lobby the Treasury for our pubs?
Context
The number of pubs has fallen by nearly 7,0 7,000 since 2010. The MP is concerned about the current situation and the future impact on local communities.
Kate Dearden
Pubs in the hon. Member's constituency and nationwide are so important to day-to-day community life, and we are mindful of the challenges that they have faced in recent years. The number of pubs has fallen by nearly 7,000 since 2010. We know how significant that is, and I will work closely with colleagues to support pubs.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister join me in encouraging all my Spelthorne residents who have a complaint about a pothole to report it via the Surrey county council website?
Context
Residents in Spelthorne are encouraged to report pothole issues via the Surrey county council website.
Simon Lightwood
I absolutely agree that constituents should report potholes to their local authority. By the end of this Parliament, funding will be almost doubled to allow councils to address the pothole issue effectively.
Session: Pothole Repairs Strategic Road Network
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Second Reading of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill took place on 18 November, and the remedial order, which removed the protections from the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, was passed on 21 January. How is that not a dereliction of duty?
Context
The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill was passed, removing protections from the previous act. The questioner is concerned about the lack of protections for veterans.
Hilary Benn
The dates for Committee stage and for the next stage of the remedial order will be announced in the normal way. The scheme was never enacted and has never had effect, so the Government's actions have not changed this position. The Government has brought forward protections for veterans that were not contained in the 2023 legacy Act. Further proposals will be brought forward when Committee stage happens.
Session: Northern Ireland Troubles Legacy and Reconciliation
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Are there any circumstances in which he would consider reintroducing jury trials for cases currently slated to lose this right?
Context
There are concerns that the government's current stance on jury trials is based on misleading data and that no circumstances justify curtailment.
David Lammy
I know the hon. Gentleman has studied this closely, but there are two problems we have to fix. Demand is going up—I said that the police are arresting more. But he will know that because of the use of smartphones, social media, DNA evidence and forensics—for all those reasons—trials are taking longer. That is what we are seeking to fix in the Courts and Tribunals Bill and that is why we have to put the system on a sustainable footing for the next generation. That is what the Bill will deliver.
Session: Jury Trials
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What assessment has been made of the potential impact of proposed changes to jury trials on the criminal justice system?
Context
The Conservative government proposed changes to jury trials to address the criminal justice backlog. The question seeks an evaluation of these changes.
David Lammy
The Conservatives left our criminal justice system on the brink of collapse, and we are taking action to clean up the mess they left behind. Our detailed impact assessment, published alongside the Courts and Tribunals Bill, shows that our package of measures will save about 27,000 sitting days per year, a saving of almost 20%. Only through reform, together with record investment and action to modernise our courts, can we finally turn the tide on the backlog and deliver swifter justice for victims.
Session: Jury Trials
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British personnel in Cyprus, Bahrain, Iraq and across the middle east have been attacked by Iran and its proxies. In such circumstances, we must act quickly to protect our people and interests. Having served on Royal Navy vessels, I know it takes time to ready a ship, yet nearly two weeks passed before the Government sent a single destroyer— HMS Dragon—to help defend our forces in Cyprus. Why was that decision not taken sooner, and given that the Royal Navy had advised deploying assets earlier, which Minister took the decision not to act on that point?
Context
The MP questions the delay in deploying HMS Dragon after British personnel were attacked by Iran.
John Healey
I strengthened UK defences ahead of the conflict. Once the scale and nature of the indiscriminate and widespread Iranian response became clear and the circumstances were changing, we altered and adopted further actions. The deployment of HMS Dragon was part of that.
Session: Middle East UK Armed Forces Personnel
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Why did the hon. Member for Makerfield resign as a Cabinet Office Minister at the weekend?
Context
The hon. Member for Makerfield (Josh Simons) resigned as a Cabinet Office Minister over the weekend.
Darren Jones
I refer the hon. Gentleman to his statement.
Session: Standards in Government
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In Spelthorne, there are various sports clubs and schools with successful football teams. What support is available for such grassroots initiatives?
Context
The Member highlights the diverse range of sport facilities and clubs in his constituency, including football teams.
Lisa Nandy
We have just announced the first allocations of the £400 million invested in grassroots sport. I wish Thamesmead—the teams actually—the best of success in what should be a fantastic competition.
Session: Grassroots Sport
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Last year, 88,000 new homes were meant to be started in London, but instead, 5,891 were started. That shortfall has a direct impact on rents in my Spelthorne constituency. Will the Secretary of State say why he is allowing Sadiq Khan to run circles around him?
Context
88,000 new homes meant to start in London last year, but only 5,891 were started. Impact on rents in Spelthorne.
Matthew Pennycook
The Government have recognised openly that there is a perfect storm when it comes to house building in London. That is precisely why we are consulting on an emergency package. As the hon. Gentleman will know, the consultation closed just weeks ago and he does not have long to wait before we come forward with next steps.
Session: Topical Questions
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How does the Minister expect Ametek and SSS Gears to be competitive internationally when their energy prices are four times higher than those in Ashford, Alabama?
Context
Manufacturing companies in Spelthorne face high energy prices compared to international competitors.
Chris McDonald
The disparity in international energy prices is being addressed through our clean power 2030 mission. Both Ametek and SSS Gears are expected to benefit from initiatives such as the British industrial competitiveness scheme, for which consultation has closed and results will be published shortly.
Session: Businesses Cost of Energy
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Will the Home Secretary encourage and reach out to big corporate retailer chains, so we have a seamless flow of information to drive down shoplifting?
Context
The question is prompted by the inefficiency of current technology used in retail for reporting shoplifting incidents to the police.
Shabana Mahmood
I am very pleased that the hon. Member raises that issue, and I am happy to look at the detail of what he has seen in his constituency. Let me assure him that there is a lot of work happening with retailers, and I know that different platforms are being adopted. The pace of technological innovation in this area is very quick indeed, and we will do everything we can to make sure all these systems are joined up and that the police are in the best possible position to go after the criminals as quickly as possible.
Session: Police Efficiency Technology
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The defence investment plan was promised but it is still not there. When will the Government get their act together and stop dithering over the defence investment plan so that we can fuel our export economy?
Context
Lincoln Jopp is concerned about the delay in the Government's defence investment plan which affects the export business.
Chris Bryant (Minister of State, Department for Business and Trade)
Defence is an important part of both our industrial strategy and our export strategy. We are running a series of export campaigns which relate to defence expenditure. I will ensure that the hon. Gentleman gets an answer from the Ministry of Defence.
Session: Encouraging Exports
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On Friday, I visited Primark in Staines, where the team, led by Luke, is doing a fantastic job in creating a vibrant retail experience. However, the British Retail Consortium has said that the Chancellor’s jobs tax is pushing up prices and raising the cost of living, and that the Employment Rights Bill will also be inflationary. When did the Chancellor stop listening to business?
Context
The British Retail Consortium has warned that the Chancellor's jobs tax is pushing up prices and raising the cost of living, and that the Employment Rights Bill will also be inflationary.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
I was at Primark just ahead of the Budget, where we announced that we were going to take action on low-value imports. That was welcomed by Primark and many other retailers who are undercut by foreign importers that do not pay customs duty on what they bring into the country. Far from working against business, we are working in conjunction with business to grow our economy. Our economy exceeded expectations for growth last year, and I am confident that it will do the same this year too.
Session: Inflation
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In my Spelthorne constituency, as a result of action taken by the independent, Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green-led borough council, we have not had a local plan for a couple of years. It was finally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate on 25 November, but there has been a planning wild west in Spelthorne for the last couple of years, which I am keen to bring to an end. Will the Secretary of State use his good offices to influence the planning inspector to try to turn around this local plan as soon as possible?
Context
The question follows a period of increased focus on housing targets and policy measures to boost house building.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Steve Reed)
I certainly urge all local authorities to ensure that they have a local plan in place. When we came into government, two thirds of local authorities did not have a plan, but they need one to help developers know what they can build and where, and to speed up house building, which we all want to see.
Session: New Homes
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The Minister’s magnificent waistcoat reminds me that last night I was at the grand opening of Tulip Treasures Florist on Shepperton high street in my constituency. Will the Minister wish young Rhiannon, who is taking that brave step, every success in her endeavours?
Context
The MP attended the grand opening of Tulip Treasures Florist on Shepperton high street in his constituency, supporting a young entrepreneur named Rhiannon.
Chris Bryant
I wish Rhiannon every success in her endeavours, not least because one of the problems provided by Brexit affects florists up and down the country. Some 80% of the flowers sold by florists in the UK come from, or through, the Netherlands, and when we sort out our sanitary and phytosanitary measures deal—which we hope to do very soon—it will be much more affordable for florists to be able to survive in this country.
Session: Topical Questions
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National Grid is going to spend about £30 billion by the end of the decade building pylons, but only 2% of the steel used to build those pylons will be British; similarly, in the offshore wind projects, only 2% of the steel will be British. That is because of carbon taxes and energy costs. Does the Minister recognise that rather than promoting the opportunity of the great, green revolution that they were espousing earlier, the Government are actually killing British business with high energy costs?
Context
The MP is concerned that only a small percentage of the steel used for pylons and offshore wind projects will be produced by UK companies due to high energy costs.
Chris McDonald
I do not believe the hon. Gentleman is correct to attribute that cause to carbon taxes or energy costs, but I share his concern about the lack of British steel and other British materials being used in construction projects funded by the taxpayer. The taxpayer expects materials for such projects to largely be sourced from the UK.
Session: Energy Costs
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Following the Budget, a furious Labour supporter, thirty years of age, messaged me expressing indignation over the changes to pension contributions via salary sacrifice. She gives up significant perks for the sake of putting 20% of her income into her retirement fund, only to lose almost two grand annually as a result of responsible behavior. Why is the government keen on penalizing savers?
Context
A constituent aged 30 years old and a Labour voter expressed anger about the new restrictions on pension contributions made through salary sacrifice, which will cost him nearly £2000 annually.
Torsten Bell
We are taking a pragmatic approach to reforming pension contributions made via salary sacrifice, which costs set to nearly triple from £3 billion in 2017 to £8 billion by the end of this decade. The case for change was powerfully made by a previous Chancellor: “The majority of employees pay tax on a cash salary but some are able to sacrifice salary and pay much lower tax... That is unfair”. So said Baron Hammond of Runnymede.
Session: Topical Questions
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What assessment she has made of the level of threat that China poses to UK interests?
Context
Discussion about China's national security threats and the Foreign Secretary's authority in decision-making processes involving China.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Yvette Cooper)
China poses a series of national security threats, including on espionage, cyber-attacks, transnational repression and support for Russia in its war against Ukraine. We challenge China robustly in relation to all those threats. China is also our third-largest trading partner, and a country that we need to co-operate with on international issues, including trade and climate change.
Session: China Threat to UK Interests
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On 16 June I asked the Secretary of State what she understood to be the drivers behind the phenomenon of the exponential rise in the number of children with special educational needs. She replied: 'My Department, and the Department of Health and Social Care, are keen to understand...the drivers.'—[Official Report, 16 June 2025; Vol. 769, c. 11.] May I ask what work the Secretary of State has done in the intervening six months, and what she understands better today than she did on 16 June?
Context
The number of children identified as having special educational needs has been increasing, and a previous response from the Secretary of State acknowledged the need to understand this phenomenon.
The Minister for School Standards (Georgia Gould)
Again, we are absolutely committed to supporting children with special educational needs, and to understanding why we are seeing increases. Much of the evidence suggests that we are much better at diagnosing and understanding their needs, which is a positive development, but we are continuing to work with colleagues in the Department of Health and Social Care to review the evidence and understand how we can best intervene and support children—and, critically, not have to wait for a diagnosis, but be able to support children at the point when needs emerge.
Session: SEND Funding
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Now that the Secretary of State has warmed up a bit by calling the SNP a threat to our national security, will he have another go and say whether China is a threat to our national security?
Context
In response to the Secretary of State's comment regarding the SNP as a threat, Lincoln Jopp asks about China's standing in national security.
John Healey
I have nothing to add to what I said in response to the hon. Member for Ashfield (Lee Anderson), who asked the same question. What a waste of a question.
Session: Topical Questions
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The previous Schools Minister, the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne North (Catherine McKinnell), was so excited to hear from me about Manor Mead special school in my constituency that she undertook to visit it. Sadly, she had to cancel that visit and has now clearly moved on to other things, so would the new Schools Minister like to visit Manor Mead special school and see the fantastic work being done there?
Context
The MP mentions a previous promise by Catherine McKinnell, former Schools Minister, to visit Manor Mead Special School in his constituency but due to unforeseen circumstances, this visit did not take place.
Georgia Gould (The Minister for School Standards)
I am proud to follow on from the previous Schools Minister, and would be delighted to visit that school with the hon. Member.
Session: Children with SEND Mainstream Schools
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Very simple question: why are police numbers coming down under a Labour Government?
Context
Police numbers are reportedly declining under the current Labour Government.
Shabana Mahmood
This Government are focusing on delivering neighbourhood policing. We are going to have 3,000 neighbourhood police officers by April 2026, with 13,000—as we committed in our manifesto—by the end of the Parliament.
Session: Neighbourhood Policing
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Spelthorne residents Emma and John lost Holly to cancer in October last year. They set up the charity Holly’s Heroes in her name. Before she died, Holly was given a wheelchair by the NHS, and Emma and John cannot now give it back to the NHS for love nor money. I have raised this with the chief executive of the trust, but can the Secretary of State reassure me that this practice is not replicated nationwide?
Context
The MP raises an issue about a family unable to return an NHS wheelchair to the hospital due to administrative hurdles.
Wes Streeting
We absolutely need to look at reducing waste in the NHS, so I would be delighted to pick up that case. Can I also say an enormous thank you to Holly’s family for the work they are doing in such unimaginable circumstances? I really admire people who put themselves forward to serve others in that way after such a painful experience.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for that answer. On Friday, I had the opportunity to visit the outstanding Springfield primary school in my constituency. It has 500 pupils, 30 of whom have education, health and care plans, with six applications in currently. Can the Minister reassure the parents of those six children and the many, many parents across the country that, while this review into EHCPs is going on, local education authorities will not slow-roll existing applications or fail them as a default in order for them to go to tribunal and try to beat the clock?
Context
The MP references a visit to Springfield primary school in his constituency, noting the number of pupils and existing EHCP applications. He expresses concern about local authorities slowing down or failing EHCP applications during the review period.
The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)
We have yet to decide on the future of education, health and care plans, but we are extremely focused on strengthening the support system so that every child can receive timely, high-quality help. We will set out further details about our approach to special educational needs in this autumn’s White Paper. In the meantime, obviously, children should be getting the support they need, and we are putting in the groundwork so that more children can have that.
Session: Children with SEND
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We have been using floating solar technology in this country since 2016. Last month, the French started the largest plant in Europe, producing 74.3 MW. The Chinese have single plants that produce 350 MW. Given the scale of its use across the world, bar Britain, why did the Secretary of State refer to floating solar as a nascent technology? What is nascent about it?
Context
The French started the largest floating solar plant in Europe, producing 74.3 MW.
Ed Miliband
It sounds like I am being educated about floating solar. I am happy to share the hon. Gentleman’s enthusiasm for it; if he has proposals about how we can take it forward, I am all ears.
Session: Topical Questions
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Ametek, a defence manufacturer in my constituency, has reported to me that the process of getting a defence export licence has almost ground to a halt in the past 12 months. Could the Ministry of Defence send someone sufficiently threatening round to the Department for Business and Trade—perhaps the Veterans Minister—to persuade it to get a grip of its processes and speed everything up?
Context
The MP reported that a defence manufacturer in his constituency has faced delays in obtaining export licences. He asked for the Ministry of Defence to pressure other departments to expedite these processes.
The Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry (Maria Eagle)
I am sure that we can make representations to that Department to ensure that there is no unnecessary delay in applications for export being granted, where that is appropriate.
Session: Defence Sector Exports
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What steps she is taking to reduce the backlog for driving tests. The post-covid backlog in driving tests was trending down under the last Government. At the time of the general election, it had got to 521,000, which was still too high, but it was coming down. Since this Government took over, the number has rocketed up to 600,000, a new record high, meaning that constituents like Oliver, in my Spelthorne constituency, have had to wait six months for a driving test. The increasing delays in driving tests are putting a handbrake on growth and productivity, so whatever the Government are doing, can they do more of it and faster please?
Context
The post-covid driving test backlog was trending downwards under the previous government. However, since the current government took over, the backlog has increased to 600,000, surpassing the former record of 521,000.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)
We recognise that demand for driving tests has grown not just because of a covid backlog, but due to a long-term change in behaviour and demand for driving tests. I am pleased to report that the changes we have introduced, particularly on overtime pay incentives, are making a difference. The DVSA expects to deliver thousands of additional tests this month and is working to increase test availability further over the coming year, so that constituents like the hon. Gentleman’s can obtain a test as soon as possible. I understand how important this is, particularly to young people, and we do not want to curtail their life chances.
Session: Driving Test Backlog
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I am concerned about recent research showing that boys are underperforming girls across various educational stages. Given this situation, will the Secretary of State consider looking at whether boys might need to be taught differently from girls as part of her approach?
Context
Recent research by the Centre for Social Justice showed that at key stage 1, key stage 2, GCSEs, A-levels and T-levels, boys are underperforming girls. This discrepancy is affecting a generation of students.
The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)
I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman’s interest in this area. Through the schools White Paper, we will consider all the ways we can better support boys and young men as one group. We are aware that performance among free school meals-eligible white British boys is particularly low.
Session: Educational Outcomes for Boys
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In the last 11 months I have visited nearly all the schools in my constituency, and wherever I have gone I have asked whether people understand why the number of children with special educational needs has been going through the roof. I have received various explanations, such as lockdown, diet, social media, drugs in pregnancy, parenting, increased awareness and over-medicalisation. Is the Department doing any research on what is causing this phenomenon, so that we can treat the causes and not just the symptoms?
Context
The question arises from the observation that the number of children identified as having special educational needs has significantly increased over recent years.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
My Department, and the Department of Health and Social Care, are keen to understand some of the drivers identified by the hon. Gentleman. I know that he comes to this discussion in good faith, but some people, including Reform Members of Parliament, sometimes do not approach it in a responsible way. I think we need to tread with a great deal of care when we approach and discuss this subject, not least because it is a welcome change in our society that we now better understand where children have additional needs. The challenge, of course, is that the hon. Gentleman’s party did not put in place the support that was required both to identify and to support children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Session: SEND Support Children without an EHCP
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Given the controversial statement from an Ulster rap band on the bill at Glastonbury, can the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster reassure that no Cabinet Office Ministers will be attending Glastonbury this year?
Context
Question prompted by a controversial statement from an Ulster rap band performing at Glastonbury, asking about attendance of Cabinet Office Ministers.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Pat McFadden)
I will not be going to Glastonbury, but I am very much looking forward to seeing Bruce Springsteen at Anfield stadium on Saturday night.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Secretary of State will own South Western Railway by the end of the month. Will she commit to improving the reliability and punctuality of that section of the line?
Context
Cancellations of school trains affecting children's attendance records.
Heidi Alexander
With the transfer of South Western trains into public ownership in 10 days’ time, the Government are determined to turn this situation around, but I have to say that we have inherited an abject mess from the train operating company, which over six years has failed to get the new fleet of Arterio 701 trains into service.
Session: Topical Questions
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One area where we could show significant leadership is in the sphere of floating solar, which comes with huge benefits. Floating solar is twice as efficient as land-based systems and actually improves water quality underneath them. However, I hear that the Government’s solar road map has disappointingly little about floating solar. Would the Secretary of State agree to meet me to discuss this further, prior to publication?
Context
The Government's solar road map has disappointingly little about floating solar, an efficient and beneficial renewable energy source. My constituency stores half of London’s drinking water on raised reservoirs.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Kerry McCarthy)
As I understand it, the solar road map has not yet been published. I have had conversations with international counterparts interested in floating solar and would be happy to get a more detailed response on our plans.
Session: Climate Change International Leadership
View All Questions -->
Given that the Government have had six months and £63 billion of investment committed, how much money has gone out of the door for those oven-ready projects across the country?
Context
The government announced a £63 billion commitment at the UK International Investment Summit in October, which has been six months since.
Torsten Bell (Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury)
The hon. Member will be excited to know that the Business Secretary will be announcing in the coming weeks that shovels are already in the ground, or will be going into the ground, for some projects.
Session: Foreign Investment UK Summit
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Future of British Horseracing — [Carolyn Harris in the Chair]
07 July 2026
Responding: Stephanie Peacock
Main Concerns
['The racecourse in Spelthorne is under threat from a proposal to develop up to 3,500 homes on the site. This plan could proceed under new national planning policy framework rules despite being located in protected green belt land. Over 3,500 signatures have been collected against this proposal through a petition and local support remains strong.']
Specific Asks
['The MP asks for government advocacy to protect Kempton Park racecourse when the planning application is submitted. He also requests that signals be sent to Barratt Redrow about the lack of success for such a development if it proceeds.']
Ground-mounted Solar Panels: Alternatives
14 April 2026
Responding: Michael Shanks
Main Concerns
['The Member of Parliament for Spelthorne is concerned about the impact of large land-based solar farms on agricultural land, which he views as a zero-sum game between food security and energy security. He also highlights the potential benefits of floating solar panels over ground-mounted systems, citing an example from 2016 where a technology demonstrator produced 6.3 MW of power. Additionally, Jopp points out that floating solar can reduce evaporation by 70%, making it twice as efficient and beneficial for water security.']
Specific Asks
['Jopp asks the government to look at floating solar in a more strategic way and to consider relaxing permitted development rights to include third-party use of electricity, thus improving the business case for such projects. He also calls for a re-evaluation of their potential based on international examples.']
Catapults and Antisocial Behaviour
02 December 2025
Responding: Sarah Jones
Main Concerns
['The MP highlighted the serious issue of young kids using catapults in his constituency, resulting in more than one reported crime involving catapults per week over the past year and a half. In 90% of cases, no suspect or person of interest is identified. The local police are reviewing these cases to identify patterns.']
Specific Asks
['The MP asks the Government to amend the Crime and Policing Bill to reduce the minimum age at which community protection notices can be issued from 16 years old to 10 years old, in line with the age of criminal responsibility. He also calls for robust enforcement of existing wildlife legislation.']
Employment Rights: Impact on Businesses
16 September 2025
Responding: Kate Dearden
Main Concerns
["Members across the House are aware that Spelthorne has 4,500 small businesses and major employers such as BP’s global headquarters. The Employment Rights Bill could cost businesses up to £5 billion annually according to the Government's impact assessment, which the Institute of Economic Affairs considers a considerable underestimate due to its failure to account for impacts on business costs and hiring."]
Specific Asks
['The lead MP requests that the Government reconsider the measures in the Employment Rights Bill given their significant underestimated cost to businesses and potential detrimental effects on growth and employment. The Regulatory Policy Committee has stated that the impact assessment is not fit for purpose, suggesting insufficient evidence of an imbalance of power between employers and workers.']
Direction of Government
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Rochdale Grooming Gang: Offender Deportation
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Investment Plan
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Steel Trade Measure
25 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Opposition Day
23 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves the motion expressing regret over the chaos in Government, particularly regarding the temporary Prime Minister's attendance at the NATO summit. Calls on the Government to spend 3% of GDP on defe...
G7 Summit
22 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Steel Industry Act - Clause or Amendment being debated: New clause 4, amendment 7, amendments 8 and 9, amendment 6, amendment 20, amendment 22, amendment 24, new clauses 6 to 13
09 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment moved by Sarah Olney aims to introduce provisions requiring the Secretary of State to publish a written estimate of environmental liabilities before compensation can be paid. This is int...
Middle East
09 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Digital Safety: Children
08 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Armed Forces Act 2026 - Amendments 2, 3, 4, 88, and 89
02 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Ms. Nusrat Ghani proposes several amendments to the Armed Forces Act 2026 aimed at ensuring continuity of support for children with special educational needs, adoption and fostering arrangements, NHS ...
Attendance
64.1%
59 of 92 votes
Aye Votes
29
31.5% of votes
No Votes
30
32.6% of votes
Abstentions
33
35.9% of votes
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
VOTED NO
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
4
PMQs Asked
61
Ministerial Questions Asked
125
House of Commons Debates Involved
4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
92
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
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+355% above average
This MP:
61
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+59% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2472% above average
This MP:
125
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 (%)
-7% below average
This MP:
64.1
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 Lincoln Jopp's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.