Lloyd Hatton
MP for South Dorset
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I pay tribute to the Prime Minister for his steadfast leadership in the face of two major conflicts. His efforts to successfully marshal international support for Ukraine and ensure our armed forces are not sucked into a dangerous war with Iran could be his most important legacy. Does he share my view that we must now use every diplomatic tool at our disposal, including sanctions against networks and enablers, to crack down on hostile states such as Russia and Iran?
Context
The Prime Minister's diplomatic efforts in handling international conflicts such as the Ukraine war and Iran tensions are being evaluated.
Keir Starmer
We are united in this House against Russian aggression. This work began before I was Prime Minister and will continue afterwards, because Ukraine's security is our security.
Assessment
No specific diplomatic tools mentioned
Work Continues
Session: PMQs 2026-07-15
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Standing in the heart of Weymouth, the Rectory is an iconic building. Formerly a theatre, once a bustling cinema and then a popular pub, it has stood empty for more than a decade. We want to turn the building into a thriving centre for arts and culture, hosting exhibitions and celebrating everything that makes Weymouth unique. Will the Prime Minister work with me and all the key players on the ground to revitalise the Rectory and reopen this fantastic building for our town?
Context
The Rectory is an iconic but vacant building in Weymouth, which previously served as a theatre, cinema and pub. It has been empty for over ten years.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
My hon. Friend is a brilliant champion for South Dorset, and he is right to champion the revitalisation of our high streets. The Heritage Minister will be delighted to discuss how we can get this iconic building reopened, as he wants. I am pleased that Weymouth secured £20 million in Pride in Place funding, giving his community the power and resources to make a real difference to people’s lives.
Session: PMQs
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For the past year, I have been campaigning for a new special educational needs and disabilities school to open at the Osprey Quay site on Portland. There are far too few specialist school places for children with SEND in my part of the world, so local families urgently need to see that school open its doors. A new school there would provide around 70 new places for local children. Given the urgent need to finally get this school up and running, will the Prime Minister commit to working with the Department for Education and Dorset council to ensure that a SEND school opens on Portland without further delay?
Context
Local families urgently need a new SEND school to open at the Osprey Quay site on Portland, with around 70 new places for children. This is part of addressing the shortage of specialist school places in Lloyd Hatton's constituency.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. I know just how important that school is to parents and children in his constituency, and share his determination to fix the broken SEND system. That is why we have boosted investment in SEND to £12 billion, to put new facilities and tailored support in place for children who have long been failed. We want decisions to be taken swiftly, and I will ask the schools Minister to update my hon. Friend about that particular school.
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister back this exciting project—Eden Portland—and work with me and all relevant Ministers to secure funding through the growth mission fund?
Context
The Eden Project in Cornwall is a successful economic development project. A new Eden Project in Lancashire is under construction, and Lloyd Hatton proposes an Eden Portland project to transform the South Dorset economy.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting that exciting proposal. He is a fantastic advocate for Portland and South Dorset. Eden Portland is a hugely exciting project. I cannot confirm funding allocations yet, but our £240 million growth mission fund should support transformative projects.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not commit to specific funding allocations.
Hedging Language
Session: PMQs
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Found in my constituency, Durdle Door is one of the most iconic bathing sites in all the country. Currently, water quality at bathing sites is monitored only from mid-May to September. With that in mind, will the Prime Minister work with me and my hon. Friends to introduce all-year-round testing at popular bathing sites such as Durdle Door?
Context
Current water quality testing only occurs from mid-May to September, leaving a gap for pollution or sewage risks during other months.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
Everyone enjoying our beautiful beaches, lakes and rivers is entitled to know that the water is clean and safe. That is why we are modernising outdated bathing water regulations, including more regular monitoring sites to reflect local demand.
Session: PMQs
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South Dorset is ready to play its part in making Britain a clean energy superpower, but after 14 years of Conservative failure, there are many untapped opportunities on our doorstep. Green investment opportunities such as Portwind, Morwind and a hydrogen storage hub are all coming down the track, so can the Prime Minister reassure my constituents that the Government will work with the Crown court on these projects, invest in key infrastructure and ensure that South Dorset’s green energy potential is hardwired into our plan for change?
Context
South Dorset has green investment opportunities such as Portwind, Morwind and a hydrogen storage hub coming down the track. There are many untapped opportunities on the doorstep after 14 years of Conservative failure.
The Prime Minister
My hon. Friend is absolutely right about making Britain a clean energy superpower. We are committing £2.3 billion to support hydrogen projects, and I recognise the huge potential of South Dorset to become home to a storage hub. We are ensuring that public and private investment work together, which is exactly what the Crown Estate Act 2025 does, unlocking significant investment, boosting offshore wind and kickstarting economic growth.
Session: PMQs
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Members have expressed concern about a range of damaging policies pursued by the Leader of the Opposition. Can you clarify if she has attempted to justify these positions that could cause significant harm to communities such as mine in South Dorset?
Context
Members have raised concerns about the Leader of the Opposition's stance on various issues, including investment for NHS and maternity pay.
Keir Starmer
This Government have increased the minimum wage by £1,400 and invested heavily in schools and NHS. We are clearly on the side of working people.
Assessment
Did not address Labour's harmful positions as stated by the MP
Changing Subject
Session: PMQs
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Will the Minister review applications from the Lantern Trust and Veterans Hub, and support the work of the Veterans Hub in Weymouth?
Context
The Lantern Trust and the Veterans Hub applied for Valour funding which would significantly benefit their services.
Calvin Bailey
I look forward to visiting the Veterans Hub and am happy to review their application for Valour funding.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-06
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The Dorset Innovation Park already has a growing ecosystem of defence companies, including BattleLab and a proposed factory, which are developing cutting edge drone technology. The opportunities are truly immense. Will the Minister commit to working alongside DSIT and the Ministry of Defence to help establish the park as a hub for defence firms looking to develop the very next generation of drone technology?
Context
Dorset Innovation Park has a growing ecosystem of defence companies developing cutting edge drone technology.
Peter Kyle
I am already working with DSIT on these issues. The defence investment plan invests over £5 billion in drones over the next four years, and South Dorset will play a key role.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-02
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Every year, billions of pounds never make their way to the Treasury coffers because of British tax havens, such as the British Virgin Islands. The upcoming illicit finance summit offers us a real opportunity to tackle tax evasion and dirty money in these havens. Ahead of the summit, does the Minister agree that we must ensure that these havens finally throw open their books, and that tackling tax dodging must be top of the agenda?
Context
British tax havens, such as the British Virgin Islands, are major contributors to billions of pounds not making it to Treasury coffers annually. An illicit finance summit offers an opportunity to tackle tax evasion.
Stephen Doughty
The illicit finance summit will convene a broad coalition to tackle dirty money globally and focus on financial transparency, property, crypto and illicit gold. The Crown dependencies and overseas territories with financial centres have committed to upholding international tax standards.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister agree that no British politician should be for sale to the highest bidder, and will the Government commit to using the elections Bill to slam the door shut on secret cash gifts to senior politicians?
Context
A soon-to-be MP received £5 million from a crypto billionaire before the general election, leading to concerns about foreign influence and transparency in donations.
Samantha Dixon
The Government are clear that the integrity and transparency of our political system must be protected. The rules we have in place are designed to ensure that political donations come from legitimate sources and are properly declared. However, we recognise the need to ensure that our rules remain effective and address emerging risks. We are already delivering a package of reforms through the Representation of the People Bill; we will also consider the recommendations from the Rycroft review and work with the Electoral Commission and others to ensure that the system remains resilient for the future.
Session: Pre-candidacy Donations Safeguards
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I recently held a health roundtable in Purbeck and heard volunteers from Parkinson's UK make it clear that more needs to be done so that all those living with the illness receive the robust support they need. There was particular concern that a shift away from routine check-ups could mean that many will not regularly see an experienced practitioner. Will the Minister work with me to ensure that the voices of people living with Parkinson's are listened to and their concerns acted upon when any changes are made to the care they receive?
Context
Residents in Purbeck expressed concern that a shift away from routine check-ups could mean that many living with Parkinson's will not regularly see an experienced practitioner.
Sharon Hodgson
People with Parkinson's disease should receive support tailored to their individual needs, as symptoms and progression vary. The NHS provides specialist multidisciplinary NHS care informed by guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and improvement programmes such as Getting It Right First Time. People with Parkinson's will benefit from our wider work to strengthen community services, reduce waiting times and improve co-ordinated, person-centred care closer to home. I assure my hon. Friend that the Department will continue to meet regularly with Parkinson's UK to ensure that their voices are heard.
Session: Topical Questions
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This summer, two new state-of-the-art mental health facilities are opening in Dorset: Chaddesley House in Poole and Seastone in Bournemouth. That is thanks to continued investment from this Labour Government. However, the Forston clinic in the west of the county requires fresh investment to upgrade worn-out hospital buildings. Will the Minister meet local NHS bosses, the hon. Member for West Dorset (Edward Morello) and me to discuss securing the investment needed to finally upgrade the Forston clinic?
Context
The question is prompted by the need for investment in mental health infrastructure, specifically mentioning the Forston clinic which requires upgrades.
Stephen Kinnock
My hon. Friend is right that his constituents will be able to access care at the new facilities in Poole and Bournemouth thanks to the Government's investment in the new hospitals programme, but there is more to do. We are committed to addressing poor-quality NHS infrastructure and ensuring that facilities such as Forston clinic are safe, comfortable and capable of high-quality care. That is why we are investing £30 billion over five years for the maintenance and repair of the NHS estate. We would be delighted to meet the hon. Members and local NHS leaders to discuss the issue further.
Session: Mental Health Facilities Dorset
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What steps he is taking to improve mental health facilities in Dorset. This summer, two new state-of-the-art mental health facilities are opening in Dorset: Chaddesley House in Poole and Seastone in Bournemouth. That is thanks to continued investment from this Labour Government. However, the Forston clinic in the west of the county requires fresh investment to upgrade worn-out hospital buildings. Will the Minister meet local NHS bosses, the hon. Member for West Dorset (Edward Morello) and me to discuss securing the investment needed to finally upgrade the Forston clinic?
Context
The question is prompted by the need for investment in mental health infrastructure, specifically mentioning the Forston clinic which requires upgrades.
Stephen Kinnock
My hon. Friend is right that his constituents will be able to access care at the new facilities in Poole and Bournemouth thanks to the Government's investment in the new hospitals programme, but there is more to do. We are committed to addressing poor-quality NHS infrastructure and ensuring that facilities such as Forston clinic are safe, comfortable and capable of high-quality care. That is why we are investing £30 billion over five years for the maintenance and repair of the NHS estate. We would be delighted to meet the hon. Members and local NHS leaders to discuss the issue further.
Session: Mental Health Facilities Dorset
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Will the Minister work with me to ensure that the Defence Infrastructure Organisation carries out much-needed repairs at Bovington camp?
Context
Bovington camp has various ongoing repair needs, including pothole-ridden streets and fly-tipping.
Luke Pollard
Bovington is an important base for me, and I recognise the concerns that my hon. Friend mentions. I would be happy to meet him to discuss how we can resolve them.
Session: Topical Questions
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Tourism and hospitality businesses across the UK are struggling. Once profitable businesses are now letting people go, not hiring or closing altogether as a direct result of Labour's policies, in particular the national insurance increases. That has led to 100,000 job losses in the UK in hospitality and tourism alone over the last two years. The Government have cut funding to our tourism bodies and are now planning on imposing more regulations and a whole new tourism tax. Can the Minister please explain how on earth less support, more regulations and higher taxes are meant to help the tourism industry?
Context
The MP is concerned about the negative impact of Labour's policies, particularly the increase in national insurance, on tourism and hospitality businesses.
Lisa Nandy
I thank the shadow Secretary of State for his support for the tourism industry. I recognise that it has had significant pressures in recent years, particularly with the pandemic, but I am proud of our tourism industry; it is second to none and delivering in every part of the country. We have put the tourism industry at the centre of our attention with the visitor economy growth strategy. We see it as an area of great potential, and the tourism Minister is working closely with the industry to unlock the benefits for the whole country.
Session: Tourism Sector
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Patients in Chickerell often struggle to access GP services in their area, and instead must travel long distances. Some years ago, it was confirmed that a new surgery should be built in Chickerell. However, significant delays mean that we are still waiting for that surgery. Will the Minister work with me and the NHS locally to finally deliver a new GP surgery in Chickerell?
Context
Patients in Chickerell struggle to access GP services and travel long distances. A new surgery was confirmed years ago, but significant delays mean it has not been delivered.
Stephen Kinnock
I know that the local town and county council have been working in partnership with Dorset ICB over many years to support GP partnerships in the Chickerell area in developing a business case for NHS capital or revenue funding. I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend, and to continue to make plans for applying pressure to ensure that this is delivered.
Session: Topical Questions
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The MP welcomes the Government's call for evidence but notes ongoing frustration among park home owners over the unfair 10% sales commission. The current system is seen as disproportionately punishing one group. Will the Minister ensure that reforms sit alongside wider leasehold reforms?
Context
Residents in South Dorset face a 10% sales commission charge upon selling their park homes, causing significant financial loss and unfairness.
Matthew Pennycook
I appreciate the frustration but we need evidential basis. We will decide based on call for evidence information, considering impacts on all sizes of park homes.
Session: Park Homes Sales Commission Charges
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Unlike in category A prisons, prison officers at HMP The Verne and HMP Portland are not routinely issued with protective body armour—namely, stab vests. Protecting our prison officers from harm is essential in all prisons, as has been made abundantly clear to me by local branches of the Prison Officers' Association. With that in mind, will the Minister work constructively with me and Lord Timpson to introduce appropriate body armour for all prison officers, regardless of the category of prison in which they serve?
Context
Prison officers at HMP The Verne and HMP Portland lack routine issue of body armour despite it being standard in category A prisons.
Jake Richards
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise that issue. The Government have invested £50 million to ensure that our brilliant prison officers, who do incredible work, are fully protected. I believe that I am meeting my hon. Friend tomorrow to talk about an issue in his constituency, and we can put this matter on the agenda, too.
Session: Topical Questions
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It is no secret that clean energy is creating the next generation of well-paid jobs, and it is essential that South Dorset gets its fair share of them. The development of offshore wind at Portland, including the exciting Morwind and PortWind projects, would certainly help to create much-needed maritime, engineering and construction jobs for local people. With that in mind, will the Minister work with me, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Crown Estate to support the development of offshore wind off the coast of Portland?
Context
The MP is concerned about the development of offshore wind projects in South Dorset, particularly Morwind and PortWind.
Peter Kyle
It would be a pleasure to work with my hon. Friend to unlock more investment in offshore wind in South Dorset. Dorset council and the Crown Estate have already committed up to £1 million to support a feasibility study for a £500 million clean energy port facility adjacent to Portland port that has been proposed by energy developer Morwind. Clean energy industries are expected to support 860,000 jobs across the UK by 2030, including up to 100,000 direct and indirect jobs in offshore wind. Thanks to the work that my hon. Friend is putting in, I am sure that South Dorset will benefit from this incredible and growing British industry.
Session: Job Creation
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What steps he is taking to support the creation of well-paid jobs. The industrial strategy aims to create high-quality jobs and invest in skills. I am concerned about the specific steps being taken to ensure well-paid jobs in South Dorset.
Context
The MP is concerned about the creation of high-quality jobs in his constituency.
Peter Kyle
The industrial strategy focuses on business investment and creating high-quality jobs. We back our strengths and are unblocking barriers, including through £1.2 billion of skills investment by 2028-29. This Labour Government are investing in skills, in jobs, and in creating wealth and opportunity across the United Kingdom.
Session: Job Creation
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I welcome the Chancellor of the Exchequer's work to get the Leonardo helicopters contract over the line, as that will help protect defence jobs right across Dorset, Somerset and the wider south-west. Will the Treasury and Ministers continue to work with the Ministry of Defence to secure investment in the defence sector in Dorset and across the west country?
Context
The Treasury and Ministers are expected to continue working with the Ministry of Defence to secure investment in the defence sector in Dorset and the wider south-west.
Rachel Reeves
I thank my hon. Friend for what he said about the Leonardo contract at Yeovil, which supports many thousands of jobs in Somerset, and indeed Dorset. I am proud to be the Chancellor who has overseen the biggest uplift in defence spending since the end of the cold war; that has enabled us to support this investment and many others.
Session: Topical Questions
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I will keep it short and sweet, Mr Speaker. Weymouth train station does not have a working toilet, which means that wheelchair users, passengers with heavy luggage and parents with a pram are left having to go 20 minutes to get to the nearest toilet. Will the Secretary of State work constructively with South Western Railway to finally get a working toilet at Weymouth train station?
Context
Weymouth train station lacks a working toilet, impacting wheelchair users and those with heavy luggage. The nearest toilet is 20 minutes away.
Heidi Alexander
I understand that the public toilets in Weymouth station have been closed for several years, due to antisocial behaviour and vandalism. That is unacceptable, and I can assure my hon. Friend that my Department will raise it with South Western Railway.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister work with Morwind and me to deliver the hub at pace? Will he come to Portland to meet key players?
Context
Morwind received funding for a major offshore wind hub feasibility study at Portland, which could create green jobs.
Ed Miliband
It sounds really exciting, and one of us will visit.
Session: Topical Questions
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Just last month, The Guardian reported that the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of Wessex Water received around £50,000 in undisclosed payments from a parent company. Just weeks before, it was reported that a former Wessex Water boss was handed a whopping £170,000—again from a parent company. With all that in mind, does the Minister agree that if bonuses can simply be rebadged as extra payment from parent companies, we must urgently toughen up the bonuses ban so that we can finally hold failing water company bosses to account?
Context
The Guardian reported that the chief executive and CFO of Wessex Water received around £50,000 in undisclosed payments from a parent company. This occurred just weeks after a former Wessex Water boss was given a £170,000 payment from the same parent company, despite a ban on bonuses.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Hardy)
This situation baffles me. It seems simple to me that bonuses should reflect performance, and if performance is not good enough, people should not get a bonus. I am not sure why that seems so difficult to understand. It is not just about the letter of the law, but about the spirit of the law. Ofwat has exposed serious transparency failings across the water sector, and we are therefore tightening transparency rules to shut down any attempt to dodge the bonus ban.
Session: Water Company Executives Undisclosed Payments
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My hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth West (Jessica Toale) and I have been campaigning for a new drone centre to be designated at the Dorset Innovation Park. The park already hosts a strong defence ecosystem for testing, developing, and researching drone technology, alongside well-established colleges and universities in the area offering relevant skills. Will the Minister continue to work with me and all stakeholders to establish this drone centre, which will help strengthen national security and secure good jobs?
Context
The MP is campaigning for the establishment of a drone centre at the Dorset Innovation Park, which hosts an ecosystem for testing and developing drone technology. He highlighted existing educational resources in Bournemouth, Poole, and Weymouth as necessary to support this initiative.
The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry (Luke Pollard)
I recognise my hon. Friend’s ambition to see innovative technologies like drones creating good jobs in his community. He has been speaking not only to me but also to the Minister for the Armed Forces who leads on drones, and I wish the businesses in his constituency and the wider region well as they innovate to provide our armed forces with necessary equipment.
Session: R&D Defence Spending Economic Impact
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I have been campaigning to restore the rheumatology clinic at Swanage community hospital and the chemotherapy clinic at Wareham community hospital. Both of those clinics were closed despite good health outcomes and high levels of patient satisfaction, and local NHS bosses agreed that they were successful clinics before they were mothballed. With all that in mind, does the Secretary of State agree that we must deliver key services and clinics closer to where patients actually live? Will he take the opportunity to encourage local NHS bosses in Dorset to restore our much-needed chemotherapy and rheumatology clinics?
Context
Lloyd Hatton campaigns for the restoration of rheumatology and chemotherapy clinics in Swanage community hospital and Wareham community hospital, respectively. Both were closed despite positive outcomes and high satisfaction levels.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
I can well understand why my hon. Friend is particularly concerned about the impact of changes on cancer patients. I know that his integrated care board has heard his representations, and it will have heard them again today; I am sure it will be happy to meet with him, as will my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Health. It is important that people have the services that they need on their doorstep. That is one of the reasons why we are devolving so much power, responsibility and decision making closer to communities so that services can be designed around the differing needs of communities in different parts of the country.
Session: Community Hospital Services
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What steps are being taken to hold FirstPort to account for its many failings? How can we deliver much stronger protections for everyone living in properties managed by FirstPort?
Context
Residents at the Chesil Reach and Greys Field development in Chickerell have faced issues with FirstPort, including large increases to service charges, lack of transparency, and failure to meet basic obligations.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
In response to widespread concerns raised in a recent debate on property service charges, I met Martin King, managing director of FirstPort, on 17 November. In our meeting, I pressed Mr King and his associates on a wide range of issues stemming from reports of poor service, and I left him in no doubt that in the Government’s view, FirstPort’s performance is not good enough. I intend to write to FirstPort to follow up on the issues raised.
Session: Estate Management Companies
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On a more constructive note, for the past year I have been campaigning hard for Eden Portland to open in my constituency. If opened, it would be a world-class attraction, rejuvenating Portland, attracting investment, creating well-paid jobs and promoting our coast. The project is a success story waiting to happen, so will the Chancellor of the Exchequer continue to work with me, Dorset council and the team at Eden Portland to deliver that exciting project as soon as possible?
Context
The questioner is campaigning for the Eden Portland project in his constituency, which would rejuvenate Portland and create jobs.
Rachel Reeves
I thank my hon. Friend again for raising the opportunities in Portland. As he knows, we are working closely with Dorset council, the project and him to bring that to fruition.
Session: Topical Questions
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As I have made clear in this Chamber on numerous occasions, in my part of the world there are sadly far too few specialist school places for children with SEND. Headteachers across Weymouth and Portland have made clear to me that only with a new special school will we be able to deal with this problem. Given the urgent need, will the Minister work with me behind the scenes, by hook or by crook, to open a new SEND school at the Osprey Quay site in Portland in my constituency?
Context
The MP emphasizes the lack of specialist places for children with SEND in his constituency and discusses the urgent need for a new special school.
Georgia Gould (The Minister for School Standards)
My hon. Friend has already reached out to me several times to advocate for his constituents and the importance of specialist places. I very much look forward to working with him to increase provision in his constituency.
Session: Children with SEND Mainstream Schools
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Since their introduction in 2015, deferred prosecution agreements have resulted in the SFO raising some £1.7 billion in fines, yet those DPAs have dried up—the last DPAs that the Serious Fraud Office signed were some four years ago, in 2021. I welcome the SFO’s new strategy to ramp up enforcement, including new guidance to make it simpler to report crimes, but I believe we can and must go further. Can the Solicitor General outline what steps the Government are taking to support the SFO in ensuring that whistleblowers are also incentivised to come forward?
Context
Deferred prosecution agreements have resulted in the SFO raising some £1.7 billion in fines since their introduction in 2015, but there has been a significant drop-off in recent years.
The Solicitor General (Full Name)
My hon. Friend raises an important point. The director of the SFO has expressed strong support for the financial incentivisation of whistleblowers, and the SFO’s five-year strategy commits to exploring options, working with partners in the UK and abroad. Reform would require careful assessment, and it is right that any suggestions that could enhance the SFO’s efficiency and our ability as a country to tackle serious fraud, bribery and corruption are properly considered.
Session: Serious Fraud Office Tackling Economic Crime
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In South Dorset we urgently need to restore clinics and shift services back into our community hospitals in Weymouth, Portland, Swanage and Wareham. Sadly, the previous Conservative Government hollowed out those community hospitals, meaning that services left our towns to go further and further up the road. Combined with poor transport links, this means that many local people in my patch find it difficult to access the care they need. With that in mind, what steps is the Secretary of State taking to restore clinics and services in our community hospitals, and will he support my campaign to restore the chemotherapy clinic at Wareham community hospital?
Context
Community hospitals in South Dorset have seen a reduction in services due to the previous Conservative government's policies, impacting local access to care.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
The big thrust of our 10-year plan will be to deliver on the three shifts: from hospital to community, from analogue to digital, and from sickness to prevention. We believe that by moving services closer to people’s homes—and, indeed, into their homes—we will be able to provide faster diagnosis and faster access to treatment, which will be better for patients and for taxpayers. Through the reforms we are making to the structure of NHS England and the governance of the NHS, we are also presiding over the biggest devolution in the history of the NHS, with more powers and decisions taken closer to the communities they serve. In that spirit, I urge my hon. Friend to make representations locally to his integrated care board, as I know he is doing.
Session: Community Hospitals
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The previous Government failed to build much-needed new school buildings at Dorset studio school, and failed for years to open the proposed Osprey Quay special school for children with special educational needs. Dorset studio school urgently needs a new home, and families in my patch are hugely in need of a SEND school at the Osprey Quay site, so can the Minister outline what steps the Government are taking to get those two crucial projects over the line?
Context
Dorset studio school urgently needs a new home and the Osprey Quay special school for children with special educational needs is proposed but not yet opened.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Stephen Morgan)
The feasibility and project costs for those projects are currently being reviewed, and the relevant approvals will then be sought. I will ensure that my hon. Friend is kept up to date on progress. Ensuring that schools and colleges have the resources and buildings they need is key to our delivery of the opportunity mission and to give every child the best start in life.
Session: Topical Questions
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Eden Portland is an exciting proposal for my community. It would be a hub for education and ecology and could boost investment and create well-paid jobs. Will Ministers meet me and colleagues from DCMS and the council to discuss how we can deliver this project?
Context
The Eden Portland proposal aims to boost investment and create well-paid jobs in the community, similar to other successful projects like the Eden Project in Cornwall.
Alex Norris
I welcome the exciting Eden Portland proposals. I enjoyed meeting my hon. Friend to hear further from him. Colleagues at DCMS are working closely with the proposers and with officials in my Department, but I would be happy to involve myself in whatever way is useful.
Session: Topical Questions
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What assessment has the Secretary made of the effectiveness of steps taken by the British Virgin Islands to tackle illicit finance? The BVI will soon close the consultation on its proposal to grant only limited access to a register of beneficial ownership, which means it will be virtually impossible for even a select few to trace those using the BVI as a place to secretly stash their cash. This comes some five years after the first deadline was missed.
Context
The British Virgin Islands missed a first deadline to set up a register of beneficial ownership and is now proposing limited access, which Lloyd Hatton argues would make it nearly impossible to trace illicit finance.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)
The BVI committed at the Joint Ministerial Council to improving access to its corporate register by June. I met BVI representatives just after that time last year, and my hon. Friend the Minister of State will meet the BVI again in the coming weeks. It is important that the public consultation on the proposed register will close this Friday, and we are working with the British Virgin Islands to improve its proposal.
Session: British Virgin Islands Illicit Finance
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Today we learned that Yevgeny Prigozhin, a sanctioned warlord, used frozen funds to make legal threats to silence a British journalist and the enablers of lawfare tactics have gone unpunished. Can the Minister outline what steps the Government are taking to create a tough deterrent against harmful lawfare tactics, particularly when they are deployed by insidious individuals like Prigozhin?
Context
Yevgeny Prigozhin, a sanctioned warlord, used frozen funds to make legal threats against a British journalist. The enablers of this activity were ruled as not breaking any rules.
The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Sarah Sackman)
I thank my hon. Friend for his question and for the campaigning work that he is doing in this area. Journalism is the lifeblood of democracy, and strategic lawsuits against public participation represent an abuse of the legal system; they are used by those with deep pockets to harass and silence journalism. Such behaviour is intolerable. My focus, and the focus of this Government, will be on the implementation of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 72023, which introduced an early dismissal mechanism and cost protection for SLAPP defendants.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Secretary of State commit to giving the Proportional Representation Bill Government time so it can be fully debated?
Context
The question is prompted by the introduction of a ten-minute rule Bill to bring in proportional representation for Westminster and local elections.
Pat McFadden
We have no plans to change the electoral system, and I cannot give her the Government time that she requires.
Session: Topical Questions
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Amazon currently makes hundreds of millions of pounds in profits in the UK each year, and often gets away with paying little to no corporation tax. Meanwhile, high street businesses in Weymouth, Portland and Swanage in my constituency pay their fair share. To level the playing field, will the Chancellor consider further measures to ensure that online giants always pay their fair share of tax? I fear that, without action, our high streets will always be at an unfair disadvantage.
Context
Concerns about the unfair competition between high street businesses and online giants, particularly in relation to tax contributions.
James Murray
My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and supporting the high street is at the heart of our ambitions when it comes to business rates reform. On Second Reading of the Finance Bill last week, in which I spoke, we set out our plans to issue permanently lower tax rates for high street retail, hospitality and leisure properties. That will be paid for through an increase in the tax rate on properties with a rateable value above £500,000, a category that includes the warehouses used by many of the online giants to whom my hon. Friend has referred.
Session: Taxation Online Multinational Corporations
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What steps she is taking to increase the level of tax paid by online multinational corporations. I am concerned about the impact on local high streets and the need for these companies to contribute fairly.
Context
The question arises from the concern that online multinationals are not paying a fair share of taxes compared to traditional businesses, potentially harming local economies.
James Murray
Ensuring that online multinationals pay their fair share of tax is crucial, so the Government are finalising the implementation of internationally agreed rules for a minimum 15% effective rate globally. As set out in the corporate tax road map, we are seeking an international solution for a fair tax allocation of multinational profits. Meanwhile, the digital services tax ensures that search engines, social media platforms and online marketplaces pay UK tax reflecting a UK-derived value.
Session: Taxation Online Multinational Corporations
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A builder living on Portland, a B&B owner in Weymouth and a shopkeeper on Swanage high street all pay their fair share of tax, yet some individuals take advantage of offshore tax havens such as the British Virgin Islands to avoid paying their fair share. My constituents play by the rules; we ought to know a bit more about those who choose not to. Can the Secretary of State set out what steps his Department is taking to throw open the books in British tax havens and implement public registers of beneficial ownership?
Context
Concerns about tax avoidance in British tax havens such as the British Virgin Islands.
David Lammy
I raised this issue in opposition—I think it was the subject of the last speech I gave before the election—and it is an issue that I intend to take up with full vigour. We were concerned that parts of the last Government were turning a blind eye to these issues. I hope to come forward with further proposals in the coming weeks.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
River Habitats: Protection and Restoration
29 January 2026
Responding: Emma Hardy
Main Concerns
['Most UK rivers are in crisis due to pollution from agriculture and sewage. Only a third of UK rivers are in good health, with 85% heavily modified, leading to habitat loss and biodiversity decline. The state of riverways is crucial for nature and communities but has worsened under weak regulation.']
Specific Asks
['Calls for better protection through regulatory bodies like the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 and a single integrated regulator to hold water companies accountable, ensuring transparency in financial operations and preventing undue bonuses despite environmental failures.']
Whistleblowers
02 July 2025
Responding: Justin Madders
Main Concerns
['Whistleblowers bravely expose wrongdoing and alert law enforcement agencies about criminal activity, notably in illicit financial activities where whistleblowers detected 43% of fraud last year. The case of Raphaël Halet highlights the positive impact whistleblowers can have, but also the risks they face, as Mr Halet was criminally charged in Luxembourg before being exonerated ten years later.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should consider introducing a legal duty for companies to hold investigations into legitimate whistleblower concerns and create a whistleblower award initiative. Whistleblowers often suffer immense professional, personal and psychological harm, so we need better protections and rewards.']
Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill - New Clause 116
02 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I propose New Clause 116 to introduce a cap on donations from overseas contributors to political parties and candidates. This measure is necessary to ensure the integrity of our democratic process and...
Direction of Government
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Foreign Interference in UK Politics
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Russian Shadow Fleet
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Energy Security
19 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Criticises the Government's energy policy, particularly the ban on new oil and gas licences. Emphasises the negative impact of these policies on Aberdeen, the North East of Scotland, and UK economic s...
Prison Capacity Annual Statement 2026-01-29
29 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government are publishing the second annual statement on prison capacity, reflecting their determination to be open and honest about the state of the justice system. They inherited a prison system...
Human Rights Abuses Magnitsky Sanctions 2026-01-08
08 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion expresses concern over the escalation of human rights abuses and corruption globally, highlighting the inconsistent implementation of Magnitsky sanctions in the UK. It urges for a more robu...
Budget Resolutions 2025-12-01
01 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Supporting High Streets 2025-11-04
04 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion calls on the Government to support high streets by cutting public expenditure, abolishing business rates for thousands of retail, hospitality and leisure premises; avoiding hiring freezes a...
SEND Funding 2025-06-12
12 June 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Calls for the Government to identify a clear baseline cost for delivering effective SEND support per pupil, highlighting disparities between rural and urban areas in funding. Emphasises the postcode l...
Attendance
72.4%
71 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
29
29.6% of votes
No Votes
42
42.9% of votes
Abstentions
27
27.6% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
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
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
7
PMQs Asked
33
Ministerial Questions Asked
16
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+91% above average
This MP:
7
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+146% above average
This MP:
33
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+229% above average
This MP:
16
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 (%)
+5% above average
This MP:
72.4
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 Lloyd Hatton's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.