Luke Pollard
MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Labour (Co-op)
8 Jun 2017 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Two years ago in Plymouth, we lost five people in the worst mass shooting for a decade. The Government consulted on firearms reform but after pressure from shooting groups, even sensible measures look like they could be watered down. Will the Prime Minister bow down to lobbyists or stand with grieving families and stronger gun laws?
Context
In Plymouth, a mass shooting occurred two years ago resulting in five deaths. The Government have consulted on firearms reform but measures might be watered down due to pressure from the shooting industry.
Rishi Sunak
I know how important this issue is to the hon. Gentleman, following the horrific shooting in his constituency, and my thoughts are with all those who were killed. Firearms are subject to stringent controls and these are kept under review. We have taken action on information sharing between GPs and the police, improving statutory guidance for proper assessment of firearm applications including social media checks.
Assessment
The specific ask about not bowing down to lobbyists was not directly addressed.
Under Review
Session: PMQs
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The hon. Gentleman will know that we inherited a base closure programme from the Conservative Government, with announcements of closures right across the country. We are looking carefully at the bases we have, at how we can use them for military needs, and, where we can dispose of them, at how we can ensure that we build houses for our armed forces and veterans on that land.
Context
The Conservative Government had announced several base closures across the country, impacting various regions. The current government is reviewing these decisions.
John Healey (Secretary of State for Defence)
Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker. I will set the record straight, including the right hon. Gentleman’s remarks before the House this afternoon —[Interruption.]
Session: Topical Questions
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The Minister knows that a strong defence industrial base cannot be maintained without significantly increasing defence spending. Given recent media reports stating that his Department has asked the armed forces to make cuts of £2.6 billion this financial year, can he tell us what will be cut to find the money?
Context
Multiple media reports suggest the Ministry of Defence is asking for £2.6 billion in cuts this financial year.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
We have increased defence investment by a record amount since the end of the cold war and three years earlier than the Conservatives’ unfunded plans proposed. Since the election, we have signed over 1,000 major contracts, 84% of them with British firms. We have brought £1.7 billion of foreign direct investment into defence and won export deals that the Conservatives failed to secure. For example, on Monday, the Prime Minister and I signed an £8 billion deal with Turkey for 20 British Typhoons, which will support 20,000 jobs in the wider supply chain.
Session: Defence Industrial Base
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We have 24,000 fewer troops, 4,000 fewer sailors, 200 fewer aircraft and the removal of one in five ships. The Conservatives have failed our armed forces over the past 14 years, missing their recruitment target every year since taking power in 2010 and hollowing out our military. Does the Minister honestly believe that he can look the public in the eye and claim that five more years will fix the mess that they have created, or is it time for a fresh start?
Context
The questioner notes significant cuts to the military, including fewer troops, sailors, aircraft and ships over the past 14 years. The Labour Party criticizes the government for missing recruitment targets since 2010.
Andrew Murrison
Oh, I think the hon. Gentleman knows what I am going to say in response to his question, and that is to invite him to have a conversation with the shadow Chancellor to see whether she will commit to the same level of spending on defence that this Government are committed to and, indeed, are spending right now. Will he make a spending commitment here and now in the House of Commons? If so, I am all ears.
Session: Armed Forces Recruitment
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The Minister for Defence Procurement has today confirmed that HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, based in Devonport, which I am proud to represent, are still at risk of being mothballed. He said that no final decisions have been made, so the risk to these ships is real. When will a decision be made? Will the ships be cut, or will they be tied up alongside, flying the white ensign but never really putting to sea?
Context
The Minister for Defence Procurement has confirmed that HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, based in Devonport, are still at risk of being mothballed.
Grant Shapps
Of course anyone who is serious about the defence budget has to make the decision about whether to put into maintenance ships that have already served twice their intended lives—18 years and more, times two—and that would come out of that maintenance after brand-new ships were at sea. There is obviously a decision for the Royal Navy to make on that, but I remind the House that there are eight Type 26s and five Type 31s under construction or under contract.
Session: Topical Questions
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Plymouth is home to world-class skills in marine and nuclear engineering. Demand for apprentices in our city is growing, especially with the construction of new berths and docks for nuclear submarines at Devonport dockyard. Does the Minister agree that skills training and apprenticeships are just as important as new cranes and new docks in making these projects a success and supporting our armed forces, and will he meet me, a delegation of Plymouth businesses, our city council and City College Plymouth to look at how we can turbocharge creating more apprenticeships in our city to deliver these exciting and innovative projects?
Context
The MP expressed the importance of skills training and apprenticeships in supporting nuclear engineering projects in his constituency.
Robert Halfon
The hon. Gentleman will be pleased that his constituency has received over 14,910 apprenticeship starts since 2010, which is really good news, but he is absolutely right that our skills offering is the key for future employment and jobs and to ensure people climb the ladder of opportunity. We have the apprenticeships, the bootcamps, the higher technical qualification and the free level 3 courses, but I will look at what he says and would be happy to meet him and other Plymouth MPs to work through the important issues he mentions.
Session: Local Skills Needs Education Providers and Businesses
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Does the Minister agree that young people leaving care after their 18th birthday should get more help to get their first home? Will he back my campaign that I am running with Barnado's and Plymouth care leavers for a deposit scheme for care leavers and a rent guarantee scheme, because every single care leaver leaving local authority care deserves a good, decent and safe first home?
Context
Young people leaving care after their 18th birthday face challenges in securing housing.
Lee Rowley
I know the hon. Gentleman has done a significant amount of work on this matter within Plymouth, and I know that my colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions are doing a significant amount of work, too, and I would be happy to meet him to talk more about the matter.
Session: Topical Questions
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Reports indicate broken boilers, black mould, leaky roofs, and long wait times for repairs. Last Christmas, one service family went without heating for three weeks and had to live in a hotel over the holiday period. Can the Minister assure me no military personnel or their families will go without heating or be forced out of homes this winter due to poor accommodation?
Context
The MP raises concerns about heating, boilers, and repairs in military housing, referencing a specific case of a family forced to stay in a hotel due to non-functioning boiler. The question seeks assurance that such situations will be prevented this winter.
James Cartlidge
I am grateful to the hon. Member, and I repeat the point: we recognise that performance was not good enough last winter, which is why the Secretary of State made it an absolute priority to get the extra investment in. Having done that, I am pleased to say that the winter plan does include boiler and heating upgrades for about 1,500 homes.
Session: Service Accommodation
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Over the past year, the number of veterans claiming universal credit has increased by 31.6%, which is nearly a third. Does the Minister recognise that some long-term sick who his party has been attacking in the media are veterans with physical and mental health challenges?
Context
The number of veterans claiming universal credit has increased by nearly a third over the past year, leading to concerns about their ability to cope with the cost of living.
Andrew Murrison
The hon. Gentleman will know that universal credit is an in-work benefit. Within the system, there are allowances that we offer to our veterans that can be improved. As he knows, that is why we have instituted the quinquennial review and the independent review of veterans' welfare services.
Session: Support for Veterans
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The non-dom tax status allows people to dodge millions in taxes. Germany, France and Canada have closed their non-dom tax loopholes. Can the Minister explain to taxpayers in Plymouth and across the country why he thinks it is fair that people who live here do not pay their taxes here?
Context
Follow-up question addressing concerns about fairness regarding non-dom tax status.
Nigel Huddleston
As I said in the answer I gave some moments ago, non-dom taxpayers make a significant contribution to UK tax, worth £8.5 billion in 2021-22, with £7 billion more invested. The City, for example, pays half the cost of the NHS.
Session: Non-domiciled Residents Tax Status
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Whether he plans to change the tax status of non-domiciled residents in the UK. The non-dom tax status allows people to dodge millions in taxes. Germany, France and Canada have closed their non-dom tax loopholes. Can the Minister explain to taxpayers in Plymouth and across the country why he thinks it is fair that people who live here do not pay their taxes here?
Context
No specific incident or context provided, but the question addresses the issue of non-dom tax status.
Nigel Huddleston
The Government want the UK to have a fair and internationally competitive tax system, designed to bring in talented individuals and investment that contributes to the growth of the UK economy. Non-domiciled individuals play an important role in funding our public services through their taxation contributions, and they pay UK tax on their UK source income and gains in the same way as everybody else. As I said in the answer I gave some moments ago, non-dom taxpayers make a significant contribution to UK tax, worth £8.5 billion in 2021-22, with £7 billion more invested. The City, for example, pays half the cost of the NHS.
Session: Non-domiciled Residents Tax Status
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May I declare an interest as one of my sisters works in the renewable energy sector? I want to see more renewable energy schemes get off the ground in the far south-west, but I am being told that schemes greater than 1 MW have to wait until 2027 at the earliest for a grid connection. This means that dozens of renewable energy schemes are gathering dust on paper, when they should be generating clean power. It is wrong and is setting back our net zero ambitions. What are Ministers doing to speed up grid connections for renewable energy schemes, allowing us to build the already approved clean energy schemes that we need, which will create green jobs, cut carbon and reduce soaring energy bills?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the delay in grid connections for renewable energy schemes, impacting the development of clean power projects in the far south-west.
Andrew Bowie
As the Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, my right hon. Friend the Member for Beverley and Holderness (Graham Stuart) suggests from a sedentary position, we are doing lots and lots. Specifically, the Government are using strategic planning to support investment ahead of the need in the networks, including the south-west. The first example of that was last year's holistic network design, which set out a blueprint for connecting new offshore wind projects to the grid by 2030. An update to the holistic network design follow-up exercise, HND 2, will be published early next year and provide recommendations for the connection of floating offshore wind specifically in the Celtic sea. For the first time, offshore wind developers participating in the Crown Estate's leasing round 5 will receive clarity over their grid connection from the electricity system operator at the same time as a secure seabed lease.
Session: National Grid Funding South-west England
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What plans does she have to provide funding for the National Grid in the south-west?
Context
The question arises from the need to secure adequate funding for electricity networks in the south-west region of England.
Andrew Bowie
Electricity networks' funding is regulated by Ofgem through the network price control. In the current price control, National Grid Electricity Transmission will be investing approximately £700 million in the south-west. Ofgem has allowed £5.7 billion for the distribution network company covering the south-west, £1.2 billion of which is for the south-west region specifically.
Session: National Grid Funding South-west England
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Railway ticket offices are essential railway infrastructure. The Minister has said that his hope is that staff will be redeployed on to the concourse, so can he comment on the fact that the planning assumption for Great Western Railway, once it closes the ticket office in Plymouth, is that it will cut the number of roles at Plymouth station by 42%, as part of a 40% cut in the workforce across the network in the south-west? Is that his actual plan? Can he also publish the letter of instruction sent by his Department to train operating companies requiring them to start the consultation on ticket office closures?
Context
The MP is concerned about Great Western Railway's plans to close the ticket office in Plymouth, which will lead to a significant reduction in roles at Plymouth station and across the south-west network.
Huw Merriman
I certainly intend to be as transparent as you would expect in this regard, Mr Speaker, so I will look into the hon. Member's request. I re-emphasise that this is a consultation by the train operators. His own train operator will no doubt take his comments about the station in his constituency on board. That will then be assessed by the passenger body and, if matters need to be worked upon, I would expect those two bodies to do that. If that cannot occur, it moves to an ultimate determination in the Department for Transport.
Session: Railway Infrastructure
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Last week, the Government rejected a number of recommendations from the inquest into the tragic mass shooting in Plymouth in 2021. Will the Minister explain why he rejected the coroner's recommendations and whether all those on which he is consulting will be implemented by the end of this calendar year?
Context
The Government rejected several recommendations from the inquest into a tragic mass shooting in Plymouth, causing concern among families of victims.
Chris Philp
I thank the hon. Gentleman for our meeting with the families a few weeks ago. As I said to him on the phone last week, whenever he and the families are ready to have further discussions with Home Office officials, they will be ready. The timing of that will be guided by the hon. Gentleman. On the substance of the Government's reply, we have committed to doing some things straight away. For example, the National Police Chiefs' Council has been funded to set up an accredited training programme for firearms officers. In due course that will become mandatory.
Session: Topical Questions
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What is the Minister's plan to restore morale in order to retain essential skills, and does he expect higher or lower morale by the next general election?
Context
The MP notes declining satisfaction with service life among military personnel and asks about plans to restore morale.
Andrew Murrison
The armed forces continuous attitude survey shows that satisfaction with morale is similar now to 2007. However, satisfaction with kit has improved since then due to better provision.
Session: Armed Forces Skills
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Each year, thousands of young people leave local authority care yet struggle to find their first job or home. As councils act as corporate parents, could the Government serve as a 'corporate grandparent' by developing a cross-government strategy for care leavers, encouraging departments to hire them?
Context
Local authority care leavers face challenges in securing employment and housing.
Johnny Mercer
The Prime Minister has asked me to look at the issue. There are about 92,000 care leavers aged between 18 and 25 in the United Kingdom. They require pathways similar to those created for veterans. I plan to launch a strategy before the summer recess.
Session: Topical Questions
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In February this year, I took care leavers from Plymouth to see the Secretary of State about introducing a deposit guarantor scheme. Will the Secretary of State give an update on how the DWP is progressing with that proposal put forward by me and Barnardo's?
Context
Pollard mentioned a February meeting with the Secretary of State regarding introducing a deposit guarantor scheme for young people leaving care.
Mel Stride
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman; I opened my door to him as soon as he requested and had him and his colleagues in for a discussion. We continue to consider those matters as part of the general policy going forward, and I will keep him informed of news as it may or may not occur.
Session: Topical Questions
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What can the Minister do to make childcare more affordable without loading additional costs on struggling nurseries?
Context
The MP discussed the struggle of families in low-wage economies to afford childcare, highlighting the need for financial support.
Claire Coutinho
The Government is taking action by doubling the amount spent on childcare by 2027-28, starting with additional funding this year.
Session: Weekly Childcare Costs
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What recent estimate she has made of the average weekly cost of childcare for households with one child and two or more children?
Context
The MP raised concerns about the high cost of childcare in low-wage economies, particularly in Plymouth.
Claire Coutinho
The Department does not produce an official estimate of the average weekly cost of childcare by the number of children in a household. However, Coram estimates the cost of using 25 hours a week of childcare for a child aged under two in a nursery as, on average, £151 across England.
Session: Weekly Childcare Costs
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With millions expected to visit rural and coastal areas soon, how will new measures announced by the Minister be in place before summer to ensure locals can afford homes without being displaced by short-term rentals?
Context
Concern about the economic benefits of tourism overshadowing the challenges for long-term renters in coastal communities.
Rachel Maclean
The Government is taking steps to balance tourist income with housing needs for local people and workers. We are progressing the consultation quickly and will make further announcements.
Session: Short and Long-term Rentals
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I thank the Secretary of State for backing my campaign to designate Devil's Point and Firestone bay in Plymouth as bathing waters. I am targeting a sewage outlet pumping raw human sewage all year round, asking if we should look again at extending water testing beyond summer months since wild swimmers use these waters year-round.
Context
The MP thanks the Secretary of State for designating Devil's Point and Firestone bay in Plymouth as bathing waters. He targets a sewage outlet pumping raw human waste into Plymouth Sound year-round.
Therese Coffey
The dates set down are consistent with European standards, reflecting higher summer usage. While people swim year-round in different parts of the country, designated sites are based on typical seasonality.
Session: Bathing Waters
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With today's funding announcement limited to nuclear enterprise and stockpiles, can he confirm whether it is still his Department's policy to cut troop numbers by 10%, cut the reserves and provide no additional funding to plug gaps in war-fighting capability?
Context
Concerns over senior British military officer's doubts about UK's leading NATO member status due to Army's war-fighting capability hollowing out, with today's funding announcement focusing on nuclear enterprise and stockpiles.
James Heappey
As a naval constituency representative, focusing on simply the Army does our armed forces disservice. The UK commits its entire nuclear deterrent to NATO, maritime task groups more than any other ally, air policing, Allied Rapid Reaction Corps and various high-readiness Army formations.
Session: NATO Obligations
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Will the Secretary of State look at Devon's ICB and whether he could put pressure on that ICB to fund the pioneering project to improve healthcare in Plymouth?
Context
The question revolves around a cross-party solution to build a new super health hub, the Cavell centre, which was initially proposed with £41 million funding by the government but later withdrawn.
Steve Barclay
The hon. Gentleman reasonably highlights that the commissioning is a decision for the ICB, but also rightly draws attention to the opportunity to look at different models, for example, how we look across communities at economies of scale, and how we combine that with modern methods of construction to deliver projects far more quickly. I am happy to look, with Devon ICB, at the issue he raises.
Session: Primary Care Staff Numbers
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I do not expect the Minister to know about the 31 bus route in Plymouth, but I do expect him to care about the people who can no longer get that bus because it has been axed—the older people who cannot get to their GP or hospital appointments as easily or bring back their shopping from town. Will the Minister agree to adopt Labour's policy of handing power over bus routes back to communities? Will he finally give the south-west its fair share of bus funding?
Context
The 31 bus route has been axed, affecting older people's ability to access essential services such as healthcare.
Richard Holden
I thank the hon. Member for his question. Plymouth City Council receives £85,000 a year through the bus service operators grant and has been allocated a total of £599,000 in emergency and recovery funding for bus services since March 2020. I would be delighted to look at that further, and look forward to visiting Plymouth in the near future.
Session: Bus Services
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What assessment he has made of the impact of reductions to bus services on local communities. Due to significant cuts in bus services and passenger numbers during the pandemic, I am concerned about the impact these reductions are having on the ability of my constituents to access essential services such as healthcare and education. The government promised £2 billion in emergency funding for bus operators but what assessment has been made on how effective this funding has been in preventing service cuts?
Context
Bus services have been reduced due to the pandemic, affecting local communities.
Richard Holden
Covid-19 resulted in significant reductions to bus service levels and passenger numbers. To mitigate that, the Government have provided more than £2 billion in emergency and recovery funding to keep vital bus services running. On 17 February, we announced a further extension to that support until 30 June. As a result, bus service provision in England outside London remained at more than 85% of pre-covid levels in 2021-22, despite patronage and commercial fare revenue remaining significantly lower.
Session: Bus Services
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With rising utility and staffing costs, brilliant nurseries such as Tops Day Nurseries in Plymouth are running at a loss and running out of time. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how we can keep those brilliant businesses afloat, especially to support our most deprived and challenging communities?
Context
Tops Day Nurseries in Plymouth is facing financial challenges due to rising costs.
Gillian Keegan
Let me take the opportunity to thank all those working in this sector. I know they do incredible work, and it is difficult with the spike in inflation and the rising cost of energy. We always monitor the situation and sufficiency of places. We have spent £3.5 billion in each of the past three years, and we have provided support with energy bills. We are focused on halving inflation, but we recognise the challenges and will always do more. I am very happy to meet the hon. Gentleman.
Session: Topical Questions
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May I ask the Minister to join me for a swim at Devil's Point and Firestone Bay, where she can see the raw sewage pipe and understand why this special piece of water should be declared as a designated bathing water?
Context
The hon. Member inquires about the status of Devil's Point and Firestone Bay, a national marine park, to be declared as a designated bathing water.
Rebecca Pow
I wear a wetsuit when I swim in the sea. The hon. Gentleman will have to wait until May to see if we designate that particular site, but there are 421 designated bathing sites in England as of last year, with 93% classed as 'excellent' and 'good'.
Session: Bathing Waters England
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When will the list of designated bathing waters in England be updated next?
Context
The hon. Member seeks to highlight the importance of designating specific areas for safe wild swimming.
Rebecca Pow
The list of designated bathing waters is updated annually, and we will give updates for the new list in May.
Session: Bathing Waters England
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Families are being turfed out of their private rented homes under section 21 notices so that they can be turned into second homes and Airbnbs. Does the Minister agree with south-west supporters of the First Homes Not Second Homes campaign, which I run with Cornwall councillor Jayne Kirkham, that it is time not only for increased council tax on second homes but for a proper licensing regime, so that communities can decide how many second homes should be in their community?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of section 21 notices on families being displaced to make way for second homes in rural areas like Plymouth, Devon, and Cornwall.
Rachel Maclean
We are looking at the issue of registration of second homes through the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill and other frameworks. We understand that people want to go on holiday to beautiful areas, but there is an impact on communities. We need the registration scheme so that we understand and better mitigate that.
Session: Second Homes in Coastal Areas
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Linking police records of gun certificates to medical databases was a key ask of the community in Plymouth after the tragedies we suffered in 2021. How is that linking of GP records with police-held databases and other medical records going, and what additional policing resources is the Home Secretary making available to ensure that, no matter where in the country someone lives, if they present to their medical professional with a mental health issue, it will be clear to that medical professional whether they have a firearm?
Context
The question is prompted by the tragic events in Plymouth in 2021, leading to a community request for better integration of mental health data with gun control measures.
Suella Braverman
The hon. Gentleman raises a very important point about access to firearms or other weapons for people with a track record or indication of mental health vulnerabilities. We must wait for the coroner report to be issued, so I will not comment substantively, but we are looking very closely at this and I hope to report on it in due course.
Session: Police Resources
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Why did the MOD sign contracts that do not represent value for taxpayer money? When will all troops have a home fit for heroes?
Context
The MOD spent £144 million on private contractors for maintaining service families' accommodation, yet many homes are still awaiting repairs despite previous Minister's admission of poor value for taxpayer money.
Ben Wallace
We aim to ensure our armed forces personnel have fit homes. Issues existed even when service was in-house. The MOD monitors cases, holds providers accountable, seeks compensation for those suffering, and works on improving the situation with better helpline manning and quicker responses.
Session: Military Procurement Standards
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Many of these young people have been through awful experiences. Will the Minister set out what additional steps by her Department could help set up a guarantor scheme and provide help with the first rental deposit so that these young people do not miss out on a home when they leave local authority care?
Context
The MP highlighted concerns about young people leaving local authority care not having a stable living situation. He noted that many of these young people have had awful experiences.
Mims Davies
I visited Plymouth to see the exemplary youth hub and partnership work—which includes some great tourism tips—in June 2022. I thank the hon. Gentleman for his work alongside Barnardo's; the Secretary of State and I look forward to meeting and discussing more next week. I believe that some local authorities, such as Kent County Council, have a successful rent guarantor scheme and I encourage others in doing this. I will look at this matter carefully.
Session: Support for Care Leavers Housing
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I thank the Minister for that answer. It is a privilege to be working with Barnardo's and care leavers in Plymouth in making the case that every young person leaving local authority care should have a home of their own, ideally one to be rented straightaway so that they do not fall back into emergency care.
Context
The MP noted concerns about young people leaving local authority care not having a stable living situation. He highlighted the privilege of working with Barnardo's to make the case that every young person should have a home, ideally rented immediately upon leaving care.
Mims Davies
I visited Plymouth to see the exemplary youth hub and partnership work—which includes some great tourism tips—in June 2022. I thank the hon. Gentleman for his work alongside Barnardo's; the Secretary of State and I look forward to meeting and discussing more next week. I believe that some local authorities, such as Kent County Council, have a successful rent guarantor scheme and I encourage others in doing this. I will look at this matter carefully.
Session: Support for Care Leavers Housing
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The Army's senior soldier says some troops are using food banks and taking second jobs due to cost pressures. Six months ago, I raised alarm on troops working at McDonald's. Despite saying support is provided, why isn't MoD collecting data on personnel using food vouchers, food banks, or second jobs?
Context
Concern about service personnel turning to food banks, second jobs, and financial hardship during the cost of living crisis.
Andrew Murrison
Visited a local food bank; accepted pay review body's full recommendation. Generous non-contributory pension, subsidised accommodation offered. Haythornthwaite review will report on more incentives for joining and staying.
Session: Cost of Living Armed Forces Personnel
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Will the Minister share the experience and expertise of the Cabinet Office in supporting care leavers across Government? It is sometimes awkward for care leavers to interact with Health, Education and Work and Pensions systems, for example, and they are not able to rely on the financial support of parents, especially in renting their first property. Will the Minister agree to meet me and care leavers from Plymouth to discuss what best practice can be shared so that every care leaver can have the best possible start in adulthood?
Context
Care leavers face significant challenges in getting on the housing ladder due to a lack of financial support, especially for rent deposits. The Cabinet Office runs a care leavers' apprenticeship scheme, but many care leavers struggle to access financial and housing support independently.
Jeremy Quin
That is an interesting idea. I am more than happy to agree to meet the hon. Gentleman and to hear what he has to say, and we will take it from there.
Session: Civil Service Apprenticeships
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Will the Minister back the home nations captains in wearing a rainbow armband when they play at the World cup? Will he also apologise for the Foreign Secretary's remark that LGBT fans should somehow show compromise?
Context
The MP expresses personal concerns about the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals attending the World Cup in Qatar and questions the Foreign Secretary's remarks on LGBT rights.
David Rutley
I respect the hon. Gentleman's comments. He and I have worked together on many issues in the past, and I understand his campaign on this issue. Our priority is, of course, the safety of all British nationals who travel to the World cup. The UK prioritises the issue of LGBT+ rights internationally, and we continue to engage with the Qatari authorities on this issue. Many sportsmen and women use their platforms to do important work across a range of issues, which is their personal choice. The UK Government stand by our values, and our team stands by the values of our home nations.
Session: Qatar World Cup LGBTQ+ Fans
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What assessment has his Department made of the safety of LGBTQ+ football fans attending the World cup in Qatar?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, citing previous criticisms regarding human rights issues.
David Rutley
Ministers and senior officials have raised the concerns of LGBT+ visitors with Qatari authorities at all levels, and will continue to engage on this issue ahead of, and during, the World cup. Qatar has repeatedly committed that everybody is welcome to the tournament, and we will continue to encourage equal treatment and the respect of individual rights, and to identify what action the Qatari authorities are taking to match their commitment.
Session: Qatar World Cup LGBTQ+ Fans
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Would it not be absurd to cut the Army any further when Ukraine and our NATO allies are facing such clear and rising hostility? Can he tell us which cuts he wants to reverse?
Context
The question addresses the impact of Ukraine's invasion on NATO members' defence plans, specifically questioning the necessity of further Army cuts.
James Heappey
The integrated review is indeed being refreshed—quite rightly, because in the past nine months we have seen war in Europe and growing belligerence by China in the far east. Exactly what the shape of our nation's armed forces must look like must be a consequence of those new threats.
Session: Ukraine Support for NATO Allies
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What initiatives is the Department working on to get more older people back into work? Will the Minister join me in coming along to an over-50s fair we are holding in Rugby in the new year?
Context
Statistics show that over-50s are less likely to return to work after the pandemic in Rugby and Bulkington, compared to younger counterparts. Businesses in all sectors want these workers back.
Guy Opperman
I would, of course, be delighted to go to Rugby and I welcome the fact that my hon. Friend is holding an over-50s fair. He will be aware that the Department is rolling out 50 PLUS: Choices and the mid-life MOT to ensure that those matters are addressed.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the Secretary of State, a fellow Devon MP, to his position. Will he agree to meet me and Barnardo's to discuss the concerns of care leavers from Devon, whom I recently hosted in Westminster, who without a rent guarantor cannot afford a deposit on a rental property of their own. Will he consider a pilot to help those young people get a better start in life?
Context
Luke Pollard welcomes Mel Stride to his new position as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
Mel Stride
I thank my hon. Friend—I will call him an hon. Friend, certainly—and colleague from Devon for his question. I know of the excellent work he has been carrying out with Barnardo's in that area. I would be delighted to meet him and Barnardo's, and whoever else he feels appropriate, to discuss those issues.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Nursery Provision: South-west England
06 February 2024
Main Concerns
['Childcare bills have skyrocketed during a cost of living crisis, leaving many families unable to access childcare. Nurseries in the south-west are buckling under financial pressures due to staff shortages and geographical challenges, leading to fewer places and higher costs. The closure of nurseries disproportionately affects poorer communities and leaves 100 families without childcare in Plymouth alone. Providers face rising bills, free childcare funding that does not cover actual costs, and a retention and recruitment crisis.']
Specific Asks
['The Government must act urgently before more nurseries close, deliver on the promise of free childcare for every child in the south-west, provide certainty to the sector by releasing funding rates early, reduce the cost of childcare for families, and address the lack of provision in poorer areas. Can the Minister clarify what action will be taken to ensure these promises are met?']
Nursery Closures And Childcare Crisis In The South West
06 February 2024
Main Concerns
['Nursery providers in the south-west are facing a perfect storm of rising bills, inadequate free childcare funding, staff shortages, and unaffordable costs for families. Luke Pollard cited statistics showing that nurseries across the United Kingdom are struggling to stay financially viable with closures numbering 886 in the south-west alone over the past year. Parents like Shelly can only afford part-time care due to high costs, leading to work-hour reductions and financial strain.']
Specific Asks
['Pollard urges the Government to act urgently before more nurseries close and children lose their places. He requests more action from the Department to improve childcare provision in the south-west and address the structural issues facing nursery providers.']
Bee-killing Pesticides
01 February 2023
Responding: Mark Spencer
Main Concerns
["The hon. Member for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport is concerned about the use of bee-killing pesticides, particularly Cruiser SB containing thiamethoxam, which has been authorised by the Government despite concerns from scientific bodies. The authorisation, granted three years in a row now, contradicts the commitment to follow scientific evidence on neonicotinoids' harmful effects on bees and pollinators. One teaspoon of thiamethoxam is powerful enough to kill 1.25 billion honeybees, according to Professor Dave Goulson at the University of Sussex. The decline in bee populations has led to concerns about food security and biodiversity, with up to three quarters of global crops relying on bees for pollination."]
Specific Asks
["The hon. Member asks the Government to reverse their decision to authorise Cruiser SB, provide more support for sugar beet farmers through alternative pest control measures, conduct comprehensive studies on environmental impacts, and report on the sustainable farming incentive's effectiveness in reducing neonicotinoid use. Additionally, he proposes that future authorisations of bee-killing pesticides should be subject to a parliamentary vote."]
Super Health Hub in Plymouth City Centre
25 October 2022
Responding: Robert Jenrick
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the crisis in Plymouth's NHS, including severe ambulance waiting times, hospital bed shortages, social care system issues, GP shortages, long dentistry waiting lists, and dilapidated premises. The super health hub project is crucial for addressing these problems and improving access to healthcare services."]
Specific Asks
['I am asking the Minister to restore or find £41 million in NHS funding to build the super health hub, which would provide significant benefits including early diagnosis, mental health services, drug treatment, housing support, training, employment assistance, and better management of conditions. The project also enjoys cross-party support.']
Bees: Neonicotinoids
02 February 2022
Responding: Victoria Prentis
Main Concerns
["The hon. Member for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport is worried about the decline in bee populations, with research suggesting a third of UK bee species have vanished in the last decade. He criticises the Government's decision to temporarily lift the ban on Cruiser SB, a neonicotinoid pesticide that is harmful to bees, despite expert advice against it. He also highlights the importance of bees to nature and food production, stating they are essential for crop pollination."]
Specific Asks
['The hon. Member requests that future authorisations of bee-killing pesticides should be subject to a parliamentary vote to ensure proper scrutiny and support from MPs. He asks the Minister to restore the ban on neonicotinoids and provide more robust scientific research on their impact, along with better protections against their use.']
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...
Defence Investment Plan
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Defence Investment Plan
10 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Strategic Defence Review: Funding
15 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Gurkha Veterans
26 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Rises to speak on the subject of support for Gurkha veterans and their dependants. Shares the story of Ghanendra Limbu, a Gurkha veteran who suffered severe injuries during his service in the Falkland...
Ministry of Defence
04 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Tan Dhesi, as Chair of the Defence Committee, emphasised the need for long-term strategic investment in defence to counter the increasing military threat from Russia and China. He criticised the UK's ...
Ministry of Defence: Palantir Contracts
10 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Ukraine 2025-12-18
18 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill 2025-09-09
09 September 2025
General Debate
Led by this MP
The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence, Luke Pollard, opened the debate by moving that the Bill be read a Second time. He highlighted the landmark treaty signed on 22 May securing UK operational c...
Defence Industrial Strategy 2025-09-08
08 September 2025
General Debate
Led by this MP
The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence announced the publication of the defence industrial strategy. He emphasised £773 million investment to strengthen UK security and grow its economy, focusing ...
Devil’s Point and Firestone Bay
23 March 2022
The petition addresses the ongoing sewage crisis affecting Devil’s Point and Firestone Bay in Plymouth, advocating for these locations to be officially designated as bathing waters to ensure regular w...
View Full Petition -->
Petitions
07 July 2021
The petition addresses the removal of a post box in Stoke Village, Plymouth, which has impacted the local community by making it difficult for residents to receive mail during lockdowns.
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
56.1%
55 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
21
21.4% of votes
No Votes
34
34.7% of votes
Abstentions
43
43.9% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
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 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
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
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 NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
1
PMQs Asked
74
Ministerial Questions Asked
90
House of Commons Debates Involved
5
Westminster Hall Debates Led
12
Statements / Bills
2
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+452% above average
This MP:
74
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+99% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1752% above average
This MP:
90
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+27% above average
This MP:
12
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-18% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-19% below average
This MP:
56.1
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 Luke Pollard's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.