Marie Goldman
MP for Chelmsford
Lib Dem
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
My constituent Dipak first opened the doors to his pharmacy in 1991 and he has been serving the Chelmsford community ever since, greeting many of his patients by name. However, Dipak’s business is struggling. His NHS contract no longer covers the cost of the drugs he has to dispense. For example, he has sometimes been forced to pay over 100 times more than his contract provides for a particular mental health drug. Dipak is dipping into his life savings to keep his pharmacy afloat and I am sure that many other pharmacists across the country are doing the same. Does the Prime Minister agree that no pharmacist should be forced to use their own money to keep their pharmacy viable?
Context
Dipak, a pharmacist in Chelmsford since 1991, is struggling financially as his NHS contract no longer covers the cost of drugs he has to dispense, sometimes forcing him to pay over 100 times more than his contract provides.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I thank the hon. Lady for raising that important and challenging case. Community pharmacists like Dipak play a vital role in our health service. As she knows, the Department of Health and Social Care sets drug tariff prices and regularly assesses what pharmacies are reimbursed to ensure that overall they are paid fairly. If the hon. Lady is prepared to share the details further with me, I will have a review carried out by the team of the case she has raised.
Session: PMQs
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Women, campaigners, and safeguarding groups say that the current law allowing police to block a sex offender's request to change their name but not requiring them to do so is inadequate. Will the Minister work with Home Office colleagues to close this loophole, so that sex offenders are prevented by default from changing their name and police are required to individually approve each request?
Context
A BBC news report highlighted a case where a woman discovered her partner was a registered sex offender only after he was summoned to court for an assault charge under a different name. Campaigners and safeguarding groups argue that the current law, which allows but does not require police to block a sex offender's name change request, is insufficient.
Alex Davies-Jones
I thank the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for raising this issue. She will know that great strides have been made in this campaign, including by my hon. Friend—my good friend—the Member for Rotherham (Sarah Champion). I will happily meet with the hon. Lady to discuss this further to see what more we need to do to protect women and girls, and all children, from these heinous crimes.
Session: Tackling Violence against Women and Girls 2026-09-09
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I have heard at first hand from many Palestinian business owners how illegal Israeli settlements ruin lives and disproportionately impact women and girls. I have received hundreds of emails from my Chelmsford constituents demanding comprehensive Government action. Will the Foreign Secretary therefore reassure my constituents and pledge that any trade ban will include services and investments?
Context
Illegal Israeli settlements are impacting Palestinian lives, particularly women and girls, and there is demand for comprehensive government action.
Ed Miliband
As I said earlier, we are looking at all the economic issues in relation to the occupied territories. The hon. Lady raises an important point, which is that what has happened in Gaza and the west bank has pricked the conscience of a generation, and that is why we will act.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-01
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While welcoming the social media ban for under-16s to tackle misogyny and online harm, we need more than just legislation; parents and teachers must be equipped with tools to recognise and challenge harmful content. Will the Minister work with the Department for Education to ensure that teachers have resources and support in the curriculum?
Context
The government has announced a social media ban for under-16s to combat violence against women and girls, but new platforms may emerge. The education curriculum needs resources to teach children about online safety.
Catherine Atkinson
The hon. Member is correct; we need a cross-Government strategy to prevent violence against women and girls, not just pursue perpetrators or provide support for victims. The Department for Education is piloting programmes with young people in schools.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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Since I last raised the subject of suicides after domestic abuse, the domestic abuse homicide project has reported on the previous 12 months and seen a significant rise in cases. This morning, I held a roundtable with some of the organisations campaigning to ensure that suicides in cases of domestic abuse are investigated from the outset as homicides, and they all agreed that action is needed now. One small change that they said would make an important difference is requiring police officers to turn on their body-worn cameras when attending sudden deaths in domestic settings and tagging it afterwards, which means important evidence will be preserved. Will the Government encourage the College of Policing to update its guidance to introduce such a requirement?
Context
The domestic abuse homicide project reported a significant rise in cases over the previous year. Organisations campaigning to ensure that suicides in cases of domestic abuse are investigated from the outset as homicides met and agreed on the need for immediate action.
Alex Davies-Jones
I thank the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for her question. I had the privilege of meeting the Katie Trust last week to discuss that precise issue, and later today I am meeting Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse and Dr Anna Hopkins to look at what more we can do. The hon. Member will know that the Law Commission is reviewing the law of homicide to look at precisely the issue she raises. That work is ongoing, and the Government will examine the recommendations when they come forward.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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Given the Government's reluctance to support that measure, will the Minister commit to making the College of Policing's published guidance on this matter statutory, so that these cases are properly investigated across all forces?
Context
The Guardian revealed that suicides following domestic abuse may be vastly under-reported, with research in Kent suggesting that they could be 15 times more prevalent. There has been just one manslaughter conviction from such a death in the whole of UK legal history.
Jess Phillips
I thank the hon. Lady for her question. Once again, I point to this exact issue being covered in the violence against women and girls strategy, with the need to improve police responses. That is why the Government have invested £13.1 million into a policing centre that focuses specifically on VAWG. On this specific issue of suicide following domestic abuse, it has undertaken some absolutely groundbreaking work that I very much hope will lead to change and further convictions, which we all want to see.
Session: Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls.
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Over the weekend, I saw the appalling state of roads in my Chelmsford constituency, such as Oaklands Crescent and Dorset Avenue. Does the Secretary of State agree that patching potholes is a waste of public funds?
Context
Residents in Chelmsford have complained about the poor state of roads such as Oaklands Crescent and Dorset Avenue.
Heidi Alexander
We have established an accountability and transparency framework for local authorities, under which they need to report proactive resurfacing. The Government are determined to work with local authorities to ensure contractors get it right the first time.
Session: Topical Questions
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Hot Box, a local music venue, is facing an average increase of nearly £23,000 in hospitality business rates over three years. Another family-run business will see their monthly rates more than double from April, resulting in potential job losses. Will the Government implement the 20p discount and provide support for businesses in retail, leisure, and hospitality?
Context
Music venue Hot Box in Chelmsford faces significant business rate increases over three years, putting its future at risk.
The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Dan Tomlinson)
We have introduced a support package worth £4.3 billion, including an additional two years of small business rate relief for expanding properties, supporting independent growth and viability.
Session: Support for Businesses
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Will the Minister confirm that funding for the rape and sexual abuse support fund and independent sexual violence adviser services will continue beyond March 2026? How will the Government prioritise addressing sexual violence?
Context
CARA supports thousands of victims of sexual violence in Essex, concerned about future funding beyond March 2026.
Jess Phillips
Funding for these services was ringfenced last year, but I cannot provide specific guarantees beyond the spending review. As someone with experience in such services, I am confident they will be funded in the future due to their importance.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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The British Council is in dire financial straits. If it disappears, so will the invaluable soft power that it wields. Will the Foreign Secretary commit to meeting the chief executive of the British Council to discuss that as soon as possible?
Context
The British Council is in dire financial straits and the invaluable soft power it wields could disappear if it does not receive support.
Chris Elmore (Minister for the Cabinet Office)
The British Council plays a crucial role in supporting UK interests around the world, including helping people to learn English and promote the arts and culture. The Foreign Office is providing £160 million in grant aid to the council this year, which underlines our support. I have already met the vice-chair and the deputy chief executive, and I will meet the chief executive and the chair in due course.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituency of Chelmsford is an important hub for the justice system in Essex; it is home to several courts, including a Crown court. The independent sentencing review led by David Gauke found that the reoffending rate for those who were homeless or rough sleeping was double that of those who had accommodation to go to upon release. Indeed, I have heard examples from charities of those on probation being recalled to prison simply because they have no fixed address. At a time when prison places are so limited, what steps is the Justice Secretary taking to ensure that such frustrating examples of recall stop, and how does he intend to work with the inter-ministerial group for homelessness and rough sleeping to ensure that the Probation Service’s work is not undermined by a lack of accommodation upon release from prison?
Context
The independent sentencing review led by David Gauke found a higher reoffending rate for homeless or rough sleeping individuals compared to those with accommodation. This is exacerbated by the lack of fixed address for some on probation.
David Lammy (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her question—no doubt she will be contributing to the debate a little later on our Sentencing Bill. That issue was raised with me by probation workers last week. It remains a big issue in our system, made worse by the previous Government. I commit to working closely with colleagues in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to ensure that that housing is available.
Session: Probation Service
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Many of my Chelmsford constituents are civil servants who travel into London most days to perform their jobs. A report revealed the UK may need 92,000 more public workers by 2030 due to productivity falls in the sector. However, the Cabinet Office has refused to comment on reports that the Government plan a 10% cut to civil service headcount by the end of the decade. Will the Minister confirm today whether a 10% cut to civil service headcount is planned and if any of that will take the form of compulsory redundancy?
Context
Centre for Economics and Business Research report suggested the UK may need 92,000 more public workers by 2030 due to productivity falls. Reports indicate a potential 10% civil service headcount cut by the end of the decade.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Pat McFadden)
We are not targeting a reduction in civil service headcount but aim for productivity improvements from civil servants. We do not have a target for headcount reduction, unlike what was attempted under the previous government, which did not work. Our focus is on reducing administrative and overhead costs while working with civil servants to achieve these goals.
Session: Civil Service Reform
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Ms Goldman sought clarity on whether there are plans to alter or weaken proposed legislation related to the Hillsborough disaster in light of recent reports and rumours.
Context
The 36th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster was marked, coinciding with media speculation about potential changes to proposed legislation.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
The Minister acknowledged the commitment to bringing in a Hillsborough law, emphasising the importance of working closely with families to ensure it is right and fair.
Session: Topical Questions
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Chelmsford's allocation of dispersal accommodation for asylum seekers is more than 120 beds, but the number found to date is about a tenth of that number owing to the high demand for and high cost of private rented accommodation in the district. What extra support can the Minister offer councils facing the increasing cost of housing asylum seekers?
Context
The questioner highlights that Chelmsford's allocation of dispersal accommodation for asylum seekers is not being met due to high demand and cost.
Angela Eagle
We are trying to co-operate much more with local authorities so that we can deal with these issues, but ultimately the way to deal with them is to get the backlog down and get people out of high-price accommodation so that we can integrate them if they are granted asylum.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Education, Health and Care Plans
22 January 2025
Responding: Catherine McKinnell
Main Concerns
['The debate focuses on the significant delays and shortcomings in the Education Health and Care Plan system. There are huge discrepancies across local authorities with regard to issuing EHCPs within statutory timelines; Essex county council issues EHCPs within 20 weeks only 0.9% of the time despite having over 3,000 requests. Additionally, there is a massive funding shortfall with local authorities reporting a deficit in high needs block funding amounting to £8 billion.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP calls for immediate action and reforms to alleviate the current issues faced by children and parents in need of support through EHCPs. She advocates for more transparency, better communication, and faster implementation of reforms.']
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr Carmichael highlighted the concern regarding the management of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, specifically noting proposed changes to payments for coastguard rescue officers that could impact ...
Backbench Business
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The House recognises the threat posed by Russia and China, as well as the uncertainty regarding US reliability within NATO. It acknowledges the UK's current military shortfalls and calls for a program...
Grooming Gangs: Independent Inquiry
18 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Equality Act 2010: Code of Practice
01 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Debate on the Address
14 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The UK labour market is performing well with high employment rates, low unemployment compared to OECD countries, and rising real wages. The government's economic management has put the country in a be...
Social Cohesion Action Plan
09 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
12 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate focuses on the importance of LGBT+ History Month, acknowledging the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights and the ongoing struggles faced by the community. Nadia Whittome emphasises her gratitude ...
Holocaust Memorial Bill 2026-01-20
20 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government introduced the Holocaust Memorial Bill. She emphasised that the Bill aims to establish a national Holocaust mem...
Social Media Non-consensual Sexual Deepfakes 2026-01-12
12 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Christmas Adjournment 2025-12-18
18 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Conservative MP for Harrow East highlighted improvements in local governance, including increased spending on roads and highways, introduction of free parking, and efforts to combat fly-tipping. H...
Attendance
71.4%
70 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
51
52.0% of votes
No Votes
19
19.4% of votes
Abstentions
28
28.6% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED 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
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
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
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED NO
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
13
Ministerial Questions Asked
34
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
-3% below average
This MP:
13
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+600% above average
This MP:
34
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 (%)
+3% above average
This MP:
71.4
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 Marie Goldman's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.