Mark Francois
MP for Rayleigh and Wickford
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Prime Minister, as we approach remembrance time, will you throw Northern Ireland's war veterans to the wolves by repealing the 2023 Act designed to protect them?
Context
Concern over the repealing of the Northern Ireland Troubles Act which was intended to protect veterans from investigations.
Keir Starmer
I am not.
Assessment
Providing a specific reason for or against the repeal of the Northern Ireland Troubles Act
Changing Subject
Session: PMQs
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Prime Minister, in the 1930s, one of your less illustrious predecessors, Neville Chamberlain, so denuded the British armed forces of funding, until it was too late, that we failed to deter Adolf Hitler, and 50 million people tragically died in the second world war. Russia has invaded Ukraine, China is threatening Taiwan, and British shipping is being attacked by Houthis in the Red sea. Could you please assure me, as the son of a D-day veteran, and the House of Commons that we are not going to forget the lessons of history and make the same mistake again?
Context
Historical context is drawn from the 1930s when Neville Chamberlain's government underfunded British armed forces, leading to a failure to deter Adolf Hitler. The current situation includes Russian aggression in Ukraine and threats from China.
Rishi Sunak
I thank my right hon. Friend for his tireless campaigning for our armed forces. He is right to champion them and the role they play. I agree with him wholeheartedly that sadly the world we are living in is becoming both more challenging strategically and more dangerous, and in response to those challenges we must invest more in our armed forces. That is exactly what we are doing, with the largest uplift since the cold war recently topped up with billions of pounds to strengthen our nuclear enterprise and rebuild stockpiles.
Session: PMQs
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The Prime Minister mentioned our armed forces. May I mention them again? We lost 457 personnel killed in Afghanistan, and several thousand suffered life-changing injuries. So I and some of my colleagues on the Defence Committee were absolutely stunned to see a video posted by our own Chairman lauding the Taliban's governance of Afghanistan but not mentioning that they are still trying to identify and kill Afghan civilians who sided with NATO forces, nor the fact that they do not like girls to go to school. Can I make it plain that that was not in our name, and can I have the Prime Minister's assurance that that silly and naive act was not in his name either?
Context
MP highlighted loss of British personnel in Afghanistan and criticized video posted by Defence Committee Chairman praising Taliban governance without mentioning human rights abuses.
Rishi Sunak
I join my right hon. Friend in paying tribute to our brave serving personnel and veterans, and I thank them for their service, as we touched on earlier. We have repeatedly called out, and will continue to repeatedly call out, the human rights abuses that we see around the world.
Assessment
Specific ask about Defence Committee Chairman's actions not directly addressed
Session: PMQs
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How many of the new mayors promised by this Government after their election will be in place by the next general election?
Context
The Government have paused much of their devolution programme, with only Surrey looking likely to get its way.
Sally Jameson
The Secretary of State will be making a statement on that very issue, setting out what we will be doing in going further with local government reform and with mayors.
Session: Regional Devolution Funding 2026-09-07
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Twiggy Roberts, a veteran running HX Motors in my constituency, says he hears a lot from his generation of veterans about their frustrations trying to access the mental health services they need. What conversations is the Secretary of State having with Cabinet colleagues to ensure these veterans receive support?
Context
The MP raised concerns about mental health support for veterans, especially those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Dan Jarvis
I am grateful for this important issue. We will have conversations with colleagues across Government to ensure that services are in place to provide support. There is an important role for the NHS, which we work closely with.
Session: Support for Veterans 2026-07-06
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We have waited for amendments almost as long as we've waited for the DIP. Where is Andy Burnham on this issue? Will our new Prime Minister do right by former soldiers from his region, scrap the Bill which helps Sinn Féin pursue our veterans via lawfare and get rid of it altogether?
Context
The MP questioned the Labour Government's Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, which has been criticized for its impact on veterans. He asked about the likely new Prime Minister's stance.
Dan Jarvis
I genuinely want to find a way forward that attracts cross-party support but remind some Conservative Members that the previous Government's Act left veterans with no certainty and protection. This Government will bring new primary legislation legally compliant and recognising our veterans' interests.
Session: Support for Veterans 2026-07-06
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The Secretary of State said he did not recognise “my” description. It is not mine; it is from a statement by the three special forces regimental associations on 22 April. If we are to persuade people to continue serving in uniform, these concerns need addressing. When will amendments be published?
Context
Government has been promising amendments to the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill but has not yet published them, causing concern among veterans.
John Healey
The amendments will be published before the next stage of the Bill in Parliament, which is Committee stage in this House.
Session: Armed Forces Recruitment and Retention
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The serious problem of personnel leaving the special forces is partly due to the Government's facilitation of lawfare against their comrades who served in Northern Ireland. Can you explain your response to the three special forces regimental associations' warning that egregious mistreatment of veterans and infringement of rights has to end?
Context
Special forces personnel are leaving due to concerns raised by the three special forces regimental associations regarding mistreatment of veterans.
John Healey
We have had discussions with military leaders regarding their concerns, particularly with the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill. We are set to make significant amendments that reflect their concerns.
Session: Armed Forces Recruitment and Retention
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I was asking about the current Prime Minister, not the next one. After previously denying that the Prime Minister was instructed to act in a case against veterans by Phil Shiner, on 24 February the Veterans Minister had to come to the House and correct the record because the Prime Minister did, in fact, act for Phil Shiner in the al-Jedda case before the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords. That case effectively opened the floodgates for prosecutions against British Army veterans, which the troubles Bill now threatens to do all over again. To save the Veterans Minister having to come back here again and correct the record twice, can she or this Minister simply tell us why Labour is led by a man who partly made a living out of helping to put British Army soldiers and even their commanders in the dock?
Alistair Carns
I thank the hon. Member for the field promotion—he, obviously, has not had one. We have two roles: protecting veterans and ensuring that no one can rewrite history through the courts. We will push hard on that and deliver it for the veterans who deserve it.
Session: Topical Questions
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There are growing rumours that the Government plan to bring back their ill-fated Northern Ireland Troubles Bill to the Commons next week. If that is true, it will give us the perfect opportunity to debate the Prime Minister's links with Phil Shiner, the disgraced lawyer who was convicted of fraud and struck off for making multiple false allegations against British soldiers. The Northern Ireland Secretary has told the House repeatedly that there is no such thing as a vexatious prosecution. Do MOD Ministers now agree that that is not just naive but simply untrue, especially after the case of Phil Shiner —a man universally hated across the British Army?
Alistair Carns
There are two key roles that the Ministry of Defence plays within this legislation. The first is to ensure that we protect veterans throughout any legal process to do with Northern Ireland, and the second is to ensure that no one corrupts the system to try to rewrite history with a different narrative.
Session: Topical Questions
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Over 130,000 motor vehicles are now stolen every year in the UK; there has been a 75% increase in England and Wales in a decade. Much of that theft happens through the exploitation of weaknesses in remote key fobs. Does the Minister agree that this crime trend is a major risk for users of motorised vehicles on our roads, and what steps will her Department and its agencies take to improve vehicle and fob design standards and regulation, as well as driver awareness, to prevent such crimes?
Context
The MP raised concern over the increasing number of motor vehicle thefts in the UK, noting a 75% increase over the past decade. He emphasized that much of this theft occurs through weaknesses in remote key fobs.
Lilian Greenwood
The hon. Member raises an important question. Our Department works closely with our colleagues in the Home Office to tackle crime of that sort. The Minister with responsibility for roads, my hon. Friend the Member for Wakefield and Rothwell (Simon Lightwood), would be happy to write to him about those regulations.
Session: Support for Road Users
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Given Operation Nova, should a veteran who fought for his country and ends up in court due to circumstances be entitled to put his defence in front of a jury?
Context
Operation Nova assists veterans who come into contact with the criminal justice system. The scenario involves an Afghanistan veteran accused of assault after being assaulted himself.
The Solicitor General (Ellie Reeves)
Jury trials make up 3% of cases currently heard in the criminal courts. It is important for both victims and defendants that they are not waiting years and years for their cases to get to court, which is happening as a result of the crisis that the previous Government left us in. The most serious cases will still be heard by juries—for example, rape, murder and grievous bodily harm cases—and it is important that justice is delivered swiftly.
Session: Jury Trials
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When will the work commence, when will the crossing be open to traffic, and which banks and companies will fund it?
Context
The lower Thames crossing is the second largest piece of infrastructure in the country after High Speed 2. There has been no clear timeline or funding source for its completion.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
I have said to the right hon. Gentleman before that we are exploring private finance options to deliver the lower Thames crossing, having granted planning consent through a development consent order earlier this year. Enabling works, including utility works, could begin next year, before 2027, and the crossing should be open for use by vehicles in the mid-2030s.
Session: Transport Infrastructure Upgrades
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The former Labour Security Minister Lord West said recently that we “shouldn’t be doing” this. Lord Glasman, the founder of Blue Labour, said: “We must reverse it as soon as possible.” The hon. Member for Blackley and Middleton South (Graham Stringer) said that to continue this against one side makes no sense. With a Labour rebellion clearly brewing, and given that many Northern Ireland veterans were initially recruited from red wall seats, why are Labour Ministers insisting on driving their Back Benchers into the Division Lobby just to do Sinn Féin and their old comrades in the IRA a favour?
Context
Mark Francois quoted several critics of Labour's Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, including Lord West, Lord Glasman, and Graham Stringer. He questioned why Labour Ministers are pushing through the bill despite growing opposition.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Louise Sandher-Jones)
I urge the right hon. Gentleman to remember the really serious issues that are at stake here. The priorities of this Government, as we have shown repeatedly, are to do right by the families of more than 200 British service personnel who were murdered in Northern Ireland and to ensure that we have protections and appropriate measures in place to defend our veterans; we have five protections in law and a sixth that we have control over ourselves. I can assure the right hon. Gentleman again that the Government’s commitment to veterans is total.
Session: Army Recruitment
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As General Lord Dannatt, the former Chief of the General Staff, said at the weekend, “if potential recruits to our Armed Forces do not believe that their government will stand by them when performing their duties in a lawful manner, why risk joining at all?” He was speaking about Labour’s new Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, which could see Northern Ireland veterans, without whom there would never have been a Good Friday agreement in the first place, in the dock again by next year. The Minister called opponents of this “naive”. What is her response to the former head of the British Army and the brave soldiers he led—were they all naive, too?
Context
Mark Francois referenced comments by General Lord Dannatt regarding potential recruits' hesitations due to Labour's Northern Ireland Troubles Bill. He questioned the Minister’s response to this criticism.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Louise Sandher-Jones)
Seeing as the right hon. Gentleman is attacking me for something I did not say, I can only assume that he cannot attack me—He is very welcome to check Hansard, where he will see that I was very specifically referring to people spreading misinformation. He will be able to see it there in black and white in Hansard. This Government are committed to protecting those who serve. Our first and foremost priority is to protect and ensure the welfare of those who have served, just as we have done for many people who have served in our armed forces across multiple conflicts. I can assure the right hon. Gentleman again that the Government’s commitment to veterans is total.
Session: Army Recruitment
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The Government could have appealed to the Supreme Court on this but deliberately did not. I do not doubt the Secretary of State’s personal sincerity however, at Prime Minister’s questions on 15 January the Prime Minister promised veterans: We are working on a draft remedial order and replacement legislation, and we will look at every conceivable way to prevent these types of cases from claiming damages it is important that I say that on the record. Why then despite the PM’s solemn promise is the order still unchanged surely he is not expecting to order his own MPs many of whom represent red wall seats from which those veterans were originally recruited through the Aye Lobby just to do Gerry Adams a favour he is not going to do that, is he?
Context
On January 15, 2025, the Prime Minister promised to look at every conceivable way to prevent cases from claiming damages and honouring the duty towards Northern Ireland veterans.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
The Prime Minister was right then and he is right now. I am working with the Northern Ireland Secretary to repeal and replace the legacy Act. We will honour the Prime Minister’s undertaking to this House and do right by the duty that this nation holds to those veterans who served for more than 38 years during the troubles in Northern Ireland.
Session: Operation Banner Legal Protection for Veterans
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According to the 2021 census there are more than two million veterans living in Great Britain clearly some of them have been busy lately their parliamentary petition entitled “Protect Northern Ireland Veterans from Prosecutions”, with support from the Daily Mail, the Express and others now has more than 160,000 signatures and will be debated in Parliament on July 14th. Which Minister will respond to that debate so that we can ask them why the Government’s current remedial order is drafted to help the likes of Gerry Adams sue the British taxpayer while throwing our veterans to the wolves?
Context
A parliamentary petition entitled “Protect Northern Ireland Veterans from Prosecutions” has gained over 160,000 signatures. The petition will be debated in Parliament on July 14th.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
We welcome the petition, and we certainly welcome the parliamentary debate it is quite proper that Parliament debates these issues. The right hon Gentleman’s legacy Act offered false and undeliverable promises to the veterans of Northern Ireland. The last Government were warned that it would be unlawful and incompatible with the Windsor framework even the chief commissioner of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery said that the Act has obvious problems, and that elements of it were dead in the water from the beginning. We are now fixing that flawed and failed legislation and we will do so in a way that honours our duty towards those veterans.
Session: Operation Banner Legal Protection for Veterans
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Our local paper reported that Labour-led Southend council and Lib Dem-led Rochford council plan a new town with up to 10,000 houses on their border by 2043, which is unsustainable given current infrastructure constraints. Would these houses be additional or part of the housing targets?
Context
Refers to a local paper revealing plans for building up to 10,000 houses in Southend and Rochford councils' area. Asks if these would be additional or part of the existing targets.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Angela Rayner)
We have not selected locations yet; the taskforce is still working on recommendations. We have stated that what the new towns deliver will be in addition to housing targets produced through standard methods.
Session: New Towns
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Veterans who served in Northern Ireland will no doubt welcome the Veterans Minister’s decision—first suggested by the shadow Defence Secretary—that the MOD should judicially review the recent coroner’s verdict regarding the shooting of several IRA terrorists at Clonoe. Well done, I say, but why not go further to protect veterans, and drop the plans to revoke large parts of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, which would only serve to facilitate yet more inquests of this type?
Context
The MP discusses the MOD's decision to judicially review a recent coroner’s verdict regarding the shooting of several IRA terrorists at Clonoe. He suggests that further actions should be taken to protect veterans.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Al Carns)
The right hon. Member makes an important point. Having visited Northern Ireland just two weeks ago, I share the concerns of many veterans who have served in Northern Ireland, particularly concerns about the misinterpretation of the challenging context in which many of these inquests and inquiries are taking place. I remind Members on both sides of the House that not so long ago, in the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, there were major explosions in every major city in the United Kingdom and assassinations across the UK. Killings were a regular event in Northern Ireland, and we sent our service personnel there to protect peace, save lives and, indeed, prevent a civil war.
Session: Support for Veterans
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Talking of access, several years ago, Greater Anglia demolished half of Wickford station to extend some of the platforms. However, after nearly three years of endless excuses, missed deadlines and, frankly, broken promises, it still has not rebuilt it. I regret to say that I have lost all confidence in the senior management of Greater Anglia. If they told me today was a Thursday, I would double-check it. Can I go over their head and ask the Secretary of State for a personal meeting with the Rail Minister so that we can finally get Wickford station rebuilt, despite Greater Anglia, rather than because of it?
Context
Greater Anglia demolished half of Wickford station to extend some platforms but has failed to rebuild it after nearly three years, with missed deadlines and broken promises. The questioner seeks a personal meeting with the Rail Minister to resolve this issue.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
I will happily ask the Rail Minister to meet the right hon. Gentleman to ensure that progress can be made at Wickford.
Session: Open Access Railway Services
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On what day did the MOD submit its response to that key consultation—presumably in defence of service families’ interests—and will the Minister place a copy of that response in the Library?
Context
The Forces Pension Society has raised concerns about the proposed changes to death-in-service benefits taxation. The Minister is questioned on when the MOD submitted its response to HMRC's consultation.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Al Carns)
May I remind the right hon. Member of my service, and of the fact that I will in no way, shape or form take this for granted? I am putting all my effort into those discussions at the moment. My officials have discussed that with the Treasury, I have discussed it with the Treasury, and we will continue to discuss such issues with the Treasury to ensure that our armed forces personnel get the deal that they deserve.
Session: Armed Forces Death-in-service Payments
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On defence industrial strategy, the new amphibious multi-role support ships are several years away—a point the Armed Forces Minister obviously appreciated when, in opposition last January, he wrote to his local paper to say that scrapping HMS Albion and Bulwark would be bad for our national security, for the Royal Navy and for Devonport. When the Defence Committee looked at this issue a few years ago, it firmly concluded that the decision would be “militarily illiterate”, yet today the Ministry of Defence is all for it. Even if the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry does not agree with the Defence Committee, does she at least agree with the Armed Forces Minister that these vital ships should be retained?
Context
The decision to retire the amphibious multi-role support ships HMS Albion and Bulwark has been criticized. The Member seeks clarification on whether the Ministry supports retaining these vessels.
The Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry (Maria Eagle)
Neither of the ships has been at sea for years—one since 2022 and the other since 2017—and neither was due to go back out to sea before their out-of-service date. The question of who might be said to have scrapped them is moot; the ships have not been scrapped, but we took the tough decision in November to retire ageing capabilities, so that we can save the money for dealing with the threats that we will face in future.
Session: Defence Industrial Strategy SMEs
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During debates on the Bill in Committee I raised the worrying issue that under the Treasury’s proposed inheritance tax changes, service personnel who are unmarried but in a long-term relationship could have their partner’s service benefit taxed should they die while in service. The Forces Pension Society has rightly highlighted that that would be totally contrary to the spirit of the armed forces covenant. Has the Minister yet raised this with the Treasury, as we strongly suggested last month he should, and if so what progress has been made?
Context
Mr Mark Francois raised concerns about proposed inheritance tax changes that could negatively impact unmarried but long-term cohabiting military personnel. He asks if the Minister has discussed this with the Treasury.
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Luke Pollard)
As the right hon. Gentleman will recall from the Bill Committee, which in parliamentary sitting days was only a few days ago, we are raising issues around a number of things, including the one he raises. It is subject to a consultation, as he knows, so a decision has not been made. It is a responsibility for the Treasury, rather than the Ministry of Defence, but I undertook to write to him, and I will do so.
Session: Armed Forces Commissioner Appointment
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How can we persuade people to remain in armed forces when they sense that the new Government do not really have their back? Will the Ministry of Defence start defending its veterans within Whitehall and argue against repealing the Northern Ireland Troubles Act 2023?
Context
The MP expressed concern over whether new recruits will feel supported if they sense the Government does not have their back, questioning plans to repeal a Northern Ireland Troubles Act.
Luke Pollard
The Government are renewing the contract between the nation and those who serve. We will support retention, recruitment, and our veterans through the work done in Cabinet by the Defence Secretary.
Session: Armed Forces Recruitment and Retention
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Many military personnel began their journey as cadets. The previous Government established hundreds of new cadet units in state schools. However, this Labour Government has withdrawn £1 million plus grant that supports cadet instructors. Will the Government urgently review this decision?
Context
The MP mentioned that many who join armed forces begin as cadets, noting the success of a previous Conservative government's programme. He criticized Labour for withdrawing critical grants to support cadet instructors in state schools.
Luke Pollard
The Minister for Veterans and People is reviewing the cadet force to ensure it continues playing a valuable role for young people, supporting the overall mission of defence.
Session: Armed Forces Recruitment and Retention
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How much has been offered to pay Mauritius for renting back a military facility, and which department will cover this cost?
Context
The Foreign Secretary concluded a deal with Mauritius over the Chagos islands.
John Healey
Full details of the deal will be set out when the treaty comes before Parliament. The government inherited a situation where the UK-US military base was at risk due to sovereignty and migration issues. A historic deal has secured the base for the future, welcomed by the US Defence Secretary.
Session: Strategic Defence Review
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When will the outcome of the strategic defence review be announced?
Context
The government commissioned a strategic defence review within two weeks of taking office.
John Healey
The Prime Minister commissioned the strategic defence review within two weeks of taking office. The review will ensure that the UK is secure at home and strong abroad, both now and in years to come. It will be reported to Parliament.
Session: Strategic Defence Review
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How can it be that despite spending billions on 22 A400M aircraft, we have only one available for D-Day 80? If there are more, let us hear about it. Why did we retire a highly reliable aircraft in the Hercules, for a highly unreliable one in the A400M? Have we sold the Hercules aircraft? If not, can we put them back in service?
Context
The MP questions the readiness of UK's A400M aircraft for historical commemorations.
James Cartlidge
We will have two A400M aircraft available for D-Day 80 on 5 June. The number of people who will be dropped will be 181, due to the historical context involving a specific number of paratroopers from D-Day.
Session: Topical Questions
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Recognising the Defence Minister's service, Richard Drax questions if existing forces can sustain a prolonged conflict. He asks whether more funding is needed to ensure readiness.
Context
Drax challenges the idea that current armed forces are ready for sustained war with threats faced.
James Heappey
Colleagues perceive the need for shortening time between expressing interest and starting training, but no specific commitment on increased funding was made.
Session: Armed Forces Readiness
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In February this year, we were able to announce a consultation to build a brand-new special needs school in Rayleigh for 100-plus pupils—a through-school for years 3 to 18. Given the great demand for places and local support, is there any way to achieve something nearer 200 pupils?
Context
A campaign was launched to build a new special needs school in south Essex. A consultation for the school to open in 2025-26 has been announced.
David Johnston
A strong case will be put forward for a decision on expanding the school. The remaining £900 million of capital funding for special educational needs schools is about to be allocated, and Essex will benefit from this fund.
Session: SEN Places Essex
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What steps is she taking to increase the provision of special educational needs places in Essex? Two new special schools opened in Essex last year, and another is in the pipeline. The questioner seeks details on specific measures being taken by the government.
Context
Essex has seen the opening of two new special schools last year, with another planned.
David Johnston
Two new special schools opened in Essex last year, with another planned. £26 million of capital funding was provided to Essex over the past two years for creating more places for children with special educational needs or who require alternative provision.
Session: SEN Places Essex
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On the subject of recruitment and retention, on 7 November the Chief of the General Staff, Patrick Sanders—arguably the best general of his generation—told the Defence Committee: “We are taking 400 soldiers out of the field army to put them alongside recruiters, because—guess what?—it takes a soldier to recruit a soldier.” Never was a truer word spoken. So when are we finally going to sack Capita?
Context
The MP highlights remarks from the Chief of the General Staff about recruitment challenges and suggests that Capita's performance is poor.
Andrew Murrison
I thank my right hon. Friend for his question—I knew he would get Capita in there somewhere. He is familiar with the Engage to Recruit programme, which is currently underway and having some success in getting soldiers to recruit soldiers. We are now seeing extremely promising recruiting figures, including in January—the best figures for six years.
Session: Topical Questions
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Happy new year, Mr Speaker. Many women undertake critical roles in our defence industry, so the policies by which we procure the equipment they build are very important for them. Ministers have been telling the Defence Committee since before Christmas that we can expect a major announcement on procurement reform in the new year. As we are now in January, can we have a commitment that we will have that announcement by the end of this month, please?
Context
The question is prompted by the need for a clear commitment on procurement reform in the UK defence sector, as Ministers have been indicating that a major announcement will be made soon.
Andrew Murrison
My right hon. Friend has cunningly got that question in. My understanding is that it is imminent. However, the point on women and procurement is well made, and my right hon. Friend will have observed—I hope with pleasure—the work that has been done, for example, in procuring uniform that actually fits the female form, which was not previously the case.
Session: Women in the Defence Sector
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What steps her Department is taking to improve access to special needs education?
Context
The MP is concerned about the allocation of funds for special educational needs (SEN) and alternative provision (AP), as well as the implementation of new national standards.
David Johnston
As part of our £2.6 billion investment to reform the SEND and AP system, we have announced 41 new special free schools, with a further 37 in the pipeline. We have also set out plans for new national standards to make clear the support that should be available in mainstream settings for children with special educational needs.
Session: Special Needs Education Access
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Turning to SEN, demand in Essex far outstrips supply. The Secretary of State will know that just prior to the summer recess, I launched a campaign for a new SEN school in south Essex. I am delighted to tell her that we have a trust that is seriously interested, we may have a site and we may even have some money. On that basis, could I meet her or one of her junior Ministers—early in the new year, please—to update her on where we have got to and to ask for help to make this dream a reality?
Context
The MP is concerned about the demand for special educational needs (SEN) services in Essex, which exceeds supply.
David Johnston
I congratulate my right hon. Friend on his campaign, with which we are very familiar in the Department; we would be delighted to meet him. Where local authorities do feel there is a need, they can open a new special school through the free school presumption route, which I would be happy to discuss with him further.
Session: Special Needs Education Access
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The DIO is not fit for purpose, with significant delays in issuing safety certificates and unacceptable performance overall. Can I urge the Minister to look into potential radical reforms to improve service accommodation for our personnel?
Context
The Member criticises the DIO's inefficiencies, particularly in issuing safety certificates. He requests the Minister to consider radical reforms based on recent discussions at the Defence Committee.
James Cartlidge
I am very grateful to my right hon. Friend. He knows that I share his passion for seeing genuine step change improvements in our accommodation. That is why we have announced the spending that we have. On the performance of the contractors, which the DIO ultimately oversees, one of the important aspects of the winter plan is a significant increase in staff manning the telephone service, so that we see better service to personnel. We expect the average waiting time for one of those calls to go from seven minutes to 29 seconds.
Session: Service Accommodation
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Will he and his boss meet me and other Essex MPs to hear our objections?
Context
Essex MPs met the previous Minister to discuss a combined authority that they were overwhelmingly against.
Jacob Young
I am happy to meet my right hon. Friend.
Session: Regional Inequalities Coastal Communities
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Will Minister get the senior directors of Babcock into the Department for an interview without coffee and ask them to raise their game for the benefit of the Navy and the defence of the realm?
Context
The Sunday press reported Babcock's poor record on surface ships and submarines refits, with delays impacting the Royal Navy.
James Cartlidge
I have the greatest respect for my right hon. Friend, but he will appreciate that we do not comment on the operational availability of submarines, which is a particularly sensitive matter. However, he is absolutely right that we need to focus on the time it is taking to bring ships and all aspects of our fleet back into service. I confirm that I regularly engage with Babcock, and I will visit Devonport very soon.
Session: Defence Sector UK-based Jobs
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One particularly challenging area of work for teachers is special needs education. There are many who want to work in that field, but in Essex our special needs schools are unfortunately already full to bursting. That is why, today, I am launching a campaign for a new special needs school in south Essex. I met the Minister for Schools, my right hon. Friend the Member for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton (Nick Gibb) in advance and he was very helpful. Will the Secretary of State and the Schools Minister work with me and Essex County Council to try to get us the additional special needs places in Essex that parents and special needs children so desperately need?
Context
Essex's special needs schools are full to capacity, leading to a need for additional special needs places in Essex.
Gillian Keegan
I absolutely agree with my right hon. Friend. This is something we have already announced: we will invest £2.6 billion in building more special schools. We are getting another one in Sussex and many hon. Members are getting more special educational needs schools in their areas. We would be very happy to work with him and Essex County Council to ensure the right provision in Essex for all children who have additional needs.
Session: Recruitment and Retention
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Does the Minister have any good news at all that might help in reducing roadwork-related frustrations?
Context
The Roadworks (Regulation) Bill aims to regulate roadwork practices, making it harder for unnecessary disruptions.
Richard Holden
Essex County Council has moved ahead with a lane rental scheme, and regulatory reform suggestions are being considered. Progress will be updated later in the year, influenced directly by these suggestions.
Session: Roadworks Disruption
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What recent steps have been taken with Cabinet colleagues to reduce disruption caused by roadworks?
Context
Roadworks are causing significant disruption in various areas, affecting the safety and efficiency of transportation.
Richard Holden
Roadworks are essential for safety and infrastructure maintenance. The Government has introduced Street Manager and lane rental schemes to reduce disruption. Charges focus on busy streets during peak times to minimize congestion.
Session: Roadworks Disruption
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Private or professional landlords would face legal action for not completing safety checks. It is unacceptable that armed forces personnel are at risk due to a broken contract. If the head of Defence Infrastructure Organisation is out of his depth, should he step down?
Context
The MP criticises the Future Defence Infrastructure Services contract for failing to ensure proper safety checks, questioning if the head of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation should consider stepping down.
Andrew Murrison
My hon. Friend identified an issue that my Ministerial colleague acted upon immediately to rectify it. I am not interested in getting people's scalps but ensuring issues are resolved, and this is happening.
Session: Service Accommodation
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Clive Sheldon KC, of 11 King's Bench Walk chambers, submitted his Lessons Learned report on the AJAX programme to the Ministry of Defence some four months ago. We are told that it is still undergoing a “fact-checking” process, but there are growing rumours that some people who are adversely implicated in the report are trying to water it down or even suppress its publication. As the Secretary of State personally commissioned the report, and as it is his birthday today, and as this is, I think, my fourth time of asking, will he please give us all a birthday present and tell us when the report will actually be published?
Context
There are growing rumours that some people who are adversely implicated in the report may be trying to water it down or even suppress its publication.
Ben Wallace
Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. What a birthday. My right hon. Friend is entirely right. I have not yet seen the draft, and I have asked to see it as well as the final report so that, on the basis of what I have seen with my own eyes, I can decide whether or not it is appropriate to change it. I have been told, after raising the issue recently, that its arrival is imminent, and it is extremely important to ensure that it does reach me.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Ukraine and Russia
10 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Full name of the bill being debated - Which clause or amendment is being debated
10 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The reasoned amendment tabled by the official Opposition has been selected. The amendment aims to introduce significant changes to the bill to address issues related to [specific issue], highlighting ...
Local Government Reorganisation
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Building Homes and Renewing Communities
03 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
16 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Iran
15 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The speaker highlighted the critical situation in Iran, noting Britain’s armed forces' commendable work. He mentioned recent US strikes against Iranian targets, stressing the need for a diplomatic sol...
Death of Ann Widdecombe
13 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
13 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
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...
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...
Attendance
56.1%
55 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
29
29.6% of votes
No Votes
26
26.5% of votes
Abstentions
43
43.9% of votes
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
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 AYE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
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
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
3
PMQs Asked
50
Ministerial Questions Asked
163
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
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
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+273% above average
This MP:
50
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3254% above average
This MP:
163
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 (%)
-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 Mark Francois's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.