Mark Garnier
MP for Wyre Forest
Con
6 May 2010 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
Many commentators have commented about public sec [3D [K sector productivity underperformance. EY tells us that the public sector ha [2D [K has underperformed to the point where it has cut GDP growth by 3% since 201 [3D [K 2019. The Institute for Government highlights an average of nearly 1% under [5D [K underperformance every year for that same period. Morgan Stanley reminds us [2D [K us that in the last year private sector productivity was up 1.8%, but publi [5D [K public sector underperformance dragged it back into negative territory. Des [3D [K Despite that, public sector pay was up over 6% last year, against private s [1D [K sector pay up just 2.8%. Why are the Government rewarding poor performance [K and does the Chancellor think that is sustainable?
Context
Commentators have highlighted that public s [1D [K sector productivity underperformance has cut GDP growth by 3% since 2019. T [1D [K The Institute for Government notes an average of nearly 1% underperformance [16D [K underperformance every year for the same period. Morgan Stanley points out [K that private sector productivity increased by 1.8% last year, but public se [2D [K sector underperformance dragged it into negative territory. Public sector p [1D [K pay increased over 6% last year, compared to private sector pay up just 2.8 [3D [K 2.8%.
Emma Reynolds
I can reassure the hon. Gentleman that we are focus [5D [K focused on driving public sector productivity to reach the efficiency targe [5D [K targets I talked about. We are holding each Department to account on that. [K As I said earlier, we are seeing great progress in the NHS, which is making [6D [K making a huge contribution to our productivity gains as a Government.
Session: Public Sector Productivity 2026-09-08
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Has the Minister ceded ground to his successor by delaying reforms to pensions dashboards, changing inheritance tax on pension pots, and chasing hard-up pensioners for their winter fuel allowance? Is he hopeful his successor will do a better job?
Context
The MP criticized the current government's actions towards pensioners, highlighting delays and changes that create uncertainty among savers and pensioners.
Torsten Bell
This Government is doing a much better job than the previous one in supporting pensioners. We are driving up the state pension and coming forward with reforms to our defined-contribution pension system, which the previous government left on ice.
Session: Supporting British Pensioners 2026-06-29
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May I start by congratulating the former Economic Secretary, the right hon. and learned Member for Northampton North (Lucy Rigby), on her promotion to Chief Secretary? In the eight months that I shadowed her in her previous role, she made a strong impact and gained significant, well-deserved respect from those in the financial services industry. May I also welcome my fourth Economic Secretary, and wish her the very best of luck in the role? As the Leader of the Opposition said in a speech last week, tax and regulation is getting in the way of financial services lending and investing in the UK economy. Does the new Economic Secretary think that the next Chancellor will do a better job of ensuring growth for this country?
Context
Mark Garnier congratulated the Economic Secretary on her recent promotion, and questioned whether the new role will ensure better growth for the UK economy.
Rachel Blake
This Chancellor has secured six interest rate cuts. We are creating conditions for investment, with skills and innovation investments up; regional infrastructure investments up; and whole-economy investment up 4.9% since the election.
Session: Venture Capital Trust Income Tax Relief
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Overinterpretation of rules and regulations has led to banks being nervous of taking risks, and that has slowed growth in the City and holds up international trade. For example, overinterpretation of anti-money laundering rules means that foreign inward remittances can take up to two weeks to clear into a UK bank account, while poor classification of risk-rated assets potentially starves businesses of growth debt capital. Will the Economic Secretary please assure the House that this ever-unnecessary tightening of the rules will be addressed in the financial services Bill?
Context
The question arises from concerns that overinterpretation of rules and regulations in the financial sector is slowing growth and international trade.
Lucy Rigby
The hon. Gentleman will not expect me to pre-empt anything that may or may not be announced in the King's Speech. What I will tell him, though, as he already knows, is that this Government are backing our financial services sector to the hilt to ensure that it continues to be the world-leading success that it is.
Session: Global Trade Support for Businesses
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When his party was in opposition, the Prime Minister promised compensation for WASPI women, but when faced with the economic reality of the costs, he and the Secretary of State chose common sense over ideology. In the spirit of that pragmatism, may I ask the Pensions Minister also to take a sensible, thoughtful approach to mandation powers in the Pension Schemes Bill, and to remove clause 40 altogether?
Context
In opposition, the Prime Minister promised compensation for WASPI women but later opted for a pragmatic approach. The Pension Schemes Bill is under debate.
Torsten Bell
We have debated this issue extensively in recent weeks, and the House will have another chance to do so later today. Representatives of the industry itself have said that it is in the interests of savers to invest in a wider range of assets, reflecting lessons from open defined-benefit schemes and those in other parts of the world where UK's defined-contribution schemes lack exposure to a broader asset range. We introduced a reserve measure to backstop changes needed to solve collective action problems, ensuring savers do not lose out. Significant protections, including an affirmative vote and savers' interest tests, have been put in place.
Session: State Pension Age Changes Compensation
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Thanks to this Government's policies on pensions, which actively disincentivise saving into private pension schemes, people will increasingly rely on the support of the state. This is not sustainable. I asked the Minister about this yesterday, and he dodged the question, so I will ask him again: will the Government cancel pension fund mandation and abandon salary sacrifice caps—yes or no?
Context
Concerns have been raised that government policies on pensions disincentivise private pension savings, leading to increased reliance on state support.
Torsten Bell
This Government have set out our policy. On the question of salary sacrifice, any responsible Government should look at the effectiveness of all tax reliefs. If salary sacrifice for pensions had not been reformed, the cost would have risen to £8 billion over the course of this Parliament. That is the cost of the entire Royal Air Force.
Session: State Pension Increase
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Helping millions of people ensure financial security in their retirement is a cornerstone of the Minister's Department, but in the Government's first 18 months, they have disincentivised pension savings by introducing inheritance tax on pensions, removing pensions from their lifetime ISA reforms, forcing pension trustees into mandation and, most recently, introducing a cap on salary sacrifice savings incentives. Through their actions, this Government are pushing people to be more reliant on the state pension, rather than encouraging people to take control of their own financial future. Which will be the next Government U-turn: cancelling mandation, or abandoning salary sacrifice caps?
Context
The MP criticizes the government for disincentivizing pension savings through various measures.
Torsten Bell
That was just a bit sad, because the U-turn that we are seeing is from the hon. Member, who declined to vote against the Pensions Schemes Bill at Second Reading and on Report. I will quote him back to himself. He told me that “the Minister”—that is me—
“will be pleased to hear that there is cross-party consensus on many of the planned changes.”
[Interruption.] Wait a second. He then got even more excited—back in his reasonable days, before he had been leant on by the “looney tunes” who will wander off to Reform—and told us that
“we broadly support the measures in the Bill”.—[Official Report, 7 July 2025; Vol. 770, c. 722-723.]
The U-turn has been done by the hon. Member, who has let himself down.
“will be pleased to hear that there is cross-party consensus on many of the planned changes.”
[Interruption.] Wait a second. He then got even more excited—back in his reasonable days, before he had been leant on by the “looney tunes” who will wander off to Reform—and told us that
“we broadly support the measures in the Bill”.—[Official Report, 7 July 2025; Vol. 770, c. 722-723.]
The U-turn has been done by the hon. Member, who has let himself down.
Session: State Pension
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We have already heard this morning that businesses are suffering harm from business rates and national insurance contributions going up, but on top of that, according to the Office for National Statistics, the energy bills of non-energy intensive industries such as hospitality and retail have increased under this Government by up to 10% in the last year. The Conservative are proposing our cheap power plan, which would save small businesses up to £5,000 a year on their energy bills. What is the Minister doing to help small businesses with their energy bills?
Context
Small businesses are experiencing significant increases in energy bills, with some non-energy intensive industries seeing up to a 10% increase. Mark Garnier suggests the Conservative Party's cheap power plan which could save small businesses £5,000 annually.
Torsten Bell (The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury)
What this Government are doing is getting on with building the energy infrastructure that this country needs, and we are not going back to the 11% inflation seen under the Conservative party. This Government are supporting small businesses, because the hon. Gentleman is right on one thing, which is that high energy bills are not in the interests of British industry. That is why we are getting on with fixing the energy system that we inherited.
Session: Energy Bills
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Is the Minister aware that despite the FTSE 100 reaching above 10,000 points, it is still on lower valuations compared to other global stock exchanges and that over 80% of its earnings come from non-UK sources? Does this not indicate that UK policies are failing?
Context
The Chancellor has celebrated the FTSE 100 surpassing 10,000 points but it remains below comparable markets. Over 80% of earnings from the index are generated outside the UK.
Lucy Rigby (Economic Secretary to the Treasury)
I strongly disagree with the shadow Minister. The Government’s reforms to capital markets are strengthening them and beginning to show results, despite his constant negative portrayal of UK economic conditions.
Session: FTSE 100 Index
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What research has the Pensions Minister done to understand and quantify the negative effects that this cap on salary sacrifice will have on pension savings?
Context
The Chancellor's Budget imposed a £2,000 cap on salary sacrifice for pension savers, raising an extra £4.8 billion in 2029 and affecting 3.3 million savers and 290,000 employers.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Torsten Bell)
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question because it gives me a chance to bring the House’s attention to research published after the general election in 2024 but commissioned under the last Conservative Government—I have the document here. What was the research into? It was into capping salary sacrifice pension contributions at £2,000. The hon. Gentleman can read the research published and commissioned by his own party about putting back under control this tax relief, which had got out of hand.
Session: Topical Questions
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I also congratulate the hon. Member on her elevation to Economic Secretary to the Treasury; I am sure she will do very well. The UK banking sector provides a valuable service to our economy, keeping money in circulation, funding business and mortgages and all the rest of it. The financial services sector is the UK’s biggest export sector. According to UK Finance, UK banks generate around £45 billion in tax every year, but because of things like the bank levy, UK banks now pay an effective rate of around 46%, which is higher than competitors in New York, Frankfurt, Dublin and Singapore. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has managed to dig her own £30 billion black hole in the economy, but can the Minister reassure the City of London and this House that there are no plans to increase taxes on our banking and wider financial services sector in the upcoming Budget in November?
Context
The UK banking sector contributes significantly to the economy but faces higher effective tax rates compared to competitors in other financial hubs. Concerns have been raised about potential increases in bank taxes.
Lucy Rigby (Economic Secretary to the Treasury)
I am grateful for the lecture, but I note that it was the Conservatives who introduced the bank levy. The Government are committed to responsibly promoting the growth and competitiveness of the sector, and of course we keep the bank tax regime under review.
Session: Financial Services Reform
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In her Budget last year, the Chancellor tucked away about £10 billion over the next couple of years from reform to the non-dom tax regime. It is important to remember that the OBR said in its fiscal outlook that that figure was 'highly uncertain', and a high-level survey by Oxford Economics found that fully two thirds of non-doms are considering leaving the country in the next couple years as a direct result of those policies. That implies not an increase of £10 billion but a decrease of £8 billion. The Chancellor has created a fiscal black hole of £18 billion with just one policy alone. In this week of heroic U-turns from the Government Front Bench, will the Minister confirm whether they will be axing this tax? When will it finally be condemned to the history books?
Context
The Chancellor's Budget last year included reforms to the non-dom tax regime that aimed to raise £10 billion over a couple of years, but Oxford Economics survey suggests this could result in a loss of £8 billion due to potential departure of non-doms.
James Murray (Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury)
I am not really sure whether there was a policy suggestion in that comment or not. As the shadow Minister will know, the fiscal black hole that we had to address when we won the general election was the £22 billion black hole that the Conservatives left after their mismanagement of the economy. As I said, the Office for Budget Responsibility has confirmed that our reforms to the non-dom regime, with our removal of non-dom tax status, will raise £33.8 billion over the five years of the forecast.
Session: High Net Worth Individuals
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Given that cutting cash ISAs would have a profound effect on mutuals’ ability to raise debt capital, what research has the Government undertaken to establish the extent of damage such a measure might inflict on the residential mortgage market? The loss of cash ISA could affect new home construction plans.
Context
There is speculation about the future of cash ISAs, which are important for savers and building societies. The loss of cash ISAs could impact mutuals' ability to raise debt capital.
The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Emma Reynolds)
We are considering options to reform ISAs, but we need to get the balance right between cash and equities. Many people have investments in cash ISAs who could think about investing in our capital markets for higher returns.
Session: Investment Regulatory Policies
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In my new role as chair of the British Shooting Sports Council, I take a keen interest in cadet target rifle shooting. The Ministry of Defence is proposing to withdraw the 7.62 cadet target rifle from service in 2026 and the .22 rifle two years later. This deprives cadets of learning valuable skills of firearms safety and use, and questions the future of target rifle shooting in the UK. Will the Minister meet me and representatives of the shooting and target rifle community to discuss opportunities to reverse this decision?
Context
The Minister previously visited multiple cadet units and noted the social mobility benefits of cadet programs, including over 140,000 cadets and 26,000 volunteers. The Ministry of Defence is proposing to withdraw the 7.62 cadet target rifle from service in 2026 and the .22 rifle two years later.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Al Carns)
I will happily come and talk through that in due course. I have been in the military for 24 years and have spent a lot of time shooting, and I can see its benefits.
Session: Cadets Career Preparation
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The City of London has been a leader of innovation in the world of finance and savings for a few hundred years now, and it has been successful because it has always seized opportunities and innovation when presented. In that spirit, we are pleased that the Chancellor in her Mansion House speech embraced the concept of securities tokenisation, but we now find that the catalyst for this innovation in the UK—a pilot for the digital gilt instrument known as DIGIT—has found itself in a two-year black hole. Innovation is not something that can hang around for two years, so will the Minister give assurances that she will do everything she can to deliver DIGIT as soon as possible?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the lack of progress in implementing a pilot digital gilt instrument known as DIGIT, which has been delayed for two years. The question is about whether the minister will ensure that this project moves forward.
Emma Reynolds (Economic Secretary to the Treasury)
That sounds like a criticism of the previous Government. I can reassure the hon. Gentleman that we are committed to innovation and to DIGIT.
Session: Saving
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The Chancellor makes reference to the PWC report, but half of the survey in that report was done before the Budget. She has already been asked questions about the fact that the fiscal headroom is only £10 billion and the increase in the cost of borrowing is now going to go through the roof so, at some point, she will have to raise taxes, cut investment or increase debt. Which will it be?
Context
MP questioned the relevance of PWC report in light of recent budget impacts.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
The headroom in our Budget was larger than the headroom that we inherited from the previous Government, so we have put aside more money for changes in economic prospects. The OBR has not yet done its forecast, which will take a whole variety of factors into account, and we will make decisions based on that.
Session: Servicing Government Debt
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When will the full systems cost analysis be produced, so that we can analyse ambitious plans for carbon-neutral targets and explain to constituents how much it will cost them?
Context
The Secretary of State has not replied to a letter from the hon. Member regarding a full systems cost analysis. This information is needed to assess the costs of achieving carbon-neutral targets.
Ed Miliband
Let me tell the hon. Gentleman a little about the situation that we inherited from the last Government, because it is very relevant—obviously, he was not a Minister in that last Government. We inherited a situation where there was no plan: no plan for their target of 95% clean power by 2030, no plan for their target of clean power by 2035, and no plan to avoid a repeat of the worst cost of living crisis in generations. This Government are developing a plan and will publish it in due course.
Session: Zero Carbon Electricity System
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Wyre Forest School in Kidderminster has been running past maximum capacity. The potential for relief was seen with funding from the school rebuilding programme for Baxter College's expansion next door. However, this project is in phase 3 and may not see completion until 2032. Will the Minister or Secretary of State meet to expedite getting this rebuilding programme under way?
Context
Wyre Forest School and Baxter College seek expedited building programme to expand capacity for a mutually beneficial project, currently set for 2032.
David Johnston
I would be very happy to meet my hon. Friend.
Session: SEND Provision
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Can the Secretary of State do something to help counties like Worcestershire, which face significant deficits in their high needs budget?
Context
Worcestershire County Council faces a deficit of over £20 million in high needs and special educational needs budgets.
Gillian Keegan
High needs funding is set to increase by 60% between 2019-20 and 2024-25. Next year, Worcestershire will receive more than £89 million for its high needs budget. The Department supports local authorities through the Safety Valve programme and the Delivering Better Value in SEND initiative.
Session: School Funding
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My right hon. Friend's Department has done sterling work in achieving free trade deals with 60 or so countries around the world. However, many other countries are incredibly enthusiastic to do free trade agreements, and none more so than the Kingdom of Thailand. As the Prime Minister's trade envoy to Thailand, may I urge my right hon. Friend to do all he can to move talks beyond where they are now to secure a free trade agreement with the Kingdom of Thailand, which is keen to continue building on our great trading relationship?
Context
The MP commends the Department's work on free trade deals and suggests a new deal with Thailand.
Greg Hands
First, I commend my hon. Friend for his work as a former Minister at the Department. He will be delighted to know that we have increased the number of countries with which we have a free trade agreement to 71, in addition to the European Union itself. We had our first ministerial joint economic and trade committee with Thailand in June, and we have agreed to deepen our trade relationship by developing an enhanced trade partnership. There are no current plans in place for an FTA, but this enhanced trade partnership could be the first step in laying the foundations for a potential FTA in the future.
Session: Trade Barriers
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Does the Minister think that it is acceptable for Scottish Conservative councillors to behave as described by the hon. Member for Wyre Forest (Mark Garnier) when he raised concerns about a senior Conservative councillor being unmasked as the author of an anonymous anti-SNP Twitter account with misogynistic commentary?
Context
The question refers to a case of a Conservative councillor in Angus who was found behind an anonymous anti-SNP Twitter account, engaging in misogynistic commentary.
Kemi Badenoch
The Minister stated that she does not know the details of the case specifically but suggested looking at the recommendations in the report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life for relevant guidance.
Session: Standards in Public Life Local Authorities
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What steps he is taking to ensure standards in public life are upheld at local authority level. I am sure that you of all people, Mr Speaker, would agree that standards of politicians at every level are not always observed. On Wyre Forest District Council, a local councillor has been sanctioned for the fourth time for standards breaches. Can the Minister confirm if and when the Government will legislate to implement their recommendations and that any legislation will equip councils with more robust sanctions?
Context
The question addresses the issue of ensuring high ethical standards in local government, citing a specific case involving multiple sanctions for a councillor in Wyre Forest District Council.
Kemi Badenoch
The Minister thanked my hon. Friend for raising this important issue and confirmed that she is actively considering the recommendations set out in the report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, with a commitment to respond shortly.
Session: Standards in Public Life Local Authorities
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I thank the Minister for that response and also for meeting me and the Environment Agency yesterday. As she knows, Bewdley in my constituency has suffered from two once-in-100-year floods in the last 18 months alone. While the western bank of the River Severn is protected by impressive demountable flood barriers, the eastern bank, known as Beales Corner, has been protected just by temporary barriers and by property-level resilience, and this year the temporary barriers collapsed catastrophically and the property-level resilience all but failed. The Minister is very familiar with Bewdley, having kindly visited last year during the flooding, and she knows that the Environment Agency is working up plans to provide a permanent solution to floods at Beales Corner, but can she promise me that she will work with me, the Environment Agency and the residents of Beales Corner to deliver on the pledge made by the Prime Minister when he visited Bewdley last year that we will finally “get Bewdley done”?
Context
Bewdley in the MP's constituency has faced severe flooding issues recently. The western bank of the River Severn is protected by demountable flood barriers but the eastern side lacks permanent solutions.
Rebecca Pow
As my hon. Friend knows, I was very sorry to hear of the flooding of the 19 properties at Beales Corner on 22 January, when the temporary flood defences failed. He kept well in touch with me on that at the time, and we have since met, as he said, which I was pleased, and always am pleased, to do. I give him an assurance that the Environment Agency is working really hard with the local authority and partners—and indeed with him—to develop the business case for a permanent flood scheme at Beales Corner. He knows that I take a very close interest, from a ministerial perspective, in this and all areas relating to it, including just working out how it will be possible and the funding options.
Session: Flood Defences
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What progress he is making on the construction of flood defences. This month will see the completion of the Government's six-year £2.6 billion investment programme to deliver over 1,000 flood schemes, better protecting 300,000 homes from flooding. Starting in April, the Government will invest £5.2 billion in a six-year investment programme to deliver 2,000 flood schemes, protecting 336,000 properties from flooding.
Context
The MP is seeking updates on the progress and details of flood defence construction projects, particularly in his constituency which has faced severe flooding recently.
Rebecca Pow
This month will see the completion of the Government's six-year £2.6 billion investment programme to deliver over 1,000 flood schemes, better protecting 300,000 homes from flooding. Starting in April, the Government will invest £5.2 billion in a six-year investment programme to deliver 2,000 flood schemes, protecting 336,000 properties from flooding. Alongside this programme, a further £170 million will be invested to accelerate work on 22 shovel-ready projects for defence schemes, and construction on these will begin from March 2022.
Session: Flood Defences
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Could my right hon. Friend see her way to prioritising Thailand in the next round of countries to engage in formal free trade agreement negotiations?
Context
The question pertains to prioritising Thailand for formal free trade agreement negotiations, highlighting the bilateral relationship worth £5 billion annually and the role of the MP as a trade envoy.
Elizabeth Truss
My hon. Friend is right to highlight the importance of Thailand. We have a bilateral relationship worth £5 billion a year and he is doing a fantastic job as our trade envoy to that great country. We are currently conducting a joint trade review to identify priorities in agriculture, pharmaceuticals and food and drink, and this is strong groundwork for a future FTA negotiation.
Session: Trade Deals with ASEAN Countries
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What progress has been made on securing trade deals with ASEAN countries?
Context
The question arises in the context of securing trade agreements with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Previous achievements include deals with Vietnam and Singapore, and an application to join CPTPP.
Elizabeth Truss
Last year, we secured trade deals with Vietnam and Singapore. This month, I submitted our application to CPTPP—a huge free trade area covering £9 trillion of GDP—which contains four ASEAN countries.
Session: Trade Deals with ASEAN Countries
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What steps has Luke Hall taken to ensure that local authorities receive adequate funding in the local government finance settlement for 2020-21? Additionally, what assistance can be provided to district councils facing a decline in new homes bonus payments due to land banking by developers?
Context
The funding situation for local authorities in the 2020-21 financial year is under discussion, with specific concern about Wyre Forest District Council's decrease in funding.
Luke Hall
Wyre Forest's core funding has increased in line with inflation, but its total funding decreased due to the fall in new homes bonus payments. Worcestershire County Council will gain an extra £26.1 million this coming financial year and there is a 4.4% real-terms increase in core spending power across the country. The Government are committed to reviewing the new homes bonus business.
Session: Local Government Finance Settlement
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Rogue Builders
13 November 2025
Responding: Kate Dearden
Main Concerns
["There are countless stories of people's lives being ruined by rogue builders, and a recent poll of homeowners discovered that one in three were put off having work done on their home due to the fear of being ripped off. This equates to a possible £10 billion of lost economic activity."]
Specific Asks
['The fundamental problem is that at the moment the only course of redress is through the court system, and it is not good enough.']
Space Industry
11 June 2025
Responding: Sarah Jones
Main Concerns
["The global space industry is expected to grow from $630 billion in 2023 to between $1.2 trillion and $2.2 trillion by 2035, driven by a 90% drop in launch costs over the last two decades and commercial innovation in components and software. The UK's space economy is valued at £19 billion and supports about 52,000 jobs through nearly 2,000 businesses, but there has been a perceived reduction in ambition from previous Government plans to secure 10% of the global space economy by 2035."]
Specific Asks
['The UK should define its ambitions for the space sector and continue supporting private companies like Orbex with £20 million this year, developing low Earth orbit launches from SaxaVord in Shetlands. Continued support for European Space Agency membership and its launcher challenge programme is crucial to seize opportunities in European launch services.']
Space Industry
24 April 2024
Responding: Andrew Griffith
Main Concerns
["The UK space industry is thriving but could do more. The sector has a turnover of £17.5 billion per annum and employs nearly 50,000 people, including 2,300 apprentices. The Government's investment in the space sector is low compared to other countries. The UK needs to maintain its lead in areas like CubeSat manufacturing and space-based solar power."]
Specific Asks
['The Minister should provide long-term funding for the space industry to deliver priorities outlined in the national space strategy, stimulate private investment through grant funding, and support the development of a British space bank. The Government must also ensure that the UK remains competitive by supporting innovative financial mechanisms such as space protection bonds.']
Tackling Rogue Builders
13 June 2023
Responding: Nigel Huddleston
Main Concerns
['Mr. Garnier is concerned about the issue of rogue builders in the repair, maintenance and improvement (RM&I) sector who prey on inexperienced homeowners, causing significant financial and emotional distress. He cites surveys indicating that up to £3 billion a year is lost due to fear of falling victim to rogues and mentions specific cases where victims faced substandard work and legal fees without recourse. He notes the lack of meaningful regulation for builders compared to other professionals involved in home improvement projects, highlighting the imbalance of jeopardy between victims and perpetrators.']
Specific Asks
['Mr. Garnier asks the Government to work with him and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) to find a solution to prevent rogue builders from operating without consequence. He requests that the Department look into implementing a licensing regime for builders in the RM&I sector, which would protect consumers while benefiting legitimate businesses.']
Misuse of Nitrous Oxide
23 November 2022
Responding: Chris Philp
Main Concerns
['Nitrous oxide is increasingly being used recreationally despite its harmful effects, including vitamin B12 deficiency and potential long-term nerve damage. The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 aims to control the substance but enforcement appears inadequate; West Midlands police reported only four prosecutions under this act since 2015. Usage rates among young people have also risen, with nitrous oxide becoming the second most commonly used drug in that age group.']
Specific Asks
["The Minister should provide updates on the Home Office's progress in seeking guidance from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs about controlling nitrous oxide under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Additionally, he should address how to prevent online and retail sales that facilitate its misuse."]
Lea Castle Farm Quarry
17 March 2020
Responding: Christopher Pincher
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the strength of feeling in my constituency regarding the proposed Lea Castle quarry, which will excavate 105 acres over a 10-year period. The site is located between two villages and within a mile of several schools, affecting local communities with noise, dust pollution, and highway impacts. Additionally, there are concerns about potential future extensions and changes to planning permissions that could further impact the area.']
Specific Asks
["I ask the Minister to call in the decision if the application is approved by the planning inspector or council, and to review planning laws on quarries to ensure they cannot be established so close to residential areas and schools. I propose a rule similar to Canada's, forbidding quarrying within 600 metres of schools and residences."]
Local Government Reorganisation
16 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
National Energy System Operator: Blackout Risk
15 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Department for Work and Pensions
30 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Department for Work and Pensions supports nearly 23 million people and spends around £300 billion each year. The central question is not just about cost, but whether the system is fair, timely and...
Pension Schemes Bill - Clause 40 - Certain schemes providing money purchase benefits: scale and asset allocation
27 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment seeks to address the Lords' proposed changes on asset allocation for defined contribution schemes. The Government's approach includes setting a cap on the reserve power at the Mansion Ho...
Pensions Bill - Clause 122 - Commencement
22 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The lead MP moved that the House insists on its disagreement with several Lords amendments, proposes new clauses, and does not insist on certain other amendments. He aims to ensure that the cultural c...
Insurance Act 2015 (Amendment) Bill - Lords amendments and Government motions to disagree
15 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves that the House disagrees with Lords amendment 1. Does not provide additional details in the provided text.
National Savings & Investments
26 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Pensions Bill - Clause 1
23 March 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Heating Oil Support
16 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Finance
11 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to approve the Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27, laying before the House on 9 February.
Planning applications in Stourport-on-Severn
08 January 2026
The petition highlights the severe impact of excessive building applications on agricultural land in Stourport-on-Severn, particularly near Areley Kings, which has caused stress within the community a...
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Planning applications in Stourport-on-Severn
11 November 2025
The petition addresses the negative impact of excessive development and planning applications in Stourport-on-Severn, particularly from Malvern Hills District Council, which has led to stress on local...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
78.6%
77 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
49
50.0% of votes
No Votes
28
28.6% of votes
Abstentions
21
21.4% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
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
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED NO
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
VOTED NO
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
0
PMQs Asked
27
Ministerial Questions Asked
45
House of Commons Debates Involved
6
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
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 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+101% above average
This MP:
27
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+139% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+826% above average
This MP:
45
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-18% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+14% above average
This MP:
78.6
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 Garnier's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.