Matt Rodda
MP for Reading Central
Lab
8 Jun 2017 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
My constituent Olly Stephens was just 13 years old when he was stabbed and brutally murdered in a local park just yards from his home. The two boys who attacked him had shared dozens of pictures of knives online before the attack. Can the Prime Minister explain why measures to tackle such dreadful online content have been removed from the Online Safety Bill?
Context
Olly Stephens, a 13-year-old constituent of the questioner, was stabbed to death in a local park after attackers had shared pictures of knives online. The Online Safety Bill has removed measures targeting this kind of content.
Rishi Sunak
The Government are committed to tackling knife crime and the Online Safety Bill goes further than any other country in protecting children online. However, I am happy to look at the specific issue mentioned by the hon. Gentleman.
Session: PMQs
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I thank the Government for their work on cutting the cost of living. Can the Minister say how the Cabinet Office is supporting other Government Departments to continue this work?
Context
The MP inquires about the Cabinet Office's role in supporting Government Departments' work on reducing inflation and costs.
Darren Jones (The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster)
As part of the Growth and Living Standards Cabinet Committee, the Cabinet Office co-ordinates Ministers across Government to ensure that we are working as hard as possible to get inflation and costs down and make a real difference to the living standards of the public across the country.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for his answer and warmly welcome the Government’s new commitment to this scheme. It is hugely important to my residents in Reading, for families and young people, for employers and for science and technology. Could the Minister say a little more about how this wonderful scheme will help employers and growth in the Thames valley and help our local Reading University and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts?
Context
The MP highlighted the importance of the Erasmus+ programme for young people, families, employers, and institutions in his constituency.
Chris Ward (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
I know that the scheme has been welcomed at many universities, including Reading. I know that my hon. Friend has campaigned on this for a long time. In my constituency, Sussex University was home to the first Erasmus student. When I visited last week, the university was delighted that it will have more students soon. I want to point out, though, that this is not just about universities; it is also about apprenticeships, FE colleges, youth workers and sports professionals. It is a huge opportunity for 100,000 people, so quite why the Conservatives and Reform oppose it is beyond me.
Session: Erasmus+ Programme
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The £1 billion regeneration scheme at Station Hill in Reading is bringing large numbers of jobs and new housing to Reading town centre, and that is due to the Elizabeth line. Will the Minister update the House on the benefits of this wonderful railway line, both to Berkshire and across the country?
Context
The £1 billion regeneration scheme at Station Hill in Reading, brought about by the Elizabeth line, is expected to bring significant economic benefits.
Heidi Alexander
Like my hon. Friend, I am a big fan of the Elizabeth line, and I commend him for his dogged support of the scheme on his constituents’ behalf. It is a significant addition to the transport network in London and the south-east, and it has had tangible positive impacts on the supply chain around the country, as well as providing faster journeys into and across London from Reading. I was proud to have personally helped deliver this new railway in my previous role in London, and to see that it has now supported around 55,000 full-time jobs, as well as creating over 1,000 apprenticeship opportunities.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps is the Minister taking to roll out this important work in Wales?
Context
Wales has significant potential for green jobs and renewable technologies.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Dame Nia Griffith)
Wales has a huge role to play in our clean energy mission, supporting innovative renewable technologies such as tidal stream on Anglesey and floating offshore wind in the Celtic sea which could deliver up to 5,000 new jobs.
Session: Clean Energy Wales
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For many years, criticism of teachers has affected their recruitment and retention. What are the current measures being taken?
Context
For 14 years, criticism of teachers has led to poor recruitment and retention rates. The question asks for measures addressing this issue.
Catherine McKinnell
We are working at pace to recruit 6,500 new teachers. We have fully funded the 5.5% pay award, removed reductive headline Ofsted judgments, reduced workloads, ensured more flexibility and announced a £233 million package of recruitment incentives.
Session: Topical Questions
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I pay tribute to Lord Prescott. I welcome the Secretary of State's announcement of this vital funding. Will she comment on the excellent work carried out by Reading borough council which is creating a smoother surface for drivers and ensuring that we prevent potholes and improve the quality and lifespan of our local roads?
Context
The MP welcomed the announcement of funding and highlighted that Reading borough council had started resurfacing large sections of roads, which has been proven to save money in the long run.
Louise Haigh
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight the excellent practices being undertaken by Reading borough council. That is the kind of innovation that we need to see across the country—not just fixing and repairing potholes, but ensuring that we prevent them and improve the quality and lifespan of our local roads.
Session: Condition of Local Roads
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Can the Minister update the House on how the Government will help to secure better returns for pensioners while also unlocking opportunities for pension savings to help generate growth?
Context
Pensioners need better returns, while pension savings can help generate economic growth.
Emma Reynolds
The Chancellor launched the landmark pensions review in July, which I am leading. It is looking at measures to drive more UK pension investment into the UK economy, boosting growth but also improving pension savers' outcomes.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome my hon. Friend to her post; she is doing a fine job. Will she join me in congratulating the local faith communities across the diverse and tolerant town of Reading on their work to support one another, and to understand one another's faith? I associate myself with that tremendous work; it is wonderful to see different faith communities working together for the whole community. I also put on record my support for the retiring Bishop of Reading, Bishop Olivia, and pay tribute to her for her outstanding work to tackle knife crime in our community.
Context
The question highlights the efforts of local faith groups in Reading to promote interfaith understanding and acknowledges the significant contribution of Bishop Olivia in tackling knife crime.
Marsha de Cordova
I join my hon. Friend in congratulating all those working across all faiths to ensure that there is good, strong community cohesion, and I congratulate the retiring bishop. That is important across constituencies that, like Reading, have diverse communities with diversity in faith.
Session: Interfaith Understanding
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Twenty-five years ago, two trains collided just west of Paddington station. This was one of the worst rail accidents of recent times. Thirty-one people lost their lives and many more were injured. Will the Secretary of State join me in paying tribute to all those affected by the Paddington rail crash?
Context
A tragic rail accident occurred at Paddington station 25 years ago, resulting in the deaths of 31 people and injuring many others.
Louise Haigh
I commend my hon. Friend for his bravery in recently speaking out about his personal involvement in that tragic crash. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Kensington and Bayswater (Joe Powell) and my officials for attending the commemoration last weekend. I join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to the families of the victims and all heroes who responded on the day.
Session: Topical Questions
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It is good to see the hon. Member for South Thanet back in his place. Last year, the UK hosted the AI safety summit and set up the AI Safety Institute. However, since then, developers of frontier AI have refused to share information with the Safety Institute, leaving it toothless. Labour has repeatedly called for binding regulation to support safety. With the Secretary of State discussing the future of AI this week, is it not high time for the Government to finally agree to binding regulation?
Context
Developers of frontier AI have refused to share information with the AI Safety Institute, leaving it toothless.
Saqib Bhatti
I do not agree with that categorisation. The truth is that the Bletchley summit was a world-leading summit. We took a front-foot approach and we are co-hosting the Seoul summit, which is bringing together AI nations, AI companies and top experts in academia and civil society.
Session: Topical Questions
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AI is an incredible new technology and can help the NHS to save lives, but there are also risks, such as the danger of deepfakes. The Government have been warned about those risks, yet time and again Ministers have dithered and delayed. Have the Government run out of ideas, or are they just scared of their own Back Benchers?
Context
The Government have been warned about the risks associated with AI technology such as deepfakes. There is criticism that Ministers have delayed action on these issues.
Michelle Donelan
We have the defending democracy taskforce, which is dedicated to this subject and led by the Security Minister. We work with social media companies and our international counterparts. The Deputy Prime Minister leads the way with his AI compact. There is no easy answer, but we are working conciliatorily and quickly to address all opportunities and risks.
Session: AI Regulation
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I fear that the Minister may be referring rather too much to new build homes. The reality is that in 2010 there were 1.8 million insulation measures introduced into cavity walls and lofts, yet in 2022, in comparison, there were only 80,000. That has left my constituents in Reading and Woodley, who mainly live in Victorian and 20th-century homes, struggling with very high bills, so what is the Minister going to do about that?
Context
There was a significant drop from 1.8 million insulation measures introduced into cavity walls and lofts in 2010 to only 80,000 in 2022.
Andrew Bowie
The hon. Gentleman did not acknowledge that we have moved from 14% to 50% because of the actions of a Conservative Government. To answer his question directly, we are allocating around £20 billion to clean heat and energy efficiency over this Parliament and the next, which will benefit his constituents. That includes our Great British insulation scheme, worth £1 billion, which will deliver insulation measures to around 300,000 of the country's least energy-efficient homes, saving them £300 to £400 each year by March 2026.
Session: Home Energy Efficiency Measures
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It is vital that Britain grasps the opportunity of AI to grow our economy and to modernise vital public services. That relies on having a supply of highly trained staff. However, the Government are failing in that. Their AI scholarship scheme is floundering, with Ministers finding only 21% of the funding they promised. Why has the Department failed? When will the Secretary of State authorise an urgent review of this vital policy area?
Context
The Government's AI scholarship scheme is floundering, with Ministers finding only 21% of the funding they promised.
Michelle Donelan
Perhaps the hon. Member missed my answer to the previous question, so I will indulge him by repeating it. Since 2018, we have dedicated £290 million to AI skills. That does not sound like a Government who are failing on that agenda.
Session: Artificial Intelligence Skills Training
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I offer my deepest condolences to the family of Ruth Perry. Following the inquest last week, will the Secretary of State now consider the removal of the single-word judgment from Ofsted inspection reports?
Context
Following an inquest, there is a request to reconsider the single-word judgment in Ofsted inspection reports due to its impact on educational institutions and students.
Gillian Keegan
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question, and for arranging the initial meetings with Julia Waters—Ruth's sister, who I know is his constituent—and attending the first few. I will be working very closely with the new chief inspector of schools when he starts three weeks today to see what more we can do, but we must remember that Ofsted plays an important role in keeping children safe and standards high.
Session: Topical Questions
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Gurkha soldiers who retired before 1997 receive a lower pension than other British soldiers. Will the Minister update the House on the current negotiations between the UK and the Government of Nepal to solve that difficult issue?
Context
Gurkhas who retired before 1997 receive a lower pension than other British soldiers.
Andrew Murrison
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, and I am seeing a bilateral committee with veterans and the Nepalese ambassador on Wednesday. This is an ongoing process. The hon. Gentleman will be aware that pension schemes are extremely complicated, and in many cases the Gurkha pension scheme and offer to transfer subsequently represents good value for many of our brave Gurkha veterans. I am certainly in discussion with the interested parties. I am afraid that I cannot offer any promises at all, but nevertheless discussions are ongoing.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Prime Minister has said that terrorist groups could use artificial intelligence to build chemical or biological weapons, but he has still failed to act decisively to regulate AI, even though the US and the EU are both taking action. Will the Minister tell the House whether the Secretary of State is using her current trip to the US to learn from the Biden Administration, or will our country have to put up with yet more dither and delay?
Context
The US and EU are taking action on AI regulation, but the UK has been slow to act.
Saqib Bhatti
The Government have always been clear that we will have a contextual and proportionate response to AI. I spoke to the Secretary of State yesterday, and it is very clear that the US sees us as global leaders and will be working with us.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for his answer, and for meeting me and the right hon. Member for Reading West recently to discuss this matter. Nearly 13,000 people have signed a petition asking for it to be turned into an arts hub. The discussion with the preferred bidder took a long time with no visible progress or slow progress being made. Will the Minister now reconsider the Government's approach and work with me, Reading Borough Council and the local arts community to save this wonderful building?
Context
The sale of Reading Prison is proceeding with local constituents concerned about its future.
Damian Hinds
The sale is progressing. Of course, any proposed development would be subject to approval from Reading Borough Council's planning department, and the usual due diligence requirements will apply.
Session: Reading Gaol
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What progress has been made on the sale of Reading Gaol? It is a hugely important historic building, and nearly 13,000 people have signed a petition asking for it to be turned into an arts hub. The Government's preferred bidder discussion took a long time with no visible progress.
Context
The sale of Reading Prison is proceeding with local constituents concerned about its future.
Damian Hinds
The sale is progressing. Any proposed development would be subject to approval from Reading Borough Council's planning department. The usual due diligence requirements will apply. The hon. Member for Reading Central (Matt Rodda) and the right hon. Member for Reading West have been assiduous in their attention to this matter.
Session: Reading Gaol
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Daily Mail investigation showed that the Government are failing to accurately record people's top-up contributions. Pensioners are terrified their money has disappeared. When will the Government address this issue?
Context
The question addresses inaccuracies in recording top-up contributions to the state pension, impacting pensioners' financial security.
Laura Trott
With the comprehensive package of support I have talked about today, we have shown that we are taking action during the cost of living crisis to help pensioners as much as we can. We know that accuracy is the most important thing when it comes to the state pension, which is why we have taken action very quickly to correct issues where they have occurred.
Session: Inflation and Food Prices Pensioners
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I am concerned about the Ministry of Justice trying to sell Reading jail to a commercial developer for some time now, despite community wishes for it to become an arts hub. Can you update me on that sale and will you meet with me and constituents regarding this matter?
Context
The community in Reading hopes that the Ministry of Justice will convert Reading jail into an arts hub instead of selling it to a commercial developer. The sale is progressing, but details are commercially sensitive.
Damian Hinds
I have met with the hon. Gentleman and my right hon. Friend the Member for Reading West regarding this issue. A sale is progressing, and assurances from solicitors will be required along with due diligence. I am willing to discuss further.
Session: Topical Questions
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Sadly, the figures also show that hundreds of thousands of pensioners are still missing out on pension credit. To make matters worse, this large group of pensioners is also missing out on the Government's £900 cost of living payment, because receiving pension credit acts as a gateway to other help. Could the Minister explain why the Government designed their cost of living payments in that way? Could she explain what she will do to fix the problem, which the Government themselves created?
Context
Statistics show that hundreds of thousands of pensioners are missing out on pension credit, which also disqualifies them from the Government's £900 cost of living payment.
Laura Trott
I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will welcome the figures that I just announced on the uptake of pension credit. We will not have the eligibility figures for a while—hopefully, they will be out later this year. I hope we will see a rise, but in the meantime we are doing all we can—as I know is true across the House—to get as many people as possible to apply for pension credit so that they qualify for those important cost of living payments.
Session: Pension Credit
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The price of food is rising by 30%, yet the Government are continuing to fail pensioners at this very difficult time: nearly 200,000 women in their 80s have been underpaid for years because of errors at the DWP; hundreds of thousands of pensioners are missing out on pension credit, as we have heard; and when pensioners do get their pension credit application in, it can take up to three months for officials in the Department to process a claim. When will the Government finally tackle this appalling pattern of failure?
Context
Many pensioners are facing issues such as underpayment, missed entitlements, and long processing times for claims.
Laura Trott
Labour put up pensions by 75p. We put them up by nearly £20. We are doing all that we can to support pensioners, and they know that we have got their backs.
Session: Pensioners Cost of Living
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I pay tribute to my constituent Ruth Perry, the former headteacher of Caversham Primary School. She was a much-loved member of our local community. Will the Secretary of State consider the very serious local concerns when she looks into this matter, and will she agree to meet me, local headteachers and Ruth's family to discuss this important issue?
Context
A constituent of Matt Rodda, Ruth Perry, the former headteacher of Caversham Primary School, has passed away.
Gillian Keegan
I thank the hon Gentleman for his question, and of course I would be happy to meet. This is a tragic case, and I send my heartfelt sympathies to Ruth Perry's family and friends, and all of the school community in the hon Gentleman's constituency.
Session: Topical Questions
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It is good to see you in your place, Madam Deputy Speaker. Many retired Gurkhas live in poverty due to leaving the Army before 1997; ongoing negotiations with Nepal exist. Can a Minister update me on this important issue?
Context
Negotiations are ongoing between the Ministry and the Government of Nepal regarding retired Gurkha soldiers living in poverty.
Andrew Murrison
I recently set up a joint committee chaired by myself and the Nepalese ambassador to consider outstanding Gurkha welfare issues; retrospective pension changes have been through multiple judicial institutions, with UK Government positions upheld; I am keen to ensure we do everything possible to support Gurkhas' welfare.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Government seem to be trying to pat themselves on the back after years of failure on pension credit. As we just heard, hundreds of thousands of pensioners are still missing out on a vital top-up benefit that is needed to get them through the cost of living crisis. Why has the Government's response been so ineffective, and what on earth will the Government do about their dismal failure to help pensioners during their hour of need? I am very surprised to hear the hon. Gentleman pose that question, first, because of his party's record on this matter when they were in government; and secondly, because of the clear progress that I have outlined to the House today and on previous occasions about the increase in take-up that the Government are securing.
Context
The government is facing criticism for its response to pension credit uptake.
Mel Stride
I am very surprised to hear the hon. Gentleman pose that question, first, because of his party's record on this matter when they were in government; and secondly, because of the clear progress that I have outlined to the House today and on previous occasions about the increase in take-up that the Government are securing.
Session: Pension Credit
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Nearly 1 million pensioners are not receiving pension credit to which they are entitled. To make matters worse, each of those 1 million pensioners is also missing out on a £900 payment from the Government to help them with heating, as the payment is available only to those on pension credit. Why have the Government been so ineffective at raising the take-up of pension credit? Will she also explain why on earth they linked help with heating to pension credit when they knew that 1 million pensioners would miss out as a result?
Context
A significant number of pensioners are not receiving Pension Credit, thus missing out on a £900 heating support payment linked to Pension Credit.
Laura Trott
Acknowledges the hon. Gentleman's interest; previous efforts on boosting take-up are noted, including success before Christmas. Plans for automation and greater data use to improve efficiency are highlighted.
Session: Pension Credit
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How many pensioners will be without heating this winter due to government delays?
Context
Pensioners are experiencing the cost of living crisis and have been left frustrated by government delays.
Laura Trott
The state pension has doubled since 2010, and we are providing additional payments to help with the cost of living.
Session: Cost of Living Pensioners
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I welcome the new Minister to her place. The last few weeks have been difficult and, at times, chaotic. The Government have crashed the economy and there has been a revolving door in Downing Street and Government Departments. After all that confusion, will the Minister take the opportunity to reassure the House that the Government are truly committed to the triple lock? Will she apologise to pensioners for the stress and uncertainty that the Government have caused through their repeated attempts to wriggle out of their manifesto commitment?
Context
The MP criticises the government's recent instability and seeks reassurances for pensioners.
Laura Trott
I do understand the uncertainty, but we must wait for 17 November. However, the average state pension is £185 a week, which is about double what it was in 2010 when we took over.
Session: Cost of Living Crisis Support for Pensioners
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Following the resignation of the Prime Minister, there is a real risk that the House turns in on itself. I want to draw the Minister's attention to the serious cost of living crisis facing families and pensioners in this country. Sadly, the Government broke their promise to keep the triple lock on the state pension at the very time that inflation was starting to rise. As a result, pensioners struggling to get by have each lost more than £500 this year. How can the Minister possibly justify letting down pensioners in this way?
Context
The MP highlighted the impact of breaking the triple lock promise on pensioners' finances.
Guy Opperman
I was the Minister who saw that the Labour party at the time did not object to our taking the actions we did in respect of the triple lock. The hon. Gentleman talks about a loss but, as he knows, the state pension was less than £100 in 2009, before the Government changed in 2010. We have now virtually doubled the state pension and there is in excess of £1,500 extra money going to pensioners this year.
Session: Cost of Living Increase Pensioners
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Given the soaring cost of childcare, would it be better to introduce a childcare recovery plan with proper investment in the sector? Will he look at funding specific parts like maintained nurseries?
Context
Concerns about the effectiveness of current government policies and the need for a comprehensive recovery plan.
Nadhim Zahawi
We have announced £10 million support for maintained nurseries. We are investing up to £180 million specifically on early years recovery, including £153 million investment in professional development for practitioners due to tight labour market.
Session: Affordable and Accessible Childcare
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What steps he is taking to ensure that childcare is affordable and accessible, given the soaring cost and pressure on parents and providers?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the rising costs of childcare and its impact on parents and providers.
Nadhim Zahawi
We are committed to improving cost, choice and availability of childcare. We have spent over £3.5 billion in each of the past three years on education and tax-free childcare. We spend between £4 billion and £5 billion annually on the childcare element of universal credit. Today, we announced further measures to increase take-up of support and reduce costs and bureaucracy.
Session: Affordable and Accessible Childcare
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The cost of living crisis is leaving families and pensioners wondering how on earth they will make ends meet. Inflation is running at 11% for everyday goods, and petrol is now nearly £2 a litre, yet the Government's response has favoured the wealthier while failing those in greatest need. Will the Minister explain why second home owners were offered extra help while at the very same time the Government have yet to drive up the take-up of pension credit? Will he also now publish the advice he received from his own civil servants that warned of the effect of this deeply unfair policy?
Context
The cost of living crisis is leaving families and pensioners struggling.
Guy Opperman
I do not believe that £37 billion of support should be sneered at. The Chancellor set out £22 billion of support in the spring and a further £15 billion of support last month; that includes £650 on top of the pension credit from July, and the winter fuel payment of £300 going to 8.2 million households. I strongly believe that shows that the Government are taking serious action to support the most vulnerable.
Session: Pensioners Cost of Living
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Just when will the Government start listening to pensioners?
Context
Raises concerns about pensioners facing a rise in the cost of living and criticizes the government for not addressing it adequately.
Guy Opperman
The hon. Member will be aware that we raised state pension by 2.5% this year, when we did not need to do so, and it is going up by 3.1% in April, on top of which there is the support from the Chancellor with the £9 billion scheme set out only a few weeks ago.
Session: Cost of Living Pensioners
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The Government have consistently failed to stand up for the interests of pensioners on modest incomes. Food prices are up, gas prices are up and electricity prices are up. The cost of living is going up. Yet despite this, the Government are refusing to cut VAT on fuel, even though they have had higher than expected VAT receipts from across the economy, which would allow them to do exactly that and offer much-needed help to pensioners. To make matters worse, the Government are also failing to increase the take-up of pension credit. When will they finally start offering real help to our pensioners?
Context
The MP criticized the Government for failing to increase VAT on fuel and to boost take-up of pension credit despite higher than expected receipts from across the economy.
Guy Opperman
That is a bit rich. When the last Labour Government were in power, the state pension was under £100; it is now going up to £185 going forward. It is almost double what it was before thanks to the triple lock introduced by this Government and the coalition Government. It is also very much the case that pension credit take-up is actually going up, not down. Over the two years of the pandemic, both the basic and new state pension will have increased by more than prices thanks to the cumulative effects of the Social Security (Up-rating of Benefits) Act 2020 and the Social Security (Up-rating of Benefits) Act 2021.
Session: Pensioner Poverty State Pension
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There are not just delays to the state pension, but underpayments. The British Government are also set to hammer pensioners' incomes, with a cut of £2,600 on average over the next five years as a result of their plan to break the pensions triple lock, which the House of Lords rejected last week with a majority of 102—led, indeed, by a Conservative. Will the Minister do the right thing and U-turn on his plans to scrap the triple lock on pensions? If not, is it not the case that the British Government just cannot be trusted with pensions, and that the only way to ensure dignity and fairness in retirement for Scots is with independence?
Context
The Government has proposed breaking the triple lock on pensions, which would result in an average cut of £2,600 over five years for pensioners.
Guy Opperman
I have heard it all. How on earth the Scottish Government, were they in any event to get independence, would be able to pay ongoing state pensions is a mystery that no Scottish politician has ever been able to answer. The factual reality is that the state pension, by reason of the triple lock, is up £2,000 per person, something that would never happen under an independent Scotland—that is for sure.
Session: State Pension Payment Delays
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People across this country work hard and contribute all their lives; they are right to expect the state pension to be there for them when they retire. Given that the Government have failed to pay the state pension on time and have broken three manifesto promises so far, Ministers can surely accept that pensioners and the public cannot simply take them at their word. Ahead of our consideration of the Social Security (Up-rating of Benefits) Bill next Monday, will the Government publish their evidence for breaking the link with earnings in this way?
Context
The question arises from the concern about delays in paying the state pension as well as the government's failure to uphold three manifesto promises, affecting public trust.
Guy Opperman
I am not sure that I am going to take any lessons from the hon. Gentleman. Before 2010, when the coalition came into power, the state pension was under £100. The new state pension is now £179. We have raised it by £2,000 in the last 10 years. We have enhanced the state pension massively through the triple lock. We did not even need to do anything last year, but we raised the state pension by 2.5%, and we will be increasing it by the double lock if the Bill passes next week.
Session: Pensioners Living in Poverty
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One of Britain's best-known companies, P&O, has failed to pay £140 million that it owes to the merchant navy pension fund. This debt could cause serious problems for the fund, which has 24,000 members who work in a wide range of firms far beyond P&O. Despite P&O owing this enormous sum, the Government have awarded its parent company two lucrative freeport contracts. Will the Minister explain how on earth the Government allowed this to happen? We are getting used to sleaze and cronyism; is this an example of sleaze and cronyism, or is it sheer, unadulterated incompetence?
Guy Opperman
The hon. Gentleman is a member of the Labour party. He will recall that it was the Labour party that set up the Pensions Regulator with operational independence to deal with these matters. He may have forgotten the basis on which the Pensions Regulator was set up, but I have not. It is a matter between the Pensions Regulator and the individual company, but I am sure that he will take that up when he meets the Pensions Regulator.
Session: Topical Questions
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Some 200,000 women who worked hard and paid their taxes all their lives have been underpaid their state pensions. It is an absolute scandal. I welcome the announcement that the DWP is trying to repay the money owed to these women, who have been so badly let down, but the repayments are being made far too slowly. Will the Minister confirm how many repayments were made last month and when the Department will finally speed up the process?
Context
Approximately 200,000 women have been underpaid their state pensions due to past policy changes. The Department for Work and Pensions is working to repay these individuals.
Guy Opperman
It is good to see that the hon. Gentleman survived the deputy leadership reshuffle. The simple point is that the DWP formally commenced correction activity on 11 January this year, and I published a written ministerial statement on 4 February this year. We are clearing up a mess, the responsibility for much of which goes back to the changes made under the Labour Government in 2008, as the hon. Gentleman will be aware. Where underpayments are identified, the Department will contact the individual to inform them of the changes to their state pension amount and of any arrears payments that they will receive in accordance with the law.
Session: Topical Questions
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Pensioners have seen their life savings disappear after becoming victims of dreadful scams online and on the telephone. The Government says they want to protect savers, but there is mounting evidence that they are failing to act sufficiently. Will she explain how these scams happened and commit to taking further action against scams online?
Context
The MP is concerned about the mounting evidence of abuses by pension scammers and wants to know if the Government will take further action.
Therese Coffey
We have passed the Pension Schemes Act 2021, with aspects of scams considered in that legislative process. The suggestion we are not doing things to tackle scams is far from the case.
Session: Budget 2021 Departmental Policies
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Too many pensioners face a harsh and challenging winter. Deep concerns about the high rates of coronavirus have been made worse by the effects of the severe weather and isolation from the usual networks of support. Will the Secretary of State reassure the House that the Government will take urgent action both to raise take-up of pension credit for those most in need and to take other steps to protect pensioners? The Government have dithered for too long, and they need to set out a comprehensive package of support for our vulnerable pensioners.
Context
The MP is concerned about the difficulties faced by pensioners, exacerbated by the pandemic and severe weather conditions. He seeks urgent measures to increase take-up of pension credit and other support mechanisms.
Therese Coffey
I welcome the hon. Gentleman to his place and congratulate him on his new role. On supporting pensioners, I genuinely believe that the Government have gone a very long way with the triple lock. We continue to see that boost with the basic state pension. He may not be aware of the extensive advertising in GP surgeries, post offices and similar that took place in 2020 to encourage people to take up the pension credit. We will continue to consider how that can be improved.
Session: Vulnerable People Essential Costs
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Transport Infrastructure Projects: Elizabeth Line
12 November 2024
Responding: Simon Lightwood
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the importance of rail investment and long-term planning. I have received donations from two rail unions, ASLEF and the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, and I am a season ticket holder who was involved in the Paddington rail crash. The Elizabeth line has generated £42 billion in economic benefits over two years and seen 700,000 daily journeys. It offers significant environmental advantages by providing an effective alternative to road transport. Additionally, it supports local businesses relocating near stations due to improved connectivity.']
Specific Asks
['I ask the Minister to provide details of future rail investments in other parts of England and discuss further enhancements to the Elizabeth line. I also inquire about the possibility of more north-south improvements in electrification between the south coast and Oxford, introducing semi-fast services on the line, and developing a western rail link to Heathrow Airport.']
Overseas Aid: Child Health and Education
22 February 2023
Responding: David Rutley
Main Concerns
["The MP is concerned about the negative impact of reduced overseas aid on child health and education in developing countries. He highlighted that bilateral aid for education fell from £789 million in 2019 to just £545 million in 2020, a reduction of nearly a third, affecting programmes such as those run by Dhaka Ahsania Mission which serves out-of-school children and the anonymous NGO working on child rights. He also mentioned that the UK's pledge for the Global Partnership for Education is lower than expected and the funding cut has led to 1,250 children without access to quality non-formal primary education in Bangladesh. I am concerned about the scale of aid cuts, particularly in Lebanon, Ethiopia, Yemen, Malawi, Kenya, India, and Uganda. In Malawi, BRACED funding was cut from £25 million to £5 million, resulting in early warning system failures during Tropical Storm Ana, which displaced 84,000 people and caused a cholera outbreak affecting 1,160 children with 184 deaths. The cuts impact education for women and girls, HIV treatment programmes, and research supporting teachers and students in crisis areas."]
Specific Asks
['The MP asks the Government to reassess their approach to overseas aid, including a return to the 0.7% target for development spending as soon as financially possible and to focus on where Britain can make a difference through strategic partnerships with local communities and developing countries. I ask the government to immediately reinstate the 0.7% target on overseas aid as it is both morally responsible and economically smart, ensuring continued support for international development projects that save lives and promote stability around the world.']
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 ...
State of Climate and Nature
13 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Farming Road Map and Profitability Review
24 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Thames Water
16 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Transport (Scotland) Bill - Schedule 4 - Minor and Consequential amendments
10 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment seeks to make minor and consequential changes to the bill, ensuring consistency in the provisions. It includes technical adjustments to align with existing regulations and improve clarit...
Digital Safety: Children
08 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
South East Water: Disruption of Supply
03 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Debate on the Address
14 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The UK labour market is performing well with high employment rates, low unemployment compared to OECD countries, and rising real wages. The government's economic management has put the country in a be...
Education Bill - After Clause 62 - Prohibition of smartphones during the school day
22 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to insist on Commons amendment 38J and disagrees with Lords amendments 38V to 38X. The amendment aims to prohibit the use of smartphones during the school day, aiming to protect children from on...
Gurkha Veterans
26 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Rises to speak on the subject of support for Gurkha veterans and their dependants. Shares the story of Ghanendra Limbu, a Gurkha veteran who suffered severe injuries during his service in the Falkland...
Attendance
76.5%
75 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
29
29.6% of votes
No Votes
46
46.9% of votes
Abstentions
23
23.5% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
1
PMQs Asked
44
Ministerial Questions Asked
231
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+228% above average
This MP:
44
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+4653% above average
This MP:
231
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 (%)
+11% above average
This MP:
76.5
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 Matt Rodda's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.