Max Wilkinson
MP for Cheltenham
Lib Dem
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I am concerned that four years is far too long to ask local mums-to-be to wait, and I want to reassure constituents that the temporary downgrade made under the Conservatives will not be made permanent under this Government.
Context
The Aveta birth centre at Cheltenham General Hospital was temporarily closed for labour and births in 2022. There will be no decision about reopening until spring next year.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
Our starting point is that we must always ensure that every mother is heard and understood, and gets the quality of care that is needed. The independent national maternity investigation and local health needs assessment are due to report in spring next year, as the hon. Gentleman says. It is right that the recommendations of both are closely considered in any decision for Cheltenham. I will ensure that he is kept updated as that rolls out.
Assessment
Did not commit to reassessing or reopening the Aveta birth centre specifically
Will Closely Consider Recommendations
Session: PMQs
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Our long-term economic success is only going to be strengthened by our cyber-security. As Ministers are aware, right next to GCHQ in Cheltenham is the Golden Valley development, which is going to support our cyber-security capacity. It is a vital development for the nation, as well as for my local area. Will the Government go a little bit further on the matter of the designated area, so that proceeds from that development can be held locally, which I think is in line with the new agenda being set by the Cabinet Office? Will they also restart the discussions with the local authorities and the developer around the places for growth scheme, as they seem to have stalled?
Context
The MP is concerned about the Golden Valley development next to GCHQ in Cheltenham, which is vital for cyber-security capacity.
Louise Haigh
I am very grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his question. That is exactly the kind of project that No. 10 North will gladly look at, to consider whether it should be a designated zone for further retention powers. I will ask No. 10 North to write to the hon. Gentleman and consider the proposal.
Session: Economic Capabilities Cross-Government Work 2026-09-10
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Cheltenham train passengers have a continual frustration with the turnaround time at Gloucester. There is also a new frustration: I wonder whether the Secretary of State or a Minister can tell me why so many trains due to terminate at Cheltenham unexpectedly terminate at Gloucester?
Heidi Alexander
The Rail Minister often tells me that the art of answering questions on transport is to have all the detail at your fingertips. I must disappoint the hon. Gentleman, as I do not have the specific answer he seeks, but I promise him that I will go away, find out and come back to him.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-16
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Does the Home Secretary agree with her decision? What is the Home Office doing about abuse and misinformation on X? Will the Home Office be leaving too?
Context
The Culture Secretary has quit X, citing its descent into misinformation.
Sarah Jones
Everyone in this place is concerned about online hate. The Government, led by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, are looking at how to crack down on it.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-13
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Given the high costs, is the Home Secretary planning to activate break clauses in these expensive contracts? The right hon. Member for Makerfield has expressed an ambition to do so if he becomes Prime Minister next week.
Context
The cost of asylum accommodation has more than tripled from under £5 billion to over £15 billion, with concerns about value for money.
Shabana Mahmood
We will retender these contracts to ensure better value for money. Since taking office, the cost of asylum accommodation and support has decreased by more than £1 billion.
Session: Asylum Hotels 2026-07-13
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The Secretary of State is aware of the importance of Cheltenham's cyber-security industry, which is a key part of this nation's defence efforts. I have good news for him: we are about to break ground on the Golden Valley development, bringing 12,000 jobs in cyber and tech to my town, as well as much-needed new homes. Would the Secretary of State and his colleagues like to come and visit this success story in due course, not for the ground breaking next week, but in the future? It will be popular with the incoming Prime Minister.
Context
The Secretary of State is aware of Cheltenham's cyber-security industry's importance to the nation. The Golden Valley development will bring 12,000 jobs in cyber and tech.
Peter Kyle
The hon. Member's enthusiasm is infectious. He came to meet me when I was Secretary of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to talk about the Golden Valley, and we spoke about our shared ambition in that area for the clustering of expertise that having GCHQ and others brings to the community he represents. I share in the hon. Member's celebration and hope that I get to visit at some point soon.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-02
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Harry Kane's heroics mean many England fans are looking forward to matches. Pubs risk missing an opportunity if Ministers do not make a blanket extension to licensing hours. Will Ministers consider this with other Departments?
Context
England fans may miss out on pub opportunities due to licensing hours.
Kate Dearden
Pubs can stay open for an extra two or three hours depending on match start times, but not on Sunday due to the 1 am start. We are backing our pubs to watch and support England.
Session: Hospitality Sector 2026-07-02
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When family courts decide that care is to be split between parents 50:50, we might expect that fair financial arrangements follow. However, when courts make that ruling, and the Child Maintenance Service makes decisions based on which parent is the recipient of child benefit, one parent often finds they are significantly worse off than the other. Will Ministers have a word with their colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure that the justice system and the CMS work more closely to achieve financial fairness for both parents in cases where courts rule for 50:50 care splits?
Context
Concerns about financial fairness when family courts decide on a 50:50 care split, leading to unequal financial outcomes due to decisions made by the Child Maintenance Service based on child benefit status.
Sarah Sackman
In individual cases, how those financial settlements are made is a matter for the judiciary. There should be join-up between areas of Government, and I am happy to take away his direction that we should liaise with DWP colleagues to ensure child maintenance is addressed fairly.
Session: Family Justice System 2026-06-30
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May I draw Ministers' attention to the f40 group of local authorities, and in particular Gloucestershire? Local schools have reported a significant problem with the provision of SEND. Will Ministers meet me to discuss these issues?
Context
The question focuses on the regional disparities in funding for special educational needs and disabilities, particularly within the f40 group of local authorities.
Georgia Gould
I would be delighted to meet the hon. Member to discuss funding. As he knows, it is an area that we are heavily investing in, with £4 billion going into early intervention to support children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Session: SEND Improvement
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Following the murder of Henry Nowak, would the Home Secretary urge Vice-President J. D. Vance and the US Department of Justice to respect British victims of crime by leaving policing to Britain?
Context
The murder of Henry Nowak prompted a discussion on the need to maintain trust in British law enforcement.
Shabana Mahmood
I urge all commentators, would-be commentators and wannabes of every description to leave our criminal justice system to us. We have been going for a very long time, and we will carry on in that vein.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Home Secretary's authoritarian tendencies often please the Reform party and Tories. Some Labour Members are reportedly unhappy with these proposals. Is she comfortable relying on support from Farage and Tories?
Context
Concerns about changes to indefinite leave to remain risk busting social cohesion efforts and harming public services, economy.
Alex Norris
Economic migrants and asylum seekers are different populations, but changes include increasing main basis time for settlement to 10 years with conditions such as working, not committing crimes, learning English. More than 200,000 responses were received in the consultation.
Session: Asylum Seekers Accommodation
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Will she go to Cabinet colleagues and advise them that it would be easier to fix the asylum system if we had a much closer relationship with Europe?
Context
An agreement to fund French police activities to prevent small boats from leaving the French coast is about to run out, risking a resurgence in asylum seekers crossing.
Alex Norris
We are having conversations with France at the moment, and I do not think he would expect me to negotiate from the Dispatch Box.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister agree that the big pension and investment companies need to pay more respect to our high streets and bring forward planning applications to redevelop and regenerate as soon as they possibly can?
Context
Cavendish House in Cheltenham has been a cherished retail centre for 200 years. It is now empty and owned by Canada Life, raising concerns about the need for big pension and investment companies to pay more respect to high streets.
Blair McDougall
We are working on a new high street strategy to deal with issues mentioned, want investors to step up, and have a responsibility through planning reform to make it easier to regenerate areas.
Session: Topical Questions
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Rendesco is a brilliant renewable energy business in my constituency. Just before Christmas, it was awarded a £2 million grant from UK Research and Innovation, but since then the phone has not been working at UKRI's end. Can Ministers have a word to see whether this money can be unlocked, to ensure that Rendesco's product can be brought to market and that jobs are not lost?
Context
Rendesco, a renewable energy business in the constituency, received a £2 million grant from UKRI but is facing delays due to unresponsive communication.
Ed Miliband
Yes, if the hon. Member gives us the details.
Session: Topical Questions
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In recent weeks, those warning that a rapid dip in net migration could harm public services and the economy span left and right, including commentators such as Fraser Nelson. It is no secret that the Government are struggling to deliver growth after their two damaging Budgets and stubborn refusal to join a customs union with the EU. Is the Home Secretary totally certain that her plans on immigration will not further harm the economy and public services like our precious NHS?
Context
Commentators warn that a rapid dip in net migration could harm public services and the economy. The government faces criticism for failing to deliver economic growth after two Budgets.
Shabana Mahmood
Yes, I am, because having an ordered migration system both for legal migration and to sort out the problems of illegal migration is absolutely critical to maintaining public confidence across the country and making sure that we can hold our country together. I back all of these reforms, and I know they will have nothing but a positive impact.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Conservatives have suggested introducing a removals force like ICE. Will the Home Secretary condemn ICE and reassure that we will not see such units on British streets?
Context
President Trump's ICE squads are engaging in harsh treatment of immigrants, including infants and children.
Shabana Mahmood
Unlike those worried about America, I focus on protecting people here. We already have record removals without armed immigration enforcement—just under 60,000 since we came to power—and will go further within British values.
Session: Illegal Migrants Pull Factors
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What discussions has the Minister had with his EU counterparts on UK access to the Security Action for Europe fund? Does this not go back to the key problem that faces us as a nation, which is the failed Brexit bestowed upon us by the previous Government and their friends in the Reform party? Ministers have my sympathy as they try to unpick this mess, but they are going too slowly. Brexit is clearly the biggest barrier to us participating in this scheme. Is it not now obvious that our best economic interests and our national security are best served by a more rapid reintegration with the European Union?
Context
The UK's failure to reach an agreement on accessing the EU's SAFE defence fund due to Brexit. The questioner references the impact of Brexit on national and economic interests.
The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry (Luke Pollard)
We entered negotiations on SAFE participation in good faith; however, no agreement was possible that met our national interests. We will continue to explore co-operation with the EU and its member states that strengthens European security and underpins our NATO-first policy. The biggest security threat facing the United Kingdom is Russia. We are responding to that by deepening our alliances right across the NATO alliance, especially with our European friends, and we will continue to do so.
Session: Security Action for Europe Fund
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I am concerned about the case of Cheltenham general hospital and the Aveta birth centre, which four years ago under the previous Government was closed temporarily to labour and births. There is a national rapid review, which Gloucestershire is subject to, and a local service review. The trust tells me that it cannot make any decisions on reopening for labour and births until those two reviews have completed, and even then there is no timescale for giving women in my constituency what they need: to be able to give birth in Cheltenham when they need to. Will the Minister have a word with those in charge of the reviews and the local trust to try to move things along and get us the answer that we need?
Context
The MP references a local issue at Cheltenham General Hospital and the Aveta birth centre, which was temporarily closed four years ago under the previous government. The trust cannot make decisions on reopening until national and local reviews are completed.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
The hon. Member and I discussed this issue before he brought a debate on it to Westminster Hall, and I know that he has campaigned hard on it for local women. He raises an excellent point: we must ensure that what is happening on the ground with regard to maternity and the changes that people are proposing line up adequately with the national task. He has made that point very clearly today, and I will make sure that the local system is aware of it.
Session: Health Inequalities Women
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The Tories left us without enough police to tackle burglaries, car thefts and shoplifting. People voted for change, but between March 2024 and March 2025, that legacy and the new Government’s actions meant that we lost more than 4,000 frontline police officers. Will the Home Secretary reassure us and the country that the next set of police numbers in March 2026 will show a net increase in frontline police compared with when this Government took office?
Context
Between March 2024 and March 2025, the number of frontline police officers reduced by over 4,000 under the current government.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Shabana Mahmood)
I had hoped that the hon. Gentleman would have welcomed the neighbourhood policing guarantee, which is designed to deal with exactly the problem he has recognised—a decrease in officers visible in our communities. That is what this Government are setting right, with our pledge to have 13,000 by the end of this Parliament and 3,000 by the end of March this year. We are on track to deliver that. As I said earlier, the final details of the police funding settlement will be clear at the end of the month, and I will set out my proposals on wider policing reform in a White Paper in a few weeks’ time.
Session: Police Efficiency
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What can the Government do to help the current Liberal Democrat administration speed up the work on repairing the Spring bridge and will they encourage the county council to open one lane as soon as possible?
Context
The Spring bridge in Cheltenham, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, requires urgent work due to a landslip. The current Liberal Democrat administration needs help from the Government.
Heidi Alexander
I suggest that the hon. Member may wish to advise his council on considering the process for securing money from the structures fund, which we will announce details of in the new year. This fund is designed to help resolve situations such as those described by the hon. Gentleman.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can she give us a cast-iron guarantee that when she is working on these changes, she will do so in partnership with other signatories to the convention and will not follow the Conservatives and Reform in seeking to isolate this country on the international stage?
Context
The Liberal Democrat MP questioned the Home Secretary about reforming certain articles of the ECHR and asked for a cast-iron guarantee that changes will be made in partnership with other signatories to avoid international isolation.
Shabana Mahmood
We are not coming out of the European convention on human rights. We are going to pursue reform—in particular of article 8, which is a qualified right under the convention—and I will set out those plans later today. A conversation is already happening on reform of the European convention.
Session: Asylum Policies Danish Model
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Junction 10 of the M5 on the edge of my constituency is a key piece of transport infrastructure that can unlock growth, thousands of new jobs—it is adjacent to GCHQ, and so can support national cyber-security and intelligence work—and housing growth, which the Government have made a key priority. As a result of delays, there is a huge funding gap, amounting to about £70 million. Can Ministers have a word with their colleagues at Homes England and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to work out how that gap can be fixed, so that we can deliver those new homes, which are much needed, and the jobs too?
Context
Junction 10 of the M5 near Cheltenham is a key piece of infrastructure that can unlock economic growth and housing development. However, there is currently a significant funding gap of £70 million.
Heidi Alexander
I would be very happy to have those discussions across Government. I believe the local authority met recently to consider whether it could provide any support to fill the funding gap and, potentially, secure developer contributions towards that scheme.
Session: Transport Economic Growth
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I congratulate Ministers again on embracing the principles of the sunshine Bill campaign, run by me and many others to ensure that solar panels are included on the roofs of all new houses. In the heat of recent weeks, people in my constituency have been sweltering in beautiful old regency buildings, which pose a particular challenge in this respect. Do Ministers agree that if we line up heat pump technology and solar panels, we can lower our energy bills and keep cool at the same time?
Context
Max Wilkinson congratulated the government on embracing the principles of the sunshine Bill campaign and inquired about combining heat pump technology with solar panels to lower energy bills.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Miatta Fahnbulleh)
The hon. Member is right. We believe in a solar panel revolution. That is one of the key things that Great British Energy will bring about across the country. On overheating, it will be critical to ensure that as we upgrade homes, we make them fit for purpose in the context of climate change. We are including air-to-air heat pumps in the boiler upgrade scheme, and we will consider other measures to keep homes cool.
Session: Household Energy Bills
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The industrial strategy was right to highlight the potential for the National Cyber Innovation Centre in my constituency. If we are going to deliver that, we will need to make sure that junction 10 of the M5 is also done to enable the traffic to get around that development. This is a development of national importance. The strategic sites accelerator has also been cited by the Government. Can the Minister advise me on how areas like Liberal Democrat-run Cheltenham and Gloucestershire can access that fund?
Context
The National Cyber Innovation Centre is a development of national importance requiring infrastructure improvements such as junction 10 of the M5.
Emma Reynolds (Economic Secretary to the Treasury)
I will ensure that the hon. Member gets a meeting with the relevant Transport Minister, but I hope that he is as excited as I am about the £1 billion that we are investing in the state-of-the-art Golden Valley development, which will create 12,000 high-skilled jobs and 3,700 new homes, and is close to the GCHQ headquarters in Cheltenham. I am sure that that is something he will welcome.
Session: Supporting Economic Growth
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A couple of weeks ago, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster made a statement at CYBERUK about the Golden Valley development in my constituency, which was welcomed in the constituency. Since then, a decision has been made on joining up Government with the functions of public sector and on Government cyber-security moving from his Department to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Is he having discussions as part of that process to ensure that his DSIT colleagues are well aware of the huge opportunities and the risks to that project at west Cheltenham?
Context
The MP is concerned about the recent decision to move cyber-security functions from his Department to DSIT and its impact on the Golden Valley project.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Pat McFadden)
I referred to the machinery of Government change that we announced a few days ago. We are building up a real sense of expertise in DSIT, and we thought it made sense to make that change to bring together the operational and security parts of cyber policy. I am sure that my colleagues in DSIT are well aware of the hon. Member’s views and of the importance of the issues that he raised.
Session: Joining Up Government
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Residents in Cheltenham remain extremely frustrated about the state of the roads. We have too many potholes and the approach taken to the maintenance of our high street by the previous Conservative county council administration has been substandard. The state of our strand and the threat to our promenade are at the forefront of people’s minds. We have finally had a change of administration, with the Liberal Democrats now in charge of the county council. What can the Secretary of State and Ministers do to reassure me that the Liberal Democrat county council will be given the tools that it needs to fix our roads and maintain our high street properly?
Context
The MP highlights the poor state of roads in Cheltenham due to substandard maintenance by the previous administration.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)
The Department is providing Gloucestershire county council with an extra £9 million of highway maintenance funding this year, taking its total funding to £35 million. That will allow the council to get on with the job of fixing those potholes.
Session: Topical Questions
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Music fans were left outraged last summer by rip-off prices for Oasis tickets. Many paid hundreds of pounds over resale value to access the concerts they wanted to get to as dedicated fans. Liberal Democrats are calling for an outright ban on resales above face value. At the moment, it seems the Government are “Half the World Away” from a solution. When the Ministers answer, “Whatever” they say, please promise me that the answer to whether we will have a ban above resale value is not “Definitely Maybe”?
Context
Music fans were outraged last summer by high resale prices for Oasis tickets. A ban on resales above face value is being considered to ensure fair access.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism (Chris Bryant)
As the hon. Member knows perfectly well, a consultation is ongoing and will close on 4 April. It was a manifesto commitment of ours to ensure that the secondary ticketing market works for everybody.
Session: Supporting Musicians
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I thank the Minister for her answer. The Big Space Cancer Appeal being run by the Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity is going on in my constituency, having to raise £17.5 million for a new cancer centre at Cheltenham General Hospital because the previous Government did not fund it. I am proud of the fund-raising work that is being done by the hospitals charity, including by my caseworker, Mateusz, who is running two half marathons for the cause. Will the Minister meet me and Dr Sam Guglani and Dr Charles Candish to discuss how the Government might provide more support for this crucial piece of infrastructure?
Context
The Big Space Cancer Appeal is raising £17.5 million for a new cancer centre at Cheltenham General Hospital because previous government funding was insufficient.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ashley Dalton)
I commend the hon. Member’s campaign activity for improved cancer facilities and Mateusz’s two half-marathons. Local provision for healthcare is managed by the local health system. I would be delighted to meet him and local representatives as soon as diaries allow.
Session: Cancer Care West of England
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The Golden Valley development in Cheltenham will bring significant growth to the west and back our national security by supporting GCHQ. Now that an extra 0.1% of defence spending has been approved, will the Minister work with colleagues in the Ministry of Defence, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and the Cabinet Office to agree more funding for this nationally significant development?
Context
The Golden Valley development in Cheltenham will support GCHQ and national security. The question seeks additional funding for the project.
Darren Jones (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
Increased spending on defence will have a positive impact for businesses such as those supporting GCHQ. Further details of that spending will be set out in the spending review.
Session: Regional Growth England
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Touring performers contribute significantly to the creative industries, but Best for Britain estimates that their numbers have decreased by a third in the EU post-Brexit. Elton John and David Furnish back the Cut the Red Tape campaign requesting exemptions from the trade and cooperation agreement. Will Ministers meet me and representatives of the campaign and promise support for touring performers?
Context
Best for Britain estimates that the number of UK touring performers in the EU has fallen by a third since Brexit. Elton John and David Furnish support the Cut the Red Tape campaign asking for an exemption to the trade and co-operation agreement.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
My hon. Friend met the EU commissioner on this issue yesterday. We believe closer cooperation with our allies in the European Union is beneficial to both sides and we are seeking agreement on this matter.
Session: Creative Industries
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I commend the Secretary of State for her response to the urgent question; we agree with the position being taken. I cannot imagine what it must be like to be a Palestinian child in Gaza. Given this humanitarian catastrophe, does the Secretary of State agree that, regardless of today’s discussion, it is vital to shine an ongoing, credible and sustained spotlight on the plight of children in Gaza?
Context
In response to an urgent question, concerns were raised about the BBC's decision to pull a documentary due to errors in production. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is severe, with 2% of the child population killed or injured and many more orphaned or homeless.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
Yes, and I thank the hon. Gentleman for his careful and considered words on this. In the last year I met with the British families of some of the children in Gaza and the stories are absolutely horrifying. We have a duty to ensure that those stories are told, and that people can have confidence in what they are being told.
Session: Gaza BBC Coverage
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My constituent Owen was medically discharged from the Army after 17 years of service. Since then, he has been waiting for two years for a resolution of his claim under the armed forces compensation scheme. Does the Minister agree that that is too long to make a veteran wait, and what advice can he give me so that I can resolve my constituent’s case?
Context
A constituent of the MP was medically discharged from the Army after 17 years and has been waiting for two years to resolve his claim under the armed forces compensation scheme.
Al Carns
We are absolutely a Government who support veterans. If the hon. Gentleman will send me the details of that case, I will look into it personally. We pay out over £1 billion in compensation, and I have been to Norcross to ensure best standards up there.
Session: Topical Questions
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One of my constituents is a highly educated, high-earning civil servant who has serious care needs as a result of a bad accident 30 years ago. His needs are currently assessed as health-related by the NHS, covering £81,000 in annual costs. If reassessed as social care needs, he would be required to exhaust his savings. Each year during his disability assessment, there is unfair suspicion regarding his ability to work despite already being employed. Do Ministers understand these concerns?
Context
A constituent faces significant health-related care costs and fears potential changes to his status would impact his ability to continue working.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
Yes, I definitely do understand his concerns. Our view is that disabled people should have the same chance to work—the same opportunities—that everyone else takes for granted, and we want to work with disabled people to reform the system to ensure that that is what they get. In the spring, we will publish a Green Paper on reforms to the health conditions and disability benefits system.
Session: Vulnerable People Work Support
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Balcarras school in my constituency has calculated that if its funding for its sixth form had increased by just 2% over the past 15 years, it would now have more than £650,000 extra to keep its school running. The head warns me that the sector is now at breaking point. Do Ministers recognise what is going on in the sector after the years of underfunding we have had?
Context
The MP highlighted the financial difficulties faced by Balcarras school in his constituency due to underfunding over the past 15 years, warning that the sector is now at breaking point.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Janet Daby)
I reiterate that the one-off £50 million grant will enable colleges to respond to current priorities and challenges as they see fit, including workforce recruitment and retention. It is up to those colleges and sixth forms to choose how to use that funding to best meet learners’ needs.
Session: Sixth-form Colleges Pay Award
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Ministers have been generous in engaging with my repeated requests for engagement with Cheltenham’s cyber-security industry, where GCHQ and the National Cyber Security Centre are located. The co-location of private and public sectors is beneficial for our cyber-security sector. The Golden Valley development offers an opportunity for more public sector officials to be placed alongside a key cluster. Would the Minister be interested in having a meeting about that?
Context
The MP has repeatedly engaged with ministers regarding the opportunities for collaboration between the private and public sectors, especially given the presence of GCHQ and the National Cyber Security Centre.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Pat McFadden)
I congratulate the hon. Member for his relentlessness in raising those issues on behalf of his constituency. He is right to draw attention to the assets we have there—GCHQ and the National Cyber Security Centre—and I pay tribute to the officials working there. There is a benefit to clusters in people learning from one another and being close by, and it all helps contribute to our efforts in this area.
Session: Cyber Security
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Sport and physical activity must play a bigger part in the debate on our nation’s collective health and the future of health services. Sport England reports that almost one in three children are classed as inactive. More than a third of adults do not meet the chief medical officer’s recommendations for physical activity. Sedentary lifestyles are associated with one in six deaths, and obesity costs the economy £58 billion per year. Those are truly shocking statistics that we should all be ashamed of. What conversations are Ministers in the Department having with colleagues in other Departments, most notably Health, to ensure an increased focus on physical activity to improve our nation’s physical and mental health?
Context
The MP cites statistics from Sport England that almost one in three children are inactive, and more than a third of adults do not meet the chief medical officer’s recommendations for physical activity. He mentions costs associated with sedentary lifestyles and obesity.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for that important question. Through our health missions, and the health mission board, we work really closely across Government. This is a pivotal issue. Sport plays a huge part in getting people more active. I know that from my own area: over 30% of people in Barnsley are inactive. Just yesterday, I met with the Richmond group of charities, which works on this sort of issue, and I continue to have both Government meetings and meetings with stakeholders. We really want to make progress in this area.
Session: Grassroots Sports
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I am concerned about the potential merits of compensation for rail passengers in Cheltenham due to the impact of the Old Oak Common station development. Compensation may come in many forms, such as better wi-fi on trains for business users, more rolling stock to prevent half-length trains at peak times, and investigations into turnaround times at Gloucester station that delay Cheltenham passengers significantly.
Context
The MP from Cheltenham is concerned about the impact of Old Oak Common station development on rail passengers. He references the need for various forms of compensation to improve service quality and passenger experience.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
The Department continues to work closely with the rail industry to minimise the disruption to passengers on the great western main line during the new station’s construction and operation. Our priority is to mitigate the impact on passengers, as far as possible, by investing £30 million for service continuity during periods of disruption.
Session: Rail Passenger Compensation
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Seventy-five per cent of voters think that all new homes should come with solar panels on the roof as standard. Do the Government agree?
Ed Miliband
I am very sympathetic towards this issue, and we are in discussions with our colleagues across Government. Watch this space.
Session: Topical Questions
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Businesses report that cyber-attacks are increasing, as is the amount of time they have to wait to employ someone to deal with those cyber-attacks. What is the Department doing to fill that skills gap?
Context
Businesses report an increase in cyber-attacks and longer wait times to employ someone to deal with those attacks.
Bridget Phillipson
The hon. Member is right that there are skills gaps in cyber, digital and tech overall. That is why Skills England will drive forward our work in addressing those skills gaps as well as in ensuring that our young people have great careers in the years to come. That is one area in particular where I know there is lots of opportunity for young people to enjoy a fantastic career.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Golden Valley development adjacent to GCHQ in Cheltenham will pay a vital role in our nation's cyber-security. The recent confirmation of £20 million from the Government for that development is welcome, but will the Secretary of State confirm that the project will continue to feature in future iterations of the national cyber strategy?
Context
The MP welcomed the confirmation of £20 million from the Government for Golden Valley and inquired about its future inclusion in the national cyber strategy.
Pat McFadden
The best thing to do when it comes to a specific place is for me to look into the exact situation and come back to the hon. Member. I assure him, as I have said several times during this session, that cyber-security is extremely important to the Government. It is not just the Government's job; cyber-security has to be taken seriously by business and the whole of society.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Can the Minister confirm that steps being taken by the Government are good news for SMEs in the cyber-security sector, particularly regarding public procurement?
Context
The MP highlighted concerns about losing talent in the start-up community to international cities.
Georgia Gould
We need to ensure that public money supports growth and innovation. I am happy to speak with SMEs in his constituency about opportunities available.
Session: Public Procurement Reform
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Free-to-air Broadcasting: Cricket Participation
09 September 2025
Responding: Stephanie Peacock
Main Concerns
['The English cricket calendar has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the introduction of the Hundred competition and reduced availability of four-day county cricket. This shift has led to a crowded season that may be alienating long-standing cricket fans while reducing access for younger audiences who are not engaged with short-form formats. Additionally, it is argued that this change impacts player development and preparation for test matches.']
Specific Asks
['The debate calls for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to consider the balance between seeking new audiences and maintaining traditional county cricket, acknowledging its importance for both participation and player development.']
Old Oak Common Station
17 December 2024
Responding: Lilian Greenwood
Main Concerns
['There will be widespread disruption to trains between London Paddington and the west and south Wales for the next six years. This includes significant delays with an estimated additional journey time of four to seven minutes, impacting millions in constituencies such as Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Bristol, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, South Wales, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, and Oxfordshire. The disruption will be especially severe on Sundays and at Christmas, with 29 days of disruption this current year, increasing to 47 days in the following years.']
Specific Asks
['The Minister should address how to mitigate construction phase disruptions, improve services through Old Oak Common as an interchange station, offset additional journey time by improving connections to the Elizabeth line and London Overground, provide more rolling stock to prevent overcrowding, ensure wi-fi improvements for business users, and expedite infrastructure development around Gloucester.']
[Sir Christopher Chope in the Chair]
09 October 2024
Responding: Karin Smyth
Main Concerns
["NHS maternity services across the country are struggling, and this is especially evident in Gloucestershire. A recent 'Panorama' documentary highlighted several harrowing stories of failures in maternity care that resulted in distressing experiences for pregnant women and their families. The service at Gloucestershire Royal hospital has been rated inadequate for two consecutive years, and a section 31 safety enforcement notice was served in May. Cheltenham's midwife-led Aveta birth unit closed due to a shortage of midwives and remains closed with no clear timeline for reopening. Additionally, the research by the Royal College of Midwives shows that midwives are working an estimated 120,000 unpaid hours weekly, indicating extreme overwork which is linked to high levels of sickness absence among staff."]
Specific Asks
['The Government should seek to reinstate maternity services in places such as Cheltenham and Stroud. It must address the ongoing recruitment and retention crisis in midwifery, particularly in cases where a section 31 notice exacerbates these issues by making it harder for local trusts to recruit staff due to increased monitoring and bureaucracy.']
Summer Health and Resilience
09 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Dover and Portsmouth: Protests
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Rewiring the State
02 September 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister has set out priorities to address 40 years of overly centralised decision making and over-privatisation, which have stripped power and resources away from communities. The Governmen...
Policing in Cleveland
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
16 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Immigration and Asylum Bill
13 July 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The speaker has selected the reasoned amendment in the name of the Leader of the Opposition, but no specific opening argument is provided in this excerpt.
Death of Ann Widdecombe
13 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
European Entry and Exit System
08 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (Amendment) Bill - New Clause 3
17 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
This amendment would specify categories of conduct that may be regarded as involvement in foreign power threat activity for the purposes of designation. It includes transnational repression, abusive l...
GP services in Cheltenham
15 July 2025
The petition calls for the establishment of a new GP surgery in Cheltenham due to the strain on current GPs, who are working long hours without breaks, and the difficulty residents face in securing ti...
View Full Petition -->
GP services in Cheltenham
21 May 2025
The petition highlights the need for a new GP surgery in Cheltenham due to existing surgeries being strained by long working hours, lack of breaks for GPs, difficulty securing timely appointments, and...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
69.4%
68 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
50
51.0% of votes
No Votes
18
18.4% of votes
Abstentions
30
30.6% 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 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 AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
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 NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
1
PMQs Asked
45
Ministerial Questions Asked
74
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
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
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+236% above average
This MP:
45
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1423% above average
This MP:
74
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 (%)
+0% above average
This MP:
69.4
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Max Wilkinson's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.