Mel Stride
MP for Central Devon
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
When you cut out the blather, is not the reality that this Labour Government have condemned us to higher taxes, more debt, fewer jobs and more pain for businesses up and down our country? Borrowing, unemployment and inflation are up, yet the right hon. Lady tells us that the Government’s plan is working. It is not just me who is not convinced; the Members behind her are not convinced either. Nor are the public. In fact, I am not even sure whether the right hon. Lady herself is convinced. Is she not just a little embarrassed to defend policies that she does not even agree with?
Context
The MP expresses skepticism about public and parliamentary support for the government's economic policies, noting dissatisfaction with increased borrowing, unemployment, and inflation.
The Deputy Prime Minister (Angela Rayner)
I am embarrassed every week that an Opposition Member comes here who does not apologise for the mess they left this country in. One party crashed the economy and left families to pay the price. We are putting working people first. I am proud that we have got a huge boost to the minimum wage, the biggest uplift in affordable housing in a generation and that we have expanded free school meals to half a million children. The Tories’ choice: billions of pounds in unfunded tax cuts for the very wealthy—we know where that gets us. It is the same old Tory failed approach. They have not listened, and they have not learnt a thing.
Assessment
The Deputy Prime Minister did not address whether she feels embarrassed defending Labour's economic policies but rather criticized the previous Conservative government's actions regarding the economy.
Sidestepped Question
Changed Subject
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Britain’s businesses have today been put on notice: tax rises are coming. Specifically, in the right hon. Lady’s own area, despite Labour’s promises to freeze council tax, the Institute for Fiscal Studies says that the spending review will mean the biggest council tax increases in a generation—a £7 billion tax rise. Yet the Chancellor and the Prime Minister have repeatedly claimed that the Government will not raise taxes on working people. Why does the right hon. Lady think that council tax is not paid by working people?
Context
The MP challenges the Deputy Prime Minister to repeat the Chancellor’s promise of no tax increases, noting concerns from businesses and economists about future tax rises.
The Deputy Prime Minister (Angela Rayner)
Again, the Conservatives have an absolute nerve when council tax rose ever single year under their Government. In fact, I had to turn down the Tories on the Local Government Association who wanted me to take away the precept to ensure that they could raise taxes above the 5%. We have kept it there while delivering money for local government, while they had austerity, put taxes up and ruined the British economy.
Assessment
The Deputy Prime Minister did not address whether council tax is a burden on working people but rather criticized the previous Conservative government's actions regarding council tax.
Sidestepped Question
Changed Subject
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
The right hon. Lady completely sidestepped my question. She cannot even defend her own Government’s policy. Can she at least assure the House that the vote on Tuesday will actually go ahead?
Context
The MP criticizes the government's welfare bill, noting that it does not commit to reducing the number of people on welfare benefits and expresses concern about future tax rises.
The Deputy Prime Minister (Angela Rayner)
I do not know if the right hon. Gentleman listened to what I said, because he was reading off his script—I do not need a script—but I can tell him that we will go ahead on Tuesday.
Assessment
The Deputy Prime Minister did not clarify her position regarding the welfare bill's effectiveness in reducing the number of people on welfare benefits, instead focusing on confirming the vote would proceed.
Sidestepped Question
Changed Subject
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
I was contacted by Ukrainian Treasury Committee Chair with ideas for tightening the screw on Russia's economy through international tax regime. My right hon. Friend has promoted sanctions internationally. Will he meet me to consider these new proposals?
Context
Ukrainian Treasury Committee chair contacted with ideas to tighten sanctions against Russia. UK companies are already careful about investments in Putin's Russia.
Boris Johnson
I thank my right hon. Friend for his work on tightening screws on Putin's regime. UK companies are careful about investments in Russia, and we banned new outward investment there. I am happy to have a meeting as soon as possible.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Asks if the PM has had a conversation with the Chancellor regarding the inclusion of self-employment income received by way of dividend in the calculation of furlough support and if there is any good news on this matter.
Context
Proposes including dividend income in the furlough support calculation for self-employed individuals.
The Prime Minister
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend, who raises a very important point. I have an answer of fantastic complexity here before me, but the gist of it is that at present HMRC would be forced to rely on all sorts of information that it would not be able to verify very easily in order to comply with his wishes.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
May I welcome the Chancellor to his position and thank him for his kind remarks earlier? May I also wish him every success, because I am afraid that under this Government we need some? He will know that if we are to fix the economy, we have to fix the welfare bill. Will he give a commitment today that at the Budget next month, he will come to the House with a comprehensive plan for how he will arrest the burgeoning welfare bill? He and I know that failure to do so will lead to millions of hard-working people and hundreds of thousands of businesses up and down the country facing unnecessary and unacceptable tax increases.
Context
The Chancellor needs to fix the economy by fixing the welfare bill. The questioner asks for a commitment to present a comprehensive plan at the next Budget to address the burgeoning welfare bill.
John Healey
The right hon. Gentleman sets out the challenge facing the country in the long term. That is exactly why we have commissioned Alan Milburn and the Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions, my right hon. Friend the Member for East Ham (Sir Stephen Timms) to do the reviews they are currently doing. When they produce them in the autumn, we will look at them and act on the recommendations.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-08
View All Questions -->
The right hon. Lady cannot bring herself to answer the simple question I asked. I will tell her: she is borrowing one quarter of a trillion pounds more than the plans that she inherited—that is her legacy. We hear that the right hon. Member for Makerfield (Andy Burnham) is considering borrowing even more. Does she agree that that would be utterly reckless and that the bond markets will not wear it?
Context
The MP noted that the Chancellor was borrowing one quarter of a trillion pounds more than inherited plans and questioned if Labour would borrow even more.
Rachel Reeves
When the Conservatives were in office, in the last Parliament they borrowed more than the G7 average every single year. This year we are borrowing less than the G7 average and have brought down Government borrowing to 4.2% of GDP in the most recent data. We have brought forward our fiscal rules so that they kick in two years earlier, and we are meeting those fiscal rules, to ensure that we have sustainable public finances—a far cry from those that I inherited.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Given all that is going on, this could be the last time. The legacy of this Chancellor has been the highest taxes on record, a benefits bill spiralling out of control, and unemployment 300,000 higher than it was at the last general election. The right hon. Lady trumpets 2.8% inflation, but that is still well above target, and only last year it was the highest in the G7, to the detriment of millions up and down our country. Under her plans, how much more does she intend to borrow in this Parliament than under the plan she inherited?
Context
The MP criticized the Chancellor for high taxes, a rising benefits bill, and higher unemployment compared to the previous election.
Rachel Reeves
Let's talk about my record: six cuts in interest rates; wages rising faster than inflation; trade deals secured; investment delivered; support for our energy-intensive industries; half a million children lifted out of poverty; record investment in our national health service; more money for local transport infrastructure right around the country; the biggest uplift in defence spending since the end of the cold war; and an economy that has constantly beaten the forecasts—an economy that is growing, and an economy where inflation has come down. Compared with the disastrous 14 years when the Conservatives were in office, I would take our record any day.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Why has this Chancellor increased borrowing by one quarter of a trillion pounds, leading to higher borrowing costs, inflation, interest rates, and sluggish growth?
Context
The question arises from concerns about government borrowing compared to the previous administration's plans. The right hon. Member references a significant increase in borrowing.
Rachel Reeves
The right hon. Gentleman would have increased fuel duty and business rates; we reduced them instead. We are reducing the budget deficit, now below 5% of GDP for the first time in six years, leading the Bank of England to cut interest rates six times since our election mandate.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
In response to the question from my right hon. Friend the Member for Godalming and Ash (Sir Jeremy Hunt) on borrowing, the right hon. Lady suggested that she was following a strict deficit reduction plan. I think she made reference to a reduction in the deficit of £20 billion year on year—but, of course, it is easy to reduce something if you pump it up recklessly in the first place. Could she tell the House how much more borrowing this Government will undertake across this Parliament compared with the plans that she inherited from the last Government?
Context
The Conservative MP questions the Chancellor about government borrowing, referencing a deficit reduction plan and comparing current plans with inherited ones.
Rachel Reeves
To start with, let us remember that the plans we inherited from the last Government would have seen fuel duty go up straightaway; the plans that we inherited from the last Government would not have seen £29 billion of investment a year in our NHS; and the plans that we inherited from the last Government would have seen business rates for our high street businesses—our retail, hospitality and leisure businesses—go up straightaway. We did make the decision to change that inheritance because we thought it was the right thing to do, and we still do. The International Monetary Fund confirmed that we have the fastest rate of fiscal consolidation of any country in the G7, and our borrowing as a share of GDP fell to 4.3% in the last financial year and is due to fall in every single year of this Parliament. This is the first time that our deficit has been lower than 5% since 2019.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The rural fuel duty relief scheme is meant to give a 5p discount on petrol and diesel in specific island rural communities, but I found that petrol in Stornoway is 9p more expensive than in Glasgow. Can the Minister look at this scheme again?
Context
The rural fuel duty relief scheme is meant to give a 5p discount on petrol and diesel in island rural communities but is found to be less effective.
Dan Tomlinson
The rural fuel duty relief scheme does provide a 5p discount and will benefit constituents on the islands and in communities. We will keep all taxes under review and I am happy to meet the MP to discuss this.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Given the rising cost of oil and gas, why is it better to import it than to extract it from the North Sea?
Context
The questioner asks about the government's stance on importing oil and gas versus extracting it from the North Sea.
Rachel Reeves
The price of oil and gas is volatile due to the conflict in the Middle East. The North Sea will play an important part in the energy mix for years to come, and I met North Sea oil and gas companies to discuss how we can help.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Mr Speaker, I begin by associating Conservative Members with the Chancellor’s comments about your leg—we wish it well. We are waiting with interest to hear the details of the latest U-turn on business rates this afternoon, but if the briefing is to be believed, it will be far too little, too late. The Chancellor simply does not understand the desperate situation so many of our pubs are in. Many pubs are asking why the Chancellor chose to spend billions more on the benefits bill instead of providing proper, permanent business rates support.
Context
Sir Mel raises the issue of business rates increases affecting pubs, noting that some have seen over 100% hikes. He criticizes the government for focusing on other areas rather than providing permanent support.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
Under the previous Government—when the right hon. Gentleman was in government—7,000 pubs closed. We have permanently lowered the tax rate that retail, hospitality and leisure businesses pay. When I became Chancellor of the Exchequer, we faced a situation in which all of the covid support was going to disappear overnight. We have put £4.3 billion of taxpayers’ money into supporting our retail and hospitality sector, including pubs, but we recognise the distinct problems that pubs face. That is why, unlike the previous Conservative Government, we are setting out more support.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Only last week the right hon. Lady was trumpeting that the economy had turned a corner, but it is barely a month since her disastrous jobs tax started to bite. May I ask her precisely which business confidence survey she can point to which supports her assertion that everything is coming up roses?
Context
The shadow Chancellor had previously stated that the economy has turned a corner, but recent data suggests otherwise due to increased national insurance contributions.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
According to PwC’s global CEO survey, Britain is the second-best place in the world in which to invest. Since the general election we have created 200,000 jobs and the UK is now the fastest-growing economy in the G7. We have secured three trade agreements backed by British businesses and unions; the Conservative party opposes every single one.
Session: Business Costs Impact of Autumn Budget
View All Questions -->
May I ask him this: the fiscal targets are looking like they will be under a great deal of pressure come the autumn. There is a great deal of speculation and uncertainty among businesses as to whether this will lead to tax increases. Can he take away that uncertainty now, particularly given the tariffs and all the uncertainty that is vested in that, to make it clear at that Dispatch Box that there will be no further increases in taxation on businesses this Parliament?
Context
The UK faces potential tariff issues due to the President of the United States. Businesses are uncertain about future tax increases.
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Darren Jones)
My apologies, Mr Speaker. It was our ordering that caused the problem, not the ordering of questions in the House. The right hon. Gentleman knows that tight decisions were taken at the Budget, but we have been very clear that we are working hand in glove with businesses to be able to bring growth back to the economy and to ensure that investment—private sector and public sector—is coming forward.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
How many jobs will the right hon. Lady destroy as a result of her jobs tax?
Context
The OBR forecasted that there would be a reduction in jobs as a result of the NICs increase.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
I know that the right hon. Gentleman will have looked at the OBR forecast from the Budget last year, which forecasted that employment will rise in this Parliament, unemployment will fall and real household disposable income will increase. That is a far cry from the last Parliament, which was the worst on record for living standards.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
A full two thirds of the revenues raised through Labour’s job tax is simply going on servicing the additional debt being run up by this profligate Government. Given that, does he really believe that the catastrophic effects of that tax on businesses right up and down the country are a price worth paying?
Context
Conservative MP Mel Stride questioned the Labour government's decision to increase national insurance contributions, citing it as a burden on businesses and an inefficient use of taxpayer money.
Mansfield
We inherited a £22 billion black hole in the public finances, and we set out the detail of that at the time of the Budget. It was essential to close that gap to bring stability back to the public finances. That required difficult decisions, but they were the right decisions to ensure that our country has the stability that it lacked for so many years and under so many different Prime Ministers and Chancellors under the Conservative party.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
No. 10 has stated that it is not prepared to stand by the Chancellor's commitment on tax. Is that because No. 10 changed its mind, or because the right hon. Lady spoke without thinking?
Rachel Reeves
We took decisions in this Budget in order to wipe the slate clean after the mismanagement, decline and chaos of the previous Government. That required us to make difficult decisions, but we were right to make them.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
When she recently pledged to the CBI that she would not raise taxes again, did she mean it?
Rachel Reeves
At the Budget in October, we had to fix a £22 billion black hole in the public finances. Some of that black hole comes from the fact that we are the only G7 economy in which employment is lower than it was before the pandemic.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I think I need to correct the right hon. Lady: there were actually 200,000 fewer pensioners in absolute poverty under the previous Conservative Government. She quite rightly is pressing the uptake of pension credit, but if all those who are eligible for it take it up, that will cost £3.8 billion, which is substantially more than the saving that is scored at £1.4 billion. If she is successful in her aspiration, the costs will substantially outweigh the savings; if she is not successful, potentially millions of pensioners will be plunged further into poverty. May I ask her which it is?
Context
The question challenges the government's assertion about costs and savings related to increased pension credit uptake.
Liz Kendall
There are 200,000 more pensioners in poverty, and I am happy to put those figures into the public domain to set the record straight. The savings we have put forward take into account the increase in uptake that we foresee. Unlike Conservative Members, we are determined and will do everything possible—they should perhaps ask themselves why they first announced the merger of pension credit and housing benefit in 2012 and then put it off until 2028—to change things and get people the money they are entitled to. We will bring that forward to ensure that all the poorest pensioners get what they are entitled to.
Session: Winter Fuel Payment
View All Questions -->
In the general election, the Labour party promised that it had no plans to means-test the winter fuel allowance, yet we learn that millions of pensioners are to be affected. Indeed, in 2017 the right hon. Lady's party produced an analysis suggesting that around 4,000 pensioners would die prematurely were this policy to be brought into effect. Does she stand by that figure of around 4,000? If not, how many premature deaths does she believe will occur as a result of this policy?
Context
The question refers to a policy that could affect pensioners and the potential number of premature deaths due to means-testing winter fuel allowances.
Liz Kendall
In 2017, the right hon. Gentleman's party manifesto promised to means-test winter fuel payments. Until Conservative Members know that they have to apologise to the British people for the 200,000 extra pensioners in poverty over the past 14 years, and for a £22 billion black hole in the public finances, which we are now putting right but that has put the public finances at risk, they will remain on the Opposition Benches and we will remain on the Government Benches.
Session: Winter Fuel Payment
View All Questions -->
On 10 September, two days before recess, I led a debate in this Chamber, secured by the Conservative party, on the winter fuel allowance. The right hon. Lady spoke just now about transparency, but there was no equality impact assessment made available for that debate. Indeed, on 30 August, by way of a written question, my hon. Friend the Member for Hinckley and Bosworth (Dr Evans) established that the Government had no intention of publishing that particular report. Yet on 13 September—two days after the debate and the vote, and one day after Parliament had risen—the report was made available. It was clearly, in my opinion, deliberately withheld. Does the right hon. Lady agree?
Context
The MP questions the transparency of an equality impact assessment report.
Liz Kendall
That is not true. The Conservative Government did not even allow the Office for Budget Responsibility to do an analysis of Liz Truss's disastrous mini-Budget and sat on 31 publications that, under their own rules, should have been published. We published an equality analysis. The right hon. Gentleman will know that that was never done for secondary legislation when he was in government, but this Government will be open and transparent, which is what we are already doing.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I very much welcome my right hon. Friend's decision to bring forward the medium-term plan and the OBR forecast; he has listened, and he is right. However, may I caution him to reach out as much as he can across both sides of the House, to be certain that he can get through this House the measures he puts forward to underpin that forecast?
Context
The Chancellor was asked for advice on how to ensure measures would pass through the House.
Kwasi Kwarteng
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. He does a brilliant job of chairing his Committee and is full of wise counsel; he is absolutely right that we will and should canvass opinion widely ahead of the publication of the plan.
Session: Growth Plan OBR Assessment
View All Questions -->
I am concerned about our country's highest tax burden since the 1950s and acknowledge that my right hon Friend the Chancellor has been bringing taxes down more recently. However, with inflation at high levels, now is not the time for dramatic cuts but once inflation starts to recede, particularly at the end of this year or into next year, we will have an opportunity to introduce serious tax cuts to drive growth and job creation.
Context
The country is experiencing high tax burdens since the 1950s, although recent efforts have focused on reducing taxes rather than increasing them. With current elevated levels of inflation, drastic tax cuts are not advisable.
Rishi Sunak
I thank my right hon Friend for his constructive dialogue on these issues. I direct him to our spring statement's tax plan which indicates our direction of travel, including upcoming tax cuts in a day's time to help with the cost of living, more cuts in the autumn to drive business investment and innovation, followed by further personal taxation cuts when stability is achieved.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Naturally, there has been criticism of the Bank of England, given the level of inflation and its inflation target, but among that criticism there have been reports that some in government, including perhaps one member of the Cabinet, have been suggesting that the independence of the Bank of England should be removed. Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is essential that our central bank is independent in order to maintain the credibility and integrity of our monetary policy? Will he give a categorical assurance to the House that there are no plans of any kind to restrain the independence of our central bank?
Context
There has been criticism of the Bank of England's inflation targets and some suggestions that its independence should be removed.
Rishi Sunak (Chancellor of the Exchequer)
I thank my right hon. Friend the Chair of the Select Committee for his important intervention. I agree with him wholeheartedly. While we face challenges at the moment, the record of 25 years of central bank independence speaks for itself, with an average inflation rate of exactly 2%. I know all colleagues will want to make sure that we return to that as swiftly as possible, and I can assure him that that is both my and the Governor's ambition.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Is she aware of the issue where just one in four smaller companies are actually prepared for the changes happening? If so, what action is she taking to address this?
Context
The Federation of Small Businesses has estimated that only one in four smaller companies is prepared for the changes coming on 1 January regarding import processes.
Lucy Frazer
The Government and HMRC have taken significant action to ensure that hauliers and carriers are ready. HMRC has weekly meetings with strategic operators, conducted webinars for over 1,000 haulage businesses, and sends monthly emails to more than 14,000 hauliers on the next steps.
Session: UK Ports Prevention of Disruption over Christmas Period
View All Questions -->
Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is difficult to justify raising national insurance to fund social care for the predominantly elderly, when the impact of that tax rise would fall mainly on young people and those who are earning little in the workforce? Does he also recognise that those two groups are the very groups that have been most impacted by the economic consequences of the pandemic?
Context
Questioning the justification of raising national insurance to fund social care when impacting young people.
Steve Barclay
As my right hon. Friend knows, the Prime Minister will make a statement on this matter shortly, but what he and I would agree on is that the best way is to grow the economy, drive productivity, get people into work and skill them up through work. That is what the plan for jobs is doing, alongside the £600 billion investment in infrastructure over the course of this Parliament as part of levelling up and our commitment to net zero.
Session: Living Standards
View All Questions -->
Given the rapid pace of our economic recovery and the plans for the further reopening of the economy, I support my right hon. Friend's decision to phase out furlough by the end of September. However, does he accept that a small number of sectors are likely to require yet further support after that time—not least the travel sector?
Context
The rapid pace of economic recovery and plans for further reopening have raised concerns about sectors needing more support post-furlough phase-out.
Rishi Sunak
My right hon. Friend is right to highlight the difficult circumstances facing that sector, which is why I think in aggregate more than £7 billion of support has been provided to the sector through various means. For example, regional airports are paying no business rates for the first half of this year.
Session: Furloughed Employees
View All Questions -->
Due to the increasing concentration of wealth in older generations, the value of the average inheritance received by younger generations is becoming significantly greater through time. Does my right hon. Friend recognise this trend and the fact that it means that living standards will increasingly be determined not by skill, entrepreneurship and hard work but by chance, which will have a detrimental impact on social mobility? While it is absolutely right that families can pass on wealth to their loved ones, does my right hon. Friend none the less recognise the strong trend here, and if so, what steps might he consider taking to address this?
Context
Concerns about the increasing concentration of wealth in older generations and its impact on social mobility.
Rishi Sunak (Chancellor of the Exchequer)
I would say two things to my right hon. Friend. First, he will know that in the Budget we recently froze the inheritance tax thresholds for four years, which will provide some alleviation on the concern that he mentioned. Secondly, I believe that the best way to drive social mobility in our society is to provide everyone with the skills and education they need to make a better life for themselves, which is what this Government are committed to delivering.
Session: Living Standards
View All Questions -->
I very much welcome my right hon. Friend's announcement in the Budget of the super deduction, which will definitely have a very positive impact on investment. Of course, it will primarily do that by pulling forward what would have been future investment into a more recent time period. What measures is my right hon. Friend looking to, to ensure that that increase in corporate investment in the shorter term is continued into the medium and longer term?
Context
The question follows the announcement of the super deduction in the Budget, aimed at increasing corporate investment by incentivizing immediate investments rather than delaying them. The concern is about sustaining this increase in investment beyond the short term.
Rishi Sunak
I am glad my right hon. Friend recognises the importance of the super deduction. He is right that it will bring forward investment, but I believe it will also increase the amount of investment as well, given the attractiveness of doing so. What I would point him to are a couple of other announcements in the Budget. One is a consultation to reform our research and development tax credits regime, which we hope to conduct over the course of this year to make sure of support for investment in R&D in a way that reflects current R&D practices. Secondly, our freeports agenda contains enhanced capital allowances, and structures and building allowances, which last well beyond the period of the super deduction and will serve as an incentive for capital investment in those areas for years to come.
Session: Covid-19 Support for Business
View All Questions -->
There is a looming bloodbath for many businesses at the end of March, when the moratorium on commercial landlords taking action against tenants in arrears comes to an end. Does my right hon. Friend recognise that acute danger? What action might he consider taking to avoid it?
Rishi Sunak
My right hon. Friend knows that the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government is engaged with this issue and has worked with the industry to put in place various codes of practice to encourage good and constructive dialogue between landlords and tenants throughout a difficult situation.
Session: Support for Businesses Covid-19
View All Questions -->
There are reports that the Treasury has created an economic impact analysis, providing significant detail on the effect of coronavirus across various sectors of the economy. For each sector, this analysis allocates red, amber and green ratings for revenue, jobs and financial stability. Given the vote tonight, may I ask my right hon Friend why that analysis has not been published?
Context
Reports indicate that the Treasury has conducted an economic impact analysis for various sectors, assigning red, amber, and green ratings based on revenue, jobs, and financial stability. This analysis is significant in understanding the effect of the coronavirus across different parts of the economy.
Rishi Sunak
My right hon Friend will have seen the analysis we did publish, which talked specifically about sectoral impact. In the document, there were specific links to the various places that people can find GVA and employment by sector and, indeed, the financial resilience of local businesses at some stages by sector and by region. It is that analysis, as we have said, that will determine the particular economic impact in an area. That information is all provided in the report for people to look at.
Session: Covid-19 Public Finances
View All Questions -->
My right hon. Friend has done a great deal to support jobs in our country, but he will know that lockdowns destroy jobs and lead to increased mental illness and a smaller economy that for many years will be less able to look after our most vulnerable. Does he agree that the Government should come forward urgently with a comprehensive review of the impact of lockdowns, not just in terms of epidemiology and the effect on the NHS, important though that is, but in terms of the economy, businesses, jobs and the country's social wellbeing?
Context
Lockdowns have economic and societal impacts. The question seeks a comprehensive review to understand these impacts.
Rishi Sunak
As ever, my right hon. Friend makes an excellent point. He is right about the damage to not only non-covid health outcomes but people's jobs and livelihoods and the long-term damage that that will cause to all our health outcomes.
Session: Local Covid-19 Restrictions Economic Support
View All Questions -->
Does he agree that many thousands, perhaps even hundreds of thousands, of jobs are going to be viable after covid is dealt with but will not make it unless they are provided with further targeted support after the end of October?
Context
Concerns about job viability post-COVID, with thousands or even hundreds of thousands of positions at risk without additional support.
Rishi Sunak
As ever, I am grateful for the advice from my right hon. Friend. He is right that businesses do need support, which is why many of the interventions that we have put in place—for example, the business rates holidays and, indeed, our support for the economy and jobs through initiatives such as our stamp duty cut to catalyse the housing market—last through to next year. I hope he will be reassured that throughout this crisis I have not hesitated to act in creative and effective ways to support jobs and employment, and I will continue to do so.
Session: Covid-19 Fiscal Support
View All Questions -->
My right hon. Friend the Chancellor will know that I have written to him about the legal duty that the OBR has to produce two economic forecasts in each financial year, which of course has been complicated by the cancellation of the last Budget. Can I ask him to set out for the House the approach that he intends to take and how he will avoid the necessity of having two forecasts very close together saying essentially the same thing?
Context
The OBR has a legal duty to produce two economic forecasts each financial year, but this was complicated by the cancellation of the last Budget.
Sajid Javid
I congratulate my right hon. Friend on being elected as the Chair of the Treasury Committee. I look forward to working with him and to the scrutiny that he will provide, as he is doing right now. The issue about the forecasts the OBR needs to provide is a live one, and we will make sure that the OBR meets its statutory requirements. I am pleased that the head of the OBR, Robert Chote, has discussed it with my right hon. Friend, and I would be happy to discuss it with him too.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Will assurances be given regarding Scotland's fair share of funding via the Barnett formula in future budgets? Additionally, are commitments made by the previous government on city and regional deals going to be honoured?
Context
Following up on the block grant, Mel Stride sought reassurance that Scotland will receive fair funding through the Barnett formula at upcoming Budgets.
Douglas Ross
Scotland will receive its fair share through the block grant and Barnett formula. Regarding city and growth deals, £1.4 billion is being invested across Scotland; a deal in every part of the country includes one for Moray worth £32.5 million, matched by the Scottish Government.
Session: Block Grant
View All Questions -->
What recent discussions have ministers and officials had with the Scottish Government concerning the block grant?
Context
Mel Stride inquired about recent discussions the UK government had with the Scottish Government regarding the block grant.
Douglas Ross
Ministers and officials regularly discuss various issues including the block grant with the Scottish Government. The latest spending round provided an extra £1.2 billion to Scotland for economic growth and public service investment, marking the biggest settlement in a decade.
Session: Block Grant
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Middle East: Economic Response
21 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Costs for Motorists
21 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East: Economic Update
21 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East: Economic Update
24 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East: Economic Update
09 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Spring Forecast
03 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Business Rates 2026-01-27
27 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government is taking steps to protect high street businesses from upward-only rent review clauses, introducing a strong new community right to buy to safeguard valued community assets. They are al...
Business Rates Retail, Hospitality and Leisure 2026-01-19
19 January 2026
Urgent Question
Led by this MP
Will the Minister confirm that the planned changes to business rates for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors will not result in crippling rises? Given the significant negative impact these cha...
Finance (No. 2) Bill 2025-12-16
16 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Exchequer Secretary outlined the key aspects of the Budget delivered on 26 November, highlighting no return to austerity and a focus on reducing cost-of-living pressures. The Minister emphasised s...
Conduct of the Chancellor of the Exchequer 2025-12-10
10 December 2025
General Debate
Led by this MP
The right hon. Member for Central Devon (Sir Mel Stride) moved a substantive motion calling on the Chancellor to apologise for misleading the country about public finances, rolling the pitch for raisi...
Attendance
71.4%
70 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
37
37.8% of votes
No Votes
33
33.7% of votes
Abstentions
28
28.6% 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
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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 AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
5
PMQs Asked
32
Ministerial Questions Asked
74
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
9
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
+37% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+139% above average
This MP:
32
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1423% above average
This MP:
74
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-5% below average
This MP:
9
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+3% above average
This MP:
71.4
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Mel Stride's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.