Mike Tapp
MP for Dover and Deal
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
The Conservatives gave up on law and order. They betrayed our country and let criminals run riot. Now, they desperately post wannabe superhero videos, shamelessly pointing at the problems they created. Last week, they had the chance to put it right, and what did they do? They voted against tough action on knife crime, on antisocial behaviour and on violence against women and girls. Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree that they should hang their heads in shame for failing to protect our streets?
Context
The question follows criticism of the Conservatives for their approach to law and order, specifically regarding knife crime and antisocial behaviour.
The Deputy Prime Minister (Angela Rayner)
First, it is nice to face the latest wannabe at the Dispatch Box. I will tell the right hon. Member why we are pressing ahead with our reforms: it is because we are investing a billion pounds in tailored employment support, in a “right to try” in order to help more people back into work, and in ending reassessments for the most severely disabled who will never be able to work. We will not walk away or stand by and abandon millions of people trapped in the failing system, left behind by him and his colleagues.
Assessment
The Deputy Prime Minister did not address whether she agrees that the Conservatives should feel ashamed for failing to take action on law and order issues. Instead, she shifted focus to her government's welfare reforms.
Sidestepped Question
Changed Subject
Session: PMQs
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This morning we woke to more tragic news of deaths in the channel, something we are hearing far too often. Just last month, we saw the death of a pregnant woman and children. What are the Government doing to take on the evil smuggling gangs who are trading in human misery?
Context
Recent news includes the death of a pregnant woman and children in the channel. There are ongoing deaths due to human smugglers.
Angela Rayner
I thank my hon. Friend and welcome him, and his expertise in the National Crime Agency, to this place. He knows that we inherited an asylum system in chaos.
Assessment
Specific actions against smuggling gangs not detailed
Session: PMQs
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The Iranian regime hangs gay people from cranes. It funds and arms terror groups, and arms Vladimir Putin. A regime such as that must never have nuclear weapons. What will the Foreign Secretary do to prevent it from ever achieving its goals?
Context
The question highlights the Iranian regime's severe human rights abuses.
David Lammy
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for reminding us of the horrendous human rights record of this regime, a regime that is the worst sponsor of state terrorism in the world.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps he is taking with his international counterparts to improve troop mobility across Europe. I thank the Minister for his answer. The new Rail Baltica, under construction from Warsaw to Estonia, is a potentially useful project to assist troop movement, if needed in the future. Does the Minister agree that we and our allies need to be agile to respond to the threats emanating from Russia, particularly in support of Baltic states such as Estonia?
Context
Exercise Hedgehog is demonstrating the rapid deployment of British service personnel to Estonia. Rail Baltica, a rail project from Warsaw to Estonia, could be useful for troop movement in future.
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Luke Pollard)
I met the Estonian ambassador and, indeed, all ambassadors from JEF nations on board HMS Sutherland last week, and my hon. Friend is absolutely right: fast, deployable forces are vital deterrents against Russian aggression. They underline our key commitment to NATO’s eastern flank, and particularly our strong commitment to our friends in Estonia. We will continue to have their backs and to ensure that we have forces deployed there, securing that nation’s freedom.
Session: Troop Mobility Europe
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I am absolutely delighted to see the Government pushing forward with the new lower Thames crossing. Are there plans to explore widening the carriage in the parts that need it from the crossing to Dover to assist trade transit?
Context
Discussions about improving road infrastructure for trade transit in the area.
Lilian Greenwood
Improvements to the A2 as it approaches Dover are being considered as part of the pipeline of enhancements being developed for possible delivery in a future road investment strategy beyond 2030.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Port of Dover has ambitious targets to be the first green shipping corridor. What are the Government’s plans to ensure sufficient power supplies to the port for ships to plug into?
Context
The Port of Dover has ambitious targets to become the first green shipping corridor.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mike Kane)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising that infrastructure, which is so important to our nation. I was pleased to meet Doug Bannister, the chief executive officer of the Port of Dover, just the other day to talk about these matters. This Government are implementing a new strategic planning process and reforming connections to ensure that electricity meets future demands. If we do that right, we can have the greenest shipping corridors in the world.
Session: Maritime Sector
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What are this Government doing to ensure that, for new builds, including social housing new builds, we deliver solar panels on every roof, high levels of insulation, and charging points on driveways?
Context
Mike Tapp visits Aylesham village with Persimmon Homes, noticing solar panels on roofs across the estate. He enquires about Government efforts to ensure sustainable features in new social housing builds.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
The previous Government, to their credit, introduced changes to the building regulations that came into force in June 2022, and under those standards, new homes are being built with high-quality insulation and electric vehicle charging points. Those standards also encourage the use of solar panels, or other forms of low-carbon technology, such as heat pumps. This Government intend to amend building regulations later this year, as part of the introduction of future standards that will set more ambitious energy efficiency and carbon emission requirements for new homes.
Session: Social Housing
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In Deal, Blossom children’s centre has been closed, and the new merged service does not offer the level of service required for one to four-year-olds and is not fit for purpose. What can be done to reopen that much-loved and sorely missed community asset?
Context
Blossom children’s centre in Deal has been closed, and the new merged service is not offering the required level of support for one to four-year-olds. The local community relies on this facility as a crucial community asset.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Janet Daby)
Local authorities must engage with families to co-design services and ensure that those services meet their needs. We are investing £126 million in family hubs, Start for Life, and through our plan for change. This Government aim to get a record proportion of children hitting key developmental targets by the age of five. If my hon. Friend would like to write to me on any particular issue, I would be happy to take it up. Departmental officials are aware of the case he raises and are working with Kent county council to continue to deliver services.
Session: Family Hubs Kent
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What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help increase prosecution rates in cases of people smuggling. I have worked with the National Crime Agency and in counter-terror roles, witnessing the impact of counter-terror powers. Are you considering using or adapting similar powers for border security?
Context
The MP is concerned about the effectiveness of legal measures against people smugglers and the prosecution rate in Dover and Deal.
Lucy Rigby
The Government have set up the Border Security Command to bring together law enforcement agencies and enhance the Crown Prosecution Service's capacity for swift charging decisions. We are learning from our successful counter-terror measures and will create new, stronger powers through a border security bill.
Session: People Smuggling
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It is vital that we continue to supply Ukraine with aid in the face of Russian aggression. Is that aid combined with diplomatic efforts to bring about a just and lasting peace, in line with UN conventions?
Context
Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine has led to increased military and humanitarian aid from various countries, including the UK.
Stephen Doughty
Our support is absolute and resolute. I am happy to meet the hon. Member to discuss these issues further. We will maintain our position.
Session: Topical Questions
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It is mystifying that these documents have not been released 40 years later. It's about learning lessons for future operations, not identifying blame. What is the reason for withholding these documents? Will you show compassion by releasing them?
Context
Documents related to the RFA Sir Galahad incident remain unreleased despite efforts for transparency. Veterans and bereaved families seek truth.
Alistair Carns
I have compassion for those injured or wounded in combat. Lessons learned from this conflict have been spread throughout the Department. Five files, comprising 308 witness statements, remain closed until 2065 under Public Records Act 1958.
Session: RFA Sir Galahad Bombing
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I recently met members of Dover district council, who told me that they are keen to help the Government where they can to deliver our ambitious housing targets. Around the edge of Dover High Street we often see consistently empty units. What can the Government do to help us turn those into the housing that our community so badly needs, and will the Minister meet me to discuss how we can help?
Context
Local authorities are keen to help deliver housing targets but face challenges with empty units around High Street.
Angela Rayner
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Compulsory purchase orders can be used by local authorities to acquire empty properties where the authority can demonstrate that the acquisition would be in the public interest. I am also aware that there is a problem with homes built under section 106 agreements being left empty. The Government will continue to work with house builders, local authorities and affordable housing providers to tackle the problems.
Session: Housing Supply
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After a long campaign by residents, it was agreed that the blood testing provision at Victoria Hospital would return. However, this has stalled in the tendering process. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how we can move this forward?
Context
Victoria hospital in Deal lost blood testing services in September 2021, leading to a local campaign. The restoration of these services is stalled in the tendering process.
Karin Smyth
I commend my hon. Friend for championing this issue on behalf of his constituents and understand that he has raised it with the chief executive officer of his local trust. While commissioning decisions are a matter for Kent and Medway ICB, I am very happy to meet him to discuss further.
Session: NHS Urgent and Emergency Care
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What assessment has the Department made of the effectiveness of urgent and emergency care services?
Context
The NHS is facing challenges with A&E wait times, as highlighted by Lord Darzi's report. The latest data shows that one in 10 patients spend over 12 hours in A&E.
Karin Smyth
Lord Darzi's independent report highlights that urgent and emergency care services are struggling, with recent data showing 10% of patients spending over 12 hours in A&E. The government is committed to improving service standards through its 10-year health service reform plan.
Session: NHS Urgent and Emergency Care
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Dover and Portsmouth: Protests
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Electronic Travel Authorisation: Dual Nationals
25 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Injury in Service Award 2025-11-20
20 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate seeks to acknowledge the risks faced by police officers, firefighters, paramedics and other emergency service personnel; recognises catastrophic injuries suffered in public service with ina...
Independent Sentencing Review 2025-05-22
22 May 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Lord Chancellor opened the debate by presenting the Government's response to the independent sentencing review, chaired by David Gauke. She highlighted that despite building prisons and increasing...
Diego Garcia Military Base 2025-05-22
22 May 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
National Security Act 2023 Charges 2025-05-19
19 May 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill 2025-05-12
12 May 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Minister for Border Security and Asylum introduced the new clause which amends the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 to extend employment prohibitions to other working arrangements such...
Immigration System 2025-05-12
12 May 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Asylum Hotels and Illegal Channel Crossings 2025-03-25
25 March 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that asylum hotels are still in use despite promises to end their use? The number of illegal immigrants staying in these hotels has risen by 8,000 since the general election ...
Prevent Learning Review 2025-02-12
12 February 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
68.4%
67 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
26
26.5% of votes
No Votes
41
41.8% of votes
Abstentions
31
31.6% 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 NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
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
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
2
PMQs Asked
12
Ministerial Questions Asked
22
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
5
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 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-45% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
-10% below average
This MP:
12
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+353% above average
This MP:
22
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-47% below average
This MP:
5
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-1% below average
This MP:
68.4
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 Mike Tapp's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.