Mike Wood
MP for Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Con
7 May 2015 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
The triple lock was a great achievement of the previous Government, and we will be keeping it. From April, pensioners with private pensions as low as £2 a month will be paying income tax for the first time. At last year’s Budget, the Chancellor was clear that extending the freeze on personal allowances would breach Labour’s manifesto commitment. Will the Prime Minister prove the media speculation wrong, keep his promise and guarantee that there will be no extension to the freeze on personal allowances?
Context
The previous Government introduced the triple lock, a commitment to increase state pensions in line with inflation. The Chancellor had previously stated that extending the freeze on personal allowances would breach Labour's manifesto commitments.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
The freeze was introduced by them. That is why it is coming in next year.
Assessment
Guarantee about no extension to the freeze on personal allowances
Blaming Previous Government
Session: PMQs
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As you know, Mr Speaker, Parliament has banned the charging of electric vehicles in its underground car park because of safety concerns. Yet local authorities around the country often feel powerless to stop the construction of battery energy storage systems near people’s homes and near our rivers and canals, despite three fires already this year. Will the Prime Minister look again at his Planning and Infrastructure Bill to make it easier, rather than harder, for local communities to have a meaningful say?
Context
Local authorities feel unable to stop the construction of battery energy storage systems due to safety concerns following three fires this year. The issue is also highlighted by Parliament banning electric vehicle charging in its underground car park.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I am really proud that on planning and infrastructure we are taking the action that has not been taken for years to drive our economy, and I remind the hon. Gentleman that that was signalled by the Office for Budget Responsibility as the single biggest driver of growth over the coming years.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not address the specific request regarding reconsidering the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to ease local community participation in planning decisions.
Changing Subject
Highlighting Economic Benefits
Session: PMQs
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I am concerned that the reduction in stops and searches by the new police and crime commissioner will undermine efforts to combat knife crime. Can you confirm that while stops and searches must be proportionate, they remain an important tool in keeping streets safe?
Context
The new police and crime commissioner for the West Midlands has reduced stop and search measures across the region.
Boris Johnson
Yes, I agree that stop and search is a critical tool when used correctly. It is part of the police's strategy to address knife crime.
Session: PMQs
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Will the PM ensure Dudley Council and Mayor have the powers and resources they need for development on brownfield rather than green spaces?
Context
The Prime Minister is asked to ensure Dudley Council has the powers and resources needed for development on brownfield sites.
Boris Johnson
We will protect our vital green belt. We can build homes, as my hon. Friend suggests—300,000 of them on brownfield sites.
Assessment
The PM did not confirm providing specific powers and resources to Dudley Council.
Session: PMQs
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We would not have had to table so many written questions if Ministers had actually answered our first question, instead of expecting us to come up with precisely the right form of words to leave them with no way of getting out. Surely it cannot be right that it requires a freedom of information request to discover how much it costs for a replica door at No. 10 North, but the Minister refuses to answer legitimate parliamentary scrutiny. Will the Minister at least—if he does have this information, which the Department surely does—finally commit to publishing the total budget for No. 10 North, the number of staff and special advisers who are going to work there, and attendance statistics?
Context
The MP requests detailed information on staffing, budget and transparency of No. 10 North.
Dan Tomlinson
I think it would be best for hon. Members, rather than getting in a flap about No. 10 North, to back what we are trying to do to drive good growth, opportunity and devolution across the whole country. It is the right thing to do. The previous Government passed on to us a country that was the most geographically unequal advanced economy in the whole world. We are setting out to turn that around for the people of this country. Of course, the details on employment and the costs of No. 10 North will be published in the usual way, along with the accounts for the Cabinet Office.
Session: No. 10 North 2026-09-10
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We have heard again what we have had in response to a number of written questions. The Minister either does not know or will not tell us how much No. 10 North will cost, how many people work there and how many of them actually turn up to work—it is almost as though this has not been properly thought through. Does the Minister understand why, with so little information and so little transparency, so many people feel that this is a gimmick rather than a strategy?
Context
The MP expresses frustration at the lack of transparency and information provided about No. 10 North.
Dan Tomlinson
When it comes to the efficient use of taxpayer money, I would like to point out to the House that the hon. Member—he is, of course, welcome to submit as many questions as he likes—sent 371 questions, at a cost to the taxpayer of potentially around £80,000. Of course, we are willing to have debates in this place and on the Floor of the House, and my hon. Friends in the Cabinet Office will continue to answer questions, but in the end we need to make sure that the Government are driving good growth across the whole country. No. 10 North, bringing together businesses, leaders and senior politicians from across Government, is the right route for doing just that.
Session: No. 10 North 2026-09-10
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The attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvie in Belfast last month shocked people throughout the country. The man accused of this horrific attack is thought to have crossed into Northern Ireland illegally from the south. People from all communities are asking what more can be done to prevent people from coming into the UK illegally across that land border. Following the terrible events in Belfast last month, will the Government commit to significantly enhanced operations on the border, similar to those already run by the Republic?
Context
A man accused of attempting to murder Stephen Ogilvie is thought to have crossed into Northern Ireland illegally from the Republic, raising concerns about illegal cross-border entry.
Hilary Benn
We have already increased the number of operations and arrests in Northern Ireland in the last two years, in comparison with the previous period. About 1,000 people who had no right to be in Northern Ireland have been removed, including 500 who have been returned to the Republic of Ireland. The hon. Member will be well aware of the importance of the open border. Intelligence-led policing at the ports and airports under Operation Gull and visits to workplaces have resulted in more people being detained and removed.
Session: Community Cohesion 2026-07-08
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The latest figures indicate an average custodial sentence of just over eight months for adult knife or offensive weapon offences due to a presumption in the Sentencing Act that sentences under 12 months should be suspended. What measures is the Minister taking to ensure this does not decriminalise many knife offences?
Context
Statistics show that the average custodial sentence for adult knife or offensive weapon offences is just over eight months, with a presumption introduced by the Sentencing Act 2026 to suspend sentences below 12 months. This could potentially decriminalise many knife crimes.
Jake Richards
The Sentencing Act's presumption is just that—a presumption. It was proposed by the Conservatives in their final years of office, and we need to be careful about early interventions with children who carry knives.
Session: Knife Crime Custodial Sentences 2026-06-30
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I think everybody will have heard that the Minister has again refused to give any indication as to what he thinks would be an acceptable bill. The Government used the cover of the Prime Minister's resignation on Monday to sneak out a written ministerial statement to say that the Turing scheme was being cancelled —a good day to bury bad news. Turing reached 43,000 UK students and provided opportunities in 153 countries for £105 million. Six of the 10 most popular destinations were outside Europe. Erasmus+ will send about half as many UK students abroad as it will bring in, and for more than five times the cost. Given all that, and the Minister's unwillingness to indicate what the long-term budget will be, how can he possibly be confident that this programme provides five times the value of the scheme that it apparently replaces?
Context
Questions about the cancellation of Turing scheme and its replacement by Erasmus+.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
Because it has a 10-month review clause to ensure that it is delivering value for money. Under Erasmus+, there are still opportunities to go around the world. I say quite candidly to the hon. Gentleman that he should look very carefully at all the different opportunities under Erasmus+. It is not just about traditional studies. People studying vocational qualifications go overseas as well, such as those studying sport coaching.
Session: UK-EU Relations
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The Minister has submitted in answers to written questions that there will be no substantive vote in this House on UK association to Erasmus+, even though the Government plan to tie us into a multi-year programme without saying what it will cost after the first year. The Defence Secretary resigned because the Chancellor will not provide the funding we need for our defence, but apparently money is no object when it comes to this programme. Will the Minister finally tell us the Government's own central estimate for the programme, or must the public rely on press reports of an £8 billion bill?
Context
Questions about the Government's plan to tie into a multi-year programme without stating future year costs.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
We have re-accession to Erasmus+ from next year at a cost of £570 million, after I negotiated a 30% discount. After 10 months, there is a review clause so that we can balance participation versus cost. I have looked after every penny in this negotiation, and I have not signed up to things that do not deliver value for money.
Session: UK-EU Relations
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The hon. Member notes that the Minister has refused to give a commitment regarding the vital sector's demands and questions the impact of higher carbon prices on British farming. He asks if it is sensible to impose additional costs when farmers already face high fertilizer expenses and food security concerns.
Context
The high cost of fertilizers is a significant burden on British farming. Raising carbon prices to match the EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism would increase fertilizer costs by £100 per tonne, exacerbating food price pressures.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
The hon. Gentleman's question seems absurd as he asks about the implications of a carbon price increase while his party insists on maintaining export fees for UK businesses trading with the EU. The emissions trading system linkage will necessitate around £700 million in carbon taxes without mutual exemptions from the carbon border adjustment mechanism.
Session: UK-EU Relations
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The hon. Member highlights the UK's global lead in agri-tech and selective breeding thanks to flexible regulation, notably the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023. He points out it would not have occurred under EU membership and questions if dynamic alignment with EU standards would jeopardise this success. Will the Minister commit to securing a carve-out for precision breeding?
Context
The UK has achieved leadership in agri-tech due to its flexible regulations, including the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023. The BioIndustry Association warns that dynamic alignment with EU standards could threaten this success.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
The common understanding agreed between the UK and the EU last May allows for carve-outs, subject to negotiation. The hon. Gentleman seems to suggest that export costs and fees should continue rather than being removed by the SPS agreement.
Session: UK-EU Relations
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Does the Secretary of State agree with Unite the union, of which I know he is a member, that this is the result of the Government's disastrous national insurance rises?
Context
The MP is questioning whether the Secretary of State agrees with Unite the union that the government's disastrous national insurance rises have led to job losses in the hospitality sector.
Hilary Benn
The national insurance rise decision that the Chancellor took in her first Budget was necessary because of the woeful economic legacy left to this Government by their predecessor.
Session: Spring Forecast
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The Minister knows very well that the choice was that of the biggest democratic exercise in UK history. His party promised to respect the result of that referendum but is instead seeking to row back on it. Members of the House and the wider public will have heard that the Minister clearly did not rule out the UK having to adopt new European Union legislation. The Minister will know from his time as shadow International Trade Secretary that we would never accept a trade agreement where the arbiter is an institution on one side, so can he at least rule out having the European Court of Justice as a body adjudicating in any disputes that follow from his reset?
Context
UK's position on the role of the European Court of Justice in disputes following the reset of the relationship with the EU.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
The shadow Minister has not read the common understanding and the mechanism that is set out. There is an independent arbitration panel, with the role of the European Court of Justice restricted to the interpretation of EU law but not binding on the overall decision of the panel. He ought to read the detail in the agreement.
Session: EU Mutual Interests
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After at least 15 major U-turns, it is helpful to check which promises the Government still intend to keep. On 22 July 2024, when I asked the Prime Minister whether he could promise that he would not accept the automatic application of EU rules unless they had been specifically approved by this Parliament, he answered simply, “Yes.” Can the Minister say that it is still the Government's position that we will not be required to adopt new European Union legislation?
Context
Government's promise not to accept automatic application of EU rules unless approved by this Parliament.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
Of course there will still be a role for Parliament in the mechanism, as set out in last May's common understanding. The Conservatives have to own the choice they are making here. Through our food and drink agreement, we will take away costs from businesses, take away red tape and have a downward pressure on food prices. The Conservatives will want at the next election to put that red tape back and put those costs up. That is their choice, and I welcome the debate with them.
Session: EU Mutual Interests
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In his statement last month, the Paymaster General promised us that he had secured a great deal for the first year of the Erasmus programme. It is a technique that will be familiar to mobile phone and satellite TV customers around the country. Can the Minister tell us what the Paymaster General could not tell us in that statement: what will it cost in the second and subsequent years?
Context
The MP referenced a previous statement from the Paymaster General regarding Erasmus funding and asked for more details on costs beyond the first year.
Chris Ward (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
It is a one-year agreement, as the hon. Gentleman knows, and we have negotiated a 30% discount. That is a good deal. It will be reviewed after 10 months, as he knows. At its heart, the programme is about opportunities for young people from all backgrounds—youth workers, sports professionals, universities and so on.
Session: Erasmus+ Programme
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Policing numbers in Northern Ireland are at their lowest ever level. Both the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Policy Exchange have warned that reopening cases from the troubles will place a huge additional financial burden on the police, which would mean risks for both policing numbers and national security. Is the Minister happy with that situation? Will he let it happen, or will the Secretary of State be compensating the PSNI for the decisions made by his Department?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the current level of policing numbers being at their lowest ever, citing warnings from the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Policy Exchange regarding the financial burden of reopening cases from the troubles.
Matthew Patrick
A number of the cases are actually being taken away from the police service if the families refer those cases to the commission. As I mentioned in a previous answer, with a record settlement for Northern Ireland, it is for the Executive to determine how that money is spent, including how they are funding their police force.
Session: Public Services
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The Minister’s answer makes it clear that this announcement was not a policy—it was a late party conference stunt. The Government obviously have not thought it through; it is clear that the Prime Minister lacks the backbone to push back against officials who have taken this awful idea off the shelf once again. The truth is that this is a £1.8 billion solution in search of a problem. The Minister talks about illegal migration, but there is already a legal responsibility to carry out these checks, and the Home Office offers a reliable service. Can he tell us how many people who have passed the Home Office right-to-work check are later found to not have the right to work?
Context
Challenging the necessity of a digital identity scheme.
Josh Simons (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
To be very clear about right-to-work checks: the current system is not fit for purpose. The United Kingdom is out of whack with international peers, and that creates the perception that we have a weak, illegal labour market regime. I am sure that the shadow Minister would not be against toughening up enforcement against illegal working. On the broader benefits of digital ID, in the future economy and state that we need to build, a free digital credential to which every citizen has access is a vital foundational public good for everything that we want our Government and our state to do in the 15 to 20 years ahead. I am proud that this Government are taking on the task of building it.
Session: Digital ID Scheme
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In October, the Prime Minister called a Downing Street press conference rather than come to this House so that he could tell the nation that digital ID will not be mandatory; it is just that people will not be able to get a job without one. What else will they not be able to do without this apparently voluntary digital ID? If people will not be allowed to get a job without digital ID, can the Minister confirm that they will also be unable to receive any benefits without it?
Context
Concerns about the mandatory nature of a digital identity scheme for job applications.
Josh Simons (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
Building a new digital credential for UK systems is a major public good that we need to do carefully and take our time over. That is why, as I said, we will launch a major public consultation in the new year. That consultation will include a whole series of questions about the use cases for digital ID. I look forward to working with the shadow Minister and Members across this House on what the new digital credential should do for our citizens.
Session: Digital ID Scheme
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What are the Secretary of State's intentions regarding the use of powers under Article 16? Three reports have noticed trade diversion impacting trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Will he clarify how much trade diversion he will tolerate before acting?
Context
The hon. Member refers to three recent reports indicating significant trade diversion affecting GB-NI trade, citing Article 16 of the Northern Ireland protocol which allows for unilateral action where there is a risk of diversion.
Hilary Benn (The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland)
Currently, there are 15,000 businesses registered under the UK internal market scheme and 97% of lorries moving from GB to NI do not face in-person checks. The goods continue to flow smoothly despite some issues. It is ultimately up to businesses where they sell and purchase from, but overall the Northern Ireland economy remains strong.
Session: Businesses with Supply Chains in Great Britain
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What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of introducing a statutory annual cap on levels of legal immigration. Does the Minister not recognise that an important step towards significantly reducing net migration would be to make it clear to all those working in his Department or handling migration that there is a number that everyone is working towards? If that is the case, surely Members of this House should be able to vote on that binding cap, as happens successfully in countries such as Australia.
Context
The MP is questioning the effectiveness of arbitrary limits on legal migration, referencing past attempts that were unsuccessful. He mentions the previous government's record of 1 million in one year.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mike Tapp)
An arbitrary limit on legal migration would serve no one. As we have seen in the past, attempts to implement such caps have been unsuccessful. I remind the hon. Member of the 1 million in one year under the previous Government, undercutting British workers. Instead, this Government have set out a plan to reduce net migration by restoring control to the immigration system, reducing our reliance on overseas labour, and investing in domestic skills. It is always amusing to be lectured about immigration by the Conservative party. There are more sophisticated ways to address high net migration, and this Government are doing that by tackling the underlying causes of over-reliance on migrant labour by employers, alongside raising the bar for who can come to the UK, and targeted visa restrictions.
Session: Legal Immigration Statutory Annual Cap
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The Minister is correct when she says that the civil service must be able to recruit the brightest and the best, but surely she can see that that is not helped when the most senior civil servant, hand-picked by the Prime Minister barely months ago, faces a barrage of media briefings from within Government. Will the Minister and her Department commission an inquiry into the breach of the code of conduct for special advisers following the personal attacks on the Cabinet Secretary, and will she condemn the vicious media briefings that have clearly come from within No.10?
Context
Discusses media briefings against the Cabinet Secretary and calls for an investigation into breaches of conduct.
Anna Turley (The Minister without Portfolio)
We have full confidence in the Cabinet Secretary and we condemn all leaks and breaches. We undertake to look into how any leaks from Government take place.
Session: Civil Service Recruitment
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Last year, the Government promised us that they were going to slash the size of the civil service, but instead the latest figures showed that the size of the civil service has increased by 7,000 compared with last year. Will the Minister guarantee that when the next set of figures is published, it will show a reduction in the size of the civil service and the size of the Cabinet Office?
Context
Discusses the government's promise to reduce civil service numbers, but latest figures show an increase by 7,000 compared with last year.
Anna Turley (The Minister without Portfolio)
Under the last Tory Government, Boris Johnson said that he would cut the number of people employed by the civil service by 91,000 but it went up. Jeremy Hunt said he would cap numbers in the civil service, but they went up. We are taking action to bring those numbers down.
Session: Civil Service Recruitment
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On 26 November last year, the Health Secretary assured this House that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will apply in Northern Ireland. The Secretary of State will know that the age-based sales ban affects the placement of tobacco products on the market and so is potentially in breach of the EU’s tobacco products directive. Can the Secretary of State repeat the Health Secretary’s assurance and also tell us whether the Government have confirmed with the European Union that the ban will stand in Northern Ireland?
Context
The question concerns the applicability of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in Northern Ireland, which may conflict with EU law due to age-based sales bans.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
It is certainly the Government’s intention that the ban will apply in Northern Ireland because it is very important that young people all over the United Kingdom are protected in the way which the Bill seeks.
Session: UK Internal Market
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Under the existing framework, the UK is entitled to take unilateral measures to protect the internal market where there is a diversion of trade. Does the Minister consider a third of businesses ceasing to trade as representing a diversion of trade?
Context
The Federation of Small Businesses Northern Ireland reported that a third of businesses which previously traded between Great Britain and Northern Ireland have stopped doing so.
Nick Thomas-Symonds (Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office)
On 1 July, we introduced phase 3 checks under the Windsor framework. The Windsor framework was negotiated by the previous Government, and we supported it from the Opposition Benches. I assume that the Conservatives continue to support those arrangements. Obviously, we monitor the issue of trade diversion very carefully.
Session: UK-EU Trading Relationship
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Two weeks ago, the Federation of Small Businesses in Northern Ireland released a report stating that one-third of small businesses moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland have stopped supplying their customers or partners. Under the Northern Ireland protocol, if there is a diversion of trade caused by UK measures, we are entitled to take unilateral action to safeguard our internal market. Does the Secretary of State believe that one-third of businesses ceasing trading amounts to a diversion of trade? If not, could he clarify what would constitute such a scenario?
Context
The Federation of Small Businesses in Northern Ireland published a report indicating that one-third of small businesses moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland have ceased trading with customers or partners either in Great Britain or in Northern Ireland due to trade difficulties.
Hilary Benn
While some small businesses are experiencing difficulties in moving goods from GB to Northern Ireland, others continue to operate successfully. The current situation is governed by the Windsor framework rather than the Northern Ireland protocol, and it represents an improvement over previous arrangements. However, the Secretary of State did not explicitly address whether one-third of businesses ceasing trade qualifies as a diversion of trade under the protocol.
Session: EU Trade Agreement Economic Impact
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I strongly support the petition brought forward by my right hon. Friend the Member for Goole and Pocklington (David Davis). As of this morning, it has more than 90,000 signatures, showing the strength of public feeling on this issue. Almost a year ago, the Labour party published its manifesto, saying that it would scrap the legacy Act, yet it has still presented no alternative. Victims are in limbo, and veterans are in limbo. The last Labour Government handed out letters of comfort for terrorists, but nothing for elderly veterans. When will the Secretary of State finally show the House his plans, and how can veterans have confidence that they will get the protection they deserve?
Context
A petition supporting veterans received over 90,000 signatures. The Labour party manifesto promised to scrap the legacy Act but has yet to present an alternative.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
We have begun the process of repealing and replacing the legacy Act in the proposed draft remedial order. It will deal with the conditional immunity that was struck down by the courts, and which we came into office committed to remove because it did not command support across Northern Ireland, as it would have given immunity to terrorists, including those who killed the soldiers to whom the right hon. Member for Goole and Pocklington (David Davis) referred earlier. I intend to bring forward legislation to complete that process when parliamentary time allows, because this Government inherited a completely hopeless piece of legislation, which has been found time and again to be incompatible with our international obligations.
Session: Veterans Legal Protections
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Key to much of that plan is the Government’s target to make the UK the fastest growing economy in the G7. But with the International Monetary Fund joining the Office for Budget Responsibility and the OECD in massively slashing projections for UK growth and the IMF not expecting the UK to be the fastest growing economy in the G7 in any year between now and 2030, how confident is the Minister that the Government will meet that target?
Context
The question focuses on the Government's target of making the UK the fastest growing economy in the G7, with recent predictions from the International Monetary Fund, Office for Budget Responsibility, and OECD suggesting this will not be achieved.
Ellie Reeves (Minister without Portfolio)
The prediction is that we are set to be the largest growing European economy in the G7. Since coming into government in July, we have prioritised growth: for example, Universal Studios building Europe’s biggest theme park in Bedfordshire, and unblocking planning decisions on projects like the lower Thames crossing. We are getting on with delivering the growth that the country needs after 14 years of decline under the Conservatives.
Session: Plan for Change
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The Minister for Civil Society knows about the fantastic work that Gordon Moody does at its Dudley treatment centre. However, Gordon Moody faces suspending its residential treatment because of the Government’s dithering over distributing funds from the gambling levy. Will she finally get a grip before other charities with expertise have to shut their doors?
Context
Gordon Moody, a charity providing treatment for gambling-related harm in Dudley, faces having to suspend its residential treatment due to government delays in distributing funds from the gambling levy.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising this issue. We are clear that we do not want any gaps in funding. The Minister for Civil Society and the Minister for Gambling have met representatives of industry to resolve this.
Session: Gambling Harms
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Does the Secretary of State recognise that the Budget is a direct threat to family farms and thousands of livelihoods across Northern Ireland? The farming minister in Northern Ireland estimates that 75% of dairy farms could be affected by inheritance tax due to recent budgetary changes.
Context
The Northern Ireland Farming Minister estimates that three quarters of dairy farms could be hit by inheritance tax following the Chancellor’s changes.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
The figures the hon. Gentleman just referred to do not reflect the Treasury’s assessment of the number of farms that will be affected, which is based on claims submitted in the past. I understand the farming industry’s concerns, but the Treasury is clear that, first, it will not hit the majority of farms and, secondly, we have to do something about very big landowners who buy a lot of land to avoid inheritance tax.
Session: Autumn Budget 2024
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Despite the complacent response from the Minister, fewer than 250 days in, we have already had a Transport Secretary resign over her criminal record, an anti-corruption Minister resign over corruption, questions raised over the checks on the new Investment Minister, and at least three Cabinet Ministers accused of peddling dodgy CVs. The Prime Minister either cannot or will not say whether the necessary questions were not asked on appointment, whether relevant information was not disclosed on appointment, or whether he knew perfectly well about it but only took action when they were caught? Will the independent adviser conduct an urgent review of ministerial vetting?
Context
There have been multiple resignations of ministers, including a Transport Secretary over her criminal record and an anti-corruption Minister over corruption. This has raised concerns about the thoroughness of ministerial vetting processes.
Ellie Reeves (Minister without Portfolio)
The Prime Minister is determined to uphold high standards of conduct in public office, unlike the previous Government. That is why decisive action has been taken. This is a Government in the service of working people, and we will not hesitate to take action against any Minister who fails to meet those high standards.
Session: Ministerial Appointments
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People throughout the United Kingdom will be disgusted if former terrorists such as Gerry Adams receive compensation from the taxpayer because of Labour’s decision to repeal the legacy Act without putting something in its place. Will the Secretary of State finally commit himself to legislating immediately to prevent that from happening?
Context
There are concerns that repealing the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act could lead to compensation for individuals like Gerry Adams, who were involved in acts against democracy.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer that I gave a moment ago.
Session: Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023
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There is clearly a cost to doing nothing about the current indefinite leave to remain policy. What is the Minister’s assessment of that cost?
Context
A recent Centre for Policy Studies report estimates the net lifetime cost as £234 billion for those expected to be granted ILR over the next five years.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Seema Malhotra)
I gently say to the hon. Member that the number of settlement grants grew by almost a third in the final year that his party was in government, compared with 2023. We will take absolutely no lessons from the Tory party and a shadow Home Secretary who completely lost control of our borders, allowing net migration to quadruple to a record high of nearly 1 million while the number of dangerous boat crossings soared.
Session: Indefinite Leave to Remain
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What other tangible support will the Government offer the Executive to reduce waiting times for people in Northern Ireland?
Context
Serious pressures facing the NHS, with some surgeries having more than six-year waiting times.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Fleur Anderson)
The hon. Member is correct to raise the issue of public services, especially health services. The winter pressures on hospital care and other areas have been shocking to see, and I am grateful to health workers for their work on the frontline at the moment. This week, I met the UK Government’s Health Minister to talk about how we can provide tangible support, and we have already done so. As the hon. Member says, funding is not the only answer; it is also about sharing best practice and expertise. This Government have committed to doing that through the Public Service Transformation Board, but there are other practical ways in which we can work together on the best ways to reform.
Session: Public Services
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We all support efforts to remove unnecessary trade barriers, but we must also be clear with our European partners on what we cannot accept. What is the Paymaster General prepared to say is off the table: dynamic alignment, British fishing rights, or maybe asylum burden-sharing?
Context
Trade negotiations with the EU involve setting red lines on issues like dynamic alignment, fishing rights, and asylum burden-sharing.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
The Labour party manifesto set out our red lines in this negotiation. We will not go back to the battles of the past. We will not return to the single market. We will not return to the customs union. We will not return to freedom of movement. What we will do is negotiate with the European Union to make the British people safer and more secure, so we have closer law enforcement co-operation. We will negotiate to reduce trade barriers to make the British people more prosperous.
Session: Trade Barriers with the EU
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When does the Minister expect policing numbers in Northern Ireland to reach levels set out in the commitment?
Context
New Decade, New Approach commitment included increasing policing numbers.
Fleur Anderson
This Government provided £18.2 billion in devolution settlement, with £640 million this year and £1.5 billion next year. It is now up to the Chief Constable to spend these figures.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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Will the Minister look at establishing a national registry to track sepsis cases, so that performance can be measured, published and improved? He pointed out the lack of consistent data on sepsis fatalities and highlighted the need for measurement and improvement in care delivery.
Context
Approximately 48,000 people annually lose their lives to sepsis, but the data is inconsistent. There is a need for better tracking of cases.
Andrew Gwynne
The Minister indicated that NHS will be able to do what is suggested, but did not commit to an official establishment of the registry or timeline for action.
Session: Post-sepsis Syndrome
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On the final sitting day before recess, the Secretary of State slipped out an announcement that he expected trade talks to begin with a number of countries this autumn. When can we expect the Government to publish their negotiating objectives for scrutiny by the House ahead of those talks?
Context
The Secretary of State announced trade talks would begin this autumn.
Douglas Alexander
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his kind words of welcome both to this House and to the Dispatch Box. Clearly, we inherited a number of open negotiating mandates from the previous Government—not least in relation to the Gulf Co-operation Council and to India—and we are carefully reviewing those mandates.
Session: UK-EU Trade
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There are various reports—not all accurate—about the limit on the number of people who can be processed under the partnership agreement with Rwanda. What action is being taken to increase capacity in Rwanda to accept more asylum seekers so that the full benefits of the partnership can be realised?
Context
Reports suggest there may be a limit on the number of people who can be processed under the partnership agreement with Rwanda for relocation.
Priti Patel
It is important to emphasise again that the number of people who can be relocated is unlimited and, importantly, they have the support and capacity in-country—that is part of the resources that we have put in, and part of the programming approach that has been developed directly with the Government of Rwanda.
Session: UK and Rwanda Migration and Economic Development Partnership
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What impact does the Attorney General expect her guidelines, published in May, to have on the CPS's decision making and prosecution of sex offences?
Context
Follow-up to the initial question, addressing the impact on CPS decision-making.
Suella Braverman
My hon. Friend raises a real priority for the Government. These guidelines will mean fewer unnecessary intrusions into a victim's private life and more interactions with victims to help them understand the process. All of this will mean that victims are more engaged, there is less attrition and the process is swifter but just as effective.
Session: Disclosure Between All Parties in Criminal Justice System
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What recent steps she has taken to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of disclosure between all parties in the criminal justice system.
Context
None specified, but it is about improving the efficiency of disclosure between parties in the criminal justice system.
Suella Braverman
We published the review of disclosure and the amended disclosure guidelines in May to deliver improvements for police, prosecutors and victims of crime. The new guidelines feature an annex on data protection that will ease the burden on police handling of digital material and will leave the police more time to be on the street, fighting and investigating crime.
Session: Disclosure Between All Parties in Criminal Justice System
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Will my right hon. Friend join me in welcoming the FA's decision to redistribute Premier League funds to the women's game, which will boost grassroots and professional women's football?
Context
The question follows from the importance of supporting women's sports, particularly following an agreement to redistribute money to support grassroots women's football.
Nadine Dorries
Absolutely delighted to endorse my hon. Friend's comments. It is a fantastic decision that supports women in sport, and more such decisions are encouraged.
Session: Fan-led Review of Football Governance
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This summer, Her Majesty will award jubilee medals to members of the armed forces and emergency services and to prison officers. As things stand, frontline paramedics working for ambulance services will rightly be recognised, but those working in hospital A&E departments and private ambulances might not be. Will my right hon. Friend work with ministerial colleagues to ensure that all frontline paramedics get the recognition their work so richly deserves?
Context
The MP asked about recognising frontline paramedics working in A&E and private ambulances.
Conor Burns
My hon. Friend makes his point powerfully and I will make sure it is heard by relevant Ministers, but no concrete action was promised beyond that.
Session: Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
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[R] People in Dudley South and across Britain with vivid memories of the famines that followed civil war in Ethiopia in the 1980s will look with horror at recent reports from that country. What update can my hon. Friend the Minister give on the situation in Ethiopia and the prospects for a lasting peace?
Context
The MP is concerned about the humanitarian situation in Ethiopia, where conflict has led to huge suffering. He seeks an update on efforts towards peace.
Vicky Ford
My hon. Friend is right that the war in northern Ethiopia has caused huge suffering, but there are some welcome signs that it may now be possible to move towards peace. I visited Ethiopia last week and met Prime Minister Abiy. I urged him not only to work towards peace talks but to ensure that humanitarian aid flows to those who need it. We in the UK stand ready to support all efforts towards finding peace.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Hospitality Sector
01 July 2025
Responding: Gareth Thomas
Main Concerns
['The Government’s 2024 Budget has added £3.4 billion to the sector’s annual cost base, leading to job losses of over 100,000 in just one month. The hospitality sector employs 3.5 million people and contributes £140 billion in economic activity annually but faces significant challenges from increased employer national insurance contributions and cuts to business rate relief.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should provide relief measures for the hospitality sector, addressing non-wage costs, regulatory burdens, and financial assistance to support businesses that are struggling due to recent policy changes.']
Civil Service Pensions
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Payment Scheme
06 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate focuses on the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme and its amendments. The lead MP acknowledges thousands of victims suffering due to infected blood, emphasises the importance of reflecting ...
Backbench Business
18 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That this House has considered the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme. The debate highlights the need for just compensation and recognition of those affected by contaminated blood produ...
Steel Tariffs
17 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Investment Plan
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government and Public Involvement (England) Bill - Commencement
28 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves amendment to disagree with Lords Amendments 89B and 89C but proposes an alternative amendment in lieu.
Government Procurement Strategy
22 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Pension Schemes
22 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Peter Mandelson: Government Appointment
21 April 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Infected Blood Compensation Scheme
14 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
80.6%
79 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
47
48.0% of votes
No Votes
32
32.7% of votes
Abstentions
19
19.4% of votes
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
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
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
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 NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
4
PMQs Asked
55
Ministerial Questions Asked
166
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+310% above average
This MP:
55
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3316% above average
This MP:
166
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+16% above average
This MP:
80.6
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Mike Wood's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.