Mims Davies
MP for East Grinstead and Uckfield
Con
7 May 2015 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
Welsh health board needs 400 beds, but only has 148. Constituents rely on cross-border healthcare, particularly in Hereford hospital. What are the Secretary of State's priorities for fixing cross-border healthcare issues?
Context
Many constituents rely on cross-border healthcare, particularly in Hereford hospital. Powys teaching health board needs 400 beds, but only has 148, and is considering cutting this number further.
Stephen Kinnock
Need to find a better way of working together in partnership with the Welsh Government. Drilling down into specific cases where people have not been given the treatment they should get. Clearing red tape and bureaucracy to resolve issues.
Session: Strengthening the Union 2026-09-02
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Welsh NHS faces challenges with hospital waiting times and 'corridor care'. ITV Wales investigation uncovered 28 prevention of future death reports over 16 months related to the Betsi Cadwaladr university health board. Will the Secretary of State use the Inquiries Act 2005 to seek accountability?
Context
The Welsh NHS has faced challenges with hospital waiting times and 'corridor care'. An ITV Wales investigation uncovered 28 prevention of future death reports over 16 months related to the Betsi Cadwaladr university health board.
Stephen Kinnock
Respects the devolution settlement; not appropriate for the UK Government to intervene in this matter. Welsh Government Ministers have powers under the Inquiries Act 2005 to initiate statutory inquiries into devolved areas.
Session: Strengthening the Union 2026-09-02
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Does the Secretary of State agree that hard-working families deserve to know whether the Plaid Welsh Government's plans will mean higher taxes? What discussions have occurred with the Welsh Government to ensure that those election commitments are properly delivered for struggling families?
Context
In the past 100 days, the Plaid Welsh Government in Cardiff Bay has failed to publish costings and properly explain how their flagship childcare policy will work. The MP questions whether the plans will mean higher taxes and seeks information on discussions with the Welsh Government to ensure election commitments are delivered.
Stephen Kinnock
Frankly, I am staggered that the hon. Lady raises the issue of welfare, given the explosion of the welfare bill under the watch of the Conservative party. When it comes to working with the Plaid Cymru Government, I agree that there seem to be a lot of reviews, commissions, reports and committees. It is important that the Plaid Government now roll up their sleeves and get on with the job. We look forward to working constructively in partnership with them and delivering for the people and communities of Wales.
Session: Child Poverty 2026-09-02
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Kate, a former Harrods employee, testified about being raped during her employment in 2024. Hundreds of women have endured similar assaults and cover-ups by senior staff and security. With the Met police inquiry stalled, how will these victims receive justice, systemic change, and full truth? I met some survivors this week who need answers.
Context
Hundreds of women at Harrods reported being sexually assaulted by senior staff, leading to systemic cover-ups. The Met police inquiry is stalled, leaving over 500 victims without justice.
Catherine Atkinson
I have met with victims and campaigners from the al-Fayed campaign, as has the Prime Minister. We must ensure that everyone receives justice regardless of their status or location.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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Boarded-up windows, derelict buildings, and deserted towns are increasingly common on high streets in Wales. The hospitality sector is being hollowed out due to Plaid Cymru and Labour's disastrous tourism tax. Does the Minister regret her party's decision to impose this tax? Will she join me in calling for its scrapping?
Context
The MP criticises the tourism tax imposed by previous Welsh Governments.
Anna McMorrin
I will take no lectures from the Conservatives. The Chancellor announced a great summer savings scheme with VAT reduced to 5% over the summer, helping families enjoy hospitality venues, boosting local spend and economy.
Session: Job Creation
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'Inadequate…failing…unable'. Those were the damning words used to describe this Labour Government's approach to defence by the former Defence Secretary, the right hon. Member for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough (John Healey), after his dramatic resignation. The defence industry in Wales is vital for the defence of us all, as well as for local jobs. Will the Secretary of State acknowledge why, after a recent defence visit, the Wales Office used the incorrect figure on X of a £270 billion increase in defence spending in this Parliament? Was that post deleted because it was disinformation and factually inaccurate?
Context
There are concerns about the accuracy of figures provided by government departments.
Jo Stevens
I am reassured to hear the Conservative party finally acknowledging the importance of defence spending. This Government are undertaking the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the cold war. We are doing that to keep Wales and UK safe, and to create thousands of new, well-paid jobs. The hon. Member's party left office having hollowed out our armed forces, leaving military homes in a disgusting state, so I am glad that she has finally learned the lessons of previous Tory failures.
Session: Defence Spending
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The previous Welsh Labour Government spent more than £100 million developing plans for the M4 relief road, only to scrap the project before construction began. Congestion at the Brynglas tunnels continues to cause significant delays, hampering economic growth. The previous Conservative UK Government offered funding to back that crucial scheme. Will the Secretary of State urge her colleagues to make a similar offer to the new Welsh Government, and does she regret her party's decision to cancel this vital project in the first place?
Context
The MP questions the decision to cancel the M4 relief road project initiated by the previous Welsh Labour Government, citing ongoing congestion issues at Brynglas tunnels. She asks for a commitment from the Secretary of State regarding future funding offers.
Jo Stevens
This Government have delivered the biggest financial settlement for the Welsh Government in devolution history, with nearly £6.5 billion more spending power for public services in Wales, and that includes funding for transport. That contrasts with the activities of the hon. Member's Conservative Government, who, through austerity, starved public services in Wales of funding.
Session: Economic Growth
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Virginia Giuffre took her life just one year ago. She had shared her abuse by convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. On 16 April, Lisa Phillips came to Parliament supported by Carly and Sam from the Sexual Predator Accountability Institute, seeking transparency from lawmakers. The clear question for the Government is: when will they go from giving platitudes to victims to tackling trafficking and cover-ups and delivering adequate support and justice?
Context
The question highlights the case of Virginia Giuffre, who committed suicide a year ago after sharing her abuse by Jeffrey Epstein, and Lisa Phillips' visit to Parliament seeking transparency from lawmakers regarding support and justice.
Alex Davies-Jones
The Government are putting victims back at the heart of our criminal justice system with an investment over half a billion pounds in victim support services for three years. The Minister had the privilege of meeting the mentioned survivors, ensuring their concerns are taken seriously and working with them to address these issues.
Session: Sexual Assault Survivors Isle of Wight
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It is Labour's cost of living crisis that is hitting families across Wales. It is vital to ease those pressures, yet Welsh Labour Government spends over £100 million on more politicians and tens of millions on a default 20 mph speed limit. They have set up vanity embassies abroad and spent millions on tree planting in Uganda. These are not the priorities of struggling families. Will the Secretary of State finally condemn the wasteful spending of taxpayers' money and admit these schemes do not address cost of living crisis in Wales?
Context
The question addresses the Welsh Labour Government's spending priorities that are considered wasteful, including expanding the Senedd, setting up embassies abroad, and tree planting in Uganda. This is contrasted with struggling families' needs.
Jo Stevens
I am really surprised that the hon. Member has raised the expansion of the Senedd, because the accepted rationale of those who support the expansion is that it was necessary to improve scrutiny of the Welsh Government. What a terrible indictment that is of the inadequate performance of her party, whose job it has been, as the Opposition in the Senedd for the past 27 years, to carry out that scrutiny.
Session: Cost of Living
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The bedrock of our country's defence rests on our crucial membership of NATO. The defence industry in Wales employs more than 15,000 people in well-paid and important roles. Yet the separatist Plaid, along with the Greens, opposes full membership of this deterrent, while Reform bizarrely claims all sorts of things like blaming NATO for provoking the war in Ukraine. Will the Secretary of State stand up for NATO, for more Welsh defence jobs and for the thousands in Welsh communities who rely on growing employment in this crucial sector?
Context
The MP discussed the importance of NATO membership for defence jobs in Wales, criticising opposition parties' stances.
Jo Stevens
That is exactly what we are doing. I refer the hon. Lady to the earlier answers to defence questions.
Session: Job Creation
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With just 4% charged for these offences, perpetrators are getting away with it, and are surely committing more attacks. Against the backdrop of Labour's shameful choices on jury trials yesterday—all appalling—when will the Minister and this Government act to protect women on wards?
Context
Women's Rights Network found via freedom of information requests that one in seven sexual crimes committed in hospitals were committed on hospital wards, and that two in five female medical students reported sexual harassment or assault at university.
Jess Phillips
If the hon. Lady were to read the violence against women and girls strategy, she would see that there is a specific section on healthcare workers and workers across the community, specifically targeting the issue of sexual harassment within the NHS. I would also point out to her that the charging rate for sexual crimes fell to a historic low under her Government, and I am very pleased to tell the House that it is now increasing.
Session: Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls.
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Or the Government could just not do it, as we Conservatives say. Wales has the highest unemployment and economic inactivity rates in the UK. Following the spring forecast, the Office for Budget Responsibility confirmed that the Chancellor's welfare spending will increase by a staggering £18 billion to £333 billion this year alone, up 5.8%. In the light of those figures, what measure is the Secretary of State taking to jump-start confidence and boost economic growth in Wales, so that work pays, and people see that the Government are not just about welfare dependence and bankrupting the country?
Context
The Office for Budget Responsibility confirmed that the Chancellor's welfare spending will increase by a staggering £18 billion to £333 billion this year alone, up 5.8%. Wales has the highest unemployment and economic inactivity rates in the UK. The questioner seeks measures to boost economic growth in Wales and ensure that work pays.
Jo Stevens
The Conservatives strangled the Welsh economy with over a decade of austerity and neglect. Labour's economic plan is working: wages are rising, inflation is falling and the economy is growing. The Conservatives presided over stagnant wages, insecure employment and a broken welfare system. We are investing in our infrastructure, creating jobs, growing wages and building an economy that works for the people of Wales.
Session: Economic Growth
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Let us try this again: one of the UK's greatest strengths is the ability of all four nations to trade freely in a strong internal market. This Labour Government's choice to permit their colleagues in Cardiff Bay to include glass in their deposit return scheme risks sectors, livelihoods and market withdrawal. The UK Spirits Alliance and the wider food and drink sector warn that this will disrupt supply chains, deter future investment and hamper growth. Will the Secretary of State accept that the scheme is unworkable and unenforceable, and will she act to protect the United Kingdom from this separatism?
Context
The UK Spirits Alliance and the wider food and drink sector warn that the Welsh Government's decision to include glass in a deposit return scheme will disrupt supply chains, deter future investment and hamper growth. The scheme is considered unworkable and unenforceable.
Jo Stevens
I do not recognise what the hon. Lady sets out, and refer her to my previous answer. We believe that the UKIM Act exclusion, which we have agreed in response to the Welsh Government, is the most pragmatic way for us to protect trade and support growth in the UK.
Session: Economic Growth
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Clearly something more important than economic growth in Wales came up for Labour’s Wales Office. Can Ministers explain? The biggest rise in unemployment in the UK was in Wales, at 1.4%. Frankly, that is no surprise, given the Governments’ joint refusal to build the M4 relief road or the north Wales main line. That does not exactly match the Chancellor’s boasts about world-class infrastructure at the summit. Among the hobnobbing and backslapping, did any Ministers spare any thought for the desolate owners and workers of businesses in tatters in Monmouth and more widely? Did Ministers work on the ask for extra help to save those people’s livelihoods?
Context
The MP noted the largest rise in unemployment in the UK was recorded in Wales at 1.4%. She cited specific infrastructure projects not built as exacerbating this economic situation.
Jo Stevens (Secretary of State for Wales)
There was a smörgåsbord of questions there. I just say to the shadow Secretary of State that her party wrecked the economy, starved our public services and exacerbated the cost of living crisis. Our Labour Budget is reducing the cost of living, investing in public services and shrinking the national debt—the Conservatives increased it—while at the same time lifting thousands of children out of the poverty that the Tories created.
Session: Economic Growth
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What will the Secretary of State do? Will she turn up to ensure that iconic Welsh car makers get fair access to US trade?
Context
The MP referenced the Office for National Statistics data on daily job losses, including potential job cuts at Aston Martin due to the US trade deal.
The Secretary of State for Wales (Jo Stevens)
I have been in discussions with Aston Martin, as have Cabinet colleagues. We are doing everything we can to protect the car industry in this country. One of the biggest problems in the car industry arises from the Conservatives’ botched Brexit deal, for which the hon. Lady and her Government were responsible.
Session: Job Creation Wales
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Was there an assessment of the impact of those changes on women and girls specifically? Can the Minister point to a single organisation representing women and girls that supports cutting prison time for sexual assault or grooming?
Context
Changes to sentencing laws mean that more than 90% of grooming offenders and 60% of rapists may have their sentences reduced.
Jess Phillips
I will check what my hon. Friend the Member for Pontypridd (Alex Davies-Jones) has said regarding those who may be released, as there are exceptions to the changes in sentencing laws. The Minister highlights oversight and care under her government compared to previous ones.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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Charles Rees, a fifth-generation Pembrokeshire farmer battling cancer, shares his concerns about an unaffordable IHT bill of £1 million affecting his son running the farm. Despite reassurances from Ministers, Charles and other farmers fear for their livelihoods, way of life, future, and food security. Will the Government scrap the family farm tax?
Context
A fifth-generation Pembrokeshire farmer, Charles Rees, is concerned about an unaffordable IHT bill of £1 million due to government reforms.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Anna McMorrin)
Reforms mean that the majority of those claiming relief will not be affected. There will be no change and no U-turn on IHT, as confirmed by the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs.
Session: Farmers Inheritance Tax
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Under the watch of the current Secretary of State, opportunities for young people are now unbelievably dire. Despite what she says, unemployment is rising and employment is falling, and that situation is not good enough for the next generation in Wales. Last week, my colleague, Darren Millar, who is the Conservative leader of the Senedd group, met the Welsh First Minister—does anyone know who that is?—offering to potentially support the Welsh Government’s budget, provided Labour Ministers agree to scrapping Welsh stamp duty. That would help young people on to the property ladder in Wales, where it is the hardest to achieve that, and boost the Welsh economy. Will the Secretary of State confirm that she agrees with scrapping Welsh stamp duty? If so, what measures is she taking to persuade Baroness Morgan of Ely to scrap the tax in Wales?
Context
The question addresses the current state of employment opportunities for young people in Wales under the Labour Government.
The Secretary of State for Wales (Jo Stevens)
I am very glad that the hon. Lady knows the name of the Welsh Conservative leader in the Senedd, because clearly her colleague the shadow Home Secretary, the right hon. Member for Croydon South (Chris Philp), does not. They must have ended their fight about who is the actual leader. We are delivering for the people of Wales. We have ended Tory austerity, and we have the largest budget settlement in the history of devolution, with nearly £5 billion extra to spend on public services over the next three years. We are creating jobs, and we have increased the minimum wage and the national living wage for 160,000 Welsh workers. We are fixing the foundations and the chaos that the hon. Lady’s party left behind.
Session: Economic Growth
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After wantonly scrapping the Rwanda scheme, the Labour Government are now overseeing record-breaking figures of illegal immigrants. It is reported that the scandal is now engulfing north Wales, where more than 200 illegal immigrants have tried to gain entry to the country on ferries from Dublin to Holyhead. Meanwhile, there is talk about Penally military camp in south-west Wales, which was previously condemned by the Welsh Labour Government. It appears that their policy, along with Reform’s, is from boats to barracks, as is happening in Scotland and Sussex, yet Plaid says that there is no such thing as illegal immigration. Does the Minister agree that her Government and Plaid have no idea about and no interest in how to make our borders safe?
Context
The shadow Secretary of State criticized the Labour Government for overseeing record-breaking figures of illegal immigrants, particularly in north Wales. There is also talk about Penally military camp in south-west Wales.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Anna McMorrin)
I fear that the Conservatives forget about the chaos that they created. We inherited a broken system after 14 years of chaos, and contracts that we have to honour, but in the past year we have halved the use of hotels. We have removed 30,000 people who have no right to be here. It is not job done, as I say, but it is a work in progress. We can compare that work in just one year with 14 years of chaos under the hon. Lady’s Government.
Session: Asylum Seeker Accommodation
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How will the Minister address ongoing and widespread concerns, which we have heard again in the Chamber, react to the existing evidence and stop the belief that many women are being failed by this Labour Government?
Context
Theo Clarke and Rosie Duffield’s report recommended a national maternity strategy, but progress is seen as slow.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
I really do find it a bit rich that the Conservatives stand there and try to lecture us after the 14 years of neglect and incompetence that were the trademark of their time in government. Baroness Amos is chairing the independent maternity and neonatal investigation, which will be a rapid investigation with two core roles: to conduct urgent reviews by the end of this year of up to 10 trusts where there are specific issues; and to conduct a systemic investigation into maternity and neonatal care in England.
Session: Maternity Care
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Writer and comedian Graham Linehan was apparently arrested by five police officers at Heathrow, then questioned about three tweets that he says were based on his gender-critical views, a belief protected by the Equality Act 2010. Despite this Government’s claim to protect free speech, Mr Linehan has been banned from using that platform as part of his bail conditions. Can the Minister confirm whether it is now a crime in Britain to tell potentially offensive jokes, and whether those who do so may face armed arrest?
Context
Writer and comedian Graham Linehan was arrested by five police officers at Heathrow, questioned about three tweets that he says were based on his gender-critical views, protected under the Equality Act 2010. Mr Linehan has been banned from using social media as part of his bail conditions.
The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)
The hon. Lady will know well that I cannot comment on live police investigations, as the police operate independently of Government, but the Home Secretary has been clear that her priority and the priority of this Government is that the police focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and making sure that people can walk our streets free from fear.
Session: Topical Questions
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Today, inflation hit 3.6%, the highest across the G7. This UK Labour Government have a glossy shine on their so-called industrial strategy, but it is simply proving that their actions and ethos deliver only worse outcomes for Wales. Businesses across Wales are now facing a disgraceful double whammy, as just this week Labour in Cardiff passed plans to impose a dire tourism tax. Has the Minister actually carried out any meaningful assessment with the Welsh Government of how many jobs will be lost, as the vital 100,000-strong Welsh tourism sector will be impacted by this tax and by the failing approach to Wales by the two Labour Governments?
Context
The question is prompted by the Welsh Government's plan to introduce a tourism tax. The context is high inflation rates across the G7 and concerns about the negative economic impacts of such taxes on the tourism sector in Wales, which employs around 100,000 people.
Nia Griffith
The Welsh tourism sector is thriving. Last year, British residents took over 7 million overnight trips to Wales and spent more than £2 billion. As the shadow Secretary of State will know, more than 40 countries and holiday destinations around the world, including Greece, Amsterdam, Barcelona and California, have introduced a form of visitor levy, and many of us have paid taxes abroad without even noticing. If a visitor levy were introduced by all Welsh local authorities, it could raise up to £33 million, which would help support the long-term thriving industry in Wales, as well as provide facilities such as toilets that local people can use. I am confident that the Welsh Government will work with businesses and tourists alike to get this right.
Session: Industrial Strategy
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I point to page 86 of Baroness Casey’s report, which shows a worrying number of live investigations of cases in which there is an overlap between child sexual exploitation and criminal exploitation. The report notes that a “significant proportion” of cases appear to involve suspects who are claiming asylum. Which Minister is directly responsible for safeguarding our communities, including those housed in asylum hotels? If the Government manage to close asylum hotels, as they claim they will, and individuals move into other accommodation, will any dangers transferred from hotels to the wider community be accounted for?
Context
The MP referenced Baroness Casey’s report, which shows a significant number of cases involving child sexual exploitation overlapping with criminal activities in asylum accommodations. The concern is over the responsibility for safeguarding these communities and whether dangers will be transferred to wider communities if asylum hotels are closed.
The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)
The hon. Lady will know that the Home Secretary recently made an extensive statement to Parliament, setting out the actions that this Government will take to address the many failures left behind by the Conservatives. Baroness Casey outlined that there had been a decade of lost time and a failure to deliver justice for victims. This Government will take action. We will root out all forms of child sexual exploitation, keep children safe from harm, and ensure that perpetrators are finally prosecuted.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given how precarious global affairs are, Conservatives believe that defence, and defence jobs, should be a No. 1 priority for the Labour-controlled Wales Office. Major defence companies, such as General Dynamics in Merthyr and Caerphilly, and Tekever in Ceredigion, among others, await answers. Plaid wants to break up the cherished Union, withdraw Wales’s full membership from NATO and surrender our nuclear defence system. Is the Minister seriously concerned about that, and if so, will she rule out her Labour Senedd colleagues ever forming a coalition with the nationalists in an expanded Cardiff Bay?
Context
The increased defence spending has raised concerns among Conservatives regarding the future of national unity and security.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Dame Nia Griffith)
I am sure I do not need to remind the hon. Lady that defence is a reserved matter. Those decisions will be taken in this UK Parliament, and it is up to the Welsh Senedd how it forms a Government following the elections next year.
Session: Defence Spending Wales
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Turbocharging the Welsh economy—and the economy at large, frankly—is vital for social mobility and prosperity. We Conservatives delivered two Welsh investment zones, two freeports, more than £1 billion in extra funding, and we helped more than 2 million women into the jobs market across the UK. Yet the UK and Welsh Labour Governments are undoing that work. Their jobs tax, their tourism tax and the 20 mph default speed limit are a hammer blow to business confidence, particularly in the hospitality sector. Disgracefully, the unemployment rate for young women in Wales is up by 4.6%. Will the Secretary of State join me in calling for those damaging policies to be dropped so that our young women can get into the workforce and progress?
Context
The Conservative perspective highlights the party's contributions to job creation and criticizes Labour's recent policy changes as detrimental to economic growth, particularly in hospitality.
The Secretary of State for Wales (Jo Stevens)
I say again that the positive impact of the UK and Welsh Labour Governments is clear in how the Welsh economy is changing. Employment has increased significantly in Wales, unemployment and economic activity have fallen, and real total wages have increased across the UK.
Session: Employment Wales
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Does the Minister prefer peanuts, cashew nuts or simply scraps for Wales? The fabled “two Labour Governments in lockstep” is simply a myth for voters. Changing rail classifications and short-changing Welsh communities is a true reality. Is the Minister concerned about today’s reported peanuts? When did she become aware of the paltry settlement of just over £400 million that is to come to Wales? How will that be split for the Welsh Government? How does it compare with our Government’s £740 million for rail alone? What specific action did she take to argue for a fair share for Wales, and for its place in the Union?
Context
Davies questioned the fairness of funding allocation to Wales, suggesting that it was inadequate compared to other regions.
The Secretary of State for Wales (Jo Stevens)
The hon. Lady’s party, which was in government for 14 years, was in power when Wales got 1% of the rail enhancement budget, although it has 11% of the whole UK network. Her party is responsible for the historical underfunding of Welsh rail, and we will hear from the Chancellor this afternoon about what this Government are going to do about it.
Session: Union of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Wales
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Despite what the Prime Minister said, speaking out for rape victims is not jumping on a far-right bandwagon. Yesterday, it was reported that No. 10’s interim spokesperson said it was “obviously disappointing” to see people “weaponising” rape gangs for “political point scoring”. How does that square with the harrowing personal testimony from Jade, Chantelle, Scarlett, Erin and Steph in Anna Hall’s Channel 4 documentary aired last week, where concerning questions continued to arise about councils, police, schools, social workers and children’s homes? It was reported that in up to 50 communities, vulnerable girls who were under age—exploited children—were unbelievably labelled as promiscuous or child prostitutes. That pledge says, “We will use every…tool to target perpetrators”. Yet Labour is turning its back on that once again; you can hear it.
Context
The shadow Minister highlighted the testimony from victims in a Channel 4 documentary, where it was reported that up to 50 communities have vulnerable girls under age who were labelled as promiscuous or child prostitutes. She also criticised the Prime Minister's statement about weaponising rape gangs for political point scoring.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Jess Phillips)
The hon. Lady points out the terrible things that have gone on historically, and that continue to be a concern across our country. That is exactly why the Government are investing in the taskforce, which is working across the country with police forces to ensure that people can be arrested and girls can be kept safe. Arrests have gone up. Absolutely everybody thinks this issue is terrible. I remind the hon. Lady that she gladly served as Women and Equalities Minister under a Prime Minister who said that looking into these historical cases was spaffing money up the wall.
Session: Grooming Gangs
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The House will be as horrified as I was to learn from a shocking report in The Times that a Labour-led local authority apparently showed teenagers a PowerPoint in which they were urged to seek consent from their partner before choking them during sex. It is abhorrent to even attempt to normalise strangling in a loving relationship—indeed, in any relationship. Does the Minister agree that even considering showing such appalling content to pupils in Welsh schools is totally unacceptable, and will she undertake to hold her colleagues to account on this part of the so-called Welsh curriculum? A Welsh rape gang survivor has publicly called for an inquiry into this issue. Has the Minister met the safeguarding Minister—the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, the hon. Member for Birmingham Yardley (Jess Phillips)—to reflect on this and to deliver for victims in Wales?
Context
The MP expressed concern over a report suggesting that teenagers were being shown a PowerPoint urging them to seek consent before engaging in choking during sex. The Office for National Statistics reported an increase in the prevalence of sexual assault among women aged 16-59.
Nia Griffith
It is very distressing to hear what the hon. Member has said, but I would say to her that the independent pornography review was a wide-ranging and thorough piece of work that assessed the effectiveness of pornography legislation, regulation and enforcement. The review’s final report was published on 27 February, and its findings continue to be assessed by the Government. It is right that the Government take the time to understand this complex and deeply important topic, and a further update will be provided in due course. If I may, I would just stress the point that the review recommends making non-fatal strangulation pornography clearly and explicitly illegal to possess, distribute and publish.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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Attacking the Welsh hospitality sector with the Welsh Government’s disastrous tourism tax is supposedly a good plan, yet their impact assessment warns of a potential loss of over a quarter of a billion pounds of taxpayers’ money. Meanwhile, last week Labour pulled the plug on funding for the western gateway, a vital scheme focused on boosting the Welsh economy. Can the Secretary of State now explain to taxpayers what the £205 million will actually do for Cardiff airport, and does she regret both Governments’ decisions? Today, the chief executive officer of Bristol airport has openly voiced huge concerns about the Welsh Labour Government’s decision to spend the money on Cardiff airport, with no obvious benefit or transparency—a move costing each Welsh household an additional £300.
Context
The MP highlighted concerns from the Welsh hospitality sector about a tourism tax that could lead to a loss of over £250 million. She also questioned the funding decision for the western gateway scheme.
The Secretary of State for Wales (Jo Stevens)
Investment in Cardiff airport is a matter for the Welsh Government. I recognise the importance of Cardiff airport to the economy of the South Wales region, with thousands of jobs stemming from the airport and the economic ecosystem supported by it. Airlines such as Tui and Vueling have recently added several new destinations and extra flights from Cardiff airport. In light of the Welsh Government’s sustained support for Welsh tourism, I am delighted to welcome today’s news that Tui is expanding its services at Cardiff, with more new routes and an increase in flights to places such as Tenerife and Mallorca.
Session: Proposed Visitor Levy
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In January, the Labour Government committed to assisting five local inquiries into grooming gangs and rape gangs, including one in Oldham. Two months on, we have had no update from the Government about the other locations. In which towns can women and girls now sleep safely in their beds? When and where will the other four inquiries take place, and what do the Government plan to do about the other 45 towns and cities across the country in which those gangs have reportedly operated?
Context
The Labour Government committed to assisting five local inquiries, including one in Oldham. Two months later, there has been no update on the other four inquiries.
Jess Phillips
What the Government plan to do across the country is more than was done before. The House should expect an update very soon exactly on all the plans that the Home Secretary laid out. She said that the announcement would come before Easter, and I beg the shadow Minister to have the patience she showed with her own Government when they offered none of these things.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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Due to Labour's national insurance increase, thousands of jobs at Cardiff University are reportedly at risk. Can the Minister confirm that those roles are indeed being offshored and outline her satisfaction with this situation?
Context
Mims Davies raised concerns about job losses in Wales due to the national insurance rise, citing Cardiff University as an example. She questioned whether jobs were being offshored because of these policies.
The Secretary of State for Wales (Jo Stevens)
The notion of outsourcing jobs was dismissed by the Minister, who attributed it instead to a decrease in international student recruitment under previous Conservative Government watch. She pointed out that Rebecca Smith's party voted against support measures for businesses and apprenticeships.
Session: Employer National Insurance Contributions Impact on Employment
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The call for evidence started last year by the Leader of the Opposition, when she was Minister for Women and Equalities, asked the public to share examples of bad guidance on single-sex spaces and services. This Labour Government initially shared just 42 responses—just 1% of the responses—with the Equality and Human Rights Commission, which is the body that gives advice to institutions on equality in the law. Why did the Government rule out 99% of the public responses? That is a massive betrayal of Labour’s manifesto commitment to protect single-sex spaces. The public rightly deserve to have every single one of over 3,000 submissions considered properly by the EHRC.
Context
The previous Labour government started a call for evidence asking the public to share examples of bad guidance on single-sex spaces and services. Only 42 out of over 3,000 responses were shared with the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)
The previous Government’s scope was narrow. We are taking action to give all providers the assurances that they need that single-sex spaces can be provided. I have met representatives from the EHRC to discuss that point and I have written to the EHRC about it. I will take no lectures from the Conservatives on single-sex spaces, when the use of mixed-sex hospital wards increased on their watch.
Session: Topical Questions
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It is clear from the Secretary of State’s weak response that the Labour party has a woman problem and a justice problem. In a Nation Cymru report, a survivor said that she believes the abuse is still happening, and that young victims are not getting the help they need. A refusal to create a process for listening to victims in Wales and holding inquiries means that justice will not prevail and communities remain at risk. This House will be as concerned as I am about the number of domestic abuse cases in south Wales increasing last year; there were almost 18,000 victims. What steps is she taking directly to support victims and survivors?
Context
A report from Nation Cymru highlighted ongoing concerns about the abuse of young children and a lack of support for domestic abuse victims, with an increase in cases reported.
The Secretary of State for Wales (Jo Stevens)
That is a bit rich coming from the hon. Lady. Previous Conservative Governments—her Governments—decimated the Ministry of Justice budget. Crown court delays, victims waiting years for Crown court trials—that all happened under their watch. We are protecting women and girls in Wales, where the Tories failed to do so.
Session: Crime Prevention
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An ITV Wales investigation last year discovered 28 prevention of future death reports over a 16-month period relating to the north Wales Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. The Welsh Secretary’s predecessor called for an inquiry into these tragedies. Meanwhile, answers are rightly being sought, as there is clear evidence of grooming gangs sexually exploiting young children in Wales. Will the Secretary of State commit to building on her predecessor’s actions, and push the Welsh Government to use the Inquiries Act 2005 to launch two vital Wales-wide inquiries, to give victims and their loved ones justice?
Context
An ITV Wales investigation revealed 28 prevention of future death reports over a 16-month period relating to the north Wales Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, raising concerns about systemic issues.
The Secretary of State for Wales (Jo Stevens)
The hon. Lady will be aware that, unlike the previous Government, we are determined to give the victims of child sexual exploitation the long-overdue justice that they deserve by enacting the recommendations of the Jay review. On 16 January, the Home Secretary announced that victims will be given more power to have their cases re-examined. We have also unveiled a rapid national audit, to be led by Baroness Louise Casey, to uncover the scale and profile, including ethnicity, of group-based offending in the UK today.
Session: Crime Prevention
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Labour has run the NHS poorly in Wales since Tony Blair's time, with waiting times always high. Given that the Government cannot just devolve and forget, how proactive is the Wales Office being? People know someone suffering due to long waits. Can the Secretary of State clarify if there is a concrete plan for reducing these wait times or if it remains undefined?
Context
The Labour party has been governing Wales for a long period with waiting lists consistently at record levels. The First Minister mentioned an unspecified funding injection to reduce these wait times.
The Secretary of State for Wales (Jo Stevens)
The proposed £600 million investment in the Welsh NHS is conditional upon the Senedd voting for the budget. If this vote does not occur, the funds will not materialise.
Session: NHS Reform
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What conversations have taken place between the Secretary of State and the Chancellor on the impact of increased business rates and £3.4 billion in additional costs on future hospitality sector earnings?
Context
Hospitality workers include 17% who are disabled, 20% from ethnic minority groups, and over 54% women. Increased costs due to higher business rates could drive down future earnings.
Bridget Phillipson
The hon. Lady knows as well as I do that the Government inherited a £22 billion black hole from the Conservative party. We have had to make some difficult decisions in order to stabilise our economy and get it back on track.
Session: Future Earnings Impact of Socioeconomic Disadvantage
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In September, 801,000 people were in need of treatment. If someone has lost their winter fuel allowance, along with any hope of seeing a GP or consultant and getting social care, what does the Secretary of State really have to say and do to reassure older people that the Labour Government here and in the Senedd have the ability to tackle that disgrace of a backlog?
Context
The question is based on the increasing NHS waiting lists and its effect on healthcare delivery, particularly focusing on rural areas.
Jo Stevens
I say to the hon. Lady that both the Welsh and the UK Governments are looking after pensioners in Wales. We made the tough, but right, decision on winter fuel payments, given our economic inheritance from the previous Conservative Government. We are focused on delivering funding and support to the people who need it most.
Session: NHS Waiting Lists
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Tourism is vital to Wales. However, Labour's new tourism tax has caused attraction closures and strikes. Does the Secretary of State agree that 700 tourism jobs and £40 million revenue will be lost due to this proposal?
Context
Concerns over the economic impact of a proposed tourism levy in Wales, including potential job losses and reduced visitor revenues.
Jo Stevens
I do not recognise any figures presented by the hon. Lady. In Manchester, a similar scheme has raised £2.8 million in one year, showing that such levies can be highly successful.
Session: Tourism Levy Jobs
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The Secretary of State celebrates funding for Wales yet fails to mention that, outside of the NHS, the Welsh Government Budget is 10% lower in real terms compared with—wait for it—2010. This falls far short of fixing the foundations of collapsing public services. Does she believe that a Budget that leaves Wales with less compared with 14 years ago is really a Budget worth celebrating?
Context
The Welsh Government's budget is 10% lower in real terms compared to 2010, leading to concerns about public service foundations.
Jo Stevens
I think someone should get the right hon. Lady a calculator, because the Plaid Cymru asks for the Budget would create at least £5 billion a year in unfunded bills for the taxpayer. Its plans for HS2, the winter fuel allowance and the two-child benefit cap would mean significant spending cuts in Wales. We are not prepared to subject the people of Wales to that. If she wants further investment in Wales, her party needs to vote for the Welsh Government Budget in the Senedd.
Session: Budget 2024
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Delighted she has read the deal they wrote but stating facts: despite protests, it's the same deal negotiated by the last Conservative Government involving the same amount of money. No additional funding beyond £500 million for electric arc furnace or transition board.
Context
There is a claim that the cash had been sitting there the whole time and no support was in place, requiring an apology.
Jo Stevens
Apology is due to people of Port Talbot as previous government promised £80 million for a transition board that delivered not a single penny, now knowing the £80 million did not exist.
Session: Support for the Steel Industry
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Business Confidence
15 October 2024
Responding: Gareth Thomas
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the impact of inflation and tax changes on businesses, particularly in my constituency. The Institute of Directors economic confidence index has fallen to minus 38—the lowest since December 2022, with business investment intentions dropping sharply since July. A survey by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales cites tax as the chief concern for business leaders. I received a letter from an agricultural business expressing worry about financial support being reduced or slashed, threatening livelihoods.']
Specific Asks
['I ask the Minister to reassure businesses that the Government understands the impact of instability on them and their communities. What action will the Government take about Crawley college shutting down engineering places as we strive for a new future?']
Local Government Reorganisation
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
16 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Asylum Accommodation
29 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Draft Conversion Practices Bill
25 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
25 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Windrush Day is on 22 June, commemorating the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush in 1948. The debate highlights the contributions of the Windrush generation to British society while also addressing the li...
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...
Grooming Gangs: Independent Inquiry
18 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Water Companies
08 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
South East Water: Disruption of Supply
03 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Equality Act 2010: Code of Practice
01 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Copthorne Hotel
08 September 2026
The petition addresses the frustration of constituents in East Grinstead, Uckfield, and surrounding villages regarding the prolonged use of the Copthorne hotel as asylum accommodation, which has depri...
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Compensation Following South East Water Outages
28 April 2026
The petition addresses the inadequate compensation provided
by South East Water to local businesses in East Grinstead, Uckfield, and surrounding villages following water outages in January.
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Proposed Development and Road Layout Changes in Crawley Down
08 January 2026
The petitioners are concerned about proposed development in Crawley Down that includes demolishing existing dwellings, constructing a new access road for 48 additional homes, and inadequate public con...
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Proposed Development and Road Layout Changes in Crawley Down
19 November 2025
The petitioners from Crawley Down are concerned about a proposed development that includes the demolition of existing homes in Woodlands Close and the creation of an access road for 48 additional hous...
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Attendance
77.7%
73 of 94 votes
Aye Votes
40
42.6% of votes
No Votes
33
35.1% of votes
Abstentions
21
22.3% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
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
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
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
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
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 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
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
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
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: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
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: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
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 NO
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
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: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
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
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
03 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
0
PMQs Asked
51
Ministerial Questions Asked
62
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
6
Statements / Bills
4
Petitions Presented
94
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
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+280% above average
This MP:
51
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1176% above average
This MP:
62
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-37% below average
This MP:
6
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
+63% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+13% above average
This MP:
77.7
Average:
68.8
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 Mims Davies's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.