Nick Thomas-Symonds
MP for Torfaen
Lab
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.
We saw the practical benefits of the Union with the Minister's swift action on military personnel coming to deal with the wildfires. Will he join me in paying tribute to the farmers and firefighters who dealt with those wildfires, and does he also agree that, as climate change makes them a more regular occurrence, we need a long-term plan to deal with them?
Context
The Minister's swift action on military personnel coming to deal with the wildfires.
Stephen Kinnock
I thank my right hon. Friend for his question. Like him, I pay tribute to all those involved in the collective and heroic response to the wildfires. I can confirm that the South Wales fire and rescue service submitted a military aid to the civil authorities request for consideration, which was immediately endorsed by both the Welsh Government and the Wales Office—by myself—and authorised by the Ministry of Defence. Although matters relating to agriculture and the fire and rescue services are devolved in Wales, we are committed to working with the Welsh Government to strengthen resilience against wildfires and to provide assistance to those affected.
Session: Strengthening the Union 2026-09-02
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I congratulate the Foreign Secretary and the ministerial team, and I wish them well. In recent months I have been proud, alongside the former Prime Minister, to negotiate the UK's participation in the EU support loan for Ukraine. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that, going forward, there should be no unnecessary delays in procurement, and that the kit and the weapons need to get to the frontline in Ukraine, where they are needed, as soon as possible?
Context
The MP is concerned about the speed of procurement and delivery of weapons to Ukraine, highlighting the importance of timely support.
Ed Miliband
I take this opportunity to pay tribute to the excellent job that my right hon. Friend did in government on Europe and those very difficult negotiations. I pay tribute to him for the brilliance with which he undertook that. The answer to his substantive question is: absolutely, yes.
Session: Ukraine 2026-09-01
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In November, Downing Street sources told journalists that it was accepted that the UK would have to pay billions of pounds for closer alignment and market access. Will the Paymaster General confirm to the House that that is his understanding?
Context
The Prime Minister previously stated a desire for closer alignment with the single market, which would involve following EU rules without direct say. Downing Street sources also mentioned potential costs.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
To clarify, there are no access fees in regard to either the emissions trading system linkage or the food and drink agreement that is being negotiated. That is absolutely clear. In terms of moving forward, we take pragmatic decisions in the national interest in various sectors, which is why we opened negotiations on electricity trading before Christmas.
Session: UK-EU Relations
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When will the Government clarify what has actually happened with Boris Johnson's Venezuela visit?
Context
Concerns over inconsistencies in statements regarding Boris Johnson's trip to Venezuela.
John Glen
I explained in an earlier answer where we are in terms of the Cabinet Office considering the letter from ACOBA. We do expect all Ministers, civil servants, and special advisers to abide by those business appointment rules. They are contractual requirements for civil servants and are drawn to the attention of Ministers by the ministerial code.
Session: Ministerial Code
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The amendment sets up a compensation scheme with a strict time limit of three months. Victims need concrete action now. When will the Treasury set out its detailed costings for the scheme? More importantly, when can victims expect their final compensation payments?
Context
An amendment to set up a compensation scheme within three months was passed by the House.
John Glen
A joint team between the Cabinet Office and the Treasury is working to advise on timely decision-making from 20 May. The aim is for clarity on process thereafter, but no specific dates are provided.
Session: Infected Blood Inquiry Second Interim Report
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In his second interim report, Sir Brian Langstaff recommended setting up a compensation scheme to begin work this year. We are now into 2024 without a scheme. The Minister has no timetable for when the work will start and victims' groups have waited long enough. Can he confirm if he has persuaded the Chancellor to include funding in next week's Budget, and when first substantive payments will be made?
Context
Sir Brian Langstaff recommended establishing a compensation scheme last year, which has not yet been set up. The question addresses the lack of timetable from the Government on starting work and seeks confirmation if funding will be included in next week's Budget.
John Glen
I cannot pre-announce aspects of the Budget. Legislation left after Report stage is not fit for purpose, necessitating further changes being made urgently. The Government committed to bringing forward amendments in the other place on Monday to enable creation of an arm's length body with necessary legal functions and UK-wide remit.
Session: Infected Blood Inquiry Recommendations
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The Post Office scandal and Paula Vennells' handing back of her CBE have shone a real light on the need for more scrutiny and transparency in the honours system. Does the Minister agree that the vetting process—the scrutiny and transparency—is needed more than ever in our honours system to protect its integrity?
Context
The Post Office scandal has highlighted the need for more scrutiny and transparency in the honours system.
Esther McVey
I do agree. Given that my hon. Friend is a former sub-postmaster, I can fully understand why he feels so strongly about this matter; he is absolutely right to do so, and I thank him for all the work he has done for his fellow postmasters and sub-postmasters. It is important that we protect the integrity of the honours system, which is something to which this Government are committed. We have undertaken a range of actions to strengthen checks, including expanding criminal record checks and working closely with regulators and other bodies to ensure full due diligence for all nominees.
Session: Honours System
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Given she is in the market for some common-sense ideas, I suggest that the Government adopt policies such as taxing income earned here by non-doms, abolishing tax breaks for private schools. Is it just the case that this Government are totally out of common sense and ideas?
Context
The MP suggests the appointment of a Minister for common sense is due to the Prime Minister's struggles with technology and private transport, questioning government ideas.
Esther McVey
It is not value for money to close down private schools, which parents want their children to attend. Of course, should private schools be closed, funding would need to be found from public sector sources—again, not value for money.
Session: Ministers without Portfolio Responsibilities
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Can the Deputy Prime Minister confirm that all the Prime Minister's WhatsApp messages for this period will be made available to the inquiry?
Context
The MP questions the transparency regarding the availability and submission of Prime Minister's WhatsApp messages to the inquiry.
Oliver Dowden
I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that we will furnish the inquiry with every single piece of information it requires. Indeed, I would note that the Prime Minister and all those who are requested to provide information to the inquiry are legally obliged to do so. That is precisely what we have done. My Department alone has provided over 56,000 different pieces of evidence.
Session: Covid-19 Departmental Effectiveness
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Members will be aware that the Government attempted to sneak out in the summer that announcement about the utter chaos they have created over the border target operating model. I say to the Minister that inflation is of central relevance to this matter, because the cat is out of the bag. The Government's own document concedes that these measures, when introduced, will have an impact on inflation and will make the cost of food even higher. Can the Minister set out what assessment has been made of the wasted money and the cost to taxpayers and businesses as a result of the Government's chaos on this issue?
Context
The Government's border target operating model has faced multiple delays.
Alex Burghart
I welcome the right hon. Gentleman to his spot and I look forward to debating with him on this and other issues. I do not quite accept his categorisation of us as sneaking out a document by publishing it and sharing it widely on social media. As I explained to the hon. Member for Richmond Park (Sarah Olney), we have delayed implementation in response to the challenges the country has faced. We are now ready to move forward with a brand-new border target operating model, which has the support of businesses, of vets and of those dealing with sanitary and phytosanitary checks. It will be a very good thing for the country and will help us to secure our borders in new ways.
Session: Border Target Operating Model Food Prices
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Well, that was announced when the House was not sitting, and to describe something that the Government concede will increase prices as a “good thing” is quite extraordinary and shows how out of touch they are. Let me turn to another area of the Government's incompetence. The January 2024 deadline for the rules-of-origin provisions is now rapidly approaching. Unless this matter is dealt with, it will devastate our car industry. It should have been anticipated by the Government. Can the Minister tell us when an agreement for an extension to that deadline can be secured, and what contingency plans are in place if the Government fail to do that?
Context
The January 2024 deadline for rules-of-origin provisions is approaching, with potential negative impacts on the car industry.
Alex Burghart
On the right hon. Gentleman's first point, the document was published when it was ready; it was not hastily snuck out during recess. On his point about readiness for the trade window in the car industry, that matter is being taken seriously by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, who I am sure will be ready to say something shortly.
Session: Border Target Operating Model Food Prices
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Has the free trade agreement been completed by Diwali this year, given it was promised for last year's Diwali and negotiations are ongoing?
Context
The MP is concerned about the potential benefits and delays in completing a free trade agreement that could have eliminated tariffs on Scotch whisky exports to India.
Kemi Badenoch
Every trade agreement is bespoke to the specific country, tailored for mutual benefit. The Scotch Whisky Association reports positive feedback from Indian counterparts regarding negotiations, and we are working hard to ensure industry success.
Session: Scottish Trade and Culture
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I know just what a favourable position Scotland is in, in terms of its trade exports. We do very well, even though we are held back by the constraints of this Union. The Office for National Statistics figures show that UK exports are lagging behind other G7 countries. Before the Minister tells us that this is because of the war in Ukraine and covid, let me point out that all our G7 partners have faced those headwinds as well, but only the United Kingdom, sadly including Scotland, faces the English Brexit chaos that is damaging our trade.
Context
The MP is questioning the performance of UK goods exports compared to other G7 countries, citing ONS figures showing lagging UK exports despite similar challenges faced by other nations.
Nusrat Ghani
The hon. Gentleman started so positively. If he is against Brexit, then he is against every trade deal, and he is against the most integrated single market in the world, which is Scotland and England. All he wants to do is to split, split, split. There is also fantastic news about whisky—surely that can raise a smile from the hon. Gentleman—and about services: in 2022, UK services were up by 24% in current prices, and by 4% when the figure was adjusted for inflation.
Session: Goods Exports UK and G7
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How does she propose to integrate her critical minerals strategy with our wider trade policy? How much will that 6.6% fall in exports cost the UK economy in cash terms? I only recently published the critical minerals refresh and I was expecting some sort of positive response, given how it is integrated internationally; it deals with the threats of China and works with the Inflation Reduction Act 2022 in the United States.
Context
The MP inquires about the integration of the critical minerals strategy with the UK's broader trade policies, given projections by the Office for Budget Responsibility indicating a decline in exports.
Nusrat Ghani
The critical minerals refresh is integrated internationally, dealing with threats from China and working with the Inflation Reduction Act 2022 in the US. UK exports to Europe amounted to £386.9 billion in the four quarters to the end of 2022, an increase of 25%. I believe that is an increase, not a decrease.
Session: Critical Minerals
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Why is it not surprising that the £1 trillion export target will be missed by 2035 according to OBR reports? Can the Minister explain why there are no trade deals delivered with major partners?
Context
The Labour party criticizes the Government for delivering no major trade deals such as with the US or India, while expressing dissatisfaction with existing deals like Australia.
Nusrat Ghani
We represent business on this side of the House, while Labour is blamed for backing strikes. There is good news in tech investment with £20 billion attracted. PricewaterhouseCoopers predicts UK as fastest growing G7 economy by 2050.
Session: Topical Questions
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When does the Minister expect the UK to hit its £1 trillion export target, which was promised for 2030?
Context
The Labour party criticizes the Government for failing to meet export targets set by previous Prime Ministers.
Nusrat Ghani
I am new to this business and believe the £1-trillion target was set for 2030. There are seven years left until then, so I suggest patience. The UK tech sector is a great success story with continued growth.
Session: Topical Questions
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If the Secretary of State thinks that those views are nonsense, I suggest she takes them up with the Prime Minister and the former Secretary of State. It was their judgment that I put to her, not my words. On trade, the reality is that the Conservatives are delivering either bad deals or no deals at all. That is what happens when we have a Government who are high on rhetoric and devoid of strategy, with workers and businesses paying the price. Let me ask a simple question. If the Government will not hit their target of 80% of our trade being under FTAs by the end of the year—and they won't—when will they hit it?
Context
The MP questions the government's target of achieving an FTA percentage by the end of the year.
Kemi Badenoch
As Secretary of State, I have been very clear that what is important is the substance of trade deals, not the timing. It is about the deals, not the day. I am negotiating quality trade deals for the UK that will last for generations to come.
Session: Topical Questions
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May I wish all hon. Members a very happy Christmas? In the spirit of Christmas cheer, I will offer the Minister for Trade Policy some help after his struggles in the Christmas quiz from my hon. Friend the Member for Brentford and Isleworth earlier: it was, of course, the Prime Minister who said that the Australia deal is “one-sided”. There is more: “The first step is to recognise that the Australia trade deal is not actually a very good deal for the UK”.—[Official Report, 14 November 2022; Vol. 722, c. 424.] Those are not my words, but the words of the former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the right hon. Member for Camborne and Redruth (George Eustice). Quite simply, why should anyone have confidence in the Conservatives' trade policy when they do not have confidence in it themselves?
Context
The MP references the former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs's statements about the Australia trade deal.
Kemi Badenoch
I am afraid the right hon. Gentleman is talking nonsense. The Australia free trade agreement is a great deal. It will boost the household wages going into our pockets by an estimated £900 million. It will grow the UK economy to be an estimated £2.3 billion bigger in 2035.
Session: Topical Questions
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Is not the reality that this Government's incompetence is costing growth, jobs and prosperity? When will the Secretary of State get a grip of the Department? The UK forecasts £1.8 trillion-worth of green trade by 2030.
Context
The question critiques the Government's handling of trade policy, questioning when a new grip will be taken on the situation.
Kemi Badenoch
I find every single thing the right hon. Gentleman has said to be laughable. It is very easy to stand at the Dispatch Box and make political points. I am here to actually deliver for the businesses across the UK, and that is what those of us on the Conservative Benches are going to be focused on. This is International Trade Week, so he will know that by 2030 we are forecasting £1.8 trillion-worth of green trade and £170 billion of UK exports.
Session: International Trade Week
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Can the Secretary of State set out which aspects of trade policy have failed and how she intends to improve them? I agree with her assessment of the party's performance; can she now address specific failings?
Context
The question addresses past failures in trade policy, seeking a new Secretary of State's perspective on these issues.
Kemi Badenoch
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his warm welcome. He makes reference to comments that I made in the summer, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to clarify them. I was actually referring to all MPs and to Parliament, rather than just to this side of the House—[Interruption.] Indeed; we all know Members of all parties who have not exactly covered themselves in glory.
Session: International Trade Week
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The tonnage of UK trade in food, feed and drink with both the EU and non-EU countries has fallen since 2019. Does the Minister accept that they have failed to make Brexit work?
Context
UK trade in food, feed and drink with the EU and non-EU countries has been steadily falling since 2019. The value of British exports increased.
Andrew Griffith
The value of British exports increased, and the Department is focused on growing markets, more exporters obtaining prices for their exports. The hon. Member supports the EU agreement but not post-Brexit immigration policy.
Session: Trade with the EU
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The truth is that the Government have fallen behind woefully on their manifesto commitment to have 80% of UK trade covered by free trade agreements by the end of this year, and there is no comprehensive US trade deal in sight. Something has been going severely wrong. I welcome back the Minister for Trade Policy, the right hon. Member for Portsmouth North (Penny Mordaunt), after her efforts in the Tory leadership contest, but the Secretary of State is far less complimentary about the right hon. Member's efforts in the Department. She said: “There have been a number of times when she hasn't been available, which would have been useful, and other ministers have picked up the pieces.” Mr Speaker—[Interruption.] Conservative Members shout “Shameful” at me, but these are the Conservatives' words about each other.
Context
The Government have fallen behind on their manifesto commitment to have 80% of UK trade covered by free trade agreements by the end of this year.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan (Secretary of State for International Trade)
I have a fantastic team of Ministers, which is exactly why we are able to do all that we can to make sure that our UK businesses have access to UK Government support to get their fantastic goods and services out across the world. We are rolling out the FTA programme at incredible pace by the rest of the world's standards.
Session: Topical Questions
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We Opposition Members have long argued that the Government are not doing enough to support exporters. It is now clear that the former Minister, the hon. Member for Finchley and Golders Green (Mike Freer), absolutely agrees. He argued that the trade access programme is underfunded and said of it, “We support too few shows, we don't send enough business, our pavilions are often decent but overshadowed by bigger and better ones from our competitors.” He is absolutely right, is he not?
Context
The former Minister, the hon. Member for Finchley and Golders Green, argued that the trade access programme is underfunded.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan (Secretary of State for International Trade)
It was a pleasure to have the former Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Finchley and Golders Green (Mike Freer), in the team; he has been a champion for growing our new tools. Brexit gave us opportunities to own our trade policy and to start to really champion and talk to our businesses about where they can find opportunities across the globe.
Session: Topical Questions
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To say that a decision is expected shortly simply is not good enough. To ensure that this vital industry can survive, Ministers must stop dragging their feet and act urgently to safeguard the steel sector. Jobs and livelihoods in our communities are at risk. Labour backs UK steel. Does the Minister of State not accept that the reality is that, with time passing, Ministers are too busy propping up the Prime Minister to act decisively for the people?
Context
Ministers are urged to act urgently on steel sector safeguards, with criticism that they are too busy supporting the Prime Minister.
Penny Mordaunt
With regard to the right hon. Member's last comment, it is always a good indication that we do not have to look at the ONS statistics to know that the trade numbers are going the right way when the Opposition spokesman wants to ask questions that are not related to trade.
Session: Topical Questions
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Mr Speaker, I echo your words about Jo Cox, whose ongoing legacy is testament to her remarkable dedication and compassion. Members across the House will be thinking of her family today. Steel is a foundational industry for our economy, yet Members across the House will be aware of the difficulties that steelworkers have been through in recent years, from the US tariffs to the current cost of living crisis. The clock is ticking for the UK steel sector, with just 14 days left for the Secretary of State to make a decision on whether current trade safeguards remain in place. Will the Minister of State help to remove the uncertainty by urging the Secretary of State to make that decision today?
Context
The UK steel sector is facing difficulties, including US tariffs and the current cost of living crisis. The Secretary of State has a deadline to decide on whether current trade safeguards remain in place.
Penny Mordaunt
The Secretary of State needs no urging, but it is important that she is able to make the right decision on this. The steel safeguards reconsideration is ongoing. I know the deadline is looming. My right hon. Friend is carefully considering all the information that has been presented to her.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Secretary of State set an urgent date to bring a permanent arrangement into effect to give desperately needed certainty to Ukrainian businesses? Having any trade restrictions back in place will only cause further problems for Ukraine's economic recovery. Any permanent, updated trading arrangement with Ukraine will be supported by Labour.
Context
The Government has suspended all tariffs and quotas on trade between the UK and Ukraine to support Ukrainian businesses.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
As I said, we are continuing to work very closely with our Ukrainian counterparts, and after questions the Minister for Trade Policy, my right hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth North (Penny Mordaunt), will meet the business group to continue those discussions and ensure that we are both targeting in the short term and thinking about long-term ways in which we can support Ukraine and help it recover from this illegal invasion.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Government commit to updating that agreement to make the scrapping of tariffs and quotas not just a temporary measure but a permanent one to support the Ukraine's recovery from this appalling illegal invasion in the years ahead? The political, free trade and strategic partnership agreement between the UK and Ukraine was signed back in 2020.
Context
The Government has suspended all tariffs and quotas on trade between the UK and Ukraine to support Ukrainian businesses.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
We are continuing to work very closely with our Ukrainian counterparts, and after questions the Minister for Trade Policy, my right hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth North (Penny Mordaunt), will meet the business group to continue those discussions and ensure that we are both targeting in the short term and thinking about long-term ways in which we can support Ukraine and help it recover from this illegal invasion.
Session: Topical Questions
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The whole House stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people defending their right to live freely. Labour Members have called for a total ban on luxury goods exports to Russia, will the Secretary of State heed these calls and commit this Government to such an export ban?
Context
The MP supports tough sanctions on Russia.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
We are working across Government using all tools available, but no immediate commitment was given to a total ban on luxury goods exports.
Session: Topical Questions
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I do appreciate the need to work with allies but let me push on this specific point. A ban on luxury products would send a signal to Putin's Kremlin who have often accumulated wealth at the expense of the Russian people. We can act now, will the Secretary of State work across Government and with European Governments to get a comprehensive ban in place?
Context
The MP calls for a total ban on exports of luxury goods to Russia.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
We are using all available tools to tighten economic measures against Putin's regime. However, no specific commitment to an immediate comprehensive ban on luxury goods was made.
Session: Topical Questions
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The lifting of the tariffs is vital for jobs and livelihoods across the country. The Secretary of State could not confirm that the Prime Minister has raised the issue with President Biden. Are people right to conclude that the Prime Minister is focused on saving himself and does not care about steelworkers' jobs?
Context
The US has imposed section 232 tariffs since 2018, affecting export volumes from the UK to the US.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
I hope that the right hon. Member will assist us in the negotiations by speaking to their counterparts and indeed all those across the US who want the tariffs removed. I reiterate that at every level of the UK Government we have raised the issue with the US, and we are therefore at the point where we are now starting negotiations.
Session: US Steel Tariffs
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At the start of last month, I wrote to the Secretary of State about those steel tariffs which have been in place since 2018 and have already done great damage. In 2017, exports of steel and aluminium to the United States were more than 350,000 tonnes. In 2020, that had fallen to 200,000 tonnes. The situation is urgent, because as my hon. Friend set out, the EU gained a competitive advantage on new year's day with US lifting tariffs for EU member states but not the UK.
Context
The US has imposed section 232 tariffs since 2018, affecting export volumes from the UK to the US.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
I assure the House that I have been extremely robust in moving the issue along since coming into post. I am pleased that we were able to launch these negotiations yesterday. It is important that we sort out and remove those unnecessary and burdensome tariffs on the UK.
Session: US Steel Tariffs
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The Government have not made an inch of progress on green trade in any of the bilateral trade agreements signed since 2019, so why should we put faith in that now? The Board of Trade itself has said: “There are two main ways that trade can accelerate the green transition: liberalising green trade; and reducing market distortions”. Does the Minister accept that that is exactly what the New Zealand agreement does, and if so, does he not think that now is the time to show global leadership and not to stay on the sidelines?
Context
The lack of progress on green trade in bilateral agreements since 2019 is pointed out, questioning the current approach.
Ranil Jayawardena
We are absolutely committed to ensuring that the environment receives the full attention of Her Majesty's Government, but we will also seek to end other environmentally wasteful practices that arise from other state actors, such as the subsidising of the illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing sectors that exist in some countries, and we will press for the successful conclusion of the fisheries subsidies negotiation. That demonstrates that we are working across a number of areas, not just the one to which the right hon. Gentleman has referred.
Session: Trade Deals Environmental Standards
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Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am also grateful to the Secretary of State for her welcome. I look forward to our debates on the crucial importance of trade to our national economy and, indeed, to promoting our values around the world. The objective of the New Zealand-led international agreement on climate change, trade and sustainability is to break down global barriers to trade in green goods and services and eliminate the subsidies that are propping up fossil fuel producers. Can the Minister explain why?
Context
The UK's decision not to join the New Zealand-led initiative on climate, trade and sustainability is questioned.
Ranil Jayawardena
I, too, welcome the right hon. Gentleman to his place. He is right—the United Kingdom is not currently considering joining the negotiations on that agreement—but we will continue to work with partners to establish how such plurilateral initiatives can help to support discussions at the World Trade Organisation.
Session: Trade Deals Environmental Standards
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Will the Home Secretary admit that bringing the Cabinet Office into sorting out this issue is a sign that she has lost trust?
Context
The Government's handling of the French authorities and aid budget has been criticised for not addressing reasons why people flee their homes.
Priti Patel
No, throughout.
Session: Topical Questions
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Put it on a statutory footing now. Over the weekend, there were even reports that she is yet again trying to shift blame to officials in her Department. Why will she not show some leadership and accept the responsibility that lies with her for this dangerous situation?
Context
The number of people crossing the English channel has dramatically increased, leading to concerns about safety and responsibility.
Priti Patel
The inquiry into Sarah Everard's murder is being handled properly to protect the family. The Government are dealing with illegal immigration, including new plans and efforts to stop crossings.
Session: Topical Questions
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We have waited years for the online harms Bill. The awful abuse continues; it is not contained to football but happens across society. Our footballers are using their platform to help millions desperate for change, yet change is slow. Resources must be allocated now for tracking down perpetrators and bringing them to justice. Will the Home Secretary confirm immediate forward movement on the online harms bill with tough sanctions against social media companies, including criminal penalties for executives?
Context
The question addresses ongoing issues of social media abuse and the need for urgent legislative action.
Priti Patel
The Home Secretary confirms the online harms Bill will be brought forward. The Government has been clear about legislation against social media companies, needing tough sanctions and accountability for executives hosting vile material on their platforms.
Session: Topical Questions
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I congratulate the England team on its fantastic achievements at the European championships. Those players have shown incredible skill and determination on and off the pitch, taking a stand against racism. Sadly, overnight Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka have been subject to the most appalling racist abuse. The Home Secretary spoke about potential future action; has social media had long enough? What immediate action will be taken?
Context
Following racist abuse directed at England football players Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, the questioner seeks immediate measures from the Home Secretary.
Priti Patel
Everyone in the House will join in celebrating our incredible football team and calling out appalling racist abuse. Social media companies have had far too long to address racism, violence, hatred, and antisemitism on their platforms. The Home Secretary points to the online harms Bill for legislation and current pursuit of social media companies.
Session: Topical Questions
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How many people arrived in the UK from India as the delta variant was taking hold? The Home Secretary cannot say this number, indicating weak policy. Is it true that when it comes to protecting people from covid variants, this Government's policy is weak?
Context
The question follows concerns about the effectiveness of government policies regarding border protections and their impact on the spread of the delta variant.
Priti Patel
I fundamentally disagree with the right hon. Gentleman. The UK has set out a comprehensive set of measures including Foreign Office advice, passenger locator forms, and managed hotel quarantine services since January last year. We have followed all scientific advice regarding red-listing India.
Session: Topical Questions
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How many travellers from India arrived between 9 and 23 April, and how many people have arrived here from amber list countries since 17 May? The Government delayed adding India to the red list. Can they provide clarity on border measures?
Context
The question follows a statement on departmental responsibilities and highlights concerns about mixed messaging regarding easing restrictions due to the delta variant, first discovered in India.
Priti Patel
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his comments. We have taken all essential steps to protect public health, including stringent border measures such as 100% passenger checks by Border Force and isolation assurance service compliance checks.
Session: Topical Questions
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The violent scenes seen last weekend put lives at risk and demonstrated the need for stronger protections for peaceful demonstrations while allowing the police necessary powers. Can she give an undertaking that before Report stage, these points will be addressed?
Context
There were incidents of violence against police during the pandemic, including in Bristol. The Opposition voted against measures to protect police.
Priti Patel
The right to protest peacefully is a cornerstone of democracy and we will defend it. We will work with all parties to give the police powers to tackle thuggery and criminality.
Session: Topical Questions
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Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, that an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, that he will be graciously pleased to give directions to require the Government to lay before this House all papers relating to Lord ...
UK-EU Common Understanding Negotiations 2025-12-17
17 December 2025
General Debate
Led by this MP
The Government were elected with a manifesto commitment to reset relations with European partners; to fix the bad deal passed on by the previous government; and to support jobs here in the UK. A new s...
UK-EU Customs Union (Duty to Negotiate) 2025-12-09
09 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Brexit has been an economic failure, leading to reduced business investment, shattered resilience, and higher costs. The UK faces significant challenges with its current relationship with the EU, incl...
Attendance
48.0%
47 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
15
15.3% of votes
No Votes
32
32.7% of votes
Abstentions
51
52.0% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
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 NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
0
PMQs Asked
54
Ministerial Questions Asked
88
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
28
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
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+303% above average
This MP:
54
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1711% above average
This MP:
88
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+196% above average
This MP:
28
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-31% below average
This MP:
48.0
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 Nick Thomas-Symonds's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.