Nick Timothy
MP for West Suffolk
Conservative
4 Jul 2024 -
Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
The Home Secretary says that we should judge her success in smashing the gangs by whether the number of channel crossings falls, but under this Government the numbers are up by more than 30%. By which date should we judge the Home Secretary, and if she fails, will she be fired?
Context
The number of migrants crossing the channel has increased by more than 30% under this Government, while the Home Secretary claims success will be judged by a reduction in these crossings.
The Deputy Prime Minister (Angela Rayner)
We are getting on with the job, working internationally to disrupt the abhorrent work of these smugglers and gangs, while the hon. Member harps on from the sidelines. He should apologise for their record in government, which was abysmal.
Assessment
Did not address the specific dates or consequences related to reducing illegal immigration.
Harped Back At The QuestionerRefused To Engage With The Substance Of The Question
Session: PMQs
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I asked the Justice Secretary to rule out reducing access to jury trials, and the House will have noticed that he did not do that. We are not talking about something insignificant; we are talking about an ancient English right dating back to Magna Carta. As with Labour's early release disaster, the new Prime Minister told everybody he did not like it and would not do it, but he never got round to working out what to do instead. Once again, the Justice Secretary has made much of his desire to work together constructively—although I have not seen much of it in our correspondence—so will he publish the full details of the new plan now, or does he still not know what it is?
Context
The new Prime Minister promised to not reduce access to jury trials, but there are concerns that the Government may proceed with reducing access to jury trials through the Courts and Tribunals Bill.
Alex Norris
This is interesting: the Opposition do not know how to deal with either the new Prime Minister or the new Government. When we talk about wanting to improve things in the collective interest of the country, we mean it. The hon. Gentleman offers to be my correspondence secretary, but I do not think that is quite the answer.
Session: Trial by Jury 2026-09-15
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I asked the Justice Secretary to rule out reducing access to jury trials, and the House will have noticed that he did not do that. We are not talking about something insignificant; we are talking about an ancient English right dating back to Magna Carta. Once again, the Justice Secretary has made much of his desire to work together constructively—although I have not seen much of it in our correspondence—so will he publish the full details of the new plan now, or does he still not know what it is?
Context
The Justice Secretary did not rule out reducing access to jury trials, despite the Prime Minister's promise not to do so. This issue is significant and dates back to Magna Carta.
Alex Norris
This is interesting: the Opposition do not know how to deal with either the new Prime Minister or the new Government. When we talk about wanting to improve things in the collective interest of the country, we mean it. The hon. Gentleman offers to be my correspondence secretary, but I do not think that is quite the answer.
Session: Trial by Jury
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The Justice Secretary proposes to let another set of dangerous criminals out of prison as well. Every prisoner serving an imprisonment for public protection sentence has been assessed to be too dangerous for release or returned to prison because of their behaviour—last year, there were 426 of them. The Justice Secretary has reiterated his commitment today to ending IPP sentences by the end of this Parliament. Will he tell the House very clearly if he has decided that it is, indeed, safe to release every single one of them?
Context
The Justice Secretary proposes to release prisoners serving imprisonment for public protection sentences despite their being assessed as too dangerous for release or returned to prison due to their behaviour. In the past year, 426 prisoners were assessed as too dangerous for release.
Alex Norris
I understand that the hon. Gentleman is a champion of individual liberty, and I understand him to be someone who believes in the equal application of liberty for individuals too. He must, surely, share my discomfort that there are individuals with tariffs of 18 months who have served 18 years on those sentences. This has been a matter of consensus for a long period of time; that is why his colleagues, when in government, discontinued those sentences. That is not to say that it is easy. In exactly the spirit in which he says that it must be done safely, my commitment is to do that with him and with colleagues across the House.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Justice Secretary proposes to let another set of dangerous criminals out of prison as well. Every prisoner serving an imprisonment for public protection sentence has been assessed to be too dangerous for release or returned to prison because of their behaviour—last year, there were 426 of them. The Justice Secretary has reiterated his commitment today to ending IPP sentences by the end of this Parliament. Will he tell the House very clearly if he has decided that it is, indeed, safe to release every single one of them?
Context
The Justice Secretary has reiterated his commitment to ending IPP sentences by the end of this Parliament. Every prisoner serving an imprisonment for public protection sentence has been assessed to be too dangerous for release or returned to prison because of their behaviour.
Alex Norris
I understand that the hon. Gentleman is a champion of individual liberty, and I understand him to be someone who believes in the equal application of liberty for individuals too. He must, surely, share my discomfort that there are individuals with tariffs of 18 months who have served 18 years on those sentences. This has been a matter of consensus for a long period of time; that is why his colleagues, when in government, discontinued those sentences. That is not to say that it is easy. In exactly the spirit in which he says that it must be done safely, my commitment is to do that with him and with colleagues across the House.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-15
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Upon taking office, the Prime Minister promised to find ways of not reducing access to jury trial. He said that jury trials are a linchpin of a fair society. Now that we know the Courts and Tribunals Bill will return to the House on 13 October, can the Justice Secretary guarantee that the Bill will not reduce access to jury trials at all?
Context
Upon taking office, the Prime Minister promised to find ways of not reducing access to jury trial, citing it as a linchpin of a fair society. The Courts and Tribunals Bill is expected to return to the House on 13 October.
Alex Norris
The shadow Secretary of State seeks to run ahead of the process that is going on at the moment. It is very important that Parliament has the opportunity to consider this really important legislation in the spirit that he talks about, and we have now reached Second Reading. I have been in this place for nine years, and legislation very rarely looks the same at the beginning of the process as it does at the end. My offer to him, and indeed to colleagues from across the House, is to engage in the conversation. If they have concerns and wish to see things changed, let us have that conversation.
Session: Trial by Jury
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This summer, the Government held five different positions on early release in just six weeks. In seeking to exclude killers, rapists and paedophiles—something the Government previously claimed was impossible—the Justice Secretary has used secondary legislation. He says: 'No further legislation is required in the short term…primary legislation will…be considered when Parliamentary time allows.' Will the Secretary of State guarantee that after relying on secondary legislation to change Labour's early release scheme, no prisoner will successfully challenge their exclusion in the courts?
Context
The Government has held five different positions on early release in just six weeks. The Justice Secretary has used secondary legislation to exclude killers, rapists and paedophiles from early release, which was previously claimed to be impossible by the Government. The Justice Secretary has stated that no further legislation is required in the short term and primary legislation will be considered when Parliamentary time allows.
Alex Norris
Yes, I give the hon. Gentleman the assurance that I have no concerns in that regard. The device we used was the commencement order. We chose to commence the provisions for some offences, but not for others. The point I was making to him in writing was that for parliamentarians it is discomfiting to have things lying on the statute book that are not intended for use, so it is good practice to remove them. It would not be without precedent for many provisions to be on the statute book without being turned on; nevertheless, that is what I was referring to in respect of further legislation. I am confident in our legal position.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-15
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This summer, the Government held five different positions on early release in just six weeks. In seeking to exclude killers, rapists and paedophiles—something the Government previously claimed was impossible—the Justice Secretary has used secondary legislation. He says: 'No further legislation is required in the short term... primary legislation will... be considered when Parliamentary time allows.' Will the Secretary of State guarantee that after relying on secondary legislation to change Labour's early release scheme, no prisoner will successfully challenge their exclusion in the courts?
Context
The Government held five different positions on early release in just six weeks. They are now using secondary legislation to exclude certain types of offenders from early release, despite previous claims that this was impossible.
Alex Norris
Yes, I give the hon. Gentleman the assurance that I have no concerns in that regard. The device we used was the commencement order. We chose to commence the provisions for some offences, but not for others. The point I was making to him in writing was that for parliamentarians it is discomfiting to have things lying on the statute book that are not intended for use, so it is good practice to remove them. It would not be without precedent for many provisions to be on the statute book without being turned on; nevertheless, that is what I was referring to in respect of further legislation. I am confident in our legal position.
Session: Topical Questions
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Upon taking office, the Prime Minister promised to find ways of not reducing access to jury trial. He said that jury trials are a linchpin of a fair society. Now that we know the Courts and Tribunals Bill will return to the House on 13 October, immediately after the recess, can the Justice Secretary guarantee that the Bill will not reduce access to jury trials at all?
Context
The Prime Minister promised to find ways of not reducing access to jury trial, stating that jury trials are a linchpin of a fair society. The Courts and Tribunals Bill will return to the House on 13 October.
Alex Norris
The shadow Secretary of State seeks to run ahead of the process that is going on at the moment. It is very important that Parliament has the opportunity to consider this really important legislation in the spirit that he talks about, and we have now reached Second Reading. I have been in this place for nine years, and legislation very rarely looks the same at the beginning of the process as it does at the end. My offer to him, and indeed to colleagues from across the House, is to engage in the conversation. If they have concerns and wish to see things changed, let us have that conversation.
Session: Trial by Jury 2026-09-15
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Does the Minister predict that court backlogs will get worse when the right hon. Member for Makerfield takes over?
Context
The MP questions the Minister's position if a new leader scraps jury trial policy.
Sarah Sackman
I think the hon. Gentleman is referring to an interview with my right hon. Friend the Member for Makerfield that took place in December, well before this House voted conclusively on Second Reading. Any ministerial team would have to take on this challenge. Unlike the Conservatives, we will not duck it. What my right hon. Friend the Member for Makerfield actually said was that we need to pause and reflect.
Session: Jury Trials 2026-06-30
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Mr Speaker, you will be alarmed to know that one in seven NHS staff experienced a physical attack while on shift last year. Our paramedics, doctors, nurses, police officers and firefighters go to work every day to save lives, yet they face unimaginable abuse. We have to clamp down on those who perpetrate these vile attacks. Will the Secretary of State commit to reviewing sentencing guidelines for such heinous crimes?
Context
One in seven NHS staff experienced a physical attack while on shift last year. These attacks are unimaginable abuses against those who save lives daily.
Jake Richards
That is an absolutely shocking figure, and I pay tribute to all NHS staff and frontline public service workers. I meet the chair of the Sentencing Council regularly to discuss issues, and I will raise this one with her as well.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-06-30
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Does the Minister predict that court backlogs will get worse when the right hon. Member for Makerfield takes over?
Context
The MP questions the predictability of court backlogs under a new leadership.
Sarah Sackman
The hon. Gentleman mischaracterises the Government's policy, as so many do. We are preserving jury trials as a cornerstone of British justice, but it is no justice at all if someone is waiting years for that jury trial. When witnesses and complainants pull out of the process and those trials collapse, that is no justice at all, whoever is in charge.
Session: Jury Trials 2026-06-30
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What the Justice Secretary just said about the record of the last Government was factually untrue, and he should withdraw it. He does not want to admit it, but it is his policy to send fewer knife criminals to jail. That is why he just said what he did. His White Paper was announced yesterday, and buried in it, on page 46—he can read it again—is his plan to not just go soft on young criminals, but make others, including vulnerable adults and young adults…subject to a different process. That is wrong. Can the Justice Secretary rule out weaker sentences, and a target of reducing imprisonment rates for any adult criminals?
Context
The question follows a reference to the Justice Secretary's White Paper and addresses concerns about its impact on sentencing for adult criminals, focusing on softer sentences.
David Lammy
The hon. Gentleman left us with a prison capacity crisis. The last Government had success in reducing the number of young people in prison—he knows it, and the record is there—and I worked with Michael Gove and David Cameron as they set out on that mission. The strategy we published yesterday puts public protection first. There will always be young people who have to be in custody, but we are determined to reduce the number of young people on remand in particular by working with the most vulnerable.
Session: Knife Crime Strategy
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Why has the CPS refused to prosecute those chanting ' 'Globalise the intifada' when inciting violence against Jewish communities? Why won't the Justice Secretary change the law to ensure these people face justice?
Context
Two recent marches in London saw one condemned by the Justice Secretary, while another anti-Israel march went unaddressed. Chants demanding intifada revolution and calls for attacks on British Jews were heard.
David Lammy
Everyone inciting violence against Jewish communities in our country must face the full force of the law. The CPS updated its guidance on hate crimes on 5 May to ensure people face the law as they should.
Session: Topical Questions
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What the Justice Secretary just said about the record of the last Government was factually untrue, and he should withdraw it. He does not want to admit it, but it is his policy to send fewer knife criminals to jail. That is why he just said what he did. His White Paper was announced yesterday, and buried in it, on page 46—he can read it again—is his plan to not just go soft on young criminals, but make others, including vulnerable adults and young adults…subject to a different process. That is wrong. Can the Justice Secretary rule out weaker sentences, and a target of reducing imprisonment rates for any adult criminals?
Context
The question builds on a previous statement and references the Justice Secretary's White Paper. It focuses on policies that would reduce imprisonment rates for adult criminals, questioning the government's approach.
David Lammy
The hon. Gentleman left us with a prison capacity crisis. The last Government had success in reducing the number of young people in prison—he knows it, and the record is there—and I worked with Michael Gove and David Cameron as they set out on that mission. The strategy we published yesterday puts public protection first. There will always be young people who have to be in custody, but we are determined to reduce the number of young people on remand in particular by working with the most vulnerable.
Session: Knife Crime Strategy
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I think the public will be disappointed by this behaviour. The Justice Secretary cannot get his story straight. Like the Prime Minister, he once said: “Criminal trials without juries are a bad idea”. Now he says they are a good idea, with his justification for this change changing by the minute. Last week, 10 Labour MPs voted against the courts Bill and 90 abstained. They are looking for a compromise—not in the House of Lords, but while the Bill is in this House. The Justice Secretary just refused to agree a sunset clause in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Broadland and Fakenham (Jerome Mayhew), so, for the sake of the 100 Labour MPs who do not trust him or his intentions, I will ask again: will he consider a sunset clause, or will he tell his own MPs no?
Context
The Justice Secretary's stance on criminal trials without juries has shifted, causing confusion. Previously, he opposed such trials but now supports them, changing his justification frequently.
David Lammy
I have to say, the hon. Gentleman has not apologised for the state that the Conservatives left the criminal justice system in, closing 40% of court buildings in England—[Interruption.]
Session: Jury Trials
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I join the Justice Secretary in sending condolences to the family of Jeff Blair. I also pay tribute to the shadow Solicitor General, my hon. Friend the Member for Maidstone and Malling (Helen Grant), for her successful campaign for a child cruelty register. The Government have published their Islamophobia definition, rebranded as a definition of anti-Muslim hostility. We are told that the definition is non-statutory but it is designed to influence official decision making, so will the Justice Secretary make it clear right now that the definition will not be adopted by the police, prosecutors or the judiciary?
Context
The Government have published a non-statutory definition of anti-Muslim hostility.
David Lammy
The hon. Gentleman will recognise that those are independent bodies, but it is not a statutory definition. It seeks to allow us to intervene to bear down on the rising Islamic/Muslim hate that we are seeing across the country, just as we have had to do to deal with antisemitism and racism more generally.
Session: Topical Questions
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Without any kind of mandate, the Government want to scrap jury trials and limit appeal rights; will the Solicitor General confirm that more than 40% of appeals from magistrates courts were upheld? Is it the policy to live with such miscarriages of justice?
Context
The Government want to do away with jury trials and extend the powers of magistrates to sentence people for up to two years without a right to appeal. More than 40% of appeals from magistrates courts last year were upheld.
The Solicitor General (Ellie Reeves)
The hon. Gentleman is wrong to say that we are getting rid of jury trials. I will say it again: less than 3% of cases are currently heard by a jury. Under the proposals, some cases would be heard by a Crown court bench, or by the magistrates courts. When we are facing backlogs of up to three years and rape victims are not having their cases heard, doing nothing is not an option.
Session: Jury Trials
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Happy Christmas to you, Mr Speaker, and to all Members and staff of the House. At the Liaison Committee this week, the Prime Minister admitted that some farmers will take their own lives because of the family farms tax, but he repeated the claim that three quarters of farms will not be affected. According to the National Farmers Union, the opposite is true: three quarters of commercial family farms will have to pay it. The big idea now is to drive up profitability, but as my right hon Friend the Member for New Forest West (Sir Desmond Swayne) said, the family farms tax is killing investment. Does the Minister think that Baroness Batters was wrong when she said in her report, on page 4, that the closure of the sustainable farming initiative and the family farms tax have left farmers particularly in the arable sector questioning viability, let alone profitability?
Context
The National Farmers Union reports that three-quarters of commercial family farms will be affected by the family farm tax. The Prime Minister previously acknowledged that some farmers may take their own lives due to this tax.
The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Dame Angela Eagle)
I do not think that the hon Member’s characterisation of the Prime Minister’s remarks to the Liaison Committee is entirely accurate, but I am working on introducing and making available in the first half of next year a sustainable farming incentive scheme that will hopefully be more available to smaller farmers, easier to engage with, and much simpler than the mess delivered by the Government of which he was a part. Let us face it: 25% of the money in the SFI scheme goes to the top 4% of farmers. I want to see a different distribution.
Session: Agricultural and Business Property Relief: Food Prices
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The White House has expressed concerns about sensitive cables that run under Royal Mint Court, as have the Dutch, Swiss and Swedish Governments. I understand that the Foreign Office has denied the presence of such cables to the US Government, and the Cabinet Office has denied it to the press. Will the Foreign Secretary stand up and make it very clear to the House of Commons that no such cables run beneath or near the site—yes or no?
Context
The White House and other foreign governments have expressed concerns about sensitive cables running under Royal Mint Court. The Foreign Office has denied the presence of such cables to both the US Government and the press.
Yvette Cooper
We always make national security considerations a central priority, and we continue to hold a range of discussions on national security issues with the US and other partners. Under the hon. Gentleman’s party, the Defence Secretary was sacked for leaking national security information and the Home Secretary was sacked for national security breaches, and the Conservatives left us with the smallest Army since the time of Napoleon. We will not take any lectures from them.
Session: Topical Questions
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The special needs budget mess is not the only uncertainty caused by this Government. The special needs White Paper is overdue, and 44 approved mainstream free schools and a number of approved special needs schools are in limbo. Schools, trusts or councils that want to open new special needs schools do not know the policy, the budget, or whether they will be allowed to open at all, so by what date will we get the White Paper? When will we get an answer to the budget mess, and when will we be told whether those free schools can go ahead?
Context
The special needs budget is uncertain, the White Paper is overdue, and many approved schools are in limbo. There is a list of special school projects that require decisions.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Josh MacAlister)
The reason this Government need to create a policy and a budget for this system is that it was left in a complete mess—not that many months ago, the former Education Secretary described it as a “lose, lose, lose” situation. Getting the special educational needs system right and fixing it will take time, but we have already put £740 million of capital into the system. As the hon. Member highlighted, there is a list of special school projects; we are looking through those projects now, and will make a decision very soon.
Session: Free School Applications
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We know that academics at British universities have been harassed by Chinese agents and pressured by their own administrators to censor their work. Sheffield Hallam, for example, blocked research by Professor Laura Murphy into the treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. Ministers make noises, but we have not yet had any action. Following on from the question from my right hon. Friend the Member for Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge (Sir Gavin Williamson), when will the free speech legislation be enacted? Will Ministers commit to closing down every single Confucius institute in the country?
Context
Academics at British universities have been harassed by Chinese agents and pressured to censor their work. For example, Sheffield Hallam blocked research into the treatment of Uyghur Muslims.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
The hon. Gentleman references a particular institution, and the House will appreciate that I am not in a position to comment, given the ongoing investigations in that area. I can be clear to this House that any attempt to intimidate and coerce universities will not be tolerated. I should also be clear that as a country, we welcome Chinese students. Chinese students enrich our campuses and our communities. They will always be welcome, but where there is evidence of concerning behaviour or attempts to intimidate, universities can and must take action.
Session: Universities: Chinese Influence
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What steps he is taking to reduce the time taken to procure drones for the armed forces. The biggest drone manufacturer in Ukraine, Ukrspecsystems, is investing £200 million in Britain, opening a factory in Mildenhall in the west of my county and creating 500 jobs directly and through the supply chain. However, like all manufacturers, it is facing rising energy costs and a tax bill that is likely to go up. If the Minister wants greater drone capacity in Britain, what conversations is he having with his colleagues in the Energy Department and the Business Department to ensure that the whole Government are pulling in the same direction?
Context
The question pertains to reducing the time taken to procure drones for the UK Armed Forces, following concerns raised by Ukrainian drone manufacturer Ukrspecsystems investing in Britain and facing rising costs. The context includes discussions on Ukraine's conflict and the strategic defence review.
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Al Carns)
The uncrewed centre of excellence is trying to pull all of Government together to make the system easier to deal with for small and medium-sized enterprises. I pay tribute to Ukrspecsystems, which has been providing drones to Ukraine for the past three years. They have been used to very high effect in that country.
Session: Drone Procurement
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There are reports that Jonathan Powell wrote a box note to the Prime Minister on the China spy trial. When No. 10 was asked about this, the official spokesman said that it was for the Cabinet Office to answer, and as Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, the right hon. Gentleman is uniquely placed to tell us. Did Powell write a box note to the Prime Minister —yes or no?
Context
There are reports that Jonathan Powell wrote a box note to the Prime Minister on the China spy trial. When No. 10 was asked about this, the official spokesman said that it was for the Cabinet Office to answer.
Darren Jones (Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister)
No.
Session: Strengthening National Security
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On higher-level learning, universities have spent at least £2.5 million since the attacks of 7 October on additional security for anti-Israel protests and the clean-up operations that follow, yet many of the disciplinary cases against those disrupting study have been dropped. Will the Secretary of State confirm how many students have been expelled or disciplined for causing criminal damage, inciting violence and chanting antisemitic abuse?
Context
Universities have spent at least £2.5 million since the attacks of 7 October on additional security for anti-Israel protests and subsequent clean-up operations, yet many disciplinary cases against those disrupting study have been dropped.
Bridget Phillipson (The Secretary of State for Education)
Let me be absolutely clear: there is no place on our university campuses, in our schools or anywhere in our society for antisemitism, and I send that message loud and clear. That is the message that I have extended to university vice-chancellors, who should be in no doubt that we expect to see action on campus on this very serious issue. That is why we are putting more funding into training and support, including in our universities where we expect to see action, because there can be no excuse for Jewish students feeling unsafe on campus.
Session: Higher-level Learning Target
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One year ago, the Education Secretary paused plans to open 44 approved free schools. In January, she said that she was “working rapidly” to make a decision. That was nine months ago—enough time to make a baby, but not enough time for her to make up her mind. When will our Ministers tell those free school founders—among whom are some of the best education leaders in the country—if they can open great new schools?
Context
The Education Secretary paused plans to open 44 approved free schools, and nine months later there is still no decision made on these plans.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Josh MacAlister)
There is a choice here. We are debating how the Government, within only a few months of being elected, are making big progress across the education system. That includes big decisions made at fiscal events to invest capital into programmes such as this one, which at every opportunity the Conservatives have failed to support. We are able to make these decisions to improve our school estate only because of the decisions made at fiscal events.
Session: Free Schools: Application Decisions
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In 2018, a definition of Islamophobia was provided that suggested discussing rape gangs or Muslim Brotherhood entryism could be seen as 'anti-Muslim racism'. The Home Secretary endorsed this. Does she still believe these activities are protected under the term Islamophobia?
Context
The definition of Islamophobia by the all-party parliamentary group on British Muslims has been controversial, raising concerns about freedom of speech and addressing religious-based criminality.
Shabana Mahmood
That definition sought to give context to patterns of behaviour. Let me be clear for the hon. Gentleman and the whole House: there is absolutely no excuse for, or hiding of, the criminality of those who engage in heinous crimes such as those involving rape or grooming gangs. That is why the Government will take forward the Casey recommendations and have that national inquiry. He knows that the Government are working with a working group on a definition of Islamophobia. We have been absolutely clear that we will not pursue any measures that would impinge on our ancient right of freedom of speech.
Session: Topical Questions
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What does it say to Britain’s allies, and to our enemies, when neither the Foreign Secretary nor the Prime Minister can bring themselves to say that the strikes again Iran were right and legal?
Context
The question addresses the diplomatic stance of the UK following military actions against Iran.
David Lammy
I have spoken to Secretary of State Rubio every single week that I have been in office. The Prime Minister and the President of the United States have the best of relationships. That is a signal of how well our special relationship is working.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Energy Secretary has said that there is a “principled case” for removing green taxes from electricity bills, and the cost being met by increases in green taxes on gas bills. That would be a net tax rise for every household—80% of the country—that uses gas. This was not an argument that he made before the election, so can the Minister take this opportunity to rule out any increase in taxes, charges or levies on gas bills?
Context
The MP questioned the Energy Secretary's proposal to remove green taxes from electricity bills, noting it would be a net tax rise for households.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Michael Shanks)
On the Government Benches, we are trying to cut people’s bills as quickly as possible. The hon. Gentleman was a core part of a Government who failed to do that for many years.
Session: Decoupling Electricity and Gas Prices
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Yesterday, a man was convicted of a public order offence after burning a Koran outside the Turkish embassy. The judge said that the fact that the man was attacked was proof that he was guilty of disorderly behaviour. This is grotesque, and means that in effect, we have a blasphemy law. Does the Justice Secretary believe that this should hold, or will the Government back my Bill to put an end to all of this madness next week?
Context
A man was convicted of a public order offence after burning a Koran outside the Turkish embassy. The judge's ruling suggested that being attacked proved his guilt, which the MP finds concerning.
Shabana Mahmood
We do not have a blasphemy law, and we are not going to have a blasphemy law in this country. As the hon. Gentleman will be aware, I believe that that specific case is going to be subject to an appeal, so it would be inappropriate for me or any other Minister to comment on the details of the matter. However, I am sure that once all other channels are exhausted and we have a final resolution, we will be debating these matters in detail in this House.
Session: Topical Questions
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At the last oral questions, the Secretary of State said that different forms of gambling should be treated differently. However, a flat tax on all online gambling has been proposed, which fails to distinguish between betting on sports like horseracing and online casinos and gaming. Problem rates for bets on racing are about the same as for lottery scratchcards. Will the Minister commit here and now to making sure that betting on sports like racing is not treated the same as betting on online casinos and gaming?
Context
The racing industry is concerned about the proposed flat tax on all online gambling which treats betting on sports like horse racing the same as bets on online casinos, despite similar problem rates for both.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)
I am a big supporter of racing and recognise the significant contribution it makes to the British economy. The consultation on the tax treatment of remote gambling is led by His Majesty’s Treasury. It is open until 21 July and any impact assessment will be a matter for that Department.
Session: Remote Betting and Gaming Duty: Horseracing
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What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the double contributions convention in the UK-India free trade agreement on levels of tax revenue? Indian workers sent here by their employers will cost less in taxes than British rivals for doing the same jobs, which could displace British workers and suppress wages. Will the Chancellor commit now to monitoring the effects of the agreement?
Context
The MP is concerned about the potential fiscal impact of tax revenue and employment displacement due to a clause in the UK-India free trade agreement. The double contributions convention allows workers posted between India and the UK to avoid paying social security contributions twice.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
This deal is worth £5 billion to the UK economy, reducing tariffs on Scotch whisky by more than half. The double contributions convention ensures that workers posted between India and the UK do not pay social security contributions twice. British workers benefit from this agreement as well.
Session: UK-India Free Trade Agreement
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Next month, a planning application for a biodigester near Haverhill and Withersfield in West Suffolk will be decided. It is the wrong location for many reasons, not least the risk of flooding as the proposed site is on flood risk zone 3 land. What are the Government doing to prevent development on land susceptible to flooding?
Context
A biodigester near Haverhill and Withersfield in West Suffolk is scheduled to be decided next month. The proposed site is on flood risk zone 3 land.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Hardy)
The hon. Gentleman raises an important point. Of course, the national planning policy framework is clear that where development in areas at risk of flooding is necessary, local planning authorities and developers should ensure that the development is appropriately flood resilient and resistant, safe for the development’s lifetime and, importantly, will not increase flood risk elsewhere. We are also looking at other measures, such as sustainable urban drainage systems, to be included in planning as well.
Session: Flooding: Protecting Vulnerable Communities
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According to reports in The Guardian, Government sources have said that issues around visas have been resolved as part of the Government’s free trade agreement negotiations with India. Will the Secretary of State rule out visa liberalisation as part of those negotiations?
Context
According to reports, issues around visas have been resolved as part of the free trade agreement negotiations with India.
Jonathan Reynolds
We should always be careful about what we read in some newspapers. [Laughter.] The hon. Gentleman knows that we cannot give a running commentary on trade negotiations, but the UK-India talks have been fruitful this week. I am optimistic and excited for the future of what is a key relationship bilaterally and for the signal it can send to the rest of the world.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Secretary of State agree that there is a world of difference between betting on sport, which employs thousands and brings joy to millions, and gaming, which requires no skill or knowledge at all? Will she commit to treating the two differently in regulation and increasing the difference in the tax system?
Context
The MP draws a distinction between betting on sport, which brings joy to many, and gaming based purely on chance.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
I am not sure that I would share that characterisation but recognise we need to treat different forms differently. We are working on measures this summer to support land-based gambling in coastal towns and ensure bingo is protected.
Session: Gambling Harms
View All Questions -->
The Minister for Local Government and English Devolution recently spoke at an iftar hosted by the European Islamic Centre, which is connected to Jamaat-e-Islami and Abul A’la al-Maududi, the Minister for Social Security and Disability attended the Muslim Council of Britain’s annual dinner, and the Prime Minister hosted Adam Kelwick, an imam who celebrated the 7 October attacks and told followers to “pray for victory” for Hamas. Why are the Government so keen to spend time with and lend legitimacy to organisations and people they say they oppose? What will the Minister say to the Prime Minister?
Context
MP concerned about government engagement with organisations and individuals they claim to oppose, citing specific instances of ministers attending events hosted by the European Islamic Centre, Muslim Council of Britain, and a dinner hosted by an imam celebrating attacks on Israel.
The Minister for Security (Dan Jarvis)
We are not, and I do not agree with the proposition that the hon. Member has made. All Ministers —of course, including the Prime Minister—take these matters incredibly seriously, and we always engage in the most responsible way.
Session: Defending Democracy Taskforce
View All Questions -->
In January, I asked the Defence Secretary which single Minister is responsible for the security of offshore infrastructure. We know that Russia and China target interconnectors and undersea cables, we know that Russia places listening devices on our wind turbines to monitor submarines, and we know that China controls the tech in the turbines that the Energy Secretary wants to buy. The Defence Secretary could not answer me in January, and neither did the Prime Minister when I asked him earlier this month. When are we going to find out who is actually in charge?
Context
The question arises from concerns over threats to UK's critical undersea infrastructure, including interconnectors and cables targeted by Russia and China. Previous attempts to ascertain responsibility for security have been met with non-committal answers.
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Luke Pollard)
There is no doubt in my mind that the Prime Minister is responsible for the security of this nation, and he delegates different areas to different Departments. That is a completely normal way of dealing with our national security. Let us be absolutely clear: within Defence, we take this seriously and we work with colleagues across Departments to make sure that we are not only securing our infrastructure from a defence perspective, but using our trade routes to make sure that we are protecting and buying the right technology and using our planning system to make sure that, where there is development, it does not impinge on our national security.
Session: Defence of Undersea Infrastructure
View All Questions -->
That was a long-winded answer, but the Minister did not actually address the question, and I think he just gave away that it is Labour’s secret plan to increase the price of carbon—a massive rise in the carbon price—adding hundreds of pounds to families’ bills and decimating British industry. Given Labour’s election promise to cut bills, will he take this moment—he can look up into the camera if he likes—to promise the country that by the next election bills will be lower, as Labour promised? Yes or no?
Context
The question references Labour's previous election promise to cut household bills and the impact of increasing carbon prices.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Michael Shanks)
Never mind long-winded answers—that was a very long-winded question. I have not revealed any secret plans, but the Conservatives have revealed their not so secret plan, and I can tell the county that it is just as disappointing as the one the country rejected seven months ago. We have been very clear that it is our commitment to bring down bills, and we are determined to deliver on that. Unlike the Conservative party, which left consumers across the country exposed to volatile fossil fuel markets—the hon. Gentleman is right to point out that bills went up and up and up when his party was in government—we will bring them down. His party wants to take us back to the fossil fuel casino but we will not do that.
Session: Electricity Grid Decarbonisation
View All Questions -->
Parents and pupils will think that Ministers are on another planet when they hear such answers. SATs in years 2 and 6 mean that primary schools can be held accountable, and that we can measure progress data through secondary education, but the National Education Union says that SATs ‘do not benefit learning’ and wants the Government to abolish them. Will the Minister rule out abolishing SATs in primary schools—yes or no?
Context
The interim report on the curriculum and assessment review is due to be published. Nick Timothy asks about SATs in primary schools, citing concerns from the National Education Union.
The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)
Assessment clearly has an important role to play in supporting achievement and development within schools. We will consider how the reformed curriculum and assessment will affect schools. We recognise the importance of supporting schools through any changes that come forward in the interim and final report.
Session: Curriculum and Assessment Review
View All Questions -->
I refer the House to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. Thoroughbred horses are high-health, high-welfare animals, and they should be treated as such to allow cross-border travel without physical border checks. Can the Minister commit today to recognise their high-health status, put welfare first and reduce this barrier to trade?
Context
Thoroughbred horses are high-welfare animals and should be treated as such for cross-border travel.
Daniel Zeichner (The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs)
My near neighbour raises an important point—this is a very high-value sector. A commitment was made to designate thoroughbred horses as high-health animals as part of the border target operating model, and we will provide an update on the timeline for implementation by the end of the summer.
Session: Topical Questions
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There are serious questions about the transparency of the police, the CPS and the Government in the days and weeks following the Southport attack. In written answers to me, the Government have refused to provide the dates when the Prime Minister was told that Rudakubana possessed ricin and an al-Qaeda training manual. Can the Justice Secretary tell me why?
Context
There are serious questions about transparency regarding when the Prime Minister was informed of key information related to Rudakubana's possession of ricin and an al-Qaeda training manual.
Shabana Mahmood
The Prime Minister has responded to the other questions that have been raised. The appropriate information was made available at the appropriate time to either the Prime Minister or the Home Secretary. It was right that the Government did not give any commentary that could have collapsed the trial. On the specific charge relating to ricin, that decision required Law Officer approval, which was sought and immediately given.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Immigration and Nationality Statistics
Wednesday 18 December 2024
Responding: Seema Malhotra
Main Concerns
Nick Timothy expresses concern about the failure of successive Prime Ministers to control immigration levels, which he believes undermines Britain's economy, capital stock, and cultural coherence. He highlights specific statistics showing the disproportionate use of social housing by certain nationalities and higher incarceration rates for others. Timothy also points out that low-paid immigrants incur significant long-term costs, including £250,000 per person for the state pension.
Specific Asks
Nick Timothy asks the Government to commission work to establish the true cost of immigration broken down by profile of migrant and to publish statistics on benefits claimants' immigration status. He also requests data on social housing occupation by nationality and asylum status, and details about the Rwanda policy costs and discrepancies in Home Office figures.
Horseracing
Thursday 24 October 2024
Responding: Stephanie Peacock
Main Concerns
Nick Timothy is concerned about the precarious future of the British horseracing industry, despite its international success and economic benefits. He mentions that many breeders and trainers operate on tight margins due to lower prize money compared to competitor markets like Australia, Ireland, France, Japan, and the United States. The average prize fund for top-tier races in Britain is £600,000, whereas in Dubai it is £4.5 million and in Australia £2.7 million. Lower down the pyramid, most British races pay less than £5,000 to the winner, compared to higher amounts abroad. Additionally, he notes that betting turnover on British racing has fallen by over £1.5 billion in the past two years and could be as low as £7 billion this year.
Specific Asks
Nick Timothy asks the Government not to revert to previous practices but instead build upon prior agreements with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. He requests a commitment to increase the betting levy to at least 11.5% to create a growth fund for marketing and promoting British racing. Additionally, he seeks reform of the current levy system to ensure it applies to bets placed on races in Britain and overseas equally. He also wants assurances that there will be no further taxes imposed on bookmakers which could harm the industry.
Criminal Justice Reform
Tuesday 1 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Early Release of Prisoners
Tuesday 7 July 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
Calls on the Government to exempt from automatic early release under the Sentencing Act 2026 offenders who have been convicted of sexual offences against adults or children, including rape and groomin...
Forest City: West Suffolk
Tuesday 23 June 2026
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
Nick Timothy raised concerns about the proposed Forest City development, a plan to build a city of 1 million people between Newmarket and Haverhill in West Suffolk. He argued that the premise of the p...
Criminal Justice Bill - After Clause 14 - Duty to inform victims and families of the unduly lenient sentencing scheme
Wednesday 25 March 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Separation Centres Review 2026-02-03
Tuesday 3 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government has responded to Jonathan Hall KC’s independent review of separation centres, which focuses on the protection of prison officers from violent extremism. The review highlights the need f...
Prison Capacity Annual Statement 2026-01-29
Thursday 29 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government are publishing the second annual statement on prison capacity, reflecting their determination to be open and honest about the state of the justice system. They inherited a prison system...
Public Office (Accountability) Bill 2026-01-19
Monday 19 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Minister of Justice emphasised the importance of the Public Office Accountability Bill for ensuring transparency, accountability, and support for families affected by state failures. She highlight...
Business of the House 2026-01-15
Thursday 15 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The MP expressed concern over the lack of full costing in the strategic defence review, resulting in delays to the Defence Investment Plan. He highlighted issues faced by local businesses such as the ...
West Midlands Police 2026-01-14
Wednesday 14 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Violence against Women and Girls Strategy 2025-12-18
Thursday 18 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government is declaring violence against women and girls as a national emergency. The strategy aims to halve these crimes within a decade through prevention, bearing down on perpetrators, and supp...
Attendance
78.1%
75 of 96 votes
Aye Votes
39
40.6% of votes
No Votes
36
37.5% of votes
Abstentions
21
21.9% 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 AYE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
9 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
8 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
8 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
8 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
8 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
7 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
7 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
4 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
2 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
2 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
2 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
2 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
1 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
1 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
1 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
1 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
1 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
4 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
1
PMQs Asked
58
Ministerial Questions Asked
85
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
96
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+333% above average
This MP:
58
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1639% above average
This MP:
85
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+13% above average
This MP:
78.1
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 Timothy's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.