Oliver Dowden
MP for Hertsmere
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Quiet residential streets such as Tiverton Road and Organ Hall Road are being blighted by family houses being converted into HMOs. May I urge the right hon. Lady to look at enhancing the powers of local councils to stop these developments where they are not wanted?
Context
There has been an increase of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in quiet residential areas, causing antisocial behaviour and parking problems.
The Deputy Prime Minister (Angela Rayner)
Local authorities have planning powers to limit the proliferation of small houses being turned into houses in multiple occupation. The previous Government left a housing crisis, and I am getting on with fixing that through the 1.5 million homes that we are going to deliver.
Assessment
Enhancement of local council powers was not directly addressed
Changing Subject To Previous Government'S Failures
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
St Hilda’s girls school looks set to join Immanuel Jewish prep as the second school in Bushey alone forced to close because of Labour’s VAT hike. That is a double hit to aspirations—first, to those of the parents, many of whom are not wealthy and who have described the significant sacrifices they have made to send their children to these schools; and secondly, it affects the excellent local state schools, including the one that I attended, which simply do not have the places, meaning that this policy will not even save money. May I therefore urge the Prime Minister, even at this late stage, to look again at the failures of this policy?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the impact of Labour's VAT increase on private schools, leading to a loss in education options for students and increased strain on state schools.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I do not doubt the aspirations of all parents for their children. What we have been able to do is ensure that we release the funding to ensure that our state secondary schools have the teachers they need. There is no point the Conservatives pretending that they are interested in state education when they left them without the teachers they needed.
Assessment
The PM did not address any issues related to reconsidering VAT increase on private schools.
Blaming The Opposition
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
I thank the right hon. Lady for that answer. Our Commonwealth family is brought together by historical and cultural ties—indeed, much like the pair of us. [Interruption.] I will resist the temptation to replicate that. As we look to the Commonwealth's future, we have the opportunity to deepen our economic relationship. Will she assure the House that the Prime Minister will use the summit to continue the work, begun by the last Government, of building deeper economic ties with our Commonwealth friends and allies?
Context
The MP from Hertsmere questioned the Deputy Prime Minister about deepening economic ties with the Commonwealth and building on the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II.
Angela Rayner
We talk about economics; the architect of the 2024 Tory general election campaign is doing his victory lap before retiring with the hereditary peers that he fought so hard to protect. He leaves behind a Tory party in utter denial—heads in the sand, refusing to accept their rejection by the British public. Their plan for Britain includes scrapping the minimum wage, cutting maternity pay and tax breaks for the big oil companies. This Labour Government were elected—[Interruption.]
Assessment
Did not provide assurance regarding deepening economic ties with the Commonwealth
Criticized Conservative Government'S Policies And Personnel Decisions
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
The Deputy Prime Minister mentions her policy. Let us be clear: it is a £5 billion hit to the British economy, and that is her own assessment. Following these answers, there will be millions of working people even more worried about the tax rises coming their way in next week's Budget. However, as this is our last exchange across the Dispatch Box, I would like to turn to somebody I hope we can all agree is a hard-working person—His Majesty the King. Will the Deputy Prime Minister join me in sending him best wishes ahead of the Commonwealth summit in Samoa? In particular, will she confirm that this Government recognise the unique role played by the Commonwealth, and will she commit to deepening that relationship, so that, under His Majesty's leadership, we build upon possibly the greatest legacy of the late Queen?
Context
The MP from Hertsmere acknowledged the Deputy Prime Minister's policy but raised concerns about tax rises and the impact on working people, then shifted to discuss the Commonwealth summit.
Angela Rayner
I will miss our exchanges—the battle of the gingers, the late nights voting—and in that spirit, I will agree with my right hon. Friend. The King does a tremendous job, and so did the late Queen. The Commonwealth is very important, and that is why the King and the Prime Minister are working together at the moment.
Assessment
Did not confirm commitment to deepening economic ties with the Commonwealth
Acknowledged The Importance Of The Commonwealth
Session: PMQs
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I think we can take it from that answer that the Deputy Prime Minister does not agree with the IFS, and I suppose it should not come as a surprise that she does not agree with her Chancellor, but does she agree with this: “Working people will pay…when employers pass on the hike in national insurance”? Those are her words, so does she at least agree with herself?
Context
The MP from Hertsmere questioned the Deputy Prime Minister about raising employer national insurance and its impact on working people.
Angela Rayner
What I am incredibly proud of is that this week, this Government brought in a new employment Bill that will raise the living standards of 10 million workers. Would the shadow Deputy Prime Minister like to apologise for the hike in taxes—they are at a 70-year high—that he put on working people, the crashing of the economy and the disaster that he left behind?
Assessment
Did not address her agreement with previous statement or IFS view
Criticized Conservative Government'S Economic Policies
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
I think the whole House will have heard the Deputy Prime Minister disregard 5 million hard-working small business owners. These are the publicans, the shopkeepers, the family running a local café. None of those count as working people to her. Labour gave a clear commitment not to raise national insurance. The independent Institute for Fiscal Studies has given its view on this. It says that raising employer national insurance is “a tax…on working people.” Even the Chancellor said that raising employer national insurance was a “jobs tax” that will “make each new recruit more expensive and increase the costs to business”. So does the Deputy Prime Minister agree with the IFS and her own Chancellor?
Context
The MP from Hertsmere questioned the Deputy Prime Minister about raising employer national insurance and whether this affects working people.
Angela Rayner
I remember what the Conservatives said to business. What was it? “Eff business”, whereas this party held an international investment summit last week, which put about £63 billion into our economy. We are pro-business, pro-worker and getting on with fixing the mess that they left behind.
Assessment
Did not address whether she agrees with IFS or her Chancellor
Criticized Conservative Government'S Approach To Business
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
The Deputy Prime Minister stood on a manifesto promising not to raise taxes on working people. It now appears that she cannot even define who working people are, so I will give her another go. There are 5 million small business owners in this country; are they working people?
Context
The MP from Hertsmere questioned the Deputy Prime Minister about the definition of 'working people' and whether small business owners fall into this category.
Angela Rayner
I do not know how the shadow Deputy Prime Minister can stand there with a straight face when it was the small businesses—the working people of this country—that paid the price of the Conservatives crashing the economy, sending interest rates soaring. I think he needs to learn his own lessons in opposition.
Assessment
Did not answer if small business owners are considered 'working people'
Criticized Conservative Government'S Economic Policies
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
I join the Deputy Prime Minister in paying tribute to the bravery of Sir Chris Hoy—he truly is an inspiration to us all. I also echo her comments about the train crash in Powys. What is the Deputy Prime Minister's definition of working people?
Context
The MP from Hertsmere questioned the definition of 'working people' provided by the Labour government.
Angela Rayner
Let me start by welcoming the right hon. Gentleman to his new place. Today is our first exchange since he pushed for a July general election, and if his own side has not offered him a peerage, I certainly would have. The definition of “working people” is the people who the Tory party have failed for the past 14 years.
Assessment
Did not provide a clear definition of working people but instead criticized Conservative policies and personnel decisions
Criticized Conservative Government'S Performance
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
A constituent's child was subject to repeated sexual abuse. She finds access to justice difficult and fears the accused will not be held accountable if found unfit for trial. What reassurances can you give about resources allocated for such prosecutions?
Context
The MP raises concerns about a constituent's difficulty in accessing justice for their child's repeated sexual abuse.
Catherine Atkinson
Under this Government, prosecutions and convictions for child sexual abuse have increased. I would be willing to meet the hon. Member to discuss this case.
Session: Support for Victims of Abuse 2026-06-30
View All Questions -->
I am sure the Minister will have seen footage of a recent attack on Helen Mirren where she was described as a “Zionist bitch”. This is just another example of deliberate extremist intimidation aimed at frightening off anyone from supporting Israel or defending Jews. While Helen Mirren decided not to press charges, does the Minister agree that such assaults should be treated with utmost seriousness?
Context
Footage showed Helen Mirren being called a “Zionist bitch” during an attack, highlighting extremist intimidation against public figures supporting Israel or defending the Jewish community. Despite Helen Mirren's decision not to press charges, this incident exemplifies the broader issue of antisemitic attacks.
Dan Jarvis
The right hon. Gentleman has raised an important point. I have seen the footage, was shocked but not surprised by it. The police must crack down on such activity. We will do everything we can to stand against abhorrent antisemitic attacks.
Session: Extremism
View All Questions -->
Given the recent rapid advances of frontier AI models in areas such as identifying software vulnerabilities, and in rapid testing for those vulnerabilities in a very sophisticated way, what engagement do the Government have with those frontier companies, and particularly Anthropic? Are the Government considering making changes to the carried-over Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill to address these very real vulnerabilities?
Context
The MP raises concerns about rapid advancements in AI models, specifically mentioning Anthropic's Mythos model for identifying software vulnerabilities. The question addresses the government's engagement with such companies and whether they plan to modify the existing bill to tackle these new security challenges.
Kanishka Narayan
On the question of engagement, I must first pay tribute to the AI Security Institute, which is one of the only labs in the world that engaged with all the frontier companies prior to the deployment of models, and in this case with Anthropic's Mythos model as well. On the broader question of the Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill, a major reason why we brought data centres into scope was that we appreciate the cyber risks that apply to them. We will continue to keep that under review.
Session: Artificial Intelligence
View All Questions -->
Today is UAE National Day, marking 54 years since its full independence. In that time, it has become one of our nation’s staunchest allies and a key investor, benefiting constituencies up and down the country. Will the Minister join me, as chairman of the all-party parliamentary group, in congratulating the UAE and recommitting to this key strategic relationship?
Context
Today is the UAE's National Day, celebrating 54 years since independence. The UK values its partnership with the UAE.
Hamish Falconer
I will. I was delighted to see my Emirati counterpart just yesterday. We had a Minister representing the British Government at the Emirati National Day. It is a key partner. I welcome its investment all over the country, and we will take the relationship from strength to strength.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What can the Government do to address this issue? It is driving my constituents further into poverty and benefit dependency. It is also environmentally destructive. Surely there is a way through this issue, so can I call on the Minister to work with others across Government to address it?
Context
When constituents move into new social housing, they often find it stripped of necessary furnishings, which can drive them further into poverty and benefit dependency.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Andrew Western)
The right hon. Gentleman raises an important issue. It might be better raised at questions to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, but as he asks me to pick this up with Ministers across Departments, I am happy to do so. I can tell him that the crisis and resilience fund—formerly the household support fund—is in place to support people setting up in their new homes, as are grants that are available from housing associations directly.
Session: Topical Questions
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Elstree village school in my constituency is an excellent example of a small and nurturing school that specialises in supporting children with special educational needs. Sadly, we have recently been informed that Hertfordshire county council is considering closing the school. Will the Minister join me in sending a clear message to Herts county council that they should reconsider that decision and prioritise the needs of children with special educational needs in mainstream schools?
Context
The MP mentions the excellent support provided by Elstree Village School in his constituency and its potential closure due to Hertfordshire County Council's decision.
Georgia Gould (The Minister for School Standards)
I have been very clear that we want to invest in early intervention and nurturing provision for children with special educational needs. If the right hon. Member would send me more details of the case, I would be happy to look into it.
Session: Children with SEND Mainstream Schools
View All Questions -->
The Government promised to increase housing delivery through grey-belt, not green-belt, development. Grey belt was described as ‘poor quality land, car parks and wasteland.’ However, since the new guidance was published, Hertsmere has been inundated with applications that simply seek to rebrand green belt as grey belt. The lack of clarity and the inconsistent application of the rules mean that such applications are hard to resist. Will the Minister provide greater clarity and tighten the rules before large swathes of Radlett, Bushey, Shenley, Potters Bar and Borehamwood succumb to urban sprawl?
Context
The MP raised concerns about the rebranding of green belt as grey belt in his constituency, citing an inconsistent application of rules which makes it hard to resist applications.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that question. He cited the planning practice guidance we have issued, which has a very clear definition of the grey belt and the rules for it. When it comes to plan making, local authorities must take a sequential approach. On decision making for applications outside of local plans, he will know that we have imposed very strict laws to ensure viability assessments are not used on those sites. Where development comes forward and is judged to be appropriate by decision makers—and by the Planning Inspectorate in appeals—those golden rules will also ensure high levels of affordable housing, infrastructure and access to green space.
Session: Housing Delivery
View All Questions -->
Following the Government’s regrettable decision not to fund Watford general hospital’s refurbishment in this Parliament, providing community care facilities in a town such as Borehamwood in my constituency—a significant town without its own dedicated facilities—is more important than ever. Will the Secretary of State undertake to use his offices to urge the ICB and others to get their act together so that we can finally have those facilities in Borehamwood?
Context
The government's decision not to fund Watford general hospital’s refurbishment has increased the importance of providing community care facilities.
Wes Streeting
I am very sympathetic to the argument that the right hon. Gentleman makes about the importance of neighbourhood health services in Borehamwood, and indeed in towns and communities across the country. What I am not sympathetic to is a former Deputy Prime Minister complaining about the state of the NHS, which he played a key part in creating when he sat around the Cabinet table.
Session: Community Hospitals
View All Questions -->
Does the Secretary of State share my concern about reports of persistent misconduct by Drax, regarding cutting down old-growth forest and burning it at its power station? To be clear, this is a company that chops down pristine forest, ships it halfway across the world to burn it in the United Kingdom and claims that it is sustainable. Will he look again at the large amounts of subsidies that have been approved by this Government for that company?
Context
The questioner raises concerns about Drax's practices, specifically regarding the cutting down of old-growth forests for power generation.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
I do not know whether the right hon. Gentleman, for whom I have great respect, was present when the Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, my hon. Friend the Member for Rutherglen (Michael Shanks), made a statement on precisely that issue. On the impact on bills, he will be delighted to know that under the new arrangements that this Government agreed, there has been an absolute transformation in the scale of subsidy to Drax; it will be halved. There is also a windfall tax when its profits go above a certain level, which I am sure the right hon. Gentleman is in favour of, and there are much higher standards of sustainability.
Session: Clean Power by 2030
View All Questions -->
What discussions has he and his Department had with the Department of Government Efficiency and Elon Musk in the United States about how we can harness the power of artificial intelligence to deliver better services, scrutinise government spending and datasets, and eliminate waste and inefficiency?
Context
The MP inquires about potential collaborations with Elon Musk and the US Department of Government Efficiency to harness AI for improving service delivery and efficiency.
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Peter Kyle)
Our Government have brought in the Regulatory Innovation Office, which is now up and running and piloting four areas to get innovation through the regulatory landscape without delay. We have also introduced the gov.uk app, digital wallet, and digital driving licence. A suite of productivity services are already being deployed in the public sector.
Session: Improving Access to Public Services
View All Questions -->
Over the weekend, Immanuel prep in my constituency announced it was closing, citing VAT on school fees and other damaging Labour policies. Does the Secretary of State share my concern about the damage that will do to Jewish children growing up in my constituency and the surrounding area, who will be deprived of access to a Jewish education, which they richly deserve?
Context
Immanuel prep school in the constituency is closing, citing VAT on school fees and Labour policies as reasons.
Stephen Morgan
The Government's fiscal inheritance is so dire that we have to take tough, but necessary decisions and take them quickly. Removing VAT exemptions from January is the right thing to do to deliver for every child across our country.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Home Secretary share the despair of my constituents at this allocation of resources, and will she provide guidance for next year's Remembrance service, both on police powers and the responsibilities regarding those marches?
Context
Local volunteers struggled to manage traffic for a Remembrance Sunday event, while police were seen addressing unrelated incidents in the area.
Yvette Cooper
I point out that the state of policing is a result of 14 years of Conservative Government. This Government have made clear what the priorities should be for policing, including tackling antisocial behaviour and reducing serious violence. We respect Remembrance Day.
Session: Public Confidence in Policing
View All Questions -->
I thank the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster for that answer. May I echo from the Opposition Benches that the correct approach for British nationals is to leave now, rather than to rely on the Government to take further steps for them? However, in the event that the situation deteriorates further, what contingency plans do the Government have in place to ensure the swift and safe evacuation of British nationals, particularly in high-risk areas?
Pat McFadden
We have been monitoring the situation closely for some months. I assure the right hon. Gentleman and the whole House that the Foreign Office, the Ministry of Defence and all parts of Government are putting in place the necessary measures, should the situation on the ground change to a point where we judge that more needs to be done to get people out of the country.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Can the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster provide an update on the current situation for British nationals in Lebanon, including the measures being taken to ensure their safety? Are there any plans for further evacuations, given the ongoing instability in that region?
Pat McFadden
The situation in Lebanon is serious, and there are several thousand UK nationals in Lebanon. The Foreign Office advice for some time has been simple: leave now. The Government have chartered several flights to help UK nationals to leave. We are also running a “register your presence” site, to ensure we can track anyone who is in country and have the best possible communications with them. We have made preparations for other evacuation measures, should they be necessary for the protection of our citizens in Lebanon.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Can the Minister update the House on the changes planned by the Government for constituents in Hemel Hempstead and around the country?
Context
The last Government's failure to deliver on healthcare and the need for change.
Pat McFadden
We are getting on with our first steps, including on healthcare, which is a top priority. We want to make the NHS fit for the future.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
An effective strategy must be underpinned by dedicated resources to ensure resilience spending does not fall victim to day-to-day pressures. Will the Minister uphold the commitment to ringfence biological security spending?
Context
The importance of dedicated resources for effective biological security strategy implementation.
Pat McFadden
The right hon. Member set aside spending for commitments, but we will have more to say about that in the coming days.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Israel and Palestine
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Falkland Islands: Sovereignty
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Rewiring the State
02 September 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister has set out priorities to address 40 years of overly centralised decision making and over-privatisation, which have stripped power and resources away from communities. The Governmen...
National Energy System Operator: Blackout Risk
15 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Police Leadership Commission Report
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Media Green Paper
24 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
G7 Summit
22 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Security Service Bill - Clause 1 (Designation of a body)
17 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment seeks to introduce new section 33A into the National Security Act 2023, enabling the Home Secretary to designate bodies involved in foreign power threat activity. This is essential given...
Milburn Review: Interim Report
02 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Hatzola Ambulance Attack
23 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
75.5%
74 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
43
43.9% of votes
No Votes
31
31.6% of votes
Abstentions
24
24.5% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
04 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
8
PMQs Asked
16
Ministerial Questions Asked
62
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
20
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
+119% above average
This MP:
8
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+19% above average
This MP:
16
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1176% above average
This MP:
62
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+111% above average
This MP:
20
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+9% above average
This MP:
75.5
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 Oliver Dowden's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.