Oliver Heald
MP for North East Hertfordshire
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
My constituents Ceri and Frances Menai-Davis, who are in the Public Gallery, lost their son after a long battle with cancer, during which they visited him in hospital every day. They have set up a charity called It's Never You to help parents in that situation, and on Monday I intend to present a Bill that will ask the Government to report on what support can be given to those parents. I hope the Prime Minister might ask Ministers to discuss that with me so that we can find a way forward to help parents in that dreadful situation.
Context
Charity It's Never You aims to support parents of terminally ill children.
Rishi Sunak
May I express my sympathies to my right hon. and learned Friend's constituents for what they have been through, and commend them for setting up the It's Never You charity? I will ensure that he and the organisers get the appropriate meeting with the Minister to discuss its important work.
Session: PMQs
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that, in these difficult times, the free world must stand together? With that in mind, would he also agree that strengthening our friendships and support with other countries in Europe is important? Will he welcome the delegation here today from Lithuania, and does he agree with me that the decision to hold the Heads of State of NATO meeting in Lithuania—in Vilnius—in July shows what a strong ally it is and also how important we think it is to strengthen the eastern flank?
Context
The NATO leaders summit is set to take place in Lithuania this July.
Rishi Sunak
I agree with my right hon. and learned Friend. I am delighted that Lithuania will host the NATO leaders summit in July, and the UK has a strong and growing relationship with Lithuania. At the summit, we will work together to ensure we can deter and defend against Russian aggression by implementing the next phase of military transformation.
Session: PMQs
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The Prime Minister will be aware of my concern that mental health patients should not be forced into accident and emergency departments when what they really need is specialist care. Will he say more about the extra money that is being made available for urgent mental health care facilities and what impact he thinks that will have on the treatment of mental health patients and the general situation in A&E departments?
Context
Concern over mental health patients being forced into accident and emergency departments, noting the need for specialist care.
Rishi Sunak
People in mental health crisis deserve compassionate care in a safe and appropriate setting. Too often, they end up in A&E when they should be receiving specialist treatment elsewhere. This week's announcement on mental health ambulances, crisis cafés, crisis houses and mental health urgent treatment centres will ensure that patients get the vital help that they need while easing pressures on emergency departments and freeing up staff time.
Assessment
Specific funding amounts or impact figures not provided
He Is Right To Highlight The Issue
Session: PMQs
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The Deputy Prime Minister will be aware that in North East Hertfordshire we have some of the best farmland in the country. At a time when there are concerns about food production and food security, and when the Government are considering rural land use, is it time to ensure that our productive farmland is not covered in solar plants, and that those are instead positioned on brownfield sites, buildings, and low-grade agricultural land?
Context
The question references concerns about food production and security, as well as the need to protect versatile agricultural land.
Dominic Raab (Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs)
My right hon. and learned Friend makes a powerful point, and our 2023 Land Use Framework will set out our priorities for land use across the country. He is right that we must protect the most versatile agricultural land, and any plans for ground-mounted solar installations will have to take that into account. His point is well made.
Session: PMQs
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Concerned about sewage overflows into precious chalk streams. The Environment Act 2021 includes important measures; when can we expect meaningful improvements and reductions in storm overflow sewage?
Context
Sewage overflows are damaging the flora and fauna in North East Hertfordshire's chalk streams, limiting their recreational use.
Boris Johnson
Share the questioner's concern. The Government's sewage plan is the biggest investment by any Government, ensuring water companies do more to deliver on their obligations under regulatory oversight.
Assessment
No specific timeline or details about future reductions were provided.
Session: PMQs
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Does the Prime Minister agree with the open-hearted generosity shown by communities welcoming refugees from Ukraine? Will he continue to streamline the process?
Context
The community of Baldock and District is preparing to welcome Ukrainian refugee families. The scheme has already seen thousands of applications.
Boris Johnson
The Prime Minister thanked those involved in the two schemes for welcoming Ukrainians. About 40,000 have applied to the Homes for Ukraine programme, with 150,000 families across the country offering support.
Session: PMQs
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The Prime Minister is aware of the continuing concern in rural communities, such as those in North East Hertfordshire, about intentional unauthorised development where caravans suddenly appear on land without planning permission. Many of my constituents and I support proposal 24 in the planning White Paper, which proposes new powers for councils to tackle this. Will the Prime Minister put his authority behind it so these changes can be made as soon as possible?
Context
Rural communities, including those in North East Hertfordshire, face concerns about unauthorised developments such as caravans appearing without planning permission.
Boris Johnson
I will indeed. I think everybody in the House recognises the distress that unauthorised camps and encampments can cause to local communities, and my right hon. and learned Friend is right to draw attention to this. He is also right to call attention to the new powers we are giving both to the police and to councils to tackle the matter, and I am glad to have his support.
Session: PMQs
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that Frank Field left an immense legacy in the field of pensions? He started off as chair of the all-party parliamentary group on the Maxwell pensioners problem, was then an inspired Minister of State, and has been involved in major debates on pensions. We will miss him. What impact does the Minister think nature-based solutions could have on problems like those we have discussed?
Context
The question was prompted by discussions on the ecological disaster at Lough Neagh and potential nature-based solutions to address similar issues.
Steven Baker
I am grateful for my right hon. and learned Friend's question, agreeing with him on pensions. On nature-based solutions, I would love to have that conversation in the Tea Room as it is not my specialist area, confident Minister Muir would be interested.
Session: Natural Environment Northern Ireland
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that promoting best practices and accelerating healthcare missions with AI is urgent? Simply slowing things down would be counterproductive.
Context
AI has potential benefits for public health, such as diagnosing bowel cancer.
Michelle Donelan
Absolutely, AI can revolutionize healthcare. We announced a £100 million pot to accelerate existing healthcare missions and are working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care.
Session: AI Regulation
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My right hon. Friend will be aware that my constituency, which has Cambridge to the north, has fantastic new industries such as Johnson Matthey in Royston, which is at the forefront of hydrogen. We have pharma companies to the south and some of the best film studios in the world in Hertfordshire. Is he consciously trying to back those successful industries of the future so that our children and grandchildren have fantastic opportunities for the future?
Context
The MP highlights the innovative industries in his constituency and seeks confirmation on government support for these sectors.
Jeremy Hunt
That is absolutely what we are trying to do. Film and TV is a good example here, as it has now become an offshoot of the technology industry. Films such as “Barbie” have been filmed in Hertfordshire but have the look of the Californian sunshine; they can withstand the British rain because of the use of high-tech devices that simulate Californian sunshine, even in my right hon. and learned Friend's constituency. What he sets out is our absolutely our plan and we will stick with it.
Session: Strength of the Economy
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Northern Ireland Members of the UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, including the right hon. Member for Lagan Valley (Sir Jeffrey M. Donaldson), play a very important role in improving understanding between the EU and the UK about the way in which the trade and co-operation agreement should work, and in easing the way for a better relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union?
Context
Members of the UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly play a key role in improving understanding between the EU and the UK about how the trade and co-operation agreement should work.
Steven Baker
I do agree with my right hon. and learned Friend. I pay tribute to him for the leading role he plays in that forum, and a large number of colleagues have put effort into building up bonds of friendship under the trade and co-operation agreement.
Session: East-West Business Council
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Does the Secretary of State agree that one important thing about the Bletchley conference was that it enabled international co-operation on interoperability and a common approach? Does she also agree that that will enable regulators to co-operate internationally?
Context
A conference at Bletchley enabled international cooperation on interoperability and a common approach to AI regulation.
Michelle Donelan
I absolutely agree with what my right hon. and learned Friend says, and I call it the “Bletchley effect”; we have seen action taken in other nations across the world since our world-leading first ever AI global summit on safety.
Session: Artificial Intelligence Regulation
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Given the recent meetings of the UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly discussing the contributions of Glenys Kinnock and noting her advocacy for women's rights, does my right hon. Friend agree that measures such as cutting national insurance, improving the living wage, and reducing inflation are crucial to supporting Welsh households and others across the UK?
Context
The UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly has been meeting in Westminster to discuss European Parliament activities, including tributes to significant figures like Glenys Kinnock.
David Davies
I agree that Glenys Kinnock made an enormous contribution to politics; I support her son's work on steelmaking in south Wales. The recent changes in the autumn statement will be beneficial for people in Wales and across the UK.
Session: Impact of Autumn Statement 2023-12-06 (2)
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Does the Secretary of State agree that to have different employment laws either side of the border of the two nations would be a mistake, because it would increase the regulatory burden on companies and deprive British companies of our excellent tribunal system?
Context
The MP is concerned about the potential regulatory burden and loss of a unified tribunal system if employment laws were to be devolved.
Alister Jack
I completely agree with my right hon. and learned Friend, who absolutely makes the right arguments.
Session: Employment Law Devolution
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that we are developing a much better relationship with our former colleagues in the EU, including through agreements such as the Windsor framework, and our accession to the North sea group of countries that co-operate on energy and, more recently, to Horizon and other European programmes? That shows that we are on the right footing to have a good future relationship post Brexit.
Context
The Windsor framework and North Sea group agreements are seen as positive developments in the UK's post-Brexit relations with the EU, including access to Horizon programmes.
Alister Jack
Yes. On Horizon, we were patient and did the right deal. It showed the future for British scientists, as well as how important British scientists were to Horizon and how much the EU wanted them to be part of it. My right hon. and learned Friend is right: we have a better relationship, and one that does not cost £22 billion a year.
Session: UK Departure from EU
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May I join in the congratulations to my right hon. Friend on his first anniversary? In welcoming the money that has been provided to Northern Ireland, does the Minister agree that it would be even better and more efficiently spent if the Executive were back up and running?
Context
The question is prompted by the anniversary of a significant event and appreciation for contributions in political roles. The MP acknowledges financial support provided to Northern Ireland but asks if it would be better spent with an active Executive.
Steven Baker
Yes, I absolutely do; my right hon. and learned Friend is right on that. Time and again we are asked to intervene, and every time we are asked to intervene that is a call for direct rule. We do not intend to get into direct rule. It would be far better if local decisions were taken by a locally accountable Executive.
Session: Cost of Living
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is very much in Europe's interests for us to be part of the Horizon programme, because we have some of the strongest academic institutions in Europe? Does she also recognise that although there was great enthusiasm at the recent meeting of the UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly for us to join again, there was also a feeling that it could surely be done a little more quickly?
Context
The meeting of the UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly expressed enthusiasm for rejoining but noted it could be done faster.
Chloe Smith
I welcome my right hon. and learned Friend's insight into this issue. As I have already said, we are working consistently and steadily to get the right deal for UK science by which we mean British researchers as well as taxpayers and businesses. That is what we are doing; the talks are proceeding and I look forward to the House being able to have an update very soon.
Session: Horizon Europe
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Does my hon. Friend agree that it is as important to the EU as it is to the UK to have good science co-operation, and that the benefits of our wonderful companies such as Johnson Matthey in Royston and the big companies we have in Stevenage demonstrate the importance of international co-operation in business? That should happen in universities as well. It is for the EU as well as us.
Context
The importance of international collaboration for scientific research has been highlighted, particularly involving the EU.
George Freeman
My right hon. and learned Friend makes an important point. One of the attractions of Horizon is that we get back most of what we put in, and it funds research collaborations across our system, but the negotiations are important. We have been out of the system for two years; we need to get a fair deal, as the Prime Minister has made clear, and to make sure that the UK is not paying for stuff that it has not been able to access over the past two and a half years.
Session: Brexit Science and Technology Sector
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May I join in congratulating you on your role during the coronation? The Stormont brake could be vital if changes in EU law impact goods movement. Does the Secretary of State agree that it's important to get the Assembly up?
Context
Changes in EU law affect goods movement, raising concerns about the need for a functioning Northern Ireland Assembly.
Chris Heaton-Harris
I thank my right hon. Friend and affirm that getting the Assembly running is essential to use the Stormont brake as needed, ensuring we can discuss matters in forums like the UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly.
Session: Power Sharing
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that reasonable adjustments go hand in hand with Access to Work? Does he also believe it is important for assessors to have specific knowledge of an individual's condition?
Context
There have been complaints about the generalist nature of those assessing Access to Work grants, which may not fully understand specific disabilities.
Stuart Andrew
The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work is reviewing how things can be streamlined. The Minister offers to update my right hon. Friend with further details later.
Session: Customers with a Disability Reasonable Adjustments
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Will the Secretary pay tribute to the quality of our workforce for science and technology? In north Hertfordshire, we have companies doing great work in environmental fields. Will she do all she can to get us back into EU programmes?
Context
The MP highlighted the high-quality workforce for science and technology in the UK, mentioning companies like Johnson Matthey in north Hertfordshire.
Michelle Donelan
It is because of our best and brightest that we can lead. I pay tribute to those in north Hertfordshire, looking forward to visiting them soon. Our position on Horizon has not changed.
Session: Leaving the EU Employment Levels in the Science and Technology Sector
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Does the Minister agree that over recent months we have seen better co-operation between the European Union and the UK over energy?
Context
The MP questioned the Minister about better co-operation between the European Union and the UK over energy, highlighting the Windsor framework.
James Davies
My right hon. and learned Friend is of course right that co-operation is always a good thing, and interconnectors are critical to our energy security. A company proposing a second interconnector connecting mainland Great Britain with the Republic of Ireland was met recently.
Session: Renewable Energy
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In the UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, one point regularly made to us is that there is much scope for further co-operation on EU programmes such as Horizon. Is this something my right hon. Friend's colleagues say to him when he talks to them in Cabinet? Should that not be pointed out strongly to the European Commission?
Context
The UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly highlights potential for further co-operation in areas such as research and energy.
Chris Heaton-Harris
I thank my right hon. and learned Friend for his question and for the work he does in chairing the UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly. He is absolutely right to point out that the Horizon programme, which we are unable to access at this point in time, is unbelievably valuable across the piece in the way that he states. Yes, I think everybody knows it is vital and that we need to come to a solution on the protocol that allows for discussions on our access to that programme and others to be back on the table.
Session: Northern Ireland Protocol
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that Britain has a proud history of international collaboration? Will he continue to push for UK association with the Horizon programme?
Context
Discussion about Britain's history of international collaboration, specifically regarding association with the European Commission's Horizon programme for science.
David Davies
I support the Horizon programme but will also make a case to UKRI if EU association is not possible, highlighting Welsh universities' potential for high-quality research and their entitlement to higher funding percentages.
Session: Research Funding Welsh Universities
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Bill of Rights places the Supreme Court at the top of the decision-making tree for rights, and so does our constitutional settlement as regards the devolved nations? Does he agree that we would look to the Supreme Court for correct, rightful decisions in this area, as we have just seen in another context?
Context
The previous Secretary of State did not answer a similar question about the role of Supreme Court in rights decisions.
David Davies
I agree with my right hon. and learned Friend. It is incumbent on all of us in this Chamber to support the decisions of the court, as I am sure all of us do.
Session: Bill of Rights Self-determination for Wales
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He commends the Secretary of State on initiating talks but encourages him to reach a decision. Voices from across Europe raised concerns about the situation in Northern Ireland during the assembly discussions, stressing that reaching an agreement is essential for further cooperation on various issues.
Context
The UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly discussed issues related to the protocol in Northern Ireland, urging for an agreement between the Government and European Commission.
Chris Heaton-Harris
I thank my right hon. and learned Friend for the work he does in the Assembly. It is a vital new institution, which has deep roots in the European Parliament as well as this Parliament, and it will add great value to our discussions.
Session: Power Sharing
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Does my right hon. Friend agree with me, as co-chair of the UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, that there is obviously a landing zone for an agreement? In his discussions with Northern Ireland political parties, can he press for and redouble efforts on discussions that yield a result in the interests of us all?
Context
The UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly has identified a landing zone for an agreement.
Chris Heaton-Harris
I thank my right hon. and learned Friend for his question. I believe that there is a fairly obvious landing zone for negotiations, and everything can be sorted out by negotiation; however, we have legislation in place if not.
Session: Northern Ireland Protocol Exceptions
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We have the same problems in North East Hertfordshire, with towns such as Watton-at-Stone having flooding problems because of many new houses, inadequate storm drains and not enough balancing ponds. Will my right hon. Friend redouble his efforts in talking to DEFRA to ensure that we get better storm drainage for the future?
Context
Flooding in North East Hertfordshire due to inadequate storm drains and balancing ponds.
Stuart Andrew
My right hon. and learned Friend is right to raise that important issue. As we prepare all developments to ensure that they are tackling climate change, we should also look at the points he raises. I commit to him that I will speak on a regular basis with my colleagues in DEFRA.
Session: Planning Flood Risk
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Victory in Europe and Victory over Japan 80th Anniversary 2025-05-06
06 May 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Honoured to open the debate, Stephanie Peacock acknowledged the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8 and VJ Day on August 15. She praised Churchill's call for united strength and highlighted the sacrif...
Afghan Refugees: Deportation from Pakistan
17 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
17 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Gaza
19 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Post Office Board and Governance
28 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Gaza
27 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Pet Theft Bill - Clause on Dog and Cat Abduction
19 January 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to amend the existing legislation to criminalise pet abduction specifically for cats and dogs, recognising them as sentient beings rather than mere property. Argues that current laws inadequatel...
Hugh’s Bill (Financial Support for Parents of Children in Hospital) - Clause 1: Report on merits of providing financial support to parents of children receiving care in hospital for extended periods
19 January 2024
Bill Debate
Led by this MP
The Bill aims to require the Secretary of State to report to Parliament on the merits of providing financial support to parents whose children are hospitalized for an extended period. The proposal ste...
Building Societies (Amendment) Bill - The entire bill for Second Reading
19 January 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill aims to amend the Building Societies Act 1986 by introducing flexibility in funding sources and modernising governance, enabling building societies to compete more fairly with banks. It will ...
Post Office Horizon Scandal
10 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
7
PMQs Asked
21
Ministerial Questions Asked
39
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
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
+91% above average
This MP:
7
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+57% above average
This MP:
21
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+702% above average
This MP:
39
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 (%)
-100% below average
This MP:
0.0
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Oliver Heald's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.