Olivia Bailey
MP for Reading West and Mid Berkshire
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Q8. I am proud to represent thousands of people working in the defence sector—ordinary people doing extraordinary jobs to keep our country safe—and I was delighted that the Defence Secretary recently joined me in my constituency to mark this Government’s £15 billion investment in the Atomic Weapons Establishment. Does the Prime Minister agree with me that our commitment to defence sector investment is vital not just for our national security, but for jobs, opportunity and growth in constituencies such as Reading West and Mid Berkshire?
Paula Barker
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend, who is a fantastic advocate for her constituents. She is right to highlight the important work by the defence sector in her constituency and, of course, right across the United Kingdom. We are investing £15 billion in our sovereign nuclear warhead programme. That will support nearly 10,000 jobs, including many in her constituency. That is the defence dividend in action—an historic boost to defence spending—represented and reflected in good, well-paid jobs across the United Kingdom.
Session: PMQs
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Too many of my constituents are stuck in unsuitable housing, and after 14 years of inaction from the Conservatives, local families are being split up because there are not enough affordable homes. I welcome this Government’s plans to turbocharge the delivery of social and affordable housing, including through the new national housing bank. I ask the Deputy Prime Minister to confirm that this Government will finally give my constituents the security that they deserve.
Context
Concern about lack of affordable homes for constituents.
The Deputy Prime Minister (Angela Rayner)
My hon. Friend is right to talk about the 14 years of failure by the Conservatives. Labour is turning the tide on the housing crisis, and I am proud to announce today our commitment to establishing a new publicly owned national housing bank, backed by £16 billion of new finance. This includes £2.5 billion in low-interest loans for social housing, to help achieve the biggest uplift to social and affordable housing in a generation.
Session: PMQs
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Welcomes the deal struck with Iraq last week. Does the Prime Minister agree that international co-operation is key to ending smuggling?
Context
Welcomes government's international cooperation to tackle smuggling.
Keir Starmer
Agrees that international cooperation, including the £150 million Border Security Command, is effective. 9,400 people have been returned under new measures.
Session: PMQs
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My constituency is packed full of beautiful rural villages, but house prices are through the roof, and social housing stock is being sold off by housing associations such as the Sovereign Network Group. That is forcing my constituents out of the places where they grew up. I welcome the Government's measures in the Social Housing Bill to protect rural social housing stock, but will my right hon. Friend consider strengthening the rules to protect against the sell-off of properties that could be housing local families in my community?
Context
The Social Housing Bill aims to protect rural social housing stock, but the questioner seeks stronger rules to prevent sell-offs of properties that could house local families.
Matthew Pennycook
I recognise the strength of feeling in the House on this matter. I want to ensure that every opportunity is taken to retain homes in the social housing sector. Although housing associations remain independent organisations that are responsible for their own asset management decisions, I can assure my hon. Friend that we are exploring what further steps could be taken to protect much-needed social housing stock.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-07
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What assessment has she made of the potential impact of increases in defence spending on Wales? This Government’s commitment to spending 5% of GDP on national security will be transformational for Wales and my constituency, where thousands are employed in the defence sector. A £15 billion boost was welcomed for the Atomic Weapons Establishment.
Context
The MP asked about the potential impact of increased UK defence spending, referencing specific benefits for her constituency.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Dame Nia Griffith)
Absolutely; we aim to become a defence industrial superpower by 2025. Defence spending will boost prosperity, jobs, and security across the UK. The UK defence innovation fund with £400 million will support UK-based companies. We are launching regional defence growth deals, including one for Wales.
Session: Defence Spending
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In my constituency’s schools, good mental health is seen as the foundation for students’ enjoyment of school, reaching their full potential, and getting ready for life. In addition to expanding mental health support for almost a million more young people this year, will the Minister confirm that every child who needs it will receive mental health support by the end of this Parliament?
Context
Good mental health is considered crucial for pupils to enjoy school, achieve their potential, and prepare for life. A programme aims to provide support for nearly a million more young people this year.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Stephen Morgan)
I agree with my hon. Friend, but would add that it is not just seen through the expansion of mental health support teams. With an extra £680 million in Government funding this year, the Government are transforming mental health services for children in Reading West and Mid Berkshire and across the country, hiring more staff, delivering more talking therapies and getting waiting lists down through our plan for change so that children can have the best possible start in life.
Session: Mental Health Support Schools
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Last year, the Secretary of State joined me on a visit to our vibrant high street in Pangbourne. I recently met the owner of one of those businesses, Nino’s, a fantastic trattoria and deli. One issue that Nino raised with me was the regulatory burden on his business. How will the Government’s small business strategy deal with that key challenge, and how will it support small businesses like Nino’s, so that they can continue to thrive?
Context
The MP noted a visit to the high street in Pangbourne last year and met with Nino’s, a local business owner who raised concerns about regulatory burdens.
The Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Jonathan Reynolds)
We had a wonderful visit about a year ago, and I hope the Pangbourne Cheese Shop is still going strong. Yes, the regulatory burden on small business is a huge area of attention for this Department; there is the business growth service, our action on late payment, and our incentivising of digitisation and e-invoicing.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am concerned about residents in Theale and across my constituency telling me how hard it is to get a GP appointment, which causes distress and sometimes dangerous delays. Will the Secretary of State outline how his programme of reform and investment will end the 8 am scramble for good and deliver more GP appointments for my constituents?
Context
Residents in Theale and across the constituency report difficulty getting GP appointments, leading to distress and sometimes dangerous delays.
Stephen Kinnock
We have hired 1,500 more GPs which will help with access. We have also renegotiated the contract so there will be online booking systems in every practice in the country and we have changed the contract to incentivise continuity of care in order to bring back the family doctor. There is a suite of reforms coupled with investment, which I hope will deliver for my hon. Friend’s constituents.
Session: Topical Questions
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Scores of my constituents, including Carole, have told me they oppose the removal of the No. 15 bus service in parts of Calcot, which has meant they cannot get to work, the supermarket, the GP or even the food bank. I am proud of our bus service in Reading, which is a shining example of a locally run service, and I am glad to see the Government commit to strengthening services further. Does the Minister agree that local routes need to serve all those who need them in every part of our communities, and will he back my campaign to reinstate the No. 15 bus in Royal Avenue and Garston Crescent?
Context
Scores of constituents have opposed the removal of the No. 15 bus service in parts of Calcot, which has affected their ability to access work, shops, medical services, and food banks.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
I agree with my hon. Friend, and I encourage her to continue to speak with the operator to understand whether changes can be made to the route to better meet her constituents’ needs. Our buses Bill, alongside the £2.4 million for Reading and the £1.6 million for West Berkshire, will give local leaders the tools to deliver better bus services for passengers.
Session: Local Bus Services
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My constituents in Burghfield Bridge have suffered for years with the devastating effects of flooding, and are rightly frustrated that nothing is being done. Will the Minister meet me to discuss flood resilience and better join-up of local agencies in Burghfield Bridge and across my constituency?
Context
Residents of Burghfield Bridge have suffered years with devastating effects of flooding and are frustrated by the lack of action.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Hardy)
I thank the hon. Friend for raising concerns; we have heard them up and down the country today. I would be happy to meet her.
Session: Topical Questions
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Nearly 400 of my constituents have filled in my survey about the dangerously short slip roads on the A34 at East Ilsley and Beedon, including Nick who never uses the junction with his young family due to safety concerns. Will the Minister meet me and raise the issue of dangerous junctions with National Highways?
Context
Olivia Bailey highlighted the high number of road casualties under the Conservative government, citing a statistic of one casualty every 18 minutes. She referenced her constituents' concerns about dangerous slip roads on the A34 at East Ilsley and Beedon.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)
I commend my hon. Friend for her support for safer roads. National Highways has undertaken several safety studies on sections of the A34, including work to widen, resurface and add new road markings at East Ilsley slip in 2019. I am aware that improvement works took place there, but National Highways continues to review concerns about safety on the road and is happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the issue further and plan a site visit.
Session: Road Safety
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T5. Will the Minister join me in congratulating local volunteers who are fundraising for a new roof for the grade I listed St Bartholomew’s church in my constituency, and will he meet me to discuss the future of the listed places of worship grant scheme, which is so important for them to hit their fundraising target?
Context
Local volunteers are fundraising for a new roof for the grade I listed St Bartholomew’s church in Olivia Bailey's constituency.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism (Chris Bryant)
Yes, I congratulate the church. I know that lots of people are interested in the future of the fund. The best way of describing how the Department is approaching that is to quote a hymn: 'God is working this purpose out, as year succeeds to year... Nearer and nearer draws the time, the time that shall surely be' when we announce.
Session: Topical Questions
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I recently visited the fantastic Shinfield Studios in the constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for Earley and Woodley (Yuan Yang) and saw the huge value that our creative industries can bring to my constituents. Will the Minister please tell me what the inclusion of the creative industries in the industrial strategy and the huge investment delivered at the investment summit last week will deliver for my constituency and others like it?
Context
Shinfield Studios in the constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for Earley and Woodley contribute to local economies through investment and employment opportunities.
Chris Bryant
It is great to see my hon. Friend here. First, we want to ensure that more international movies and blockbusters are made in the UK, and we want to increase investment. With more sound stages, we should be able to challenge Hollywood. I also want to ensure that every single child in this country can consider a career in the creative industries, whatever background they come from.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am grateful to the Secretary of State for her previous answers on substantive questions about accommodation for prisoners released early. Have the Government contracted any specific hotels for potential use by early release prisoners?
Context
The government has taken measures to address the prison crisis, including allowing certain offenders to leave prison earlier. The questioner inquires about specific arrangements for these released prisoners.
Shabana Mahmood
I have authorised probation directors in areas to make appropriate provision, if that proves to be needed—at this point, it is not definite that it will be required—to ensure that there is no gap in provision for offenders being released under the SDS40 scheme.
Session: Topical Questions
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If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. I welcome the Secretary of State's commitment to building new prisons and driving down reoffending. Does she agree that such transparency is a significant departure from the approach of the previous Government, who released thousands of prisoners early in secret?
Context
The prison system is at a point of collapse, necessitating immediate action. The government has taken measures to address the situation.
Shabana Mahmood
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that it is a significant departure from the approach of the previous Government, who introduced an early release scheme—the end of custody supervised licence scheme—that operated under a veil of secrecy, with no data ever published on the numbers released. It took our Government to publish the data showing that more than 10,000 offenders were released under that scheme. I am pleased to say today that we have ended that scheme.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Affordable Rural Housing
25 February 2025
Responding: Matthew Pennycook
Main Concerns
['My Reading West and Mid Berkshire constituency faces a lack of affordable housing in beautiful rural villages, with house prices increasing at nearly twice the rate of urban areas. In Upper Basildon, four out of nine houses on sale cost over £1.25 million, while only one is under half a million pounds.']
Specific Asks
['We need to address the lack of supply and political will that prevent small developments with affordable housing in rural communities.']
Criminal Justice Reform
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Draft Conversion Practices Bill
25 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Pride Month
04 June 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
Olivia Bailey opens the debate by highlighting the progress made in LGBT+ rights and recognising Labour's role in repealing section 28, ending the ban on LGBT people serving in armed forces, introduci...
Children and Social Media Protection Bill - Amendments 38V to 38X, Lords Amendments 105C
27 April 2026
Bill Debate
Led by this MP
Moves an amendment insisting on the Commons disagreement with Lords amendments 38V-38X and proposes new amendments in lieu of those. The amendment seeks to impose stricter social media age restriction...
Education Bill - After Clause 62 - Prohibition of smartphones during the school day
22 April 2026
Bill Debate
Led by this MP
Moves to insist on Commons amendment 38J and disagrees with Lords amendments 38V to 38X. The amendment aims to prohibit the use of smartphones during the school day, aiming to protect children from on...
Children and Social Work Bill - Clause 56 - Functions of adjudicator in relation to admission numbers
15 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment moves to strengthen obligations to support sibling contact for children who are looked after. It aligns with recommendations from the Family Rights Group and Become, and is supported by ...
Backbench Business
12 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate focuses on the importance of LGBT+ History Month, acknowledging the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights and the ongoing struggles faced by the community. Nadia Whittome emphasises her gratitude ...
Hospitality Sector 2025-09-03
03 September 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion regrets the combination of catastrophic choices made by the Government, leading to closures and downsizing of pubs, restaurants, hotels, and hospitality businesses with an estimated 84,000 ...
UK-France Migration Co-operation 2025-07-14
14 July 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Road and Rail Projects 2025-07-08
08 July 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
74.5%
73 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
23
23.5% of votes
No Votes
50
51.0% of votes
Abstentions
25
25.5% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
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
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
3
PMQs Asked
12
Ministerial Questions Asked
25
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
3
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
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
-10% below average
This MP:
12
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+414% above average
This MP:
25
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-68% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+8% above average
This MP:
74.5
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 Olivia Bailey's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.