Rebecca Smith
MP for South West Devon
Con
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Last year, Plymouth was named the national centre for marine autonomy and given a defence growth deal. However, the small and medium-sized enterprises in the unmanned surface vessel sector, many of which are based at Turnchapel Wharf in my constituency, are having their work held back because of out-of-date regulations from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Last week, I was told that draft regulations exist, but that they require primary legislation. Without those new regulations, many of the vital SMEs developing autonomous vessels that have dual commercial and defence use are at risk. Will the Prime Minister show some backbone and consider finding a slot for primary legislation as a matter of urgency, or at least consider adding this to the King's Speech later this spring, assuming that he is still in charge of the legislative programme by then?
Context
Plymouth was named the national centre for marine autonomy and received a defence growth deal. SMEs in the unmanned surface vessel sector are facing out-of-date regulations from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Keir Starmer
We are taking action, but if the hon. Lady sends me or my team the details of the particular case in her constituency, I will see if there is anything we can do to provide support on what is obviously an important issue.
Assessment
Asked for details instead of confirming legislative action
Session: PMQs
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I am concerned about the impact of running a business under this Labour Government. Will the Prime Minister provide words of hope by confirming that he will scrap business rates for hospitality, leisure businesses, family businesses, and farms? Additionally, can the Government commit to no further tax rises for businesses?
Context
The MP is launching a small business survey to gather feedback from constituents' small and medium-sized enterprises about their experiences under Labour's government.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
We published our small business strategy based on what small businesses told us. I will provide the hon. Lady with a copy of this strategy so she can distribute it to her constituents before their survey responses are collected.
Assessment
Specific commitments about scrapping taxes and avoiding future hikes were not addressed
Redirect
Session: PMQs
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The Prime Minister is asked to help secure treatment for these patients and agrees to meet the MP and her constituents to discuss this issue further.
Context
Two constituents, Caroline and Savannah, are living with postural tachycardia syndrome and have been unable to access adequate treatment since the retirement of the only consultant available in July.
Keir Starmer
The NHS workforce plan will be introduced next summer, investing an additional £22.6 billion in the NHS and ensuring expert workforce is in place. A meeting with relevant Minister will also be arranged.
Session: PMQs
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An ever-growing list of charities have faced serious allegations of peddling extremism and even funding terrorism. Despite lengthy Charity Commission investigations, most of them continue to operate, such as the Iranian regime-linked Islamic Centre of England, which is reportedly sponsoring visas for people to enter the UK. It is painfully clear that the Charity Commission lacks sufficient powers to shut down these offending charities, yet the Government have wasted six months since first acknowledging this clear and immediate threat. Will the Secretary of State confirm when those powers will be granted?
Context
An increasing number of charities are facing serious allegations of extremism and even funding terrorism. Despite investigations by the Charity Commission, most of these charities continue to operate, such as the Iranian regime-linked Islamic Centre of England.
Vicky Foxcroft
The Charity Commission takes very seriously concerns about the alleged misuse of charities in the UK to promote the interests of foreign states. The Government's social cohesion action plan, published in March, set out our plans to strengthen the Charity Commission's powers to tackle extremists' abuse of charities. We are working with the Charity Commission to develop the necessary legislation, and we take this issue very, very seriously.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-03
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Will the Minister help me to meet those drafting the Regulating for Growth Bill? A request I made to the chief executive officer of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has not been replied to, and I am very keen to ensure that businesses working in that sector in my constituency are able to influence the Bill.
Context
The MP has previously engaged with the minister on maritime autonomy sector issues, highlighting its importance.
Keir Mather
I thank the hon. Lady for her continued support in promoting the maritime autonomy sector both in her constituency and across the country. She is right to do so. Research from the National Shipbuilding Office shows that there is potential to grow the sector to about £8.3 billion of gross value added by 2050 if we get it right. I will be sure to facilitate a discussion with the relevant officials in the Department for Business and Trade, and I thank her for her continued advocacy on this important matter.
Session: Maritime Sector 2026-07-16
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What steps she is taking to support the maritime sector?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of government policies on the maritime industry in her constituency.
Keir Mather
The Government strongly support the maritime sector. We have made maritime autonomy a flagship case study for the regulating for growth Bill, updated the national policy statement for ports to support port developments, provided £448 million to support maritime decarbonisation and strengthened seafarer protections. We are also developing a maritime growth strategy to boost the sector's economic growth.
Session: Maritime Sector 2026-07-16
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The Minister responded to my hon. Friend with a fairly vague answer about what needs to happen in England. We know that there are women who are not biological females in the women's estate in England and Wales. When will women get the same protections as in Scotland?
Context
Following a ruling by the Supreme Court, there are concerns about the equality of protections for women in England and Wales compared to those in Scotland.
Jake Richards
The policy that we are implementing in England and Wales is lawful; it complies with the Prison Rules 1999 and the Equality Act 2010. We have 40 days to consider and ratify guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Session: Women’s Prison Estate Biological Males 2026-06-30
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How many biological male prisoners are held in the general women's estate. I am concerned about the implications for women's safety and security within these institutions.
Context
The question concerns the number of male prisoners held in women's prisons, an issue that has sparked controversy over data protection and public safety.
Jake Richards
There are fewer than five transgender women in the general women's estate. The exact figure cannot be provided without breaching data protection legislation obligations. This information must remain confidential to protect individual identities and personal data.
Session: Women’s Prison Estate Biological Males 2026-06-30
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Labour Ministers are patting themselves on the back for their youth guarantee but it is a sticking plaster solution. Rather than U-turning on business costs, higher national insurance, wages and rates, the Government would rather subsidise jobs for young people who businesses can no longer afford to employ. Will the Secretary of State concede that no amount of work programmes can undo this damage?
Context
The MP criticises the Labour government's approach to reducing NEET levels, suggesting that their policies have created a problem for businesses and young people.
Pat McFadden
In his review, Alan Milburn said that the UK's NEET crisis is long-term. Our policies are designed to help business take on more young people. We introduce hiring incentives of £3,000 for businesses taking on a young unemployed person who has been out of work for six months or more.
Session: Youth Guarantee 2026-06-29
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I was recently in Washington DC. On several occasions, our American counterparts raised concerns about the future of the EU-UK relationship and realignment. What discussions has the Paymaster General had with his US counterparts, as well as with EU counterparts?
Context
Questions about the Minister's discussions with US and EU counterparts.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
I am very pleased with the economic deal with the United States that this Government have delivered and with the advantages that it brings, particularly for our automotive sector, including the jobs saved at Jaguar Land Rover. It is perfectly possible, as the Government are demonstrating, to sign free trade and economic deals around the world while having a close relationship with the EU.
Session: UK-EU Relations
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What support was shown for the Jewish Culture Month by the government, and did any Ministers attend any of its events?
Context
The inaugural Jewish Culture Month concluded with over 100 events across the country celebrating Jewish culture, community and creativity.
Seema Malhotra
An event was held in the Department for Education. We recognise the importance of celebrating and sharing Jewish culture, which is why this month has been valuable.
Session: Antisemitism
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What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help tackle antisemitism. The question stems from the unacceptable rise of antisemitism, which requires a whole-of-society response including strengthening policing and investing in protective security funding.
Context
The rise in antisemitic incidents and the need for a comprehensive strategy to address this issue.
Seema Malhotra
We are strengthening policing, investing in record protective security funding to keep Jewish communities safe. We are clamping down on antisemitic extremism, tackling antisemitism in schools and universities, ensuring that Arts Council England withdraws funding from those who promote antisemitism, and accepting all the recommendations in Lord Mann's review.
Session: Antisemitism
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Will the Chancellor commit this morning to filling the £28 billion gap in defence investment by 2030 to secure our position on the world stage, or will she stand in the way of the delivery of the DIP that we need?
Context
The former Defence Secretary criticised the Treasury's proposed increase in defence spending as insufficient, revealing a gap of £28 billion by 2030. Small and medium-sized enterprises are denied access to MOD contracts.
Rachel Reeves
The DIP will be published before the summit. It involves more money spent more effectively and meets the scale of challenges we face. Frankly, I will take no lectures from the Conservatives who left our armed forces hollowed out with £12 billion cuts in their first five years.
Session: Defence Investment Plan
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What fiscal steps is she taking to support the defence investment plan? The former Defence Secretary has blown apart the defence investment plan, revealing that the Treasury was prepared to offer only a pitiful increase in defence spending—just 0.08% by 2030—despite growing threats across the world. At the same time, billions are spent on welfare and net zero agenda. Innovative SMEs in defence are locked out of MOD contracts. The Chief of Defence Staff noted that the price of peace is increasing. Will she fill the £28 billion gap in defence investment by 2030 to secure our position?
Context
The former Defence Secretary criticised the Treasury's proposed increase in defence spending as insufficient, revealing a gap of £28 billion by 2030. Small and medium-sized enterprises are denied access to MOD contracts.
Rachel Reeves
The DIP will be published before the NATO Ankara summit. It involves more money spent more effectively and meets the scale of challenges we face. The Tories cut £12 billion from defence spending, hitting rock bottom for pay, morale and numbers. We are turning that around with the biggest uplift in defence spending since the cold war. Contracts are awarded to firms here in Britain.
Session: Defence Investment Plan
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I know that, like me, those on the Government Front Bench welcome the regulating for growth Bill, which will enable the modernisation of regulations for maritime autonomy testing and the creation of regulatory sandbox powers. That is vital for the unmanned vessels that we need to protect our coastal waters, but defence firms such as those in my constituency cannot afford unnecessary delay due to the parliamentary timetable, or we will risk losing ground to international competitors. What conversations is the Department having with colleagues across Government to speed up the progress of the Bill through Parliament?
Context
The regulating for growth Bill aims to modernise regulations for maritime autonomy testing and the creation of regulatory sandbox powers. The hon. Member is concerned that delays in parliamentary progress could put UK defence firms at a competitive disadvantage.
Alistair Carns
We need to do much more to deregulate the use of all types of autonomous systems. Maritime capability is essential, and I encourage the hon. Member to write to the Leader of the House to bring the legislation forward as quickly as possible.
Session: UK Coastal Waters Protection
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The Child Maintenance Service is not working for parents and it is not working for children. My own casework shows that the majority of those getting in touch about the CMS believe it to be ineffective, with systemic issues in communication, timeliness and case handling. The independent case examiner received 1,827 complaints about the CMS in 2024-25, up from 1,519 in 2023-24. In November 2024, Gingerbread published a report 'Fix the CMS'. In October 2025, a House of Lords Public Services Committee report recommended changes to improve the service. The Government have responded to both, but when will the Government enact the changes to bring forward the recommended and acknowledged improvements?
Context
The Child Maintenance Service is facing systemic issues as reported by constituents, the independent case examiner with a rise in complaints, and reports from Gingerbread and the House of Lords Public Services Committee recommending changes.
Andrew Western
As I said in a previous response, we will do so when parliamentary time allows. My noble Friend Baroness Sherlock is also considering a calculation review. There are a range of issues with the CMS that need to be looked at and resolved to ensure that the children in the middle of this get the support to which they are entitled.
Session: Child Maintenance Service
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In Wales, the south-west and across the UK, nearly 1 million young people are not in education, employment or training. Labour's jobs tax, failed welfare reforms and damaging energy policies will worsen that crisis. Does the Minister recognise that when the Labour Government's first response to any crisis is to tax business, businesses stop hiring, and it is young people in Wales who suffer most?
Context
The MP highlighted the issue of young people not in education, employment or training and criticised Labour's policies as detrimental to job creation.
Jo Stevens
The hon. Lady might like to know that unemployment in Wales is lower than the UK average and has fallen since this time last year. Youth unemployment is also lower than the UK average, which shows that our plan to boost the Welsh economy is working. We are creating jobs and helping people into them right across Wales.
Session: Job Creation
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With about 6,200 cases waiting justice in the south-west, why not focus on efficiency improvements instead of reducing the right to a jury trial?
Context
There are about 6,200 cases awaiting justice in the south-west and the question seeks alternatives to cutting jury trials.
David Lammy
It was not un-British when the Callaghan Government made reforms at the end of the 1970s, and it was not un-British when Margaret Thatcher made changes in 1989. It is precisely because we are lifting the system, which was on its knees under the last Government, that it is absolutely the opposite of un-British to support victims, especially women, who find themselves in the criminal justice system.
Session: Jury Trials
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What plans does the Minister have to ensure that employers have clear guidance about the reasonable adjustments that they should be offering, not just for endometriosis but for all gynaecological issues that impact women's work?
Context
One in 10 women in the UK suffer from endometriosis, which can significantly affect their ability to work.
Seema Malhotra
The action plans launched last week aim to tackle gender pay gaps and support women with the menopause, facilitating conversations about women's health and how women can receive vital support in the workplace.
Session: Endometriosis Workplace Rights
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The latest figures show apprenticeship vacancies and adverts have significantly decreased since the Labour Government took office. Apprenticeship adverts have fallen by 27% and the number of vacancies has fallen by 22%. How can the Secretary of State make the promise of a youth guarantee with this alarming reduction in the number of available apprenticeships?
Context
Apprenticeship figures show a significant reduction in apprenticeship vacancies and adverts since the Labour Government took office.
Pat McFadden
Precisely because we are tilting the funding more towards youth apprenticeship starts, we will arrest the decline that happened when the hon. Lady's party were in power. Change needs to come to the system if we want to do that, and I believe it is the right choice. The effect on young people who come off education and go on to benefits can be lifelong, so it is right that we prioritise them in the system.
Session: Support for NEET Young People
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If the government does not hold basic data on which councils have implemented auto-enrolment for free school meals, how can they prove the impact of their taxpayer-funded support, such as free breakfast clubs, on child poverty in Devon and Plymouth?
Context
The Department does not hold basic data on which councils have implemented auto-enrolment for free school meals, raising questions about the trustworthiness of the government's child poverty strategy.
Olivia Bailey
All our programmes are evidence based. When it comes to breakfast clubs, we know the data shows us that they will drive up attainment and improve attendance for our schoolchildren.
Session: Free Breakfast Clubs
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Young people in my constituency, many of whom have to travel long distances from rural areas, are concerned about the cost of bus fares, especially since the increase from the Conservative £2 bus fare cap to a £3 bus fare cap under Labour. In fact, many are supportive of the Transport Committee's recommendation that bus travel should be free until the age of 22, to enable easy access to education and work. What response does the Minister have for those young people?
Context
Young people in Rebecca Smith's constituency are concerned about the increase from a £2 bus fare cap to a £3 bus fare cap under Labour. Some advocate for free bus travel until age 22.
Lilian Greenwood
The hon. Member is right to raise concerns about the affordability of bus fares. Unfortunately, the previous Government talked about maintaining the cap but allocated absolutely no funding to doing so. That is why we have introduced the £3 cap, but we are also supporting local transport authorities with bus funding and enabling them to make decisions about how they want to use the funding, including to provide lower fares for young people.
Session: Bus Fare Cap
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Ministers stress how keen they are to remove obstacles hampering defence innovation. Given that Plymouth’s marine autonomy sector is set to receive a share of the £250 million defence growth deal, will the Secretary of State commit to putting further pressure on the Government Legal Service—or whoever else it will take—to get the legislation in place to update the MCA’s workboat code 3 as a matter of urgency?
Context
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has been reviewing licensing obstacles for autonomous vessels, impacting Plymouth's national centre for marine autonomy which is set to receive a share of the £250 million defence growth deal.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
The hon. Lady makes an important point. The doubling in this Parliament of our investment into autonomy will be directed in significant part towards marine technology. Her part of the world—the south-west—plays a leading role in that. She urges action across Government, so I hope she will see that the shipbuilding and marine autonomy plan that we will publish shortly will show exactly what we are doing on a number of fronts.
Session: Topical Questions
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Government business decisions are making it incredibly difficult for Charmaine’s business to stay afloat because of high business rates, which remain the largest fixed cost facing the health and beauty sector. Will the Minister commit to extending business rate relief beyond pubs to all high street businesses, especially those in the health and beauty sector?
Context
Charmaine from Cox and Co Salon in Plymstock has contacted Rebecca Smith expressing concern about business rates making it difficult to keep her business afloat. The National Hair and Beauty Federation highlights that business rates are the largest fixed cost for this industry.
Chris Bryant
We have already had quite a bit of a discussion on business rates and I do not have much to add to that. The health and beauty sector is an important export industry for the UK, and because we managed to get tariffs down on beauty products in our free trade agreement with India, we are facilitating businesses going out to India as part of a trade fair to drive up our exports around the world.
Session: Topical Questions
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It strikes me as odd that rather than extolling virtues of the Government's flagship youth guarantee, we have had Labour MPs asking about youth hubs. Is this because it is easier to defend setting up some youth hubs than feeding back on the roll-out of the youth guarantee? Since the Labour Government came into power, businesses stopped hiring young people in roles where they could be paying someone more experienced the same amount of money, resulting in a 103,000 increase in unemployed young people since July 2024. Does the Secretary of State agree that rather than Back Bench-pleasing schemes tinkering around the edges of youth unemployment crisis, we need a strong economy with businesses actively seeking to employ hundreds of thousands of talented yet unemployed young people across the country?
Context
Smith questions the focus on youth hubs instead of discussing the roll-out of the government’s youth guarantee, highlighting increased unemployment among young people and suggesting a need for a strong economy to address the issue.
Pat McFadden
It is very nice to see the Conservative Front Bench here—you can never be sure these days who is going to be turning up on the opposite side. I take it from the shadow Minister’s question that she is against youth hubs, but I have to remind her that this initiative began under her Government; we have expanded it. It also seems that she is for a cut in wages, but the Government do not think that is the way to go. More people are now in work than there were a year ago; economic inactivity figures are down; real wages are rising; and as for unemployment, it was going up for past few years including when her party was in power.
Session: Youth Hubs
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Straight after questions, I have a meeting with the managing director of Stagecoach in my region. I have worked closely with my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Torridge and Tavistock (Sir Geoffrey Cox) to mitigate the impact of increased prices for young people travelling to school from villages like Horrabridge and Yelverton. We have had success on fare zone changes, with decreased fares for some, but—because of rural services—not all. When will my constituents see the benefits of the Bus Services Act, which the Minister has referred to, and what needs to happen locally for those benefits to be realised?
Context
The Minister has referred to the benefits of the Bus Services Act, but constituents are yet to see these benefits. There have been changes in fare zones, but not all rural areas have seen improvements.
Simon Lightwood
I have already mentioned the fantastic benefits of the Bus Services Act. It gives local leaders the tools that they need to take back control of their bus services, and to shape them around their communities, through improved enhanced partnerships, franchising or local authority operated bus companies.
Session: Local Bus Services
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Turnchapel Wharf and the Cattewater in my constituency host many marine autonomous defence innovators, but the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s workboat code edition 3 is hampering the testing, development and utilisation of autonomous vessels. They cannot even get the licences to be out on the water. What conversations has the Minister had with his counterparts in the Department for Transport to stress the urgency of sorting out this issue, so that the promised defence investment for Plymouth actually gets out to sea?
Context
Turnchapel Wharf and the Cattewater in South West Devon host many marine autonomous defence innovators. However, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s workboat code edition 3 is hampering their testing and development.
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Al Carns)
It is not lost on me that the testing and trialling of systems, in both the maritime and the air space, is full of regulatory issues and hurdles. We have had a couple of meetings with the Department for Transport, and we have a firm grasp of the problem. We now need to move this forward and unlock legislation to ensure that it is easier and far faster for those companies not only to develop cutting-edge technology and get it into the open market but to procure it for defence.
Session: Uncrewed Defence Systems
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Since the Chancellor delivered her Budget, it has come to light that benefits have been extended for the parents of teenagers with disabilities or illnesses. Although on the face of it that may seem kind and compassionate, it is also contradictory. Parents and carers are no longer required to ensure that their teenagers are attending an educational setting at all to receive additional child benefit, which means that young people living with neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD are being enabled to stay at home and out of education, training or even work. This flies directly in the face of the Prime Minister’s words after the Budget. May I ask the Secretary of State how extending access to benefits for conditions such as ADHD in teenagers before coming up with a plan to ensure that young people remain in full-time education and training delivers on the Prime Minister’s point?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the extension of benefits to parents of teenagers with disabilities or illnesses, suggesting it enables young people to remain out of education and training. This contradicts the Prime Minister's statement on support for disabled individuals.
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Pat McFadden)
I hate to sound repetitive, but the rates of absence from school rocketed when the Conservatives were in power. Again, this is something that we have begun to address, because children cannot achieve unless they are attending school. That is why absence from school really matters, and why my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education has rightly made attendance such a high priority for herself and her Department.
Session: NEET Young People
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What discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the adequacy of accommodation for asylum seekers in Wales? Under the Welsh Labour Government, waiting lists, educational standards and opportunities for young people have all ground to an abrupt halt. It is therefore shocking that the Welsh Labour Government are not prioritising issues that would make a real difference to the people of Wales. Instead, Labour Ministers, supported by Plaid Cymru, are ploughing tens of millions of pounds into their nation of sanctuary policy, which is believed to support services for some illegal immigrants. Does the hon. Lady agree that it is high time her colleagues scrapped this wasteful, non-devolved policy and instead focused their time on lowering NHS waiting times and improving standards?
Context
The Welsh Labour Government is criticized for not prioritizing issues that would make a real difference to the people of Wales, such as lowering NHS waiting times and improving standards. The nation of sanctuary policy is believed to support services for illegal immigrants.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Anna McMorrin)
We inherited a broken asylum system in absolute chaos from the Tories, with tens of thousands stuck in a system dependent on expensive asylum hotels. We are committed to ending the use of hotels as asylum accommodation as soon as possible and before the end of this Parliament, as part of a controlled, managed and orderly programme.
Session: Asylum Seeker Accommodation
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Does the Minister share my concern that lifting the two-child benefit cap will increase worklessness, and can he guarantee that taxes will not go up in next month’s Budget for adults who work hard and make careful decisions about family size?
Context
There is a concern that lifting the two-child benefit cap could increase worklessness and require significant funding, potentially leading to tax increases.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Andrew Western)
I am stunned to hear that the fight that the Opposition Front Benchers are choosing to pick on this occasion is opposing universal free breakfast clubs, when we know that well-fed children have hungry minds. The shadow Minister lectures from an Opposition who left almost 3 million people in this country economically inactive and around 1 million young people out of work.
Session: Child Poverty
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Yesterday I met Lila, a sixth-form student at Coombe Dean school, who raised the issue of long waiting lists for mental health services for children and young people across Devon. What action has been taken as a result of the Government’s policy of reorganising the NHS to reduce the unacceptable delays in mental health diagnosis and treatment for children and young people, particularly in constituencies such as South West Devon?
Context
The MP met Lila, a sixth-form student who raised concerns about long waiting lists for mental health services in Devon. The issue of delays in diagnosis and treatment for children and young people is prevalent.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
All of us as constituency MPs are fully aware of the state of mental health services, particularly for young people, which is why my hon. Friend the Minister for Care is working at pace on our manifesto commitments to support young people, particularly through schools. We also understand the difficulties that her ICB in particular has with its financial situation—something we are also targeting as part of our reforms to ensure that ICBs develop services for local people in line with the expectations that we have set them.
Session: NHS Reorganisation
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Previous Conservative Governments were committed to repairing the railway line at Dawlish, which is vital to Devon and Cornwall’s economic growth, yet this Labour Government have said that they will complete the rail resilience programme only if and when survey work shows that it is needed. Given the likelihood that the Treasury’s emergency fund will have been spent on public sector pay increases, can the Secretary of State guarantee that funding will be found for resilience works, if they have not been planned and committed to as part of a fiscal event, should an unexpected incident or landslip take out the line at Dawlish?
Context
The Dawlish railway line is vital for economic growth in Devon and Cornwall. Previous Conservative Governments committed to repairing the line, but this Labour Government have only committed to funding if survey work shows it is necessary.
Heidi Alexander
We are still funding drainage works and survey work on the Dawlish line. Four phases of work have already been completed. The cliffs are much more resilient than they were a number of years ago, when we experienced catastrophic failure. We have paused funding, but we will continue to keep under review the information that comes back from the survey so that we can continue to provide a reliable and resilient service for people in the south-west.
Session: Transport Economic Growth
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The Government are clearly very happy to claim that all is rosy after their first year in power, yet on the ground in my constituency and around the country, the opposite story is being told. The Government’s policies are hitting my constituents hard—whether it is the impact of increased national insurance contributions on local charities, the prospect of more red tape for landlords, or moving the goalposts for the most vulnerable. Given the Government’s amazing claims, why are they so reticent to share the plan for change metrics in one place, so that the good people up and down the United Kingdom can see the reality of this Labour Government in hard facts?
Context
MP questioned the Government's claims of success, highlighting negative impacts in her constituency.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Pat McFadden)
The hon. Lady seems to want more delivery stats, so let me help her out. As my right hon. Friend, the Minister without Portfolio, said, we have had the highest growth of any G7 economy in the first quarter of this year, cuts in interest rates and an expansion of the warm home discount, which will mean that 6 million households will benefit from better insulated houses. I do not claim, in reading out these statistics, that everything is perfect—far from it—but I do believe that we have had change in the past year: change in the investment pattern of the country; change in real wages; and change in our trading position. That is change well worth having.
Session: Plan for Change Tracking Dashboard
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Last week, I spent time at the Box museum in Plymouth, before heading to Plympton in my constituency for the unveiling of a blue plaque to honour the life of Sir Charles Lock Eastlake, who was the first director of the National Gallery and chair of the commission to procure art for the new Palace of Westminster. One question that was raised was about tax incentives for philanthropic giving to museums and art galleries. I note the tax relief mentioned in the creative industries sector plan, so will the Secretary of State tell me if that will address the question raised with me by the sector last week?
Context
The MP noted her visit to the Box museum in Plymouth and the unveiling of a blue plaque, where tax incentives were discussed.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
We are working on a plan to bring forward more philanthropy in the UK, as well as social impact investing. We think there is enormous untapped potential, and we are looking at all aspects of that. We will bring more detail to the House shortly.
Session: Creative Industries Sector Plan
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Adoptive parents in my constituency are concerned about the impact of Labour's recent cuts to the adoption and special guardianship support fund. Following last week’s spending review, what hope can be offered to families who need additional support?
Context
Concern from adoptive parents about the impact of recent funding cuts on their ability to access necessary support. The MP is raising these concerns following last week’s spending review.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Janet Daby)
I thank the hon. Lady for her question and for the concern she has expressed. The adoption and special guardianship support fund has not been cut. Demand is ever increasing, and we have chosen an approach to manage tight resources in the face of increasing demand for support.
Session: Adoption Children in Foster Care
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In 2026, Formula 1 will be using a fully sustainable drop-in fuel in all its cars. Does the Secretary of State agree that this provides an exciting opportunity for the UK to lead the world in using research and development from Formula 1 to support the pursuit of net zero for all motorists, and will he agree to meet me and representatives of motor sport to discuss this issue further?
Context
Formula 1 plans to use a fully sustainable drop-in fuel by 2026.
Ed Miliband
Yes. That sounds really good.
Session: Topical Questions
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In 2026, Formula 1 will be using a fully sustainable drop-in fuel in all its cars. Does the Secretary of State agree that this provides an exciting opportunity for the UK to lead the world in using research and development from Formula 1 to support the pursuit of net zero for all motorists, and will he agree to meet me and representatives of motor sport to discuss this issue further?
Context
Formula 1 plans to use a fully sustainable drop-in fuel by 2026.
Ed Miliband
Yes. That sounds really good.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituent Keith Levell was sexually abused at school, and was referred to as a number during the investigations. He has been holding out for the redress scheme for victims of child sexual abuse, and for a written apology for the life-changing experiences to which he was subjected. On behalf of Keith and many others in his situation, why have the Government reportedly scrapped the Conservative plans for a redress scheme in England and Wales?
Context
A constituent was sexually abused at school and is holding out for the redress scheme.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Jess Phillips)
I pay tribute to the hon. Lady’s constituent, and to the many others who came forward during the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse, but what I would like to tell him is that when I came to office, there was absolutely no plan on this issue, other than a sentence to say that something would be done around the redress scheme. I have updated the House fully on the IICSA recommendations, and can tell the hon. Lady that the plan is still in train.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
View All Questions -->
My constituent Dr Toby Nelson, an NHS consultant dermatologist, has started a business that seeks to address the heavy demand on primary care for skin health screening. His business Map My Mole sends an image capture kit to patients to attach to their smartphones. The patients then send a high-resolution image remotely to be reviewed by a specialist consultant, bypassing the need for a GP appointment and freeing up time and resources for both doctor and patient. It has already resulted in a significant drop in skin cancer referrals in pilot GP surgeries. Will the Minister agree to meet Dr Nelson and me to discuss this revolutionary proposal?
Context
The MP raises an innovative digital solution proposed by Dr Toby Nelson, a consultant dermatologist, to address the heavy demand on primary care for skin health screening.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
The hon. Lady raises what sounds like an extremely interesting scheme. She will know that we have a strong commitment in our 10-year plan to shift from hospital to community, and indeed from analogue to digital. The digital aspects of that scheme sound very interesting, so I would be more than happy to take further representations from her.
Session: GPs Time with Patients
View All Questions -->
What assurances can the Minister provide to concerned adoptive parents in my constituency who benefited from the match funding element of the adoption and special guardianship support fund, and whose funding could be cut from £10,000 to £3,000? Will she consider reintroducing this vital element of the ASGSF?
Context
Concerns have been raised about a reduction in funding for adoptive parents from £10,000 to £3,000 through the adoption and special guardianship support fund.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Janet Daby)
The adoption and special guardianship support fund still enables those who are eligible to access a significant package of therapeutic support to meet individual needs. The fund is important, which is why we have continued to fund it, but it is not the only source of adoption and kinship support, responsibility for which lies with local authorities and regional adoption agencies. Our £8.8 million of funding to support Adoption England can assist that.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
In Sherford new town, there are significant delays with a supermarket, escalated costs for moving National Grid pylons, and delayed delivery of essential services like a GP surgery. What conversations is the Secretary of State having with key infrastructure providers to remove such obstacles?
Context
Mentions delays and infrastructure issues in the development of Sherford new town, including supermarket delays, GP surgery cost overruns, and National Grid pylon relocation.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Angela Rayner)
We are working across Government to ensure infrastructure delivery through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. We set mandatory targets and push developers to meet these standards properly.
Session: New Towns
View All Questions -->
I am sure we all agree that securing women’s wellbeing is key to tackling violence against women and girls, so can the Minister assure women across my constituency and the country that the Labour Government, having promised to prioritise women’s health, are committed to continuing the Conservative Government’s work by making sure there is a women’s health hub in every integrated care board, to ensure holistic support for women?
Context
The Minister is asked about the Labour Government's commitment to continuing work on women’s health, particularly in relation to existing Conservative initiatives like women’s health hubs.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Jess Phillips)
A Minister to my left tells me that these hubs are already in nine out of 10 integrated care boards. I can assure the hon. Lady that I am working very closely with the Department of Health and Social Care on the violence against women and girls strategy, because there are real gaps when it comes to how domestic abuse, sexual violence and other related abuses are dealt with by our health services. That will be absolutely fundamental to both protection and prevention.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
View All Questions -->
Businesses across Wales and South West Devon are being hit not only by Labour’s job tax but also by increasing minimum wage, rising costs, and other business taxes. These factors force many to reduce their workforce; what reassurances can the Minister give to businesses in Wales that they have a promising future?
Context
Rebecca Smith questioned the potential negative impact on employment in Wales due to an increase in employer national insurance contributions. She cited specific challenges faced by businesses, particularly Serpells.
The Secretary of State for Wales (Jo Stevens)
Small and micro businesses in Wales are being supported through an employment allowance increased to £10,500. Over half of small and medium-sized companies will pay less or no national insurance contributions at all due to this allowance. Furthermore, the Welsh Government’s education budget was voted against by Rebecca Smith's party.
Session: Employer National Insurance Contributions Impact on Employment
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Foster Care: Recruitment and Retention
24 February 2026
Responding: Josh MacAlister
Main Concerns
["The number of foster carers in England fell by 12% from 2021 to March 2025, resulting in 1,140 fewer placements available for children in care. The lead MP highlighted the importance of partnerships between local authorities and independent fostering agencies (IFAs), noting that IFAs are more effective at recruitment and retention, less expensive, and offer high-quality care as evidenced by Ofsted ratings. However, she pointed out that the Government's regional care co-operatives do not properly acknowledge the role of IFAs, leading to missed opportunities for collaboration."]
Specific Asks
['The lead MP urged the Government to give independent fostering agencies a seat at the table during the regionalisation process, fix the postcode lottery for foster care fees, and learn from successful local authority provision examples like Plymouth city council. She also suggested that the Minister visit Plymouth to see its initiatives in action.']
Family Farms Challenges In South West Devon
03 December 2024
Main Concerns
['Ms. Smith is concerned about the challenges faced by family farms in South West Devon, noting that the average farm size in Devon is 16% smaller than the south-west and 34% smaller than across the country, leading to tighter profit margins. She highlights issues related to agricultural property relief and capital grants programs, which are crucial for ageing parents who expect to pass down their farms to the next generation but now face uncertainties. She also mentions specific challenges in upland farming on Dartmoor, including concerns about land designated as moorland permanent grassland pasture that falls through funding gaps, and requests for flexibility on stocking rates.']
Specific Asks
['Ms. Smith asks DEFRA to provide updates on the establishment of a working group on uplands, specifically looking at this issue in future. She also calls for joined-up thinking across various DEFRA funding pots to support farmers who are struggling with their SFI funding and other environmental initiatives.']
Bluetongue Virus in Livestock
03 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Direction of Government
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
16 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Opposition Day
07 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Employment and Training
06 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The draft order aims to support the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board's levy proposals for 2026, 2027 and 2028. This statutory instrument is crucial as it retains funding mechanisms tha...
Defence Investment Plan
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Pathways Study: Puberty Suppression
22 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Steel Tariffs
17 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Investment Plan
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Readiness
20 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
02 September 2026
The petition addresses concerns over the Government's proposed reorganisation of local government in Devon, which petitioners argue does not adequately consider the needs and identities of rural commu...
View Full Petition -->
Construction Industry Training Board: Funding
04 February 2026
The petition addresses the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) decision to cease funding for local training groups, which are crucial for supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in the c...
View Full Petition -->
Proposed expansion of Plymouth City Council into the South Hams
15 September 2025
The petition opposes Plymouth City Council’s proposed expansion into 13 parishes in the South Hams, arguing that it threatens local identity, autonomy, and rural character.
View Full Petition -->
Potential closure of Newton Ferrers Pharmacy
07 April 2025
The potential closure of Newton Ferrers Pharmacy in South West Devon due to inadequate funding, rising operating costs, difficulty in recruiting pharmacists, and the National Insurance rate rise is ca...
View Full Petition -->
Potential closure of Newton Ferrers Pharmacy
03 March 2025
The petition addresses the potential closure of Newton Ferrers Pharmacy due to soaring costs and an outdated NHS contract, causing significant concern among residents of South West Devon.
View Full Petition -->
Derriford Emergency Care Centre Plymouth
28 October 2024
The petition addresses concerns over the future of Derriford hospital’s new Urgent and Emergency Care Facility in Plymouth, which is crucial for handling population growth and improving patient care.
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
77.4%
65 of 84 votes
Aye Votes
33
39.3% of votes
No Votes
32
38.1% of votes
Abstentions
19
22.6% 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
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
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
VOTED NO
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
VOTED NO
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
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 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 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
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
03 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
3
PMQs Asked
66
Ministerial Questions Asked
63
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
6
Petitions Presented
84
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
+392% above average
This MP:
66
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1196% above average
This MP:
63
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
+145% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+12% above average
This MP:
77.4
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 Rebecca Smith's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.