Richard Fuller
MP for North Bedfordshire
Con
6 May 2010 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Will the Government require that East West Rail publishes a full business case before the allocation of any more taxpayers' money to the project?
Context
East West Rail is a project with significant economic output projections and is under construction.
Dominic Raab
This is a hugely important project with all sorts of opportunities, such as jobs and education, and with a projected increase in economic output of over £100 billion by 2050. The subsequent stages will go through full and transparent scrutiny as part of the planning process.
Assessment
Does not commit to requirement for business case
Opportunities
Scrutiny In Planning
Session: PMQs
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Over a quarter of UK economic sectors are regulated by bodies like Ofwat and Ofgem. Historically, there has been little oversight to ensure these regulators meet best practices. Can the Prime Minister address this issue?
Context
Major regulators oversee significant portions of the UK's economic output, but historically have not been thoroughly overseen.
Rishi Sunak
Acknowledging the importance of regulators in economic growth, promising accountability but deferring specific measures to later statements by the Chancellor.
Assessment
Did not commit to specific actions or timeline for regulatory oversight review; instead promised future consideration
Session: PMQs
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There has been a 40% increase in patients on roll with GPs in Biggleswade in the past 15 years, but last week, proposals for a Biggleswade health hub were not progressed, despite financial support from the Conservative-controlled Central Bedfordshire Council. Can my right hon. Friend advise me of the status of our manifesto commitment to “infrastructure first”, and will he and his Ministers work with me to bring together the various parts of the NHS to bring the Biggleswade health hub back on track?
Context
Patients on roll with GPs have increased by 40% over the past 15 years, and a proposed health hub project was not progressed despite financial support from Central Bedfordshire Council.
Rishi Sunak
I would be happy to organise a meeting for my hon. Friend to discuss how to progress his project. He is right about the importance of primary care. There is more investment going in, but we want to ensure it works for his constituency, so I look forward to arranging a meeting with him and the relevant Minister.
Session: PMQs
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Last month, year 6 students at the Edward Peake Church of England Middle School in Biggleswade wrote to me about the impact of lockdown and their ideas for promoting a healthier planet, which include encouraging people not to put waste into the sea; planting more trees; building more electric cars; making more nature reserves; cleaning up the waterways; encouraging more local electricity production, and reducing air pollution so children can see the stars. Will the Prime Minister join me in thanking the students and their teacher, Miss Twitchett, and tell the House whether their ideas can play a part in his green plan?
Context
Year 6 students at Edward Peake Church of England Middle School wrote to the MP about their ideas for promoting a healthier planet, which include reducing waste and pollution, planting trees, building electric cars, and creating more nature reserves.
Boris Johnson
It is quite uncanny; it is as though Miss Twitchett and her class were standing over my shoulder as I wrote the 10-point plan, and I thank them for their telepathic inspiration. I passionately agree that that is the right way forward for our country. It will mobilise about £12 billion of Government investment and possibly three times more from the private sector, and create 250,000 to 300,000 jobs.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not explicitly state if the specific ideas mentioned by the students would be included in his green plan.
Session: PMQs
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Is it not the case that her true record is poor decision making with U-turns on winter fuel payments, business rates, family farm taxes; tax after tax on jobs, investment and savings; higher interest rates; and inability to cut welfare and fund defence?
Context
The MP criticizes the Chancellor's record, highlighting poor decision-making and a negative impact on debt levels and public finances.
Rachel Reeves
I am incredibly proud of my record as Chancellor: fastest growing country in G7, rising wages faster than inflation monthly since becoming Chancellor; record investment into UK; rolling out free breakfast clubs and meals; 500,000 children lifted from poverty; creating National Wealth Fund with private sector investment. For the first time since 2019, Government borrowing was less than 5% of GDP.
Session: Economic Strength
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This month, a comprehensive survey by UKHospitality showed that one in seven of our hotels, pubs and restaurants will close as a direct result of the Chancellor’s policies. Many of those businesses represent the hopes and dreams, hard work and savings of the people who set them up. Therefore, as I am permitted, rather than having the Minister come to the Dispatch Box, may I ask the Chancellor to come to the Dispatch Box to answer this? If it was not me standing here but one of those people who had founded a business and is now going through the gut-wrenching process of closing it because of her policies, what would she say to them?
Dan Tomlinson
Of course, the Government want to do all we can to support businesses up and down the country—small, medium and large. That is why we are working hard to put the economic stagnation we had over the last 14 years behind us. We are seeing economic growth rising—growing by 0.5% in February; we saw unemployment falling; and we were seeing Government borrowing falling as well. Those are the long-term changes we need to lay the foundations so that businesses can grow, invest and hire more people. It is disappointing that the Conservatives seem to have forgotten what we need to provide stability in our economy.
Session: Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Rates
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The Government may drop their pledge on minimum wage equalisation over fears of youth joblessness. Can the Minister advise whether the Government have considered any such delay or policy changes, and if so, what decision has been reached?
Context
Concern about the Government's pledge on minimum wage equalisation and potential changes.
Torsten Bell
I want to offer my condolences to the hon. Gentleman for the recent loss of his father. It is something we all have to face at some point in our lives, but it is a lot to deal with. All our thoughts are with him at this time. In answer to the hon. Gentleman's question, no, there is no change in Government policy. Our view is that we should see alignment of the national minimum wage and national living wage rates, but that should happen in the right way, which is with the guidance of the Low Pay Commission, which will continue to play an important role.
Session: Youth Unemployment Autumn Budget 2025
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Given the uncertain economic outlook and the likelihood of these conditions not being met, will the Minister prioritise cuts in public spending over tax increases if the spending plans start to fall apart?
Context
The Government's spending plans are contingent upon several unlikely conditions: no further economic growth downgrade, no need for significant energy support, and obtaining £4.8 billion in salary sacrifice revenues by 2029-30, which the industry views as unrealistic.
James Murray
I will give the hon. Gentleman an “if”. If he were honest and remembered his time in Liz Truss's Government, he might not have the gall to make comments like that across the Dispatch Box—
Session: OBR Growth Projections Departmental Spending
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Persistently high inflation and fears that things will get tougher for their children are top issues for the British public, but the OBR’s assessment of Labour’s plans was that: 'Growth in real household disposable income per person is projected to fall… to around ¼ per cent a year… well below the last decade’s average'. Why is the sum of all this Government’s economic policies condemning the British public to such a despairing prospect?
Context
The Office for Budget Responsibility assessed that Labour's plans would result in low growth in real household disposable income.
Torsten Bell (Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury)
Members on the Conservative Benches were in power during the last Parliament, which saw living standards fall by 2.9%. Living standards have already risen under this Government by 1.5%, because we are turning around their mess day after day.
Session: Living Standards
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As this is my last question before Christmas, I want to ask my counterpart a nice and constructive one. As he will know, rural residents and businesses already pay more on fuel than their urban counterparts and there are fewer public transport options. Can he advise what were the results of his assessment of the relative impact of the Budget’s introduction of road pricing on rural, compared with urban, areas?
Context
The MP raised concerns about the relative impact of new road pricing measures announced in the Budget on rural, compared to urban, residents and businesses.
James Murray (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
I think the hon. Gentleman is referring to the changes we announced in the Budget in relation to electric vehicles and their contribution towards public finances. If people drive electric vehicles, wherever in the country they drive them, they benefit from investment in roads and maintenance alongside those of us who drive petrol cars, so it is important to ensure that we make the tax system fit for the future.
Session: Economic Growth Rural Areas
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I welcome the new members of the Treasury team and particularly the new Chief Secretary. Earlier this year, Labour made a mess of its welfare reform proposals because they were rushed out to help plug a £5 billion gap in public finances. The result was chaos and a humiliating reversal for the Chancellor. Welfare spending is too high—it does need reform—and today the Leader of the Opposition has pledged Conservative support to help the Government to develop a thoughtful plan on welfare reform. Will the Chancellor confirm that the November Budget will include savings from welfare reform?
Context
Earlier this year, Labour proposed welfare reform measures which were later reversed due to a £5 billion gap in public finances. The Leader of the Opposition has now pledged Conservative support for a thoughtful plan on welfare reform.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
In the Universal Credit Act 2025, which passed before the summer recess, we reformed the universal credit system to reduce the gap between what people on the health element and those on the standard element got. That reform will help more people into work, as well as the £1 billion package of measures to help people—particularly those who have been long-term unemployed—get back to work.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the new members of the Treasury team and particularly the new Chief Secretary. Earlier this year, Labour made a mess of its welfare reform proposals because they were rushed out to help plug a £5 billion gap in public finances. The result was chaos and a humiliating reversal for the Chancellor. Welfare spending is too high—it does need reform—and today the Leader of the Opposition has pledged Conservative support to help the Government to develop a thoughtful plan on welfare reform. Will the Chancellor take up this offer of support?
Context
Earlier this year, Labour proposed welfare reform measures which were later reversed due to a £5 billion gap in public finances. The Leader of the Opposition has now pledged Conservative support for a thoughtful plan on welfare reform.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
While the Leader of the Opposition is talking down the British economy, we are setting our sights on growing the economy and making working people better off. No, we will not be taking any advice from the Leader of the Opposition, who was part of a Government who crashed the economy, sending mortgage rates spiralling and putting pensions in peril.
Session: Topical Questions
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Labour’s jobs tax has really clobbered British businesses. The Office for National Statistics says that the number of available jobs is collapsing. Perhaps the Chancellor has not updated herself on how British business thinks about confidence: the Institute of Directors has said today that business confidence has plummeted; the Bank of England is warning of significant declines in wage growth; and the British Chambers of Commerce says that taxes on businesses cannot be increased. The Chancellor has bungled welfare changes, eviscerating confidence in the Prime Minister and blowing an even bigger hole in the public financing, meaning that she will raise taxes yet again this autumn. Will she avoid creating the same damaging uncertainty she did last summer by ruling out from the Dispatch Box today any further tax increases on British businesses?
Context
The Chancellor has increased employer national insurance contributions. The hon. Member is concerned about the potential impact on businesses.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
I am not going to take lessons from the Conservatives: they increased taxes 25 times. When they increased taxes, it was always ordinary working people who paid the price. In our Budget last year, we protected the payslips of ordinary working people by not increasing their income tax, their national insurance or their VAT, and we did not go ahead with the increase in fuel duty that the Conservatives had planned.
Session: Employer National Insurance Contributions
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Within the spending review, the key is to improve public sector productivity. As the Chancellor knows, one of the key aspects in doing that is the use of technology. This Government have substantial advantages over the next few years with major advances in artificial intelligence technology, but those can only be captured if the Treasury sets clear directions for Departments, including incentives and penalties. What directives has His Majesty’s Treasury given to Departments to improve productivity through the adoption of artificial intelligence? Specifically, does that advice include a requirement for the use of agentic AI during the multi-year spending period?
Context
The question stems from concerns about the government's approach to using advancements in artificial intelligence technology to enhance public sector productivity and economic growth.
Rachel Reeves
I thought the hon. Gentleman was going to welcome the investment of Universal Studios in Bedfordshire, which will be a massive boon to the county’s economy. On supporting the adoption of AI, we are doing two key things. First, we are supporting that sector investing in the UK, and the deal we secured with the US will help bring more investment into our digital sector. Secondly, and crucially, we are improving the productivity of our public services. The hon. Gentleman will see more about that when we publish the spending review on 11 June. We are absolutely determined to boost productivity in the public sector, after the mess in which it was left by the Conservatives.
Session: Spending Review Economic Growth
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Improving public sector productivity was the No.1 ask of Institute of Directors’ businesses trying to weather Storm Rachel, but under Labour, public sector productivity has fallen further behind pre-pandemic levels. The number of civil servants working from home has gone up and, shockingly, as The Daily Telegraph has found, thousands of civil servants are being signed off to work from abroad. Therefore, whether it is on civil servants working their bedrooms or from Benidorm, or on other blockers of public sector productivity, what has the Chief Secretary to the Treasury actually done in his last eight months in office, or is he too comfortable with what the Prime Minister calls “the tepid bath of managed decline”?
Context
The MP references the Institute of Directors’ findings on public sector productivity and highlights issues such as civil servants working from home or abroad.
Darren Jones (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
My No. 1 ask is that he has another go at making better jokes in future. To answer the substance of his question, I agree with him that the state is not productive enough on a whole range of issues. We have an enormous amount of work to do which will become evident through our spending review.
Session: Public Spending Value for Money
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This weekend, 50 households in Cleat Hill were able to return home, nine weeks after the gas explosion there. That was thanks to the efforts of the local council and the local emergency services but not, I am afraid, to the actions of the Government. There has been a deafening silence on whether they will help the council with funding, and whether they will fund a scaling and scoping of the gas reservoir. I am extremely grateful to the Minister for meeting me, but will she chivvy her other Ministers along, so that we can get a reply?
Miatta Fahnbulleh
I thank the hon. Member for that meeting. We are working across Government to ensure that we can provide the support that the community requires after that tragic incident.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Chancellor may find that in her job, she needs to listen and learn lessons. One of the many criticisms of the last Budget was that the Government fiddled the figures to borrow more money, and still left little headroom for if their forecast went wrong. Since the Budget, business confidence has collapsed, putting further pressure on that headroom. Does the Chancellor have a problem with balancing her books, and will she, like Oliver Twist, be coming back for more?
Context
Concern over government's ability to manage its budget, including fiddling figures for borrowing and lack of headroom.
Rachel Reeves
The hon. Gentleman will know that there is more headroom in our Budget in October than was left by the previous Government. The lesson I have learned is that I will never play fast and loose with the public finances, as the Conservative party did.
Session: Management of Public Finances
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Thank you, Mr Speaker, for permitting me to raise this important constituency matter from the Back Benches. On 2 July this year, during the installation of a ground source heat pump in a constituent's back garden, a gas field was struck and gas was released. On 19 October there was an explosion, which resulted in the deaths of two of my constituents and the continuing evacuation of 50 households. Matters related to the period between 2 July and 19 October are subject to investigation. I am advised that this is the first such instance of gas being encountered, but given that ground source heat pumps are expected to play a significant role in decarbonising home heating, will the Minister undertake to review the regulations covering the installation of ground source heat pumps, and will she arrange a meeting for me with the relevant Minister to discuss these matters further?
Context
The question addresses a serious incident where an explosion occurred after the striking of a gas field during the installation of a ground source heat pump, resulting in fatalities and evacuations.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
I am sorry to hear about the incident that the hon. Gentleman has raised. We absolutely need to ensure, as we roll out all low-carbon technology, that standards are at the highest level. I undertake to meet him to understand the specific circumstances and see what we can do in terms of reviewing regulation.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can I reassert what he has just said and ask the Minister to carefully come forward with protections to ensure that consumers on shared heating networks are not at a disadvantage compared with people who pay their bills directly?
Context
The MP supports district heating networks but agrees that regulation needs to be improved to protect consumers.
Andrew Bowie
I am pleased to give that assurance to my hon. Friend. As I have said, we are talking to Ofgem right now about introducing regulations to make this much fairer and simpler and to ensure that consumers on heat networks get the service that they deserve.
Session: District Heating Network Consumers
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What can be told my constituents about the connection of East West Rail from Bedford to Cambridge? The project has high costs, developers benefitting with planning gain. Previous consultation missed key stakeholders. The secretiveness and lack of transparency by the Treasury's economic growth board raises concerns.
Context
The East West Rail CEO resigned due to difficulties. The statutory consultation for the Bedford-Cambridge section will start this summer, but it missed initial contacts in previous consultations. The economic growth board is secretive.
Huw Merriman
I thank my hon Friend for his question. The East West Rail growth board, led by the Treasury, is critical to ensuring a joined-up approach. It looks at this project as an economic opportunity for the area.
Session: East West Rail
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What recent progress has been made on the East West Rail project? I am concerned about the cost and impact on taxpayers. The connection from Bedford to Cambridge will cost a lot of money, with developers benefiting but little contact in initial consultations. Statutory consultation is happening over summer, yet driven by a secretive Treasury board.
Context
The East West Rail connection from Bicester to Bletchley was completed in March. The government announced £240 million for the Oxford-Bedford section at the spring Budget, expected to start services by the end of the decade.
Huw Merriman
I thank my hon Friend for his question. East West Rail is progressing with cross-governmental coordination to unlock economic benefits. The growth board, led by the Treasury, will ensure a joined-up approach and economic opportunity for the region.
Session: East West Rail
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The Secretary of State will be aware of the proposal by Universal Studios for a theme park in Bedfordshire—a £10 billion investment in the country. She will also be aware of the strong local support, led by Conservative Mayor Tom Wootton, so can she assure me and other Bedfordshire MPs that she is working hard with the Treasury to get a response to that proposal, and that a Government proposal will be forthcoming before the summer?
Context
The MP raises the topic of Universal Studios' proposal for a £10 billion investment and requests assurance that the government is working towards providing a response.
Lucy Frazer
My hon. Friend is right to raise this very exciting opportunity for Bedfordshire, which I am pleased to have discussed with him. We are liaising closely with the Treasury, and I am also happy to continue liaising with my hon. Friend.
Session: Topical Questions
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National grid infrastructure is critical to the delivery and connection of these solar farms, as it is for onshore and offshore wind. The importance and urgency of that was stressed by the Winser review of August last year. The Government have got until 2030 to deliver this policy. Will the Minister update us on the transmission acceleration action plan?
Context
Concerns about the urgency of delivering national grid infrastructure for renewable energy projects.
Justin Tomlinson
The hon. Member is spot on. We are proud to have gone from 7% renewable energy to 47%. To go further, we must hit those ambitious targets by unlocking additional investment. For example, through the accelerating strategic transmission investment process, we anticipate unlocking a further £198 billion of investment by 2030. Alongside the changes I have already set out, that will be key to getting that extra power generated through solar.
Session: Large Solar Farms National Grid
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If she will make an assessment of the ability of the National Grid to connect to large solar farms in (a) 2024 and (b) 2029. May I welcome the Minister to his new responsibilities and urge him to focus on this particular issue? According to a recent report by the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association, 44% of investors in solar power say there are problems getting interconnections with the grid. We know there are issues in the distribution network, which means that the transmission network is probably the only place that large-scale utility solar farms can connect, and people are worried that only particular parts of that network accept contracts. Will the Minister look at that in detail, because there are major concerns in my constituency that there will be connections at Eaton Socon power station, which is one of the few places where contracts are being offered?
Context
Inquiries about the ability of the National Grid to connect large solar farms in specific years.
Justin Tomlinson
Network companies are expected to deliver connections by the date stipulated in customer connection agreements. Reforms to accelerate the connection process and build times for transmission infrastructure will help to ensure that expectation is met. That is absolutely understood. As set out in the spring Budget, the Government are working with Ofgem and network companies to release more network capacity and to prevent speculative projects from obtaining and retaining network capacity. That, alongside faster network infrastructure delivery, should result in more capacity across the country and help to reduce any clustering of generation projects.
Session: Large Solar Farms National Grid
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In response to covid, this Government introduced the furlough scheme, and delivered and funded the world's first vaccine. In response to the energy price spike, this Government introduced comprehensive support for families. The Office for Budget Responsibility, so beloved of the shadow Chancellor, had its long-range forecast for 2025 to 2028 showing GDP increasing every year, GDP per capita increasing every year, average earnings increasing every year in real terms and productivity increasing in real terms. So does the Chancellor agree that when the shadow Chancellor says that we face a 1979 moment, she is right: a choice between a Labour party still in hock to its union bosses and a Conservative party committed to growth?
Context
The MP highlights the government's past successes in addressing economic challenges, questioning if the Labour party is still aligned with its union leaders.
Jeremy Hunt
I have nothing to add to my hon. Friend's brilliant list of statistics, except to cite another independent organisation, the International Monetary Fund, which says that in the next five years this country, under Conservative leadership, will grow faster than France, Germany, Italy and Japan.
Session: Strength of the Economy
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Could my hon. Friend the Minister advise me on whether that is the case, and if it is, could he follow up on that, and advise all Members of Parliament on where those limitations exist?
Context
The MP is concerned about the argument that there are limited points of interconnection with the national grid for large solar farm developers.
Andrew Bowie
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. Obviously, I do not know the detail of the case he raised, but I am very happy to meet him following questions to look at it in more detail.
Session: Use of Agricultural Land for Solar
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Following a debanking scandal, will my hon. Friend ensure that clear direction is given to the PRA and FCA regarding DEI policies to avoid risks?
Context
There is concern about the risks associated with implementing DEI policies, especially following a debanking scandal.
Bim Afolami
My right hon. Friend, I am studying those policies carefully and will discuss them with the PRA and FCA.
Session: Topical Questions
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Bedfordshire Police is underfunded and there is a need for increased support. Will the Minister agree to meet all Bedfordshire MPs so we can press the case for more funding?
Context
The MP noted cross-party concern over police underfunding in Bedfordshire.
Chris Philp
I am always happy to meet my hon. Friend and I confirm that Bedfordshire Police will receive an extra £10.2 million next year, a 6.5% increase over the current year.
Session: Police Funding Formula
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Will the Chancellor update the House on how he plans to move forward with some of the key recommendations from Lord Harrington's review into foreign direct investment in the UK?
Context
Lord Harrington's review provides key recommendations for foreign direct investment in the UK.
Jeremy Hunt
I am happy to do that. In fact, I hosted a reception for Lord Harrington and the people responsible for that review last week. We will start by increasing the budget of the Office for Investment so that it can give a more bespoke service to potential overseas investors.
Session: Topical Questions
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Every year, 800 women pass through immigration detention, including centres such as Yarl's Wood in my constituency. Many have been trafficked or are victims of sexual abuse. I am working with Women for Refugee Women to provide a snapshot of their backgrounds. Will the Minister agree to meet us to analyse their findings?
Context
800 women pass through immigration detention annually, including those trafficked or victims of sexual abuse.
Laura Farris
I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend. Women who have survived trafficking or sexual abuse are detained only when the evidence of vulnerability is outweighed by immigration removal considerations.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister join me in congratulating the Conservative Mayor for proposing council money to fund primary care facilities in Great Barford, Wootton, Wixams and Kempston? Will she condemn Labour and Liberal Democrat councils for voting it down?
Context
The Conservative Mayor of Bedford Borough proposed council money to invest in primary care facilities, but Labour and Liberal Democrat councils voted it down.
Andrea Leadsom
I am glad that my hon. Friend has raised this issue. He is absolutely right; in local authorities we need mayors and integrated care boards supporting primary care and not listening to the Opposition, who talk it down the whole time. The 50 million more GP appointments is something to celebrate.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does my right hon. Friend agree with the Prime Minister that we need to be clear with the British public all along about the costs incurred to achieve our net zero ambitions?
Context
The Climate Change Committee emphasizes enthusiasm for climate goals, while the Government focus on fiscal prudence.
Claire Coutinho
My hon. Friend makes an excellent point. It is really important that we are honest with the British public. We are pursuing the most ambitious climate targets, but we will do so in a sensible way that protects the economy, grows jobs and investment, and ensures that we can deliver for the country not only on energy security but on our climate change ambitions.
Session: Climate Change Committee Progress Report
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Paragraph 3.10.14 of the National Policy Framework Statement EN-3 states that new solar farms should avoid the use of 'best and most versatile' agricultural land where possible, using the designations of the agricultural land classifications. But there are concerns that field surveys can artificially downgrade land. Will my right hon. Friend say that both she and the planning inspectorate will be vigilant in protecting best and most versatile land and in ensuring the integrity of land classification?
Context
There are concerns that the classification of agricultural land can be artificially downgraded to accommodate new solar farms, potentially harming agricultural productivity.
Graham Stuart
I thank my hon. Friend for all his work championing both this area and the concerns of his constituents. As he rightly says, planning policy and guidance encourage large solar projects to locate on previously developed or lower value land and we will indeed undertake to be vigilant in ensuring that those principles are respected.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the Minister to his place. Given the opportunity, will the Chancellor abolish non-dom tax status next week, using funds for NHS support and free breakfast clubs for primary-age children?
Context
The MP welcomed the minister and urged him to abolish non-dom tax status to fund NHS improvements and free breakfast clubs for primary children.
Nigel Huddleston
The hon. Gentleman is aware that abolishing non-dom tax would make the UK less attractive; non-doms paid £8.5 billion in income tax and invested over £7 billion in the UK last year.
Session: Wealth Tax
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What is his message to British businesses?
Context
Labour criticises British businesses for slow growth, despite UK's faster recovery since 2010.
Jeremy Hunt
The UK has become the strongest economy in Europe for film and television, life sciences, and technology under Conservative leadership.
Session: Topical Questions
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The shadow Chancellor might mandate the use of pension fund money for pet schemes, risking pensioners' savings. What does my hon. Friend think this will do to the British economy?
Context
Concerns about mandating pension funds to invest in specific green schemes.
Gareth Davies
Pension funds have a fiduciary responsibility to deliver financial returns and consider their pensioners' values. I am confident that they will continue to invest in line with the risks presented by climate change.
Session: Climate Change Economic Impact
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I thank the Minister for that update. With the recent closure of the RIS3 consultation, can you now look at alternatives to the three remaining roundabouts on the A1 in my constituency: Sandy, Biggleswade North and Biggleswade South?
Context
The closure of the RIS3 consultation on suggestions for the next phase of road infrastructure has prompted further discussion.
Richard Holden
I thank my hon. Friend for his question; it was a delight to visit some of his constituents in Sandy recently to discuss this issue. We will continue to keep all these schemes under review, particularly focusing on road safety and further discussions with the constituent.
Session: Black Cat Roundabout on A1
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What progress has been made in delivering improvements to the Black Cat roundabout on the A1 in Bedfordshire, following the recent judicial review?
Context
The question follows a judicial review dismissal regarding the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet scheme.
Richard Holden
Following the dismissal of the recent judicial review, the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet scheme is due to begin construction later this year, with the open-for-traffic date planned for 2027.
Session: Black Cat Roundabout on A1
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What is going on with the administration?
Context
The transfer of home equity loan administration from Target to Lenvi has faced issues with unanswered emails and phone calls.
Rachel Maclean
I have been having daily meetings with Homes England and the service provider. It is the case that there have been some issues with the transfer, as my hon. Friend highlights. I want anyone listening to this to know that they can contact either their local MP or the service line, and we will resolve it. I have insisted that additional call centre staff are available and extended working hours.
Session: Topical Questions
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What progress has been made on banning the import of dogs with cropped ears and keeping primates as pets? The Secretary of State mentioned hare coursing legislation but did not specify progress on these two issues.
Context
There is a bill to ban the import of dogs with cropped ears and keeping primates as pets. The Secretary of State has agreed progress can be made through targeted measures.
Therese Coffey
Secondary legislation will stop people keeping primates as pets, requiring formal consultation and preparation of legislation. On banning dogs with cropped ears, we intend to take forward measures in individual issues during the next parliamentary session.
Session: Animal Welfare
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Will the Minister spend a moment to congratulate the community of Sharnbrook?
Context
The community of Sharnbrook is providing a welcoming environment for asylum seekers.
Robert Jenrick
I would be very happy to put on record my view of the good work being done by my hon. Friend's constituents. He is right to say that there are voluntary and community groups, charities and churches right across the country that support asylum seekers while they are in this form of accommodation, and we and our providers facilitate that wherever possible.
Session: Asylum Accommodation Hotels
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Will he consider looking at that again?
Context
The UK Treasury previously looked at introducing long-term fixed rates for mortgage markets.
Andrew Griffith
As ever, my hon. Friend's question is apposite when it comes to Treasury matters. There are indeed long-term fixed-rate mortgages on the market, and I have taken advice from officials on that. The constraining factor is consumer demand, and that is not a pattern of behaviour we have seen. Clearly for some mortgage holders such mortgages do offer long-term certainty, and it is certainly my objective for us to see the broadest range of choices for householders and for their own individual patterns in the market.
Session: Growth Plan of 23 September 2022 and Cost of Mortgages
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Will my right hon. Friend join me in thanking the chief constable of Bedfordshire for working with other police forces? Of the eight men who escaped, only one remains at large. Serious questions remain regarding the ease of escape and interactions between Serco and the police. Will my right hon. Friend please look into these issues?
Context
Following an incident at Yarl's Wood, questions remain about the ease of escape and interaction between Serco and police forces.
Robert Jenrick
I join my hon. Friend in thanking Bedfordshire police for leading the national response to the incident. Of the eight men who escaped, only one now remains at large; we are determined to find him as quickly as possible. Robust security measures exist in IRCs but they are being reviewed again following this incident. I met senior Serco executives to hold them accountable and ensure they take the matter seriously.
Session: Yarl’s Wood Serco
View All Questions -->
What discussions she has had with representatives of Serco on improvements to security at the Yarl's Wood immigration removal centre. The incident at Yarl's Wood in my constituency highlights the need for serious discussion and action regarding security measures and responses.
Context
An incident occurred at Yarl's Wood, raising concerns about security and the response from Serco.
Robert Jenrick
The Government take the protection of the public and security incidents at immigration detention centres extremely seriously. I met senior Serco executives on 4 May to discuss their response to the incident at Yarl's Wood in my hon. Friend's constituency. An independent investigation into the incident is now under way; we will consider its findings in detail.
Session: Yarl’s Wood Serco
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
East West Rail: Bedford to Cambridge — [Sir Mark Hendrick in the Chair]
13 June 2023
Responding: Huw Merriman
GPs and Primary Care (North East Bedfordshire)
07 June 2022
Responding: Maria Caulfield
Main Concerns
['Mr. Fuller is concerned about the strain on primary care services in North East Bedfordshire, with high patient-to-GP ratios, housing development outpacing infrastructure growth, and issues arising from repeated failed attempts by constituents to secure GP appointments. He has received multiple emails detailing constituent frustration and highlighting challenges for both patients and healthcare staff.']
Specific Asks
["Mr. Fuller asks the Minister to review North East Bedfordshire as a test case for the 'infrastructure first' policy, focusing on lessons learned over eight years and identifying improvements needed. Additionally, he requests that the Department unblock the transfer of facilities at Biggleswade Hospital to provide GP services in one of the fastest-growing towns."]
House Building Targets: North East Bedfordshire
09 June 2021
Main Concerns
['Richard Fuller is concerned about the high levels of house building in his constituency, which is already recording housing growth at three times the national average. He cites statistics from the National House Building Council showing that new homes registered in North East Bedfordshire were 2.2 times the national average in 2018, rising to 3.5 times in 2020. The population of Central Bedfordshire is projected to be one of the highest growing in the country by 2026. Fuller highlights issues such as difficulties accessing GP services and road improvements, expressing concerns over environmental impacts and biodiversity threats due to rapid housing growth.']
Specific Asks
['Fuller asks for an urgent review with colleagues from Health and Social Care and Education Departments to assess current and projected requirements for his constituency. He also seeks reassurance that the target of one million new homes in the Oxford-Cambridge arc no longer influences housing targets for the area. Additionally, he requests commitments to prioritise environmental considerations early in the planning process.']
Immigration Detention: Victims of Trafficking
27 April 2021
Main Concerns
["Mr. Fuller is concerned about the changes to immigration detention policies, particularly regarding potential victims of trafficking and modern-day slavery. He cites a Home Office report that indicates 89% of individuals referred through the national referral mechanism after being detained received positive reasonable grounds decisions, with 98% subsequently released from detention. The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner's letter notes significant variation in rejection rates for detention due to AAR status. Mr. Fuller also mentions a Home Office consultation that did not include the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and raises concerns about the downgrade of protections under the new regulations as stated by Medical Justice. He highlights the Royal College of Psychiatrists' report on detention, noting its opposition to detaining individuals with mental disorders."]
Specific Asks
["Mr. Fuller asks the Minister why he wants to make changes that may increase the likelihood of detaining potential victims of trafficking and modern-day slavery. He requests confirmation that a consultation was held prior to laying the statutory instrument and which organizations were consulted. Mr. Fuller also seeks clarity on whether the new regulations are against the government's stated aim to protect victims, and he asks about specific recommendations from inspections that have been implemented."]
Economic Growth
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles)
24 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves provision may be made to increase the rate of the electricity generator levy to 55%. This motion seeks to address the rising costs faced by households and businesses, particularly in relation to...
East Midland Railway Collision
22 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Insurance Act 2015 (Amendment) Bill - Lords amendments and Government motions to disagree
15 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves that the House disagrees with Lords amendment 1. Does not provide additional details in the provided text.
Charter for Budget Responsibility
24 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to approve the updated charter, which includes doubling the buffer against fiscal rules and introducing a fiscal lock. The motion supports reducing inflation, lowering interest rates, and boosti...
East Park Energy North Bedfordshire 2026-01-27
27 January 2026
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
Madam Deputy Speaker, may I start by thanking you and, through you, Mr Speaker for permitting me to speak on this important constituency matter. For the benefit of those who may be not familiar with t...
New Towns 2026-01-15
15 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The New Towns Act of 1946 aimed to address severe housing shortages, overcrowding, and poor living conditions post-war by planning whole communities with homes alongside jobs, schools, services, and g...
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill 2025-12-17
17 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Minister moved that the National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill be read a Second time. He argued for reforming pension salary sacrifice due to its growing cost, whi...
Taxes 2025-07-15
15 July 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government was elected on the basis of a manifesto commitment not to increase taxes on working people and not to increase National Insurance or Income Tax. The Autumn Budget 2024 decision to raise...
UK Infrastructure 10-year Strategy 2025-06-19
19 June 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
When this Government came to power, we were elected on a promise to deliver a decade of national renewal. We have already seen results with the fastest growing economy in G7 and real wages rising more...
Attendance
75.5%
74 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
42
42.9% of votes
No Votes
32
32.7% of votes
Abstentions
24
24.5% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
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
VOTED AYE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
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 NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
4
PMQs Asked
80
Ministerial Questions Asked
168
House of Commons Debates Involved
5
Westminster Hall Debates Led
5
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
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+497% above average
This MP:
80
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+99% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3357% above average
This MP:
168
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-47% below average
This MP:
5
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+9% above average
This MP:
75.5
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Richard Fuller's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.