Richard Holden
MP for Basildon and Billericay
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Following my campaign, Witton-le-Wear Primary School is now being granted 350 grand for improvement works by Durham County Council—the only time this has happened, after Labour lost control of the council for the first time in over 100 years last year. Villa Real School, Leadgate Primary School and Consett Junior School in North West Durham are also going to be applying for the condition improvement fund. Can I urge my right hon. Friend to ensure that those cases are taken as seriously as possible? Does he, more broadly, agree that education is a cornerstone of levelling up, as is ensuring that more good jobs are available locally in County Durham too, so that it is more than just a place to bring friends for a social evening of beer and takeaway curry, and an even better place to live, work and bring up a family?
Context
The MP mentioned his campaign which led to grants being awarded to local schools in North West Durham. He expressed support for more good jobs locally.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend, who is a massive champion for his constituency of North West Durham. I am delighted that he has been a supporter of County Durham's city of culture bid—culture in its widest interpretation. I support him in everything he does.
Assessment
The response did not address the specific ask about ensuring cases are taken seriously or discuss education and jobs.
Session: PMQs
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Soon after I was elected, an eight-bed community hospital at Shotley Bridge was replaced by a zero-bed unit. A new 16-bed unit is in the final stages of planning and confirmed as part of this Government's hospital building programme. Can you confirm that the new community hospital will proceed with full steam ahead? Will you commit to coming to Consett to kick off the building works if the plan goes ahead by the end of next year?
Context
An eight-bed community hospital in Shotley Bridge, Basildon and Billericay constituency was replaced with a zero-bed unit. After campaigning, a new 16-bed unit is now planned.
Boris Johnson
Yes, I am delighted that there will be a new hospital at Shotley Bridge, and I congratulate my hon. Friend on the work he has done to lobby for that. It proves that, in spite of the pandemic and in spite of war in Ukraine, this Government are getting on with the job.
Assessment
Commitment to attend Consett for groundbreaking ceremony not confirmed
Session: PMQs
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I will present a Bill later today to extend auto-enrolment in pensions to all people aged over 18, including part-time workers, aiming to level up retirements especially for women. Will the Prime Minister support these changes as he seeks to rebuild better from the pandemic?
Context
The MP is presenting a Bill to extend auto-enrolment in pensions to everyone over 18, including part-time workers. The initiative aims to benefit workers across the UK.
Boris Johnson
Over 10 million people have been automatically enrolled into workplace pensions, adding £28.4 billion to pension funds.
Assessment
The MP asked for PM's support on the Bill; the PM did not commit but highlighted past successes in pension auto-enrolment.
Previous Achievements
Session: PMQs
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Today I submitted a formal expression of interest for a new rail line between Consett and the Metrocentre, connecting my constituency to the heart of the north-east in Newcastle. As part of the levelling-up agenda, may I ask the Prime Minister for his support for this scheme, as my constituents have supported him and me?
Context
The questioner submitted a formal expression of interest for a new rail line between Consett and the Metrocentre, connecting his constituency to Newcastle.
Boris Johnson
I congratulate my hon. Friend on his imagination and his plan for a new railway. It is entirely in keeping with our infrastructure revolution, and I can assure him that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport will be getting back to him. I note that Nexus has already identified several possible extensions of the Tyne and Wear Metro scheme, which may be of advantage to his constituents.
Session: PMQs
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Mr. Holden seeks assurance from the Prime Minister and Health Secretary to work with him on delivering a new community hospital to replace an aged one at Shotley Bridge in his constituency.
Context
The hon. Member's constituency is experiencing strain in parts of the NHS estate.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
Yes. This Government are in no way undimmed in our ambition to continue with record investments in our NHS and build 40 new hospitals.
Session: PMQs
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Superfast wi-fi was trialled successfully by Great Western Railway. Will this be rolled out across all GWR trains by the end of 2023, to align with public ownership?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of poor connectivity on attracting more people from cars to trains, especially with successful trials of superfast wi-fi.
Heidi Alexander
Procurement for enhanced wi-fi on all GWR long-distance services will start in the second half of this year.
Session: Transport Decarbonisation 2026-07-16
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British vehicle manufacturers express concern about the ZEV mandate, viewing it as an ideological shibboleth. Will the Secretary of State listen to industry concerns, adopt the Conservatives' “plan for drivers,” and scrap the ZEV mandate before it kills off the British car sector?
Context
The MP argues that the ZEV mandate is an ideological policy harming the industry and jobs. He asks for its removal.
Heidi Alexander
We will not change the 2030 phase-out date for pure internal combustion engine vehicles or the 2035 phase-out for hybrids. We have introduced new flexibilities and are reviewing them over the next six months.
Session: Transport Decarbonisation 2026-07-16
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In many places, councils are trying to unpick the last Welsh Labour Government's blanket 20 mph speed limits. Why is the Secretary of State trying to repeat that policy which is causing chaos for motorists in rural communities?
Context
The MP criticizes the Labour policy on implementing 20 mph zones in London boroughs and cities, citing a Welsh Government's blanket implementation as a failure.
Heidi Alexander (Secretary of State for Transport)
We are not imposing anything, as the right hon. Gentleman well knows. We do not impose policies and know that 20 mph zones save lives since hitting a car at 30mph is five times more likely to cause death than at 20mph.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-16
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What is her view on Labour's ideas for mass transit?
Context
Labour's plans include bringing train operating companies back into public ownership.
Heidi Alexander
We are renationalising the railways, bringing the train operating companies back into public ownership. Train services under public control are more reliable and have fewer cancellations than those still in the private sector.
Session: Mass Transit Systems
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How closely does this expensive paint job with nothing behind it resemble Labour's ideas for mass transit?
Context
The Greater Manchester Mayor spent £35,000 of taxpayers' money repainting a train.
Heidi Alexander
We have launched the brand-new livery and train designs, but more importantly than that, I can tell the right hon. Gentleman that train services under public control are more reliable and have fewer cancellations than those still in the private sector.
Session: Mass Transit Systems
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Does he agree with his own past statement that nationalised railways save taxpayers up to £110-150 million annually?
Context
A previous statement by Minister regarding operational savings under public ownership is questioned for its accuracy compared to the cost of scaling up DfTO staffing.
Keir Mather
The shadow Secretary of State talks about value for money but fails to account for the cost of national rail strikes under last Government costing taxpayers £850 million. I ask how that compares with operational savings achieved by nationalised railways.
Session: Passenger Rail Services
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Does this lack of a clear plan explain why the Secretary of State has been reduced to claiming credit for work delivered under previous governments?
Context
The public is concerned about the clarity of Government's plan for state control of railways. They have doubts about simpler fares, passenger growth targets, and reducing taxpayer subsidy.
Keir Mather
I encourage the shadow Secretary of State actually to read the Railways Bill, which his party has consistently voted against, where the reason for pursuing nationalisation is laid out: better services for passengers and ensuring railways serve public interest not profit, leaving behind privatised system's decades of misery.
Session: Passenger Rail Services
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In September last year, the Secretary of State told the House: “I know the importance of the fuel duty freeze”.—[Official Report, 11 September 2025; Vol. 772, c. 1031.] That was when diesel and petrol were significantly cheaper than they are today. Why is Labour hiking fuel duty by 5p a litre this September?
Context
The Conservative MP questions Labour's decision to hike fuel duty by 5p a litre.
Heidi Alexander
We have extended the fuel duty cut, which was due to end this month, until September, and we have launched the fuel finder tool. Together, they will save motorists £129 compared with previous plans.
Session: Topical Questions
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Soaring car insurance costs are pricing young people off the roads. One constituent was recently quoted £3,000 and another £5,000. What are the Government doing to bring down the cost of driving and make insurance affordable for young people again?
Context
Car insurance premiums are rising, with some quotes reaching £3,000 and £5,000. This is affecting the ability of young people to drive.
Lilian Greenwood
We published the motor insurance taskforce report in December, highlighting the actions being taken to tackle claims costs and, ultimately, to help reduce motorists' premiums. We are consulting on a minimum learning period for learner drivers which may help to reduce premiums if the number of collisions involving young and novice drivers falls.
Session: Topical Questions
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Nobody from the Department for Transport has reached out to a heroic bus driver, and the Secretary of State is clearly not really paying attention to officer numbers either, because they are down by 112. What are the most recent British Transport police figures?
Context
The case of bus driver Mark Hehir who stopped a thief but was sacked, highlighting issues with the current system. The number of British Transport Police officers has decreased.
Heidi Alexander
I can tell him that there has been a slight decrease from 2,910 to 2,852 full-time equivalents in the last year. BTP has recently been given a 15% increase to its budget, worth £63 million over the three-year settlement. That will see over 200 more police officers recruited, including for a dedicated capability to tackle violence and intimidation against women and girls.
Session: Topical Questions
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There is no passenger growth commitment in the Railways Bill, just the expectation of inflation-busting fare rises in the Budget. Holidaymakers are being used like a piñata, with a 13% rise in air passenger duty already in prospect, and airport business rates will be passed on to them too. Ports have been throttled by delayed decisions on connectivity with the rail infrastructure. Motorists are facing potential fuel duty rises, with insurance premium tax rises and pay-per-mile hanging over them. Which of the above measures is supporting, rather than hammering, economic growth?
Context
The MP criticizes the Railways Bill for lack of passenger growth commitment, air passenger duty rises, potential fuel duty increases, and delays in connectivity decisions.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
I can tell the right hon. Gentleman what this Government are doing to support economic growth when it comes to the transport system. We have given the green light to over 50 road and rail projects in the spending review, given planning permission to airport expansion at Luton and Gatwick, and invited proposals for a third runway at Heathrow, in stark contrast to the dither-and-delay approach of the previous Government when it came to the aviation sector. I am not going to take any lectures from him when it comes to economic growth and improving the transport system in this country.
Session: Transport System Economic Growth
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What is the reason why the Government are backing some but not all forms of energy?
Context
Concerns about inconsistency in government support for different types of energy production.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
Reality is that North Sea has been basin in decline, 70,000 jobs lost under previous Government. Question is whether we create jobs future as well maintaining existing fields lifetime.
Session: Clean Power Jobs
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Heads of Departments have said that 60% attendance in the office is the best balance for civil servants working in Government Departments, but in an answer to a recent written parliamentary question from my hon. Friend the Member for Kingswinford and South Staffordshire (Mike Wood), the Cabinet Office said that no data exists for attendance outside London HQs—it is certainly not collected centrally. However, the Office for National Statistics has produced data about its own workforce, which, via the UK Statistics Authority, comes under the Cabinet Office. That shows a daily attendance rate of as little as 3% in some of the ONS’s regional offices. Does the Minister think that an attendance rate of 3% will help career progression and thereby help relocate civil servants outside London? Does he think that 3% is acceptable? Is this not just part of a wider pattern of non-attendance in offices outside London, and is it not time his Department published the data on attendance levels?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the lack of centralised data on civil servant attendance outside London HQs, citing specific examples from the Office for National Statistics.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Pat McFadden)
There have been problems at the Office for National Statistics. We launched a report into it, which has recently reported, and there will be a change in the leadership of the Office for National Statistics, as the right hon. Gentleman is aware. That report highlighted the number of people not working in the office—a pattern that emerged when his party was in power. I hope that the new leadership addresses every part of the recent report into the ONS.
Session: Civil Service Relocation
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One of the most important things we can do is reduce the number of cases going into the system by reducing reoffending where possible, including intergenerational reoffending. Given that 65% of boys with a parent in prison will go on to offend, what steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that the children of prisoners are properly identified and supported so they do not become the next generation of people in prison?
Context
Research shows that 65% of boys with a parent in prison will go on to offend, indicating an intergenerational cycle of offending.
Shabana Mahmood
Focusing on the children of prisoners was a manifesto commitment of our party because there is a cycle there that society needs to break, particularly for the children of male prisoners and especially their sons. We are leading work on joining up information sharing across Government to make sure those children are identified, properly supported and able to break the cycle of offending in their family.
Session: Crown Court Backlog
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I welcome anything the Government bring forward to support our new bands and musicians across the country, but the big thing that so many musicians are asking for is that we get touring rights sorted out with our European counterparts. Could the Minister update the House on what progress there has been, if any, and how we can go further to get our bands out there and their bands over here?
Context
Mr Holden references the government's music growth package and the need for progress on touring rights with European counterparts.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism (Chris Bryant)
If only the right hon. Gentleman had been a Minister in the previous Government, when they failed to take the deal that was on offer from the European Union. I am absolutely determined to get this sorted. We got something—[Interruption.] If he wants to start promoting creative industries abroad, he might start thinking about film—for instance, “Chicken Run”. We want to make sure that British acts can prosper across the whole of Europe, and I am talking not just about the big names like Dua Lipa; I am also talking about young acts like Otto Aday, who performed at the Rhondda Arts Festival on Saturday and was amazing, and Caitlin Lavagna, whose song “Run a Mile” perhaps would suit the right hon. Gentleman.
Session: British Musical Acts International Promotion
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Cousin marriage is often used as a cover for forced marriage. Have the Government raised the issue of the incredibly high rate of first-cousin marriage with the Pakistani Government, given that so many of those marriages are between UK and Pakistani nationals?
Context
The question addresses the issue of cousin marriages being used as a cover for forced marriages.
David Lammy
As the right hon. Gentleman probably knows, I was in Pakistan recently, and we discussed a range of human rights issues.
Session: Topical Questions
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Supply chain problems are just one of the many issues that are having an impact on community pharmacies. My local pharmacy in Noak Bridge is one of them, but it is also being hammered with national insurance increases, and the combination of these issues means that its long-term viability is at stake. Will the review that the Minister has mentioned include all the impacts on community pharmacies that are affecting their long-term viability?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the long-term viability of community pharmacies in his constituency, highlighting issues such as supply chain problems and national insurance increases. He references a review mentioned by the Minister.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
The long-term viability of pharmacies and, indeed, the whole NHS was under threat from the right hon. Gentleman and his party, but thanks to this Government, it is being made fit for the future. This is a serious issue for all our constituents, and we want to make the system work better. The right hon. Gentleman will see from the 10-year plan that we will make the NHS fit for his constituents, mine and those of every other Member.
Session: Medicine Supply Chain Community Pharmacies
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I am glad to see the Government starting to tackle some of these issues. Will the Minister assure me that people on freehold housing estates with covenant issues in places like Basildon and Billericay will also be included in any legislation? They often face service charge increases of tens of per cent every single year, and they need that same assurance being provided to leaseholders that the Government will think about that and take action.
Context
Mr Holden asked about the inclusion of freeholders in any legislation concerning unfair service charge increases.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
I assure the right hon. Gentleman that the Government are thinking about the plight of residential freeholders alongside leaseholders. As I just said, we will consult this year on implementing the provisions in the 2024 Act, which provides those residential freeholders with new consumer protection provisions. They will have that immediate safety to come in, as we look at how we reduce the prevalence of such arrangements in the longer term.
Session: Leasehold Reform
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Has the Prime Minister deigned to meet the Intelligence and Security Committee? I also asked written questions about the independence and resources of the Committee and was told that discussions were ongoing. On a matter of this seriousness, does Parliament not deserve more than fob-off half-answers, and will the Minister provide further details now?
Context
The MP cites a public criticism by the Intelligence and Security Committee over its lack of adequate staff and independence, leading to an inability to properly oversee the £3 billion annual spend. The Committee is seeking more resources and direct access to the Prime Minister.
Pat McFadden (The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster)
I do not think the shadow Minister listened to my first answer. For the avoidance of doubt, I said that we have agreed to the Committee’s requested uplift on budgeting and resourcing. Of course, the Prime Minister will be happy to meet the Committee at a convenient time that both can agree.
Session: Intelligence and Security Committee
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Does the Lord Chancellor realise that her sentencing reforms will create inevitable tensions with efforts to reduce crime, and that the country will hold her accountable for any failure?
Context
The Lord Chancellor acknowledged in an interview that sentencing reforms could create tensions with the government's efforts to halve knife crime and violence against women. Mr Holden questions if these reforms are effective.
Shabana Mahmood (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
I think the country will hold to account those responsible for the absolute mess this Government inherited. The previous Government, which Mr Holden supported, brought prisons to the brink of collapse. These reforms are necessary; our prisons cannot run out of places.
Session: Reoffending on Probation
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I recently met with the Philpot family at the diverse and successful Barleylands farm in my constituency. Fly-tipping is a major concern for them and other local farmers, and they are working together to address it. They told me that, although fly-tipping is a major issue, it is not the existential threat that the tax increases this Labour Government are imposing on them are, with the national insurance tax increases and the massive rises in agricultural property relief and business property relief. They are right, are they not?
Context
Fly-tipping is a major concern for farmers, especially with the impact of national insurance tax increases and agricultural property relief rises. The Philpot family at Barleylands farm are among those working to address it.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mary Creagh)
I congratulate the right hon. Gentleman on weaving in a farms question on fly-tipping, but he is right—[Interruption.] Calm down. We know that fly-tipping is a very big problem for farmers. I have visited fly-tipping sites near Watford in the last month and spoken to farmers about what they have to do to clear them up. It is clear that many Tory-run county councils are not playing their part in cleaning up fly-tipping and making the prosecutions that act as a disincentive to these criminal businesses and their business models.
Session: Fly-tipping
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Many heads, teachers and support staff who are worried about school budgets have been in touch with me. I recently had a letter from a therapist saying she is being made redundant due to cuts, and another constituent asks: 'Why have Labour voted for unfunded pay rises and National Insurance Tax increases if they cannot support schools with the cost of these proposals?'
Context
A constituent therapist in a school trust has been informed about redundancy. The letter mentions cuts being made to stay afloat, affecting teaching assistants, social, emotional, and mental health staff, and other support staff.
The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)
The Government are committed to supporting teachers to stay in the profession and to thrive, which is why we accepted the schoolteachers pay review body 2024-25 recommendation in full, implementing a 5.5% pay award. That means that teachers and school leaders have had a combined increase of 17% over the last three years.
Session: School Costs and Employer’s National Insurance Contributions
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I hope to continue the positive cross-party approach to this question. I particularly like the Minister’s commitment to a clear data picture. The Sullivan review into Government data was published in March, making 59 recommendations for accuracy and consistency. Can she reassure me that the Government will issue a full formal response to the review and its recommendations to provide a clear data picture across Government within a year of the report’s publication?
Context
Professor Sullivan's review made 59 recommendations to ensure accuracy and consistency across Government.
Georgia Gould (The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
I appreciate this collegiate style of discussion. When we came into power, we set out a review that showed just how hard it is for citizens to negotiate services. We have already set out our own plans but will respond formally to external reviews as they come forward.
Session: Data
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Local people are concerned that they will not get a say in the structure of those local authorities, so can the Minister tell me whether they will? There is also concern about local elections being delayed by multiple years. Can the Minister also tell me whether, year after year, Basildon council will not be held accountable for the decisions it takes?
Context
Concerns about the structure and accountability of unitary authorities being created in Essex.
Jim McMahon
I pay tribute to local leaders in Essex and other places for the leadership they have shown to make sure that there is sustainable and accountable local government at the end of the devolution and reorganisation process. The right hon. Member has our absolute commitment that we will work through those issues with local leaders. As for the election question, elections have been postponed for a year, and it is our intention that routine elections will take place as planned.
Session: Topical Questions
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Smile Dental Centre is in one of the least affluent parts of my community in Basildon. It is looking to expand and provide more NHS dental services, but it has come up against a few issues. Will the Minister, or one of his officials, meet me and Smile Dental Centre to see what we can unblock to deliver more dental health services for local people?
Context
The Hon. Member requests support for a dental centre in his constituency aiming to expand its services.
Stephen Kinnock
We are always looking for opportunities to unblock more capacity, and I would be happy to meet the right hon. Gentleman.
Session: Topical Questions
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Compared with this time last year, almost 500 more people are on the claimant count in Basildon and Billericay. Almost 100 of those are under 25. How many more will have to be made unemployed before Labour Ministers listen to charities, GPs, supermarkets, manufacturers and care providers? They visited me in my constituency and said that Labour needs to think again about its catastrophic national insurance rise which, before it even hits in April, is already costing the jobs of my constituents.
Context
The question addresses the increase in unemployment figures in Basildon and Billericay compared to last year, with a focus on young people under 25.
The Minister for Employment (Alison McGovern)
We have a significant reform plan to make sure that we tailor jobcentre support towards the needs of employers, because there is still a significant number of vacancies out there that young people should be making the most of to start their career and progress in life. That is why we have a new employer strategy, so that the Department for Work and Pensions can serve businesses properly.
Session: Unemployment Trends
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ByteDance, the company that owns TikTok, is required as a Chinese company to have an in-house Chinese Communist party committee. We all know that attacks from China on our national infrastructure as well as on our cyber-networks are becoming increasingly common, and it is clear that elements of the Chinese Government are behind them. Yet, astonishingly, the Government are still failing to fully declare ministerial meetings with TikTok representatives. Will the Minister ensure that meetings with TikTok executives are declared by Government Ministers alongside other senior media executive registrations, given TikTok’s huge presence in the media space, the massive public influence it has and the known cyber-risks posed by this Chinese platform?
Context
Mr Holden discusses ByteDance, the company behind TikTok, noting that it is required to have an in-house Chinese Communist Party committee. He mentions increased attacks from China on UK national infrastructure and cyber-networks.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Pat McFadden)
There is a well-established process for transparency about meetings between Government Ministers and outside organisations, and TikTok will be treated in the same way as anyone else.
Session: Cyber-security
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Given Emily Damari’s personal testimony that she was held at United Nations Relief and Works Agency facilities in Gaza during the conflict, does the Foreign Secretary stand by the Government’s decision to restart sending UK taxpayers’ money to UNRWA when Hamas terrorists were holding British hostages at its facilities?
Context
The MP raised concerns about Emily Damari’s testimony of being held hostage at a UNRWA facility during the conflict and alleged involvement of Hamas members within UNRWA.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)
We have been in touch with the Damari family and UNRWA has instigated an investigation.
Session: Palestinians in Gaza US Policy
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Does the Solicitor General agree with the recent Policy Exchange research paper ‘Conflicts of Interest and the Law Officers’ Convention’ authored by Dr Conor Casey, a senior lecturer at Surrey law school, and supported by three former Ministers who are all KCs, that invoking the Law Officers’ convention on questions about the potential conflict of interest relating to the work of the Attorney General would be an error, as such questions do not fall within the scope of the convention?
Context
Recent Policy Exchange research paper by Dr Conor Casey suggests invoking the Law Officers’ convention on questions about potential conflicts of interest relating to the Attorney General would be an error.
The Solicitor General
As I have said, the Attorney General’s Office has a rigorous process for identifying and dealing with conflicts and potential conflicts that arise from the Law Officers’ former practice. The Law Officers’ convention, to which the right hon. Member referred, exists for very good reason, which is to enable the Government of this country to receive full and frank advice. In any event, the Attorney General has been clear that he does not agree with that report. In particular, he does not agree that a Law Officer would indicate whether they have recused themselves from a particular matter, because that in itself would breach the Law Officers’ convention.
Session: Attorney General's Office Transparency and Conflicts of Interest
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I believe in second chances, but the Policy Exchange report found that hyper-prolific offenders—those with more than 45 previous convictions—are sent to prison on fewer than half of occasions they are convicted of a subsequent indictable or either-way offence. Given their high number of crimes affecting least affluent constituents, what consideration have the Government given to the report’s recommendations, particularly on introducing a mandatory two-year sentence for hyper-prolific offenders?
Context
The situation where 10% of offenders account for 50% of all offences, blighting communities. The Policy Exchange report suggests mandatory two-year sentences for hyper-prolific offenders.
Shabana Mahmood (The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
I agree that we need a specific strategy for dealing with prolific offenders, but different organisations use different definitions of what counts as a prolific offender or hyper-prolific offender. I have asked David Gauke to look specifically at this cohort of offenders in the independent sentencing review. The point is to think about interventions that will make the biggest difference so we can cut crime and have fewer victims.
Session: Prolific Offenders
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Early years providers are being hammered. In many cases, their national insurance costs per staff member are almost doubling. A large number are small businesses in the private sector, while others are schools that are taking children before they go into reception classes. All of them—both primary schools in the state sector and small private providers—are worried about the extra costs being imposed on them. Can the Minister assure my constituents and, indeed, people throughout the country that families will not face higher costs and that those childcare places will still be there? Can he assure the House that we will have more childcare places at the end of this Parliament than we had at the start of it?
Context
The National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill has raised concerns among early years providers about increased costs. Providers in both the private sector and state schools are worried about additional expenses.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Stephen Morgan)
Unlike the Conservative party, we are on the side of working parents, and high-quality education will be available to every child. As for the hon. Gentleman’s substantive point, it would help if the Conservatives were honest. They would not reverse the rise.
Session: National Insurance Contributions
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Unbelievably, the Treasury Committee has already raised concerns about the Office for Value for Money, citing issues around its remit, cost, cross-Government duplication and more. Does the Minister agree with the financial markets which do not believe this Government’s commitment to reforming public procurement or prudent financial management, costing taxpayers an extra £10 billion a year?
Context
The Treasury Committee has raised concerns about the Office for Value for Money, citing issues around its remit, cost, cross-Government duplication.
Georgia Gould (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
Yesterday, the National Audit Office published a report on the nearly £50 billion gap in building maintenance left by the previous Labour government. The legacy of 15 years of lost wage growth and stalled productivity means we inherited crumbling buildings. In contrast, this Government has invested over £63 billion at the UK investment summit and is leading the way on artificial intelligence. Growth predictions for our economy have been upgraded to the fastest in Europe by the International Monetary Fund.
Session: Public Procurement Reform
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What is the annual cost to the public purse of a 0.1% increase in the cost of servicing Government debt?
Context
MP asked about the financial impact on public purse due to rising borrowing costs.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
When we entered office, debt was at highs not seen since the 1960s. My commitment to the fiscal rules is non-negotiable, and we will drive debt down to a sustainable level. There have been movements in global financial markets, and the UK is not immune. The Office for Budget Responsibility will produce a forecast in the usual way, and I will respond with a statement to Parliament on 26 March.
Session: Servicing Government Debt
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As the Secretary of State knows, under the defence equipment plan about half of MOD expenditure is on equipment, with around 40% of that going overseas. What impact does the Secretary of State think that the Government’s abolition of business property relief and the massive increase in national insurance will have on UK SMEs’ ability to compete in the defence sector with our AUKUS allies following the previous Government’s signing of that agreement?
Context
The AUKUS partnership is expected to create new contract opportunities for UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), but concerns have been raised about the economic impacts of recent policy changes.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
It is certainly the case, as the right hon. Gentleman rightly recognises, that in government the Conservatives were too often largely blind to where British firms were based and to where the contracts that they were ready to award went. This Government have come into power committed not just to strengthening UK security but to boosting the UK economy. That means designing, making and buying more in Britain.
Session: AUKUS Procurement SMEs
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Under the Conservatives, billions in pension credit went unclaimed. The burden for driving up claims often lies in fantastic organisations such as Christians Against Poverty, the Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Carers Centre and Citizens Advice Falkirk and Denny, as well as the brilliant Falkirk council welfare benefits team in my constituency. What assurance can the Minister give me that beyond 21 December her Department will work tirelessly to prevent billions in benefits from being left unclaimed?
Context
The question stems from the issue of billions in pension credit going unclaimed under the Conservative government, with local organisations and council teams driving up claims.
Emma Reynolds
Indeed, we have taken forward the biggest awareness campaign for claiming pension credit that has ever been seen. We are determined that those on the lowest incomes should claim pension credit and be awarded it, which will passport them to winter fuel payments and other related benefits.
Session: Winter Fuel Payment Pensioner Poverty
View All Questions -->
What assessment has been made of the potential impact of means-testing the winter fuel payment on levels of pensioner poverty? Before the last general election, Labour suggested that removal of the winter fuel payment would mean an extra 4,000 pensioners dying from freezing in poverty each year. How many will die under this Government's policy this year?
Context
The question is prompted by the potential impact of means-testing on pensioners' winter fuel payments, with a specific concern about an estimated 880,000 poor pensioners not claiming pension credit under the previous Conservative government.
Emma Reynolds
Under the last Conservative Government, an estimated 880,000 of the poorest pensioners eligible for pension credit were not claiming it. We have launched the biggest ever pension credit awareness campaign and written to 120,000 pensioners on housing benefit, urging them to apply. As a result, claims for pension credit have more than doubled, and those who receive pension credit will also receive winter fuel payments and other related benefits. The Government remain committed to supporting low-income pensioners through the household support fund, which local authorities can use to help people with their bills. The Minister for Energy Consumers has raised £500 million from energy suppliers to help vulnerable consumers in debt.
Session: Winter Fuel Payment Pensioner Poverty
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister lobby the Welsh Government on that, for Wales and for our entire United Kingdom? The lower Thames crossing is a vital link between our channel ports and Holyhead port. I know Labour is against new road building in Wales, but a north Wales corridor connecting our ports would be a vital piece of transport infrastructure for our whole country.
Context
The MP highlights the importance of a north Wales corridor for linking UK channel ports with Holyhead port, noting Labour's stance against new road building in Wales.
Nia Griffith
I remind the right hon. Member that Holyhead was recently given freeport tax status, and I assure him that the Welsh Government have not ruled out a third Northern Ireland crossing.
Session: Transport Connectivity
View All Questions -->
What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help improve transport connectivity between Wales and the rest of the UK. The Government are absolutely committed to working collaboratively with the Welsh Government to improve transport connectivity within Wales and with the rest of the UK, as seen in a joint programme by Network Rail and Transport for Wales.
Context
The MP is concerned about improving transport connections between Wales and the UK, highlighting current efforts by Network Rail and Transport for Wales.
Nia Griffith
The Government are absolutely committed to working collaboratively with the Welsh Government to improve transport connectivity within Wales and with the rest of the UK. We are already making progress. Network Rail and Transport for Wales announced a joint programme, which will see 50% more timetabled services on the north Wales main line.
Session: Transport Connectivity
View All Questions -->
I am concerned about the impact of raising national insurance on many indirect providers of public services like GPs and hospices, which was not fully factored into the Budget. Given over a month has passed since then, can you provide an estimate of how this will affect the cost of public procurement to the nearest £1 billion?
Context
The question stems from meetings with SMEs following the Budget, highlighting concerns about the impact of increased National Insurance contributions on indirect providers of public services such as GPs and hospices. The concern is that these impacts were not fully considered during budget planning.
Georgia Gould
Unfortunately, the last Government left public services in crisis. Every day I saw strain on these services as people waited up to 12 hours for ambulances that sometimes did not arrive. We are taking action to invest in our public services and deliver growth through our procurement regime to support SMEs by ensuring money is not lost and suppliers are paid quickly. More details will be set out to the House in February.
Session: Public Procurement Reform
View All Questions -->
I welcome the Government's commitments, in response to my written parliamentary questions, to a consultation on ending fleecehold. However, my constituents just want to know when that will take place.
Context
The government has committed to consulting on ending new freehold estates.
Matthew Pennycook
As I set out in response to a previous question, we will consult on how to end the prevalence of new fleecehold estates, and we will, in the short term, ensure that residents on existing estates have the protections they need against unfair management charges.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Marriage between First Cousins
18 June 2025
Responding: Alex Davies-Jones
Main Concerns
['Richard Holden highlights the issue of first cousin marriages, noting historical prohibitions by the Church and societal concerns over health, social cohesion, and individual freedoms. He mentions that such marriages can be linked to oppressive patriarchal cultures and forced marriage practices.']
Specific Asks
['Holden urges the government to consider legislative changes based on public opinion polls showing support for a ban among certain communities and argues against claims of infringing personal freedom, stating that it perpetuates oppression instead.']
Children of Prisoners — [Sir Roger Gale in the Chair]
04 December 2024
Responding: Alex Davies-Jones
Main Concerns
['Around half of prisoners are parents to children aged 17 or younger, with many relying on grandparents for support. Children of imprisoned parents face a 25% higher risk of mental health issues and are more likely to experience negative school outcomes and economic hardship. A significant number do not receive free school meals before parental imprisonment, but this figure increases post-imprisonment by at least 20%. Furthermore, these children have a 65% likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior themselves. The current system fails to adequately identify and support these children, leading to cases where they are found living alone without basic necessities.']
Specific Asks
["The Government should implement a national identification system for children with parents in prison, such as the existing Operation Paramount model which cross-references HMPPS data with police records. Schools should be notified of affected children's status and safeguarding leads designated to provide support. Additional funding through pupil premium eligibility could also aid these vulnerable young people."]
Pie and Mash: Traditional Speciality Guaranteed Status
22 October 2024
Responding: Daniel Zeichner
Main Concerns
['Mr. Holden is concerned about the decline of traditional pie and mash shops, despite them thriving in areas like Basildon. He notes that there are over a hundred similar products with protected status in France and Italy but only under a hundred in the UK. He highlights the importance of safeguarding the heritage of pie and mash to promote it both domestically and internationally.']
Specific Asks
['Mr. Holden asks for the government to provide traditional speciality guaranteed status for pie and mash as soon as possible, recognising its artisan production methods and rich cultural heritage.']
Apprenticeships and Teacher Training
19 October 2022
Responding: Jonathan Gullis
Main Concerns
['The speaker is concerned about the underutilisation of apprenticeships, especially in constituencies outside London. He highlights that young people often leave their communities to go to university and may end up back where they started after accumulating student loans. The traditional route for becoming a teacher excludes many who need to start earning immediately and limits progression paths for those with level 2 or 3 qualifications. This restricts access to the teaching profession, particularly in early years and primary education.']
Specific Asks
['The MP calls on the government to create an undergraduate apprenticeship route into teaching. He suggests that this would help address staffing shortages, benefit disadvantaged young people, and improve perceptions of apprenticeships as a viable alternative to traditional university routes.']
Agricultural and County Shows
21 July 2022
Responding: Steve Double
Main Concerns
['The MP is concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on agricultural shows in rural Britain, noting that over 7 million people annually attend such events. He highlights the importance of these shows for local communities, their role in showcasing farming and agriculture, and their contribution to economic activity. The MP also mentions the need for productive farming measures and capital investment to support farmers and maintain food security.']
Specific Asks
['The MP asks the government to ensure that agricultural shows can thrive into the future, providing a platform for innovation, investment, and tourism in rural economies. He urges visitors to anchor their travels with visits to these shows this summer.']
Vehicle Ownership: Fatal Accidents and Rural Crime
26 January 2022
Responding: Trudy Harrison
Main Concerns
['Richard Holden is concerned about the death of his constituent Andrew Rowlands, who was killed in a car crash. The vehicle involved had no valid MOT and was driven by an unlicensed driver. He also highlights broader issues such as county lines drug trafficking and rural crime, where vehicles are used to commit crimes and cause damage on farmland. This includes trespassing, destruction of crops, worrying livestock, and drug deals being conducted in rural areas.']
Specific Asks
['Holden requests a meeting with the Minister to discuss changing the law so that individuals must provide a driving licence when purchasing a car, making it mandatory for this information to be included on the V5 form. He believes this would prevent unlicensed drivers from buying cars and address issues of rural crime.']
Road Connectivity: Teesside to Scotland
16 June 2021
Responding: Kerry McCarthy
Main Concerns
['The communities along the A68 feel neglected, ignored, and forgotten. Constituencies such as North West Durham have seen no significant railway or road improvements since 1951, despite plans for bypasses on the A68 that remain unfulfilled after 70 years. The loss of trust is evident in areas like Crook and Castleside where residents face daily challenges due to inadequate infrastructure.']
Specific Asks
["The lead MP asks for prioritisation of road improvements such as the Toft Hill bypass and Darlington bypass, essential for economic growth and connectivity with Teesside's opportunities. He also seeks a strategic upgrade of the A68 as an arterial route that carries a significant volume of heavy goods vehicles."]
Aviation Bill - Clause 1
09 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill aims to restore the Government's power to regulate civil aviation, bolster passenger rights, modernise airspace, and improve safety. It addresses recent disruptions and seeks to ensure robust...
Civil aviation (Consumer protection and regulatory reform) bill [Lords]: Ways and means
09 September 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
Raise concerns about the NATS blackout affecting over 100,000 passengers and costing UK aviation tens of millions of pounds, questioning why the Government is not providing a statement despite the sig...
East Midland Railway Collision
22 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Points of Order
29 April 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Member for Hornsey and Friern Barnet raised concern about the recent violent stabbings in the borough of Barnet, expressing worry over repeated violence against the Jewish community. She called on...
Fuel Duty
18 March 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
The House believes it is wrong to increase the main fuel duty rates on specific dates in 2026 and 2027, as global oil prices are rising. These increases will affect drivers, farmers, businesses, and o...
Road Safety Strategy 2026-01-08
08 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Minister highlighted the new national road safety strategy aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries on British roads by 65% by 2035. She emphasised the current plateau in road safety improvem...
Budget Resolutions 2025-12-01
01 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Heathrow National Airports Review 2025-10-22
22 October 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
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...
Trial by Jury Proposed Restrictions 2025-07-09
09 July 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the Government's plans to restrict trial by jury through the creation of a Crown court bench division and related sentencing changes, given that this could undermine centurie...
Walsall Arboretum
01 December 2021
The petitioners from Walsall and the United Kingdom are concerned that the Black Country Plan will destroy parts of the Walsall Green Belt by building 5000 homes, including 592 next to the Walsall Arb...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
69.1%
65 of 94 votes
Aye Votes
34
36.2% of votes
No Votes
31
33.0% of votes
Abstentions
29
30.9% 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
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
5
PMQs Asked
137
Ministerial Questions Asked
183
House of Commons Debates Involved
7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
4
Statements / Bills
1
Petitions Presented
94
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
+37% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+922% above average
This MP:
137
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+178% above average
This MP:
7
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3666% above average
This MP:
183
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-58% below average
This MP:
4
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-59% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-0% below average
This MP:
69.1
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 Holden's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.