Roger Gale
MP for Herne Bay and Sandwich
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Some months ago, I asked you as DPP why you did not bring charges against Mohammed Fayed for rape and assault. You replied it didn't cross your desk. If it wasn't you, who saw the dossiers? When can we expect Metropolitan police to charge those who aided Fayed?
Context
The MP had previously questioned the Prime Minister about why charges were not brought against Mohammed Fayed. Met police delivered dossiers to CPS.
Keir Starmer
Hundreds of thousands of files are submitted each year. The investigation is ongoing, but I cannot predict or disclose the decision timeline as it would compromise proceedings.
Assessment
Timeline and responsibility for reviewing dossiers and issuing charges
Emphasizes Procedural Complexity
Refuses To Provide Specific Timeline
Session: PMQs
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The problems faced by Heathrow earlier in the week have highlighted again that since the closure of Manston airport in Kent, the south-east lacks a major diversion facility. Although such a facility would not compensate for the closure of Heathrow, does the Prime Minister agree that the reopening of Manston, planned for October 2028, will be a significant contribution to the resilience of aviation in the south-east?
Context
The closure of Manston airport in Kent has left the south-east without a major diversion facility, making it vulnerable to disruptions at Heathrow.
The Prime Minister
The right hon. Gentleman is right to raise the concern about the situation at Heathrow and I think everybody is very concerned by what happened last week. There are clearly questions that need to be answered on a number of fronts in relation to what happened, and an investigation is ongoing.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not directly address the reopening of Manston airport or its contribution to aviation resilience.
Session: PMQs
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How are the PM's planning reforms compatible with the desire of his own Secretary of State for Environment to achieve sustainability?
Context
The Prime Minister's planning reforms are being questioned for their compatibility with sustainability, specifically regarding fields that yield wheat for bread.
Keir Starmer
The failure on economic growth over the last 14 years has resulted in prison overcrowding and a housing crisis. The electorate rejected the previous Government profoundly.
Assessment
Compatibility of planning reforms with sustainability goals
Failure On Economic Growth
Session: PMQs
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Today's updated Government figures show that of 28,300 applications submitted under the sponsorship scheme by people displaced in Putin's war, just 2,700 have been processed. Can my right hon. Friend tell the House how many to date of those people have actually arrived in the United Kingdom? Will he give his support to my noble Friend Lord Harrington to cut through the Home Office red tape, simplify the application process and get people into the country?
Context
There are 28,300 applications under the sponsorship scheme for people displaced in Putin's war. Only 1,000 have been processed per day.
Boris Johnson
We are processing 1,000 a day. Twenty-five thousand visas have already been issued; almost 200,000 families have opened their homes to Ukrainians coming in fear of their lives.
Session: PMQs
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I know that my right hon. Friend wants to see the United Kingdom growing more crops. We are not going to blaze a trail to self-sufficiency by building over our finest agricultural land. That has to stop, now. On this, Back British Farming Day, we are in harvest time, and all is not safely gathered in. In three weeks, Thanet Earth in my constituency, which is one of the largest glasshouse companies in the country and grows tomatoes, has had to trash £320,000-worth of produce because there are no pickers and no drivers. Because of the lack of labour force, the crops are rotting in the fields and on trees. Will my right hon. Friend seek to introduce immediately a covid-recovery visa, so that this year's crops are not lost?
Context
Thanet Earth, a large glasshouse company in the constituency, had to destroy £320,000 worth of produce due to lack of pickers and drivers.
Boris Johnson
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right in what he says about the importance of buying British and eating British. Our food is the best in the world. He is also right to address the problems that we are currently seeing in the supply chain, but we are taking steps. Of course, it has been a problem for a long time, but we will use the seasonal agricultural workers scheme to ensure that British farms get the labour that they need.
Assessment
The specific ask about introducing a covid-recovery visa was not directly addressed.
Session: PMQs
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The Prime Minister has pledged to protect the countryside. If he is serious about this commitment, will he announce an immediate moratorium on using farmland for housing until a review of the policy?
Context
There are plans to build housing on prime agricultural land, despite the need for such land for food production that would reduce carbon emissions.
Boris Johnson
I think I have just heard my right hon. Friend say that he wants an immediate moratorium on the construction of all housing. Maybe I misunderstood; this Government's commitment to nature and to the countryside is unmatched.
Assessment
Did not address whether there would be a moratorium or review, instead questioned whether Roger Gale wanted no building at all
Questioning The Intent Of The Questioner
Session: PMQs
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I do not want the grievance; I want the solution. Can you confirm what proactive action the Secretary of State will take to achieve an agreement with the European Commission and French authorities to suspend this system until it works properly?
Context
The MP is concerned about potential disruption from the EES on passenger and freight traffic using the channel tunnel and port of Dover.
Keir Mather (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport)
We are taking proactive action, have spoken with French and European counterparts about using the full range of easements, and provided funding to juxtaposed controls so they can prepare before any disruption occurs.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-16
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Given the loss of grade 1 agricultural land in east Kent, is it not disingenuous to suggest that panels on concrete bases will be removed after 30 years, as they are often mounted on permanent structures?
Context
The MP raised concerns regarding the use of high-quality agricultural land for installing ground-mounted solar panels, emphasizing that such installations would hinder traditional farming practices and pointed out previous loss of farmland in east Kent.
Michael Shanks
Firstly, farming can coexist with solar generation. Secondly, even if we hit ambitious targets, less than 0.6% of farmland will be used for solar. Thirdly, rooftop solar generation on car parks, offices, and schools is encouraged alongside ground-mounted systems to meet energy challenges.
Session: Agrivoltaics 2026-07-07
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Does the Minister agree that it is iniquitous that at least one of the doctors responsible for the intrusive examination of young women prior to their rape and sexual abuse by Mohammed Fayed is still practising in London? If she does, would she approach the General Medical Council to ask why that is?
Context
The MP asks about a doctor still practising despite involvement in the intrusive examination of young women before rape.
Catherine Atkinson
We are committed to halving violence against women and girls, including looking at healthcare settings. We would be happy to meet to discuss this further.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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Would the Minister have a word with that Department to make sure that does not happen?
Context
The Roman forts of Reculver and Richborough are seeking UNESCO world heritage site status, which could be threatened by the construction of a converter station.
Ian Murray
It is important that any new site put forward for UNESCO world heritage site status first goes through a robust national assessment process—and the issues that the right hon. Gentleman raises will be considered as part of that—before being put on the UK's tentative list of prospective world heritage nominations. However, I am very happy to arrange a meeting with him to discuss what may have to be done to make that application as strong as possible.
Session: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
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Further to the answer given to the hon. Member for Lichfield (Dave Robertson) earlier, Mohamed Fayed is beyond the reach of terrestrial justice, but many of the ladies he abused are still waiting for justice. The Metropolitan police has been conducting an inquiry into the activities of those who aided and abetted Fayed for many months. Will the Home Office ask the Met to expedite the inquiry so that those ladies can at last have justice?
Context
Mohamed Fayed has been involved in abusive activities, and the Metropolitan Police is conducting an inquiry.
Natalie Fleet
I can absolutely confirm how close this issue is to my heart. Within the boundaries of operational independence, the Home Office is regularly engaging, and rightly so, with the Metropolitan police. Those women absolutely deserve justice, and I will do everything within my power to make sure that they get it.
Session: Topical Questions
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Further to the Minister’s response to the hon. Member for Lichfield (Dave Robertson), and on the basis that justice delayed is justice denied, will she seek to use her good offices with the Home Office to ensure that the Metropolitan police expedite their investigations so that the hundreds of women who suffered at the hands of Fayed can at last have the justice that they deserve?
Catherine Atkinson
The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely right that justice delayed is justice denied, which is why this Government are taking such proactive steps to reduce the delays that victims are experiencing. I would be happy to meet him and other Members who I know are hugely concerned about the impact of these cases on victims and survivors.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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Does the Secretary of State understand that the remarks that he made on Sky television prior to the recess about the maternity unit at the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother hospital in Margate were ill informed, anachronistic, deeply offensive and damaging to morale? I was heavily involved, and have been since, in the events following the death of baby Harry Richford at the hospital, and also in Bill Kirkup’s report. Massive improvements have been made since then, but the thing that is missing is the funding that was promised by the previous Government for the improvement of the real estate. When is that money going to be forthcoming?
Wes Streeting
We are investing in the maternity estate, and I am always ready to acknowledge improvements, but for the avoidance of doubt, I am not here to protect the professional blushes of NHS leaders and staff where services fall short. I am here to protect patients, and in this area, over and above any other, I will continue to put that principle first.
Session: Maternity Care
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Will the Minister take a long, hard look at providing legal protections where non-consensual online intimate images of individuals in clothing are accompanied by offensive materials?
Context
Current legislation provides some protection for women and girls against revenge porn but does not cover clothed images accompanied by offensive material.
Alex Davies-Jones
We are determined to tackle non-consensual sharing of intimate images, whether individuals are clothed or not. The Government will come for those responsible.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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In her reply to the US Secretary of the Interior, will she give a robust indication that this Government are committed to maintaining their ban on importing hunting trophies?
Context
On January 8, the US Secretary of the Interior wrote to the UK Secretary of State on behalf of the big game hunting industry asking for the commitment to the trophy importation ban to be abandoned.
Emma Reynolds
We are committed to banning trophy hunting. It is a manifesto commitment, and we will take it forward.
Session: Topical Questions
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In east Kent, an entrepreneurial chain of 25 coffee bars employs young people who otherwise would probably be unemployable. The profit margin on those 25 coffee bars for the last year was £12. The hospitality industry is on its knees. Will the Chancellor recognise the need to cut VAT on hospitality to 10%?
Context
An entrepreneurial chain of 25 coffee bars in east Kent employs young people with high unemployment risk. The profit margin on these coffee bars was only £12, indicating severe financial strain.
Lucy Rigby (The Economic Secretary to the Treasury)
As has been covered by my colleagues, we are putting in a £4 billion support package and continuing to engage with the hospitality sector. I should also add that we are easing licensing to help venues offer pavement drinks and one-off events too.
Session: Support for Entrepreneurs
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I think I must have missed something in the answers the Secretary of State gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Isle of Wight East (Joe Robertson) and the shadow Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Sevenoaks (Laura Trott). Schools in my constituency do not have enough money to pay for SEND pupils. It is no good the Secretary of State talking about capital expenditure with more on this and more on that—we need to know where the money is coming from to pay the revenue costs incurred by SEND pupils.
Context
Schools in Sir Roger Gale's constituency are struggling with revenue costs related to Special Educational Needs (SEN) pupils, despite the government's capital expenditure promises.
Bridget Phillipson
That is why we have put an extra £1 billion into high needs budgets this year. The capital the right hon. Gentleman so casually dismisses is in order to deliver more specialist places for children closer to home, including in mainstream schools. He must surely recognise that the system we have at the moment just is not working; I have heard from too many parents and too many schools that change is needed.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister reassure the House that the shocking release of microplastic pellets into the seas off the channel coast is a one-off and that it has not affected and will not affect any of the beaches around the rest of the Kent coast?
Context
There was a shocking release of microplastic pellets into the seas off the channel coast, raising concerns about the impact on other beaches around the Kent coast.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Hardy)
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for raising such an important issue. I share his anger at this appalling pollution incident. The studies into exactly where the plastic pellets might end up are ongoing, but I would be more than happy to keep him up to date so that he knows what is expected to happen and when. The immediate priority is to address the environmental damage and to minimise further impacts. I have been speaking with Southern Water and the Environment Agency about this and would be happy to keep the right hon. Gentleman and the House up to date.
Session: Water Pollution Kent
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While discussing the spending review, will the Treasury get the Agriculture Secretary and the Energy Secretary together in the same room, and make sure that agriculture receives the funding it needs and that energy is not allowed to charge agriculture, effectively, for its loss of income? In other words, will the Chancellor ensure we are not robbing Peter to pay Paul?
Context
Agriculture faces financial challenges due to energy costs, affecting its ability to operate efficiently and sustainably.
Darren Jones (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
A meeting of that nature has already taken place as part of our mission-led approach to Government. We continue to engage with the Departments for Energy Security and Net Zero and for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on these issues, as the right hon. Gentleman suggests—it is exactly what we mean when we talk about cross-departmental collaboration. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, further details will be set out in the spending review in due course.
Session: Spending Review Cross-departmental Planning
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As the Minister is well aware, the Government have supported and signed off on the development consent order for Manston airport in my constituency. It is hoped and expected that the final private funding for that package will be in place and that work will start in the very near future. Will the Minister now reaffirm his support for the contribution that Manston can and will make to freight and growth in the United Kingdom, and can he also seek to expedite the necessary licences at the appropriate time?
Context
The Government have supported and signed off on the development consent order for Manston airport in Sir Roger's constituency. It is expected that funding will be finalised soon, allowing work to start.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mike Kane)
I was delighted to spend my Easter holiday in the right hon. Member’s constituency, cycling the Cantii way. I stopped and took a look at Manston airport—and a sip of water from my bottle, because it was a hot day. I am looking forward to the outcome of the talks and the funding, and at that point I will be happy to look at the proposals from Manston and sit down with the right hon. Member to unlock that capacity.
Session: Aviation Sector
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The astonishingly successful GrowUp vertical agriculture project in Sandwich, my constituency, is highly dependent on data and could be greatly assisted by artificial intelligence. Agriculture is not represented on any of the working parties; will the Minister ensure that agriculture is included and possibly visit the project?
Context
The MP referenced the GrowUp vertical agriculture project in his constituency, which relies heavily on data for its operations. He highlighted that agriculture is not represented in any working parties despite AI's potential benefits.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Feryal Clark)
As I have set out, we have inter-ministerial meetings that bring together Ministers from all Departments, including DEFRA. The Secretary of State regularly meets representatives from the National Farmers Union and other Secretaries of State to discuss these issues.
Session: Artificial Intelligence Environmental Impact
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Sir Roger Gale asked about a pending proposal for a medal recognising injured retired police officers, which had support previously but seems to have stalled in the Cabinet Office. He requested an update on its status.
Context
A submission was made for a medal recognizing the service of those injured on duty and invalided out, supported by the Policing Minister at the time but has not been addressed.
Pat McFadden
The Minister will investigate the current position regarding this matter and provide a written response to the right hon. Member.
Session: Topical Questions
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Mr Speaker, if I enter your house and steal the draft manuscript of your memoirs, I am guilty of a crime. Artists, writers, musicians and other creatives are all having their work stolen as we speak, and you and I have received letters about this issue. We do not have the time to wait; what are the Government going to do to protect creatives and their work?
Context
Creative professionals are having their work stolen, leading to calls for better protection.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism (Chris Bryant)
Copyright law stands firmly behind the creative industries today, and will in the future. We will do absolutely nothing to undermine the fact that this country is one of the few great countries in the world that is able to boast of itself as a content superpower, and anything we do in relation to artificial intelligence and copyright will proceed only if we can make sure that the creative industries have more control and more remuneration at the end of that process, rather than less.
Session: Topical Questions
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In light of the principle of self-determination, will the Foreign Secretary use his earliest opportunity to remind the US Secretary of State that Canada has chosen Commonwealth membership and recognises King Charles as its Head of State, thereby ruling out any prospect of Canadian annexation by the United States?
Context
There's an ongoing discussion about the right to self-determination, especially in relation to Canada.
Stephen Doughty (Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Canada is indeed a strong friend and ally in both the Commonwealth and NATO. I share personal ties with Canada as well, having met recently with the Canadian Minister for Foreign Affairs. The new Prime Minister was welcomed by our Prime Minister; there has been ongoing cooperation between the UK and Canada on various global issues.
Session: Right of Self-Determination
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One of the less widely recognised rural crimes is the use of catapults to maim and kill wildlife. Those weapons are also used in urban settings. I know that the Home Office takes the view that the wildlife protection legislation and the police powers ought to be adequate to deal with that, but at the moment they patently are not. Will the Minister consider reviewing that and possibly amending the Crime and Policing Bill to take account of it?
Context
Sir Roger Gale highlights a less recognized form of rural crime involving the use of catapults to maim and kill wildlife. He argues that current legislation and police powers are inadequate.
The Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention (Dame Diana Johnson)
I am always happy to review legislation and ensure that it is fit for purpose. I would be very happy to discuss that further with the right hon. Gentleman.
Session: Rural Crime
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No one who cares about the future of our children and our grandchildren will gainsay the importance of carbon capture, but does the Secretary of State not understand that he is undermining that good work—notwithstanding his answer to my right hon. Friend the Member for Hertsmere (Sir Oliver Dowden)—by continuing to subsidise the Drax power station, which is cutting down forests in Canada, turning the wood into pellets, and shipping it thousands of miles across the Atlantic to burn here? That makes nonsense of what he is trying to achieve.
Context
The MP questions the government's decision to continue subsidising Drax power station.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
I do not agree with the right hon. Gentleman, for whom I have great respect. The situation that we inherited from the last Government meant that we had to consider matters such as security of supply and how we could secure the best deal for bill payers. That is what we did, and that is why we made the statement that we made on Drax. On longer term, however, the right hon. Gentleman is entirely right. We need to move away from unabated biomass and consider all the possibilities to enable us to move towards net zero, and that is what this Government are doing.
Session: Carbon Capture and Storage
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The high street trader John Lewis Partnership is announcing its annual results today. It is a highly successful business but this year it will not be paying a dividend to its partners, the workforce, because it has to absorb national insurance costs. Does the Minister understand the real impact that NI contributions are having on what his party likes to describe as “ordinary working people”?
Context
The question addresses the impact of increased national insurance contributions on John Lewis Partnership, a successful high street business.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)
I say gently to the right hon. Gentleman and his Conservative colleagues that we had to take the difficult decisions in the Budget to increase employer national insurance contributions because of the mess that their party left the country in. The shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade, the hon. Member for Arundel and South Downs (Andrew Griffith), helped to write the Liz Truss Budget that did so much damage to our country—we are trying to sort out the mess. The shadow Secretary of State still has not apologised for his part in that fiasco. He should take the opportunity to do so during these questions.
Session: High Street Businesses
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Given that the British taxpayer is paying billions of pounds in subsidies to fell trees in Canada and ship the wood across the Atlantic to burn in the Drax power station, can the Secretary of State tell the House where the clean energy lies within that? Has he read the KPMG report? If he has, will he come to the House and make a statement on his assessment of it?
Context
The British taxpayer is paying billions of pounds in subsidies for biomass projects, raising questions about the environmental impact.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
The last Government consulted on what, if any, future support there should be for biomass power stations. We are studying that consultation and we will make a statement in due course.
Session: Clean Power by 2030
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Labour-controlled Thanet district council seeks to build a large housing estate on prime agricultural land. Can the Secretary of State have a word with the leader?
Context
The MP is concerned about a large housing estate being built on prime agricultural land by Thanet district council.
Angela Rayner
In our national planning policy framework, we protect agricultural land and address the housing crisis everywhere.
Session: Social Housing Supply
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Will the United Kingdom align with our allies in permitting Ukraine to use missile defence systems supplied by us?
Context
The question addresses the alignment of the UK, preferably with European colleagues but if necessary bilaterally with the United States, in allowing Ukraine to use missile defence systems as it sees fit.
Maria Eagle
Absolutely. We intend to align with our allies in making sure that Ukraine can make use of the capability that has been offered by those who have committed support to that country in its fight.
Session: NATO Missile Defence Co-operation
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There will be small point in protecting farmers in international trade agreements if Government policy is undermining those same farmers domestically. How many thousands of farmers will it take to clog up Parliament Square next Tuesday before the Government realise that their inheritance tax policy is very deeply flawed?
Context
The MP is concerned about the domestic impact of government policies on farmers, particularly regarding inheritance tax which may discourage intergenerational transfer of land.
Daniel Zeichner
Once again, I direct right the hon. Gentleman back to the figures from the Treasury, which show that the numbers affected are under 500.
Session: International Trade Agreements
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Given that answer, does the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office consider that the reported presence of the United Nations Secretary-General at Putin's summit in Russia will be helpful or unhelpful to Ukraine? If the latter, what is the Minister doing about it?
Context
The UN Secretary-General attended Putin's summit in Russia.
Stephen Doughty
While I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his question, obviously the meetings that the United Nations Secretary-General chooses to attend are a matter for him, not for the Government. We continue to work with a wide range of allies to support Ukraine across the G7, as we have in relation to today's announcement, and with our partners in Europe.
Session: Ukraine
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The national planning policy framework clearly militates against building on agricultural land. Notwithstanding the Minister's desire not to interfere in local democracy, will he write to the leader of Thanet district council to remind him that agricultural land is the stuff that we grow food on, and cannot be for housing if we are to remain sustainable?
Context
The national planning policy framework militates against building on agricultural land, which is essential for food production.
Matthew Pennycook
We are maintaining the existing strong protection for the best and most versatile agricultural land that is most important for food production. The line that we are removing from the NPPF was added in December 2023, and does not provide clear and meaningful guidance to authorities about what they should do, in addition to having that strong protection in place.
Session: Topical Questions
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What initiatives will the Government take in resolving the frozen conflict in Cyprus on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation as per UN Security Council resolutions?
Context
The MP raised the issue of Turkey's illegal invasion and occupation of northern Cyprus, asking for steps to resolve this frozen conflict.
Stephen Doughty
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his question; I know he has an interest in this issue over many years. We remain committed to a bizonal, bicommunal federation on political equality and adherence to UN Security Council resolutions. We will continue engaging with the United Nations envoy and process.
Session: Topical Questions
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Why will she not contract with local authorities that have expertise in procuring accommodation to ensure basic standards and safeguarding? The Home Secretary admits there is a challenge here.
Context
Over 3,500 asylum seekers in Hounslow are waiting for determination on their applications, some for years. They face substandard conditions and Clearspring Ready Homes is profiteering from the situation.
Suella Braverman
There are many plans afoot to try to improve the processing of asylum claims. We need to reduce reliance on hotels, improve productivity within the system and prevent journeys in the first place. Huge levels of work ongoing, encourage support for those plans.
Session: Asylum Application Backlog
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Could my right hon. Friend see whether he can build in some flexibility and normality so that these young people can get into schools and make friends as soon as possible?
Context
The MP is concerned about providing immediate educational support for young Ukrainian refugees.
Nadhim Zahawi
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend. I know that he and his family are passionate about wanting to support Ukrainians who are so vulnerable. We are making plans to make sure, as we did with the Afghan resettlement, that every child gets into the appropriate early years, primary, secondary or further or higher education, but I will certainly look at this. I think what he is getting at is that if there is a gap they may be wanting to feel welcome at their schools. I am already getting anecdotal stories about many schools where there is excitement about some of the Ukrainian children who are coming in.
Session: Ukraine Impact on Students
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It is clear that the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina has worsened considerably as a result of the separationist ambitions of Republika Srpska, which is backed by the Russian Federation. Can my hon. Friend the Minister tell me what discussions the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has had with the new High Representative and what steps we are taking as a nation to try to stabilise the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Context
The MP asks about discussions the FCDO has had with the new High Representative to stabilise Bosnia.
Vicky Ford
We are fully committed to supporting High Representative Schmidt. At the NATO foreign ministerial meeting in Riga today, the Foreign Secretary will focus attention on Bosnia and Herzegovina and encourage greater engagement from the alliance to play an enhanced role. She will call on allies to contribute personnel to the NATO headquarters in Sarajevo and to support work to counter disinformation and strengthen defence reform. The UK will do its part.
Session: Western Balkans
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One of the Secretary of State's responsibilities is the provision of an adequate supply of domestically produced fruit and vegetables. Much of this year's harvest has been lost as a result of a lack of labour. Contrary to popular belief, there is not a queue of domestic labour waiting to harvest apples and tomatoes. Having lost this year's harvest, what will my right hon. Friend do to ensure that there is adequate labour supply for next year?
Context
Harvest losses due to lack of labour. Contrary to belief, there is a shortage of domestic workers for fruit and vegetable harvesting.
Victoria Prentis
I visited the Kent agricultural showground last week for the very impressive national fruit show, and I was able to talk to many growers about the very tight labour market that we are suffering from at the moment. As my right hon. Friend knows, we have a seasonal workers pilot with 30,000 visas. Growers can also continue to recruit workers under the EU settlement scheme. For the longer term, we are working with the Department for Work and Pensions to encourage the recruitment of more UK workers and undertaking a review of how automation will help with this issue.
Session: Topical Questions
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First, I would be grateful if my hon. Friend confirmed that her Department will support the properly managed reintroduction of beavers, which can contribute so much to the environment. Secondly, endangered species suffer because of loss of habitat more than anything else. Will my hon. Friend join me in campaigning against the use of agricultural land for development?
Context
The MP supports the managed reintroduction of beavers and is concerned about habitat loss from agricultural land development.
Rebecca Pow
We are consulting on the reintroduction of beavers this summer. The Government is working to produce sustainable food while recovering nature, supporting productive agriculture and nature recovery.
Session: Native Species and Wildlife
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What steps he is taking to protect endangered native species. I am concerned about the recovery of native species in England. The Government has tabled an amendment to the Environment Bill for a legally binding target for species abundance by 2030, but more action on the ground is needed. The £80 million green recovery challenge fund supports nature-based projects.
Context
The MP is concerned about the protection of endangered native species.
Rebecca Pow
We are consulting on the reintroduction of beavers this summer. We must look carefully at management and mitigations needed. The Government is working to produce sustainable food while recovering nature, supporting productive agriculture and nature recovery.
Session: Native Species and Wildlife
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Will my hon. Friend look at ways, perhaps working with the Treasury, to achieve an economy of scale that allows us to cut out Euro 6 and move directly from diesel buses to hydrogen-powered buses?
Context
Concerns about the environmental impact of current bus standards and a desire for direct transition to cleaner technologies.
Rachel Maclean
When we leave the transition period, EU vehicle emissions regulators will become part of our retained law in the UK and that does mean that only new vehicles meeting the latest standards can be placed on the market for cars, vans, buses and trucks. This is the Euro 6 standard, but I can reassure my right hon. Friend that this Government are committed to hydrogen production. The Prime Minister set out that we are going to be producing 5 gigawatts of low-carbon hydrogen by 2030, creating 8,000 jobs.
Session: Hydrogen Fuel in Transport
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What steps his Department is taking to promote the use of hydrogen fuel in transport. This includes initiatives like £20 million for freight trials and £3 million for the Tees Valley hydrogen transport hub.
Context
The question stems from the need to reduce carbon emissions in transportation.
Rachel Maclean
The Prime Minister's 10-point plan included ambitious new policies and investment in hydrogen, including £20 million for freight trials to pioneer hydrogen and other zero-emission lorries, and £3 million for the groundbreaking Tees Valley hydrogen transport hub.
Session: Hydrogen Fuel in Transport
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What steps his Department is taking to reverse the decline in the population of pollinators.
Context
The MP is concerned about the declining pollinator population, which has significant economic impacts.
George Eustice
The national pollinator strategy sets out the actions we are taking with partners to protect pollinators. It includes dealing with habitat loss and the potential harm from pesticide use, invasive species and climate change. Our future agriculture policies will help to improve biodiversity and support habitats for pollinators, building on existing agri-environment measures to enable many more farmers and land managers to take positive action.
Session: Pollinators
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Thank you, Mr Speaker, from the garden of England. My right hon. Friend will know that the value to the economy of pollinators is estimated at about £691 million. Some 60% of our native pollinators are in decline, and we have lost 75% of them over the past 25 years. Will he support me in backing Kent's Plan Bee, which is seeking to establish 5,000 miles of B-lines across the United Kingdom?
Context
The MP highlights the economic value of pollinators at £691 million, noting that 60% of native pollinators are in decline with a loss of 75% over the past 25 years. He references the Kent's Plan Bee initiative to establish B-lines across the UK.
George Eustice
That sounds like a very interesting project, and I would certainly be willing to meet my right hon. Friend and representatives in Kent to discuss it. Our future environmental land management scheme will encourage the creation of habitats for pollinators, and our local nature recovery plans, to be advanced by local authorities, will also have a role to play.
Session: Pollinators
View All Questions -->
First, will my right hon. Friend join me in congratulating Herne Church of England Junior School on achieving an extraordinarily high placing in The Sunday Times listings? There are schools in North Thanet with whole classes isolating, including year 1 and year 2 children. Those are the children scheduled to undergo phonics screening, and others are facing SATs. Further to the question put to the Minister of State by my hon. Friend the Member for Sittingbourne and Sheppey (Gordon Henderson), will the Secretary of State look carefully and again consider the possibility of allowing teacher assessments to take the place of SATs, for this year only?
Context
The question relates to schools in North Thanet with whole classes isolating due to positive cases. This affects children scheduled for phonics screening and SATs.
Gavin Williamson
I join my right hon. Friend in congratulating Herne Church of England Junior School on its exceptional ranking, which is obviously down to the commitment and dedication of the teaching and support staff, as well, of course, as the pupils and parents, who do so much to support the school. He raises an important point about SATs and assessment. This is a useful internal tool for schools, enabling teachers to have a good grasp and clear understanding of where those children are, especially after so much disruption this year. We will be working closely with the sector to ensure that anything we do in this field is very much to support them and the children, and to support the learning and understanding of what support those children need going forward and not add extra pressures to them.
Session: Self-isolating Schoolchildren Numbers
View All Questions -->
What estimate has been made of the number of schoolchildren required to self-isolate at home on 23 November 2020 due to being in contact with another pupil who received a positive COVID-19 test result?
Context
The question arises from the need to understand the impact of self-isolation on schoolchildren following contact with a confirmed positive case. The data as of 12 November showed significant absence rates.
Gavin Williamson
The latest published data shows that, as of 12 November, 0.2% of pupils in state-funded schools were absent due to a confirmed COVID case, and between 5.8% and 6.7% were self-isolating due to contact either in or outside school. Statistics are published weekly, and the data for the week of 23 November will be published on 1 December.
Session: Self-isolating Schoolchildren Numbers
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Sustainable Food Supply and Cultured Meat
15 June 2022
Responding: Victoria Prentis
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the significant CO2 emissions caused by animal agriculture, which account for more than all global transportation emissions. I also worry that UK research in cultivated meat is underfunded compared to other nations like Singapore, the US, China, Canada and Israel. Additionally, I stress the importance of not sacrificing prime agricultural land for development.']
Specific Asks
['I ask the Minister to commit to investing in research and development for cultivated meat, which can help reduce carbon emissions and animal use without threatening livestock farming jobs. I also propose a designated champion within the government to drive this initiative forward.']
Media Freedom And Journalist Safety Abroad
27 May 2021
Main Concerns
["The speaker expressed concern about the ongoing oppression of journalists in various countries such as Belarus, Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, Azerbaijan, Ethiopia, Myanmar, Turkey, Hong Kong, and Iran. He highlighted specific cases like Roman Protasevich's case initiated by Lukashenko, the President of Belarus; Jamal Khashoggi's murder at the behest of the Saudi Arabian Government; and Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's imprisonment in Iran on a trumped-up charge."]
Specific Asks
['The speaker asked four questions: whether media freedom will be on the G7 agenda for Cornwall, if Magnitsky sanctions can be used for breaches of media freedom, assurance that BBC World Service funding will continue beyond September, and support for a UN special representative for journalist safety as called by Reporters Sans Frontières.']
Direction of Government
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
European Entry and Exit System
08 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr Carmichael highlighted the concern regarding the management of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, specifically noting proposed changes to payments for coastguard rescue officers that could impact ...
Early Release of Prisoners
07 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Calls on the Government to exempt from automatic early release under the Sentencing Act 2026 offenders who have been convicted of sexual offences against adults or children, including rape and groomin...
Backbench Business
18 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That this House has considered the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme. The debate highlights the need for just compensation and recognition of those affected by contaminated blood produ...
Water Companies
08 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
South East Water: Disruption of Supply
03 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Energy Security
19 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Criticises the Government's energy policy, particularly the ban on new oil and gas licences. Emphasises the negative impact of these policies on Aberdeen, the North East of Scotland, and UK economic s...
Referral of Prime Minister to Committee of Privileges
28 April 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion calls for the matter of Peter Mandelson's appointment as US Ambassador to be referred to the Privileges Committee due to claims that the Prime Minister misled the House. Kemi Badenoch argue...
Education Bill - After Clause 62 - Prohibition of smartphones during the school day
22 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to insist on Commons amendment 38J and disagrees with Lords amendments 38V to 38X. The amendment aims to prohibit the use of smartphones during the school day, aiming to protect children from on...
Attendance
54.1%
53 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
29
29.6% of votes
No Votes
24
24.5% of votes
Abstentions
45
45.9% of votes
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
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
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
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
6
PMQs Asked
45
Ministerial Questions Asked
185
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
24
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
+64% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+236% above average
This MP:
45
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3707% above average
This MP:
185
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+154% above average
This MP:
24
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-22% below average
This MP:
54.1
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 Roger Gale's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.