Rosie Duffield
MP for Canterbury
Ind
Labour
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8 Jun 2017 - 6 Nov 2019
Labour
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12 Dec 2019 - 30 May 2024
Labour
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4 Jul 2024 - 28 Sep 2024
Independent
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28 Sep 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Tom Kerridge and UKHospitality have started a 'VAT's the Problem' campaign highlighting how 20% VAT on hospitality is detrimental to business survival. Yesterday, industry bodies, chefs Matt Tebbutt and Thomasina Myers, and leaders from Manchester, Liverpool, London, and Kent met discussing this issue. Do you agree that VAT is problematic? Will you match your candidate's Makerfield pledge of reducing VAT in line with European rates?
Context
The campaign 'VAT's the Problem' has been launched, aiming to lower VAT rates for hospitality businesses. Industry leaders from various locations have met to discuss the issue.
Keir Starmer
I thank the hon. Member for her question. I recognise the challenges she identifies. That is why we are permanently lowering business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. Every pub will get 15% off its new business rates bill, and bills will be frozen in real terms for a further two years. In relation to VAT, you will see that we are offering support by cutting VAT on children's meals in restaurants—particularly over the summer period—with those savings set out two weeks ago by the Chancellor.
Assessment
Reducing VAT rates for hospitality businesses as promised was not addressed
Offering Unrelated Support
Session: PMQs
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Under his Labour Government, does the Prime Minister believe that the UK’s estimated 3 million millionaires should contribute more to our vital national security, or is it just the world’s poorest, by no longer benefiting from our international aid programmes, or the shameful almost 6 million children living in poverty in this country who should pay for it? What happened to the wealth tax, Prime Minister?
Context
The UK's estimated 3 million millionaires have been questioned on their contributions to national security, alongside the end of international aid programmes affecting the poorest.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I think all should, and all do, make a contribution at this vital time.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not directly address the question about wealth tax or whether it would be reintroduced.
All Should Contribute
Session: PMQs
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This week, the Women's Rights Network published a report by criminologist Professor Jo Phoenix called “When we are at our most vulnerable”. It revealed that there were 6,539 reported rapes and sexual assaults in UK hospital settings from January 2019 to October 2022. What can the Prime Minister and his Government do to ensure that all women, staff and patients are safe in Britain's hospitals?
Context
The Women's Rights Network published a report revealing 6,539 reported rapes and sexual assaults in UK hospital settings from January 2019 to October 2022. Eight police forces did not provide data, suggesting the real figures are higher.
Rishi Sunak
I was deeply shocked and appalled to hear about the cases of sexual assault and abuse in the NHS. NHS organisations are responsible for protecting their staff and patients from sexual harassment and conduct. They have recently established a domestic abuse and sexual violence programme to build more robust safeguarding processes for protecting patients, and we will work very closely with them to ensure that this is implemented.
Session: PMQs
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On International Women's Day, do voters have a right to ask about women's rights from candidates? Should representatives answer such questions openly and respectfully?
Context
The MP raised the issue of women's rights on International Women's Day and asked candidates to address these questions honestly during local election campaigns.
Rishi Sunak
The PM agrees voters deserve clear answers to women's rights questions. He supports the campaign and hopes issues are debated openly.
Session: PMQs
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Instead of criminalising the young people who buy nitrous oxide, is it not time to take urgent action against those knowingly selling this harmful substance to children under age?
Context
Sky News reported on the over-the-counter sale of nitrous oxide, including increased canister sizes and tripled ambulance call-outs.
Rishi Sunak
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs is conducting a review of nitrous oxide and looking at this question in particular. The Home Secretary has asked it to expedite that review and we will consider its advice carefully when it is received.
Assessment
Specific urgent actions not committed to
Session: PMQs
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So far this year, 52 women have been killed in the UK. Our rights to free speech, safe spaces, fairness in sport, and even the words we use to describe our own bodies, are all under threat. Will the Deputy Prime Minister send a clear signal, as some of his Cabinet colleagues have done this week, that Britain respects the rights of women? Will he accept the cross-party amendment to the Bill of Rights Bill, which would enshrine in law a woman's right to choose?
Context
The question mentions the deaths of women in the UK, threats to free speech, fair sport practices, and reproductive choices.
Dominic Raab (Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs)
I thank the hon. Lady for her question, and let me say at the outset what huge respect I personally have for her and for the way she has stood up for women's rights despite, frankly, the appalling, harassment, trolling and bullying she has faced. As she knows, the position on abortion is settled in UK law and it is decided by hon. Members across the House. It is an issue of conscience, and I do not think there is a strong case for change. With the greatest respect, I would not want us to find ourselves in the US position, where the issue is litigated through the courts, rather than settled, as it is now settled, by hon. Members in this House.
Assessment
Specific support for reproductive rights was not addressed
Settled By Parliament
Session: PMQs
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Women make up the vast majority of the workforce in our NHS, social care sector and schools. However, there is only a handful of women on the SAGE committee and only one woman in the Cabinet has led the Downing Street briefing in the past eight weeks on very few occasions. Does the Prime Minister agree with me, as the chair of the largest group of female MPs in the House, that we need a change of tone and more female voices at the top of Government to reflect the majority of the UK population, almost 52% of whom are women? If not, why not?
Context
Women make up the majority of the workforce in NHS, social care sector, and schools.
Boris Johnson
Actually, I think that the hon. Lady has an extremely important point, and I have taken dramatic action, even before a reshuffle. The two most important appointments that we have made recently, after Lord Deighton doing the personal protective equipment, was Dido. One of the reasons we are making such fast progress now on test and trace is that Dido Harding has come on board, and Kate Bingham is leading the national effort to co-ordinate our search for a vaccine with other countries.
Assessment
Did not explicitly agree or disagree with need for more women's representation
Highlighting Recent Appointments Of Women
Session: PMQs
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This week, Professor Susan Ayers launches her report, “The Cost of Birth Trauma”, in Parliament. It is a first, as it goes beyond the more obvious health and social care implications, and follows the 2024 inquiry by the all-party parliamentary group on birth trauma. Lifelong care, litigation and the impact on the workplace come at a high price, as, of course, do many other women's health scandals, such as the sodium valproate issue. Will the relevant Minister or the Chancellor read Susan Ayers' report and meet me and the professor to discuss it?
Context
Professor Susan Ayers is launching her report on birth trauma this week, which discusses lifelong care, litigation, and workplace impact.
Emma Reynolds
I thank the hon. Lady for raising this important issue. I would be very happy to meet her.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-08
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The MP asked if the Secretary of State had met South East Water or Canterbury city council to discuss issues with water supply and demand. She requested clarification on measures taken by stakeholders to address this issue.
Context
Whitstable experienced a recent drought during a heatwave, leaving residents without water. South East Water cannot guarantee meeting current or future demand.
Matthew Pennycook
We meet a range of stakeholders through the water delivery taskforce. I understand that, in response to Canterbury's local plan consultation, the Environment Agency has recommended close liaison between the local authority and South East Water to ensure that planned housing growth is located where additional water is available to supply new development.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Minister tell me what other steps she will take to deliver urgently needed improvements in SEND provision in my constituency, as the funding looks likely to equate to only a few thousand pounds extra per school?
Context
A constituency roundtable highlighted that years of underfunding and diminished support services have left schools struggling to meet the needs of vulnerable children. The Government's funding announcement is seen as insufficient.
Georgia Gould
My hon. Friend will know that we have recently announced support to local authorities like Kent in order to address 90% of their deficits. We are building three new special schools in Kent and putting in place £3.7 billion in capital investment, and the allocation for Kent will be coming onboard shortly. We have announced £4 billion of extra investment to wrap around schools, including for speech and language therapists as well as money directly into school budgets.
Session: SEND Provision Kent
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What assessment has been made of the adequacy of SEND provision in Kent?
Context
NHS England inspections in 2019 and 2022 highlighted necessary improvements for SEND in Kent. Regular review meetings and expert support have been provided.
Georgia Gould
The Department has worked closely with NHS England to monitor, support and challenge Kent in making necessary SEND improvements following its area SEND inspections in 2019 and 2022. This has included regular review meetings, attendance at its SEND partnership board and commissioning the support of an expert SEND adviser.
Session: SEND Provision Kent
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Rosie Duffield asked what recent progress has been made on publishing guidance for gender-questioning children in schools. She noted that despite a promise to publish by the end of 2025, there is still no guidance available. There is significant pressure on educational institutions and other settings to social transition children without parental consent, with potential long-term psychological harm risks highlighted.
Context
The Secretary of State previously promised to publish the draft non-statutory guidance for schools and colleges on gender-questioning children by the end of 2025. However, there is no update or publication yet.
The Minister for School Standards (Georgia Gould)
This issue is about ensuring the wellbeing of children and young people. The Department considers consultation responses, evidence, stakeholders' views, and the Cass review carefully to ensure the guidance accurately reflects the needs of these groups.
Session: Gender Questioning Guidance in Schools
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What is the Government’s rationale behind medicalising yet more vulnerable children, given that we have no evidence of any benefit to this approach and, in fact, plenty of evidence of harm?
Context
The US Department of Health and Human Services’ report found significant long-term harms from pediatric medical transition, as testified by Keira Bell. The Government is moving away from a medical intervention model towards a holistic approach based on Dr Hilary Cass's recommendations.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
The Government are acting on the recommendations of Dr Hilary Cass’s report, which is world-leading evidence. The model is moving away from medical intervention towards a holistic approach to care based on the available evidence. A meeting with clinicians and others who disagree with the trial is being arranged.
Session: Puberty Suppressants
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What discussions has he had with King’s College London on the compliance of the PATHWAYS puberty blocker trial with the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004?
Context
The PATHWAYS puberty blocker trial has undergone a thorough independent review and received all regulatory approvals. However, Rosie Duffield raises concerns based on the US Department of Health and Human Services’ report that highlights significant long-term harm from pediatric medical transition.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
The PATHWAYS trial has undergone a thorough independent review and has received all the regulatory and ethical approvals. The sponsors of the study, King’s College London and South London and Maudsley NHS foundation trust, are working to ensure that it is conducted in compliance with the relevant regulations.
Session: Puberty Suppressants
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Commercial sexual exploitation is the exchange of money, goods or services in return for sex acts. It is a form of violence against women. Given that inquiries have revealed commercial sexual exploitation is now taking place on an industrial scale with platforms like OnlyFans and Vivastreet, does the Minister agree we should urgently outlaw pimping websites and force all pornography websites to verify age and ongoing consent?
Context
Inquiries by the all-party parliamentary group on commercial sexual exploitation have revealed that it is now taking place on an industrial scale, especially with the growth and mainstreaming of sites such as OnlyFans and online brothels like Vivastreet.
Diana Johnson (Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions)
I thank the hon. Lady for her supplementary question. She will appreciate that she is raising a number of issues that are outside my role as Employment Minister, but I will certainly raise them with my ministerial colleagues in the relevant Departments. She may, however, be interested in today’s written ministerial statement on safeguarding in the DWP for vulnerable claimants, which sets out the work that is already under way to deliver in this important area.
Session: Commercial Sexual Exploitation
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As my hon. Friend will know, it has been a really difficult year for the Church, and for Canterbury cathedral in particular, with the death of our beloved Dean Emeritus Robert Willis, the horrible circumstances surrounding the resignation of Archbishop Justin, and the current controversy about an art exhibition that seems to have offended the vice-president of America, among other people. Does she agree that the historic choice of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the first ever woman appointed to the role could and should herald a new start for the Church and a righting of the historical wrongs of child abuse, which she speaks about a lot?
Context
The Church of England recently appointed Bishop Sarah Mullally as the first woman to hold the position of Archbishop of Canterbury, following a year marked by challenges including the death of Dean Emeritus Robert Willis and controversies surrounding an art exhibition.
Marsha De Cordova (Second Church Estates Commissioner)
My hon. Friend makes some very good points, and I thank her for her words and good wishes. She is a true champion of women’s rights, but also of women in leadership. I want to place on the record my congratulations to Bishop Sarah on making history. She spent over 35 years in the NHS, becoming the youngest ever chief nursing officer for England. She was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 2005 for her contributions to nursing and midwifery. I would add that Bishop Sarah served her curacy at St Saviour’s, Battersea Fields, in my constituency.
Session: Archbishop of Canterbury Appointment Process
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Westminster is once again buzzing with the latest U-turns, speculation and briefings over the Chancellor’s policies on the winter fuel allowance and the two-child benefit cap. There is less of a buzz for the visitors to Canterbury food bank, however, which last month distributed enough food to make 13,545 meals, in a 47% rise on the same period last year. Will the Chancellor end the serious anxiety of those experiencing fuel and food poverty now and reverse those policies?
Context
The food bank in Canterbury distributed enough food to make 13,545 meals last month, a 47% rise compared to the same period last year.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
The only reason that we have been able to grow the economy and get those cuts in interest rates, which help working families in Canterbury and right across our country, is because we have returned stability to our economy. That means never making a policy commitment without being able to say where the money comes from, which is what got our country into a mess under the previous Government. We have set out the policies that we needed to put investment into the NHS and secure our public finances.
Session: Topical Questions
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The University of Kent, which is the largest employer in my constituency, is making yet more redundancies due to the enormous debt it owes to international banks. Will the Secretary of State commit to holding crisis meetings with desperate universities and their creditors, to help secure more sustainable terms and a potential way out of the financial emergency that they face?
Context
The University of Kent is facing major challenges due to debts owed to international banks and the need for redundancies.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
I recognise the pressures that many institutions across our country face. The last Conservative Government regarded universities as a political battleground, not a public good. We face a big challenge in stabilising the finances of our universities, which is why we have refocused the Office for Students to ensure that it tackles much earlier the challenges that the hon. Lady describes. That is also why I took the difficult but necessary decision to increase tuition fees so that we have more revenue going into our universities.
Session: Topical Questions
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What progress has been made on appointing a new Archbishop of Canterbury given recent safeguarding failures that have eroded public trust? Does she agree that those selecting our next archbishop must not be implicated in any kind of safeguarding failure?
Context
Recent headlines have highlighted safeguarding failures in the Church, leading to a loss of trust and the resignation of the former Archbishop. Public consultation for the appointment is ongoing until 28 March.
The Second Church Estates Commissioner (Marsha De Cordova)
Historical and recent safeguarding failures have eroded trust in the Church. To rebuild and restore that trust, the Church must show it is serious about keeping people safe by holding accountable those responsible for failures; no one can be above scrutiny. Those selecting the next archbishop must inspire confidence and trust among the public and victims/survivors who have been let down.
Session: Archbishop of Canterbury Appointment
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Last week, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner found that just 5% of reported domestic abuse results in a conviction. Does the Minister share my concerns that lengthy investigations into non-crime hate incidents are potentially diverting vital resources from the criminal justice system and from prosecuting actual violence against women and girls?
Context
The Domestic Abuse Commissioner found that just 5% of reported domestic abuse results in a conviction, raising concerns about the effectiveness of investigations into non-crime hate incidents.
Sarah Sackman (The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice)
The hon. Member is right to remark on the low charging and conviction rates for domestic abuse. We have an ambition to drive those up. That is why we are putting more funding and more prioritisation into this area and calling on our agencies, whether it is the police or the Crown Prosecution Service, to really focus on it, because right now we are not doing enough for women and girls.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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Given that at least three instances of antisocial behaviour per day are reported to Kent police in the city centre of Canterbury, how will the Government work with Kent police to further tackle this issue so that residents, businesses and visitors feel safer?
Context
Last year, an average of three instances of antisocial behaviour per day were reported to Kent Police in the city centre of Canterbury. The economy of this historic UNESCO city relies heavily on tourism.
The Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention (Dame Diana Johnson)
The neighbourhood policing guarantee is important because it will deliver an additional 13,000 police officers, PCSOs and specials in our town and city centres and in rural areas by the end of this Parliament. In the provisional policing settlement announced just before Christmas, there is £100 million to start the recruitment of the 13,000 police officers.
Session: Antisocial Behaviour
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I have been raising the crisis facing East Kent hospitals university NHS foundation trust since 2017. Seven different Health Secretaries across those seven years have promised much but delivered nothing at all. Patients continue to face unacceptably long waits on trolleys in corridors, and last month the Kent Online paper compared these conditions to a war zone, with an average of 40 very ill patients a day facing more than 12-hour waits. Will the Secretary of State meet me and the CEO of our trust, who is desperate for even the most basic diagnostic equipment, to ensure that this does not continue to be the case for another seven years?
Context
Since 2017, Rosie Duffield has been raising issues with East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust. The trust faces significant challenges in urgent and emergency care, with patients experiencing long waits for treatment.
Wes Streeting
Yes, I or the Minister of State for Health would be delighted to meet the hon. Member. She is right to describe the scale of challenge in urgent and emergency care. Of course, there are other challenges in east Kent, particularly in maternity services, which I am acutely aware of too, and I would be delighted to work with her to help solve some of those challenges in her community.
Session: Topical Questions
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Elizabeth Fry first began her work to create sex-specific prison facilities for women in 1813 with the primary aim of protecting female prisoners from rape. Yet, girls and women continue to be housed with boys and men at Wetherby. Does the Secretary of State agree that Susannah Hancock's review is urgently needed? Can she give any indication of when Susannah will conclude her review?
Context
Wetherby houses boys, men, girls, and women together despite Elizabeth Fry's work to separate them. The Women's Rights Network supports Susannah Hancock's review of this issue.
Shabana Mahmood
There are no girls currently in Wetherby. We have not changed and will not be changing the policy we inherited from the previous Government in relation to single-sex spaces; that policy will remain as it has been. The women's justice board will consider issues related to female offenders across the women's estate.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituent, 14-year-old Lewis, has been out of school for two years and his education has been disrupted for four. He is yet another child whose parents have been told by Kent county council that he must attend a particular school despite the school saying that it is unable to meet his specific educational needs. This is typical of the battle that many families I see have to go through for years, costing them time and money and causing infinite stress. Will the Minister meet me and the parents to ensure that he is one of the last children to suffer from Kent county council's continual neglect of SEN children?
Context
A constituent, Lewis, has been out of school for two years due to lack of appropriate educational placement by the local authority.
Catherine McKinnell
The hon. Lady raises an important matter, which far too many people are having to raise. I would be happy to meet her not only to discuss this matter further, but to reiterate the steps we are taking to fix this broken SEND system.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given the condemnation of the two-child limit and the 'rape clause' over eight years, will the government commit to scrapping these elements?
Context
The two-child limit, including its controversial 'rape clause', has been widely condemned by MPs over eight years.
Alison McGovern
The taskforce on child poverty will consider all issues, including those raised by the hon. Lady regarding the worst aspects of Conservative policies over 14 years.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome my dear friend to her position, and I know she will be absolutely brilliant. I was thrilled to attend the 30-year anniversary of the first women ordained at Canterbury cathedral earlier this year. The service was conducted by our dear Bishop Rose, our much-loved former chaplain to the Speaker. Will my friend join me in congratulating those pioneering women, including my partner's mother, Canon Eileen Routh, who faced a degree of hostility when entering into their new vocations some 30 years ago?
Context
The question is prompted by a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the ordination of women as priests, with particular reference to Bishop Rose and Canon Eileen Routh.
Marsha de Cordova
I thank my hon. Friend for her question. I happily join her in congratulating the great Bishop Rose, but also in remembering all those women who faced hostility when starting out, including her future mother-in-law, Canon Eileen Routh; she faced a lot of hostility.
Session: Ordination of Women 30th Anniversary
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What steps the Church is taking to mark the 30th anniversary of the ordination of women. The first ordinations took place on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, and about 6,500 women have been ordained since 1994. Women now make up one third of the clergy in England.
Context
The question is prompted by the 30th anniversary of the ordination of women as priests in the Church of England.
Marsha de Cordova
Tuesday 12 March 2024 marked the 30th anniversary of the first ordinations of women as priests in the Church of England. Many services of celebration have taken place across the country to recognise the considerable contributions that these women have made and continue to make to the Church.
Session: Ordination of Women 30th Anniversary
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Does she agree that the proper collection of data based on sex is vital for ensuring vulnerable women with learning disabilities can access same-sex care?
Context
The MP references a report by the Women's Rights Network and Jo Phoenix on rape and sexual assault in hospitals and care settings, highlighting the importance of collecting sex-based data for vulnerable women.
Maria Caulfield
The hon. Lady is absolutely right. We are currently consulting on the NHS constitution, which will give women not just the right to same-sex accommodation in hospitals, but the right to ask for someone of the same sex to conduct intimate examinations. There are safeguards, and we are looking at some of the incidents in trusts in order to better protect patients and staff.
Session: Sex-based Data Health and Social Care
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What steps is she taking with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to help ensure that health and social care providers collect sex-based data?
Context
The MP notes the need for health and social care providers to collect accurate sex-based data to ensure proper service delivery.
Maria Caulfield
NHS England plans to make further changes to reporting on sex and gender in national datasets once the unified information standard for protected characteristics has been approved and published. This will unify reporting on eight of the nine protected characteristics, including gender reassignment and sex.
Session: Sex-based Data Health and Social Care
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Would the Minister or a member of her team be prepared to meet those whose families are still stranded in the region and are subject to what is essentially the ethnic cleansing of the Hazara people?
Context
Concerns over the lack of diplomatic action and reporting on kidnaps, rapes, and persecution faced by Hazara women and girls.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
The hon. Lady sets out some of the shocking issues that we know about. Indeed, Daesh claimed responsibility for the November attacks and we are continuing to see these challenges. I will happily take back her question to my colleague, and I am sure that he will be happy to meet them.
Session: Afghanistan Hazara Community
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What discussions has the Minister had with international counterparts on the situation of the Hazara community in Afghanistan?
Context
Discussions about the situation of the Hazara community in Afghanistan prompted by concerns over attacks and persecution.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
The UK works closely with the international community including the G7 and G20 and through the UN to protect the human rights of all of Afghanistan's people and to co-ordinate a consistent international response. In December my colleague the Minister for South Asia in the other place raised the recent attacks on Hazaras with the UN assistance mission in Afghanistan.
Session: Afghanistan Hazara Community
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With almost a quarter of the UK's population registered as disabled, does the Minister agree that all political parties need to try harder in the run-up to the next general election in selecting a diverse group of candidates, with perhaps slightly less emphasis on nepotism and more on the representation of ordinary voters, including those from all ethnic minority backgrounds?
Context
Concerns about underrepresentation of certain groups in the political candidacy.
Kemi Badenoch
The hon. Lady asks an excellent question, and I thank her for all the work she does campaigning for women's rights. She has been at the vanguard of some contentious issues. She is quite right to raise candidate selection. All political parties have to make the very best of efforts in ensuring that a meritocracy exists and helping those including disabled people who might need additional assistance in participating through some of the difficult selection processes.
Session: Candidate Diversity Democratic Process
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I am concerned that despite efforts, there remains a significant underrepresentation of disabled people and ethnic minorities in political candidacy. With nearly 25% of the UK population registered as disabled, do you agree that all parties should focus on selecting more diverse groups of candidates for the upcoming election?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the lack of diverse representation among parliamentary candidates.
Kemi Badenoch
The hon. Lady asks an excellent question, and I thank her for all the work she does campaigning for women's rights. She has been at the vanguard of some contentious issues. She is quite right to raise candidate selection. All political parties have to make the very best of efforts in ensuring that a meritocracy exists and helping those including disabled people who might need additional assistance in participating through some of the difficult selection processes.
Session: Candidate Diversity Democratic Process
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During my latest meeting with student leaders in Canterbury, they informed me that new students often visit the Campus Pantry before unpacking their bags due to financial strain. In 2021-22, 45 students used the service; by 2022-23, this number rose to 301—a 650% increase in regular food bank users. They anticipate a similar rise for the current academic year.
Context
The MP reported that student visits to a campus food bank increased from 45 in the academic year 2021-22 to 301 in 2022-23, expecting a similar increase this year. This shows significant growth in regular food bank users among students and staff.
Robert Halfon
We have provided £276 million to support disadvantaged students, and Canterbury Christ Church University offers a £600 bursary. Families received an average of £3,300 from the Government for energy bills.
Session: Students Cost of Living
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Does the Minister agree that all vulnerable women must be safe from crimes such as trafficking and prostitution under the Government's new Bill?
Context
The question addresses the plight of Afghan women entering the UK illegally, facing trafficking and abuse.
Sarah Dines
Engaging with stakeholder groups to ensure every woman is safe; issue being considered. Government extremely strong on making sure vulnerable women are safe wherever they come from.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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Does he understand that it is hard for women to take his word at face value after so many missed deadlines on this important issue, which will have had real health impacts? Will he please put on record that he intends to lay the regulations that he has prepared before Parliament within a month of the Queen's Speech?
Context
The MP welcomes the Secretary of State's confirmation to act on abortion services but expresses concern over missed deadlines and their health impacts.
Brandon Lewis
I recognise the hon. Lady's support for this policy and for women in Northern Ireland. The Department of Health in Northern Ireland must make the services available to women and girls. If it does not, as I have said, I made a commitment to the House on 24 March via a written ministerial statement that I will make regulations to resolve this unacceptable situation that must be fixed for the people and the ladies of Northern Ireland.
Session: Women's Services
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Napier Barracks near Canterbury has faced criticism for its conditions. Will the Government address these concerns and consider closing this facility?
Context
The Home Secretary is asked about the adequacy of Napier barracks as accommodation for asylum seekers, with concerns raised by local community and advocacy groups.
Priti Patel (Home Secretary)
We are committed to providing suitable accommodation for asylum seekers, ensuring Napier Barracks is secure and meets covid compliance standards. We work closely with local authorities to address concerns.
Session: Topical Questions
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Equity, the performers' union, has drawn up a four-pillar plan to save the industry: providing financial support for workers, enabling the safe opening of venues, protecting vital arts infrastructure, and eliminating gaps in representation and pay. I know that the Minister has met Equity, so are the Government prepared to back its plan and save our performing arts?
Context
Equity, the performers' union, has proposed a four-pillar plan to save the performing arts industry.
Caroline Dinenage
I thank the hon. Lady for her question. I know that arts and culture is massively important in Canterbury, which she represents. In fact, it has received over £245,000 of emergency funding so far from the Arts Council.
Session: Creative Industries Covid-19
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Rosie Duffield asks Nadine Dorries to join her in calling for a full, transparent public inquiry into these preventable deaths.
Context
Following the news headlines about preventable baby deaths at East Kent, including that of Harry Richford who was only seven days old.
Nadine Dorries
I thank the hon. Lady for raising this issue, and also my hon. Friend the Member for Dover (Mrs Elphicke), who made an excellent speech last night about this very issue at East Kent. I would like to reassure the hon. Lady that the Care Quality Commission conducted a further investigation of the whole trust last week and will take enforcement action if necessary. On Monday, I asked it to provide a summary report within 14 days. The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch has examined 26 individual maternity cases at the trust, and it has already reported on 15. It was also asked on Monday to complete its work within 14 days and to send in a summary report to give us further information.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Gender Critical Beliefs: Equality Act 2010
11 March 2025
Responding: Dame Nia Griffith
Main Concerns
['The debate addresses the conflict between sex-based rights of women and gender identity rights. It highlights cases where questioning single-sex spaces or services leads to disciplinary actions against those expressing gender critical views, such as Roz Adams from Edinburgh Rape Crisis who faced investigation for asking about the sex of a support worker.']
Specific Asks
["The MP calls for protection of gender critical beliefs under the Equality Act and acknowledges the legal precedent set by Maya Forstater's case but notes ongoing issues in implementation and workplace practices."]
Sexual Harassment of Surgeons and Other Medical Professionals
13 December 2023
Responding: Andrew Stephenson
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the shocking statistics of sexual assaults in hospitals, with over 6,500 rapes and sexual assaults recorded from January 2019 to a period nearly four years later. These include 13 rapes of males and 4,451 sexual assaults against females. Only 4.1% of cases resulted in charges, raising questions about the effectiveness of current monitoring systems and reporting practices. The report also highlights that many victims suffer in silence due to power dynamics within medical training structures.']
Specific Asks
['I urge the Government to implement legislation to prevent sexual harassment at work, support employees against third-party harassment, and apply protections to students undergoing vocational training as well. I call for urgent action to eliminate sexual misconduct in healthcare organisations.']
Conflict in Ethiopia
16 November 2022
Responding: Andrew Mitchell
Main Concerns
["An estimated 600,000 people have lost their lives, some 875,000 are refugees, and 90% of Tigray's population are now dependent on food aid. The ceasefire is welcomed but there continue to be reports of conflict in northern Ethiopia, including looting and drone attacks, with Eritrean troops defying the ceasefire. Sexual violence and human rights atrocities have been widespread, verified by Amnesty International and the UN councils."]
Specific Asks
['What actions are being taken by our Government to ensure peace is maintained and agreements adhered to through direct interventions with the Ethiopian Government or via the UN?']
National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Nottingham Maternity and Neonatal Services
24 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Puberty Blockers
23 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
As a consultant paediatrician, Caroline Johnson highlights the ethical concerns surrounding the PATHWAYS clinical trial that involves administering puberty-suppressing hormones to children with gender...
Pathways Study: Puberty Suppression
22 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
South East Water: Disruption of Supply
03 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Equality Act 2010: Code of Practice
01 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Meningitis Outbreak
17 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Independent Water Commission 2025-07-21
21 July 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Cass Review
15 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Hunting Trophies (Prohibition) Bill - Second Reading of the Bill
22 March 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The lead MP, John Spellar, is advocating for the Second Reading of the Hunting Trophies (Prohibition) Bill. He emphasises the need to prohibit importing hunting trophies from endangered animals, highl...
Attendance
22.4%
22 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
15
15.3% of votes
No Votes
7
7.1% of votes
Abstentions
76
77.6% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
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
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
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
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
DID NOT VOTE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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 AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
7
PMQs Asked
32
Ministerial Questions Asked
50
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
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 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+91% above average
This MP:
7
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+139% above average
This MP:
32
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+929% above average
This MP:
50
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-68% below average
This MP:
22.4
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Rosie Duffield's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.