Ruth Cadbury
MP for Brentford and Isleworth
Lab
7 May 2015 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Leaseholders in my constituency and across the country are being fleeced by freeholders and managing agents. They need relief from both, and we need to end the feudal leasehold system, so can the Prime Minister confirm when the leasehold and commonhold reform Bill will come to Parliament?
Context
Leaseholders in Ruth Cadbury's constituency are facing financial difficulties due to the current leasehold system, which is seen as outdated and unfair. There have been ongoing calls for reforms.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important issue. We are taking serious action to deliver the homes that the country needs, and to provide homeowners with greater rights, powers and protections. We will publish the draft Bill as soon as possible, and I will update the House.
Session: PMQs
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It is an honour to be elected to this place, and the standards by which we are expected to abide matter. Does the Prime Minister therefore accept that it was ill-judged for him to fail to declare to Parliament that companies linked to his wife had benefited to the tune of £2 billion from a fund he had set up as Chancellor? Will he correct the record now?
Context
The question stems from a controversy regarding the Prime Minister's failure to declare that companies linked to his wife benefited significantly from a fund he established as Chancellor.
Rishi Sunak
It is worth bearing in mind that Labour Front Benchers backed the Future Fund when it was introduced—indeed, they were calling for more funding for it, not less. The House will be aware of my wife's shareholdings in various British start-ups. That is her career. Those are on the record, and I am happy to put that on the record again.
Assessment
The questioner asked about correcting a specific declaration regarding benefits from the Future Fund; the answer did not confirm or deny such correction but provided background information on Labour's stance on the fund.
It Is Worth Bearing In Mind That Labour Front Benchers Backed The Future Fund When It Was Introduced
Session: PMQs
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With recent increases in rough sleepers and expensive gifts to the Prime Minister by donors, does this indicate a disconnect from the cost-of-living crisis?
Context
Recent figures show a 26% increase in people sleeping rough. Conservative party donors spent £25,000 and £40,000 on portraits of the Prime Minister and hunting trips.
Rishi Sunak
Since last year's peak, rough sleeping has dropped 35% due to £2 billion in extra investment. We still have one of the lowest rates globally but will continue efforts to help more people off the streets and avoid rough sleeping.
Assessment
Did not address perception of out-of-touch donors or gifts
Focusing On Investment
Session: PMQs
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Last week at PMQs, the Prime Minister was asked whether his previous claims about inflation were unfounded. In his reply he told the House that he had said “no such thing”. Within minutes videos on social media showed him saying exactly that. Would the Prime Minister like to take this opportunity to correct the record and apologise for misleading the House on that matter?
Context
The Prime Minister was previously asked whether his claims about inflation were unfounded. He initially denied making such claims but later it was shown on social media that he had.
Boris Johnson
No, Mr Speaker, because I immediately said in my answer to the question that of course we have to be concerned about inflation at all times. What I said, I think on TV, was that some of the predictions then about inflation had not proved well-founded, but clearly inflation is a serious risk.
Assessment
The specific request for correction and apology was not fully addressed.
Immediate Clarification
Session: PMQs
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Transport for London faces serious financial difficulties solely due to the pandemic causing a collapse in fares income. Emergency covid funding to TfL expires the day after tomorrow. Prior to the pandemic, the Mayor of London spent four years improving TfL's finances after—
Context
Transport for London faces serious financial challenges due to the pandemic, with its emergency covid funding expiring in a few days. The previous Mayor's policies are blamed for leaving a black hole in TfL finances.
Boris Johnson
This happens to be one of the subjects that I know more about than probably anybody else in the House. When I was Mayor and chairman of Transport for London, we had our finances in balance because I ran a responsible fares policy. When I left the mayoralty, we had Crossrail in surplus and our reserves in surplus. Actually, what happened was that the Labour Mayor of London embarked on a reckless, unfunded fares policy, cutting fares recklessly so as to leave a huge black hole in Transport for London's finances. Yes, we have the greatest capital—[Interruption.] We will of course help the stricken Labour Mayor in any way that we can, but the blame lies fairly and squarely with City Hall.
Assessment
Did not provide specific assistance plan to address TfL's financial crisis
We Will Of Course Help The Stricken Labour Mayor In Any Way That We Can, But The Blame Lies Fairly And Squarely With City Hall.
Session: PMQs
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According to Home Office figures, just 12% of Windrush victims have received compensation and nine people have died waiting. This is two and a half years after the Windrush taskforce was set up. What will the Government do and what will the Prime Minister do both to rectify this injustice and to ensure that no others who have come to the UK to live and work suffer in the same way as the Windrush victims?
Context
Home Office figures show only 12% of Windrush victims have received compensation, with nine deaths reported while waiting. This occurred two and a half years after the establishment of the Windrush taskforce.
Boris Johnson
The hon. Lady is right to raise this issue. What happened to the Windrush generation was a disgrace and a scandal, and we are doing our best collectively to make amends. I can tell her I have met members of that generation, and this Government are taking steps to accelerate the payments and to make sure that those who are in line with payments are given every opportunity and all the information they need to avail themselves of the compensation that they deserve.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not specify any concrete actions or timelines for rectifying the injustice.
Session: PMQs
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Given that he takes full responsibility for these decisions, which of the 12 U-turns is the Prime Minister's favourite?
Context
Criticism of the Government's record on U-turns, specifically mentioned in a Guardian report.
Boris Johnson
It is a rare privilege to ask a question in the House, so you would have thought, Mr Speaker, that they could have come up with something better than that. This is a global pandemic, which this Government are dealing with extremely effectively at a medical level.
Session: PMQs
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Acknowledging both positive and negative aspects of handling the pandemic, Ruth Cadbury asks Dominic Raab about learning from lessons, particularly referencing the success of Nightingale hospitals.
Context
There have been delays in implementing promises made by the government.
Dominic Raab (The First Secretary of State and Leader of the Commons)
With an unprecedented challenge, learning is critical. The government acknowledges achievements like Nightingale hospitals' rapid construction and securing 1 billion items of PPE while ensuring NHS capacity has not been overwhelmed.
Session: PMQs
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Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am sure that you and all Members of this House are hoping to get a holiday in at some point during this recess, so I wish you a hassle-free journey out and back home.
My Committee is today launching an inquiry on safer journeys for women and girls. The Minister for local transport, my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham South (Lilian Greenwood), has set out the Department's actions contributing to the Government's goal of halving violence against women and girls within 10 years. What will the Transport Secretary be doing to monitor and measure the effectiveness of those actions?
My Committee is today launching an inquiry on safer journeys for women and girls. The Minister for local transport, my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham South (Lilian Greenwood), has set out the Department's actions contributing to the Government's goal of halving violence against women and girls within 10 years. What will the Transport Secretary be doing to monitor and measure the effectiveness of those actions?
Context
The Minister for local transport set out the Department's actions contributing to halving violence against women and girls within 10 years.
Heidi Alexander
I am very grateful to my hon. Friend and her Committee for their interest in personal safety on the transport network, especially that of women and girls. We have an ambitious, evidence-based programme to tackle VAWG on the transport network, and we are delivering nine commitments under the “Freedom from violence and abuse” strategy, including funding to improve CCTV connectivity between stations and the British Transport police. We are also launching mandatory crime and antisocial behaviour training for bus industry staff.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-16
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What is the Home Office doing to protect women from abuse where immigration status is used as a tool?
Context
Immigrant women fear reporting crimes due to concerns about their immigration status being used as a tool of control by abusers.
Shabana Mahmood
No woman should fear coming forward due to their immigration status. We support all victims of violence against women and girls, regardless of their status in this country.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls 2026-07-13
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Special needs specialists in my constituency have raised their concerns about the shortage of educational psychologists. A mum of a profoundly disabled child I met on Saturday also raised concerns about the shortage of occupational therapists. What are the Government doing to address the specific needs of that group?
Context
Special needs specialists in schools have raised concerns about the shortage of educational psychologists, and a constituent's child has additional needs requiring occupational therapy.
Georgia Gould
We are investing £1.8 billion in the new Experts at Hand service, which will start from September, making educational psychologists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists far more accessible for students in mainstream education. We are also investing £40 million into training new educational psychologists and speech and language therapists to develop the workforce.
Session: SEND Improvement Plans Multi-academy Trusts
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Yesterday, the Transport Committee published the report on our inquiry into taxis and private hire licensing. Out-of-area working was a significant issue of concern in much of the evidence we received and for many of our witnesses, and the issue was also highlighted in Baroness Casey's report on group-based sexual exploitation released last year. What are the Government doing to restrict out-of-area working for taxis and private hire vehicles?
Context
The Transport Committee report highlighted out-of-area working as a concern in the inquiry into taxis and private hire licensing. This issue was also highlighted by Baroness Casey's report on group-based sexual exploitation.
Heidi Alexander
My hon. Friend raises an important issue. She will be aware that we have already legislated to establish national standards and to reform the way that enforcement action can be taken against private hire drivers and vehicles, no matter where they are licensed. Those standards will provide a robust framework to make sure that people are safe wherever they live, work or travel. I believe that drivers and operators should be licensed where they intend to provide services. We are bringing forward a draft taxi and private hire vehicle Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny in this Session, and I would be grateful for the expertise of my hon. Friend's Committee in looking at that. We want to look at the issue of out-of-area working holistically to make sure that we do not reduce the availability of private hire services for everyone, while also making sure that we have very high standards in place.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Foreign Secretary agree that a full ban on all forms of trade and economic activity with those illegal settlements it long overdue?
Context
Goods from illegal Israeli settlements are already not entitled to tariff preferences under the UK-Israel agreement or with the Palestinian Authority. However, there is a call for a full trade ban.
Yvette Cooper
My hon. Friend will know that we have already introduced three packages of sanctions related to settler violence in the West Bank, including measures against Cabinet members in their personal capacity.
Session: West Bank Illegal Settlements
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For HGV drivers the ability to stop and rest is essential to our road safety yet HGV drivers and freight sector representatives recently told my Committee that the long known critical shortage of HGV parking spaces continues. The Government do not need another survey so when can we expect a diagnosis of the causes of this problem and then a plan to deliver more HGV parking spaces on all parts of our network?
Context
The Government are aware of a critical shortage of HGV parking spaces, which affects road safety.
Lilian Greenwood
I thank my hon. Friend for her important question. Planning has historically been a barrier to the development of lorry parks. We have introduced a dedicated freight policy in the national planning policy framework to ensure that planning properly reflects freight needs, including parking and access to the transport network. Alongside that our new national lorry parking survey will be published in the autumn and will give local authorities the evidence needed to deliver good quality facilities in the right places.
Session: Road Safety
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Women in my constituency experiencing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause tell me of very varied experiences of going to their GP—some excellent, and some, frankly, alarmingly poor. I have been particularly concerned to hear about the experiences of south Asian women with perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. What steps is the Department taking to ensure that all GPs receive thorough and regular training that is appropriate for all London's communities?
Context
Concerns raised about the varied experiences of women seeking diagnosis for perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, with south Asian women reporting poor service.
Karin Smyth
We need to address variability in training, through the NHS health checks and training that is being rolled out by both the General Medical Council and the royal colleges. We need to go further. There are some great examples of multidisciplinary teams helping with training for specialist services.
Session: Menopause Diagnosis London
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What steps is he taking to improve the diagnosis of menopause for women in London? Women in my constituency experiencing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause tell me of very varied experiences of going to their GP—some excellent, and some, frankly, alarmingly poor. I have been particularly concerned to hear about the experiences of south Asian women with perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms.
Context
Women across the constituency of Brentford and Isleworth are experiencing varied diagnostic experiences, with some reporting poor service. South Asian women have reported particularly alarming instances.
Karin Smyth
This Government took a landmark step forward by including menopause in the NHS health checks for the first time ever. We are going further next year, when menopause will be one of the first conditions treated through our revolutionary new digital hospital, NHS Online. We need to address variability in training, through the NHS health checks and training that is being rolled out by both the General Medical Council and the royal colleges. There are some great examples of multidisciplinary teams helping with training for specialist services.
Session: Menopause Diagnosis London
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On Tuesday, the Committee published, as well as the report on the Railways Bill, a report called “Rail investment pipelines: ending boom and bust”, which includes discussion of the rolling stock that we need to run our trains. We found a pattern of boom and bust in investment decisions. No strategy means fluctuating orders, and that threatens small and medium-sized enterprise viability in the UK supply chain. When will the Government publish the promised long-term rolling stock investment strategy?
Context
The MP highlighted the publication of a report discussing boom and bust patterns in rail supply chain investments.
Heidi Alexander
I thank my hon. Friend for her question, and her Committee for its work on the important report that it published this week. We all want to see an end to the boom and bust in our rail supply chain, which damages capacity and skills retention and does not provide value for money. I can tell my hon. Friend that the Department plans to publish its rolling stock and infrastructure strategy this summer. That will set out how Great British Railways will help smooth demand and generate a steady pipeline of work for the supply chain.
Session: Rail Transport and Economic Growth
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Last week, the Transport Committee heard that car clubs, peer-to-peer ride-sharing and car-sharing schemes align with Government objectives on transport integration, reducing congestion, increasing electric vehicle use and supporting residents in rural areas where public transport is poor. Is the Minister planning to address that policy vacuum?
Context
The MP highlighted the lack of government guidance for car clubs and car-sharing schemes despite their alignment with transport objectives.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
My hon. Friend is completely right, and I thank the Transport Committee for raising that important point. I have commissioned officials to consider how we can support and promote the use of car club and car-sharing schemes, starting with a roundtable of industry stakeholders. I would be delighted if she could attend.
Session: Topical Questions
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A new report from the all-party parliamentary group for cycling and walking warns of the growing public safety risk posed by the widespread use of unsafe, illegally modified bikes, and the fire risk caused by their cheap but powerful batteries bought from online marketplaces. What assessment has the Minister—along with his colleagues in other Departments—made of the risks posed by those fake e-bikes?
Context
A new report from the all-party parliamentary group for cycling and walking warns of the growing public safety risk posed by illegal, unsafe e-bikes.
Simon Lightwood
I thank the Chair of the Select Committee for that question. I am studying the APPG’s report in detail. Illegal e-bikes are clearly dangerous and have no place on our roads. I would be happy to meet her to discuss it further.
Session: Topical Questions
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Electric vehicle sales growth is at risk of slowing down because patchy provision of public charging for those unable to charge at home and inadequate power capacity for rapid charging on our strategic road network for long-distance drivers are two key reasons for reluctance to buy EVs. What discussions are DESNZ Ministers having with power networks, charging providers and the Department for Transport to address this?
Context
Electric vehicle sales growth is at risk of slowing down due to inadequate public charging infrastructure. The question highlights the need for better provision of public charging points, especially on strategic road networks for long-distance drivers.
Michael Shanks
My hon. Friend is right to point out that public charging points are critical. That is why the regulator, Ofgem, allocated £22 billion over the next five years to maintain and upgrade the infrastructure. I have had a number of meetings with network operators about this question, and I work closely with my colleagues in the Department for Transport to ensure we are rolling out more points.
Session: Topical Questions
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I was recently contacted by a constituent who works in a small high street supermarket. He and his colleagues have frequently been violently attacked by shoplifters, so what else can the Minister say about what the Government can do to protect shop workers?
Context
A constituent working in a small high street supermarket has been violently attacked by shoplifters. Violence towards retail workers has increased to an unacceptable level.
Diana Johnson
It is appalling to hear about cases such as the ones in my hon. Friend’s constituency. I am very struck—like everyone else across the House, I think—by how commonplace violence and abuse against shop workers has sadly become. The Government have made it absolutely clear that everybody who goes to work has the right to feel safe on the job, and we will not tolerate the criminality that we have seen in recent times.
Session: Retail Crime
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Does the Government plan to deliver a rail solution linking phase 1 of HS2 north of Birmingham to other parts of the country to drive growth for the whole nation?
Context
The original HS2 vision was to link London with the midlands and north, addressing capacity challenges on the west coast main line. Previous government decisions led to cost overruns and partial mothballing of phase 1.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
When we entered Government in July, we found a collection of unfunded spending commitments for rail schemes up and down the country. We are now working to identify a realistic pipeline of affordable schemes that will deliver better connectivity in partnership with local leaders.
Session: Railway Capacity
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A block of 50 flats in my constituency was built by the public sector 60 years ago and has now been found to have a major structural fault that will cost over £1 million to fix. The flat owners are also shared freeholders of the block and cannot afford the cost of the repair or to sell their flats. As it is an unusual situation, will the Minister meet me and the resident owners to consider a way forward before the situation gets critical?
Context
A block of flats built by the public sector 60 years ago has a major structural fault.
Alex Norris
Yes, of course. The issue of cladding defects is exceptionally important and, indeed, the subject of a debate later today, but so are non-cladding defects and protecting leaseholders from their impacts.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituents want to see more neighbourhood policing teams. I welcome the Government's plan for 10,000 additional neighbourhood police officers but ask if west London will receive these needed teams. The MP notes previous cuts in PCSOs and special constables under the last government and asks for assurances.
Context
The MP highlights the need for more neighbourhood policing teams on local streets, referencing the government's commitment to add 10,000 neighbourhood police officers.
Yvette Cooper
My hon. Friend is correct that we face this challenge across the country due to previous cuts in PCSOs and special constables. We are working quickly on a new neighbourhood policing guarantee, funding for specialist training through the College of Policing, and deploying officers back onto streets.
Session: Neighbourhood Policing
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While the Government's bus reforms are welcome, rural areas like Cornwall have some of the poorest bus services in England and less well developed partnerships than cities. What plans do the Government have to ensure that rural areas can benefit from better bus services?
Context
The MP noted that while the Government's bus reforms are welcome, rural areas such as Cornwall face different challenges compared to urban Greater Manchester.
Mike Kane
My hon. Friend is an incredible campaigner on transport matters, not just in her constituency but across the country. It is true that rural communities face different challenges, but the Government's better buses Bill will enable local authorities to take back control of our buses and improve services where they wish to do so.
Session: Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Transport Needs
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What can the Chancellor learn from this?
Context
The context is the letter from a Cabinet Secretary to the former Chancellor indicating that past Government actions contributed significantly to current fiscal issues.
Rachel Reeves
The Conservative party crashed the economy and then wrecked the public finances, leaving us with a £22 billion black hole. The shadow Chancellor is not willing to be straight about the damage he did, and is now trying to pass the buck to independent civil servants. I will always be honest about the public finances and take the tough decisions that we need to fix the foundations of our economy.
Session: Topical Questions
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The World Health Organisation has warned that the lack of sanitation and clean water caused by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza poses a real risk of polio spreading undetected among its people. Will the UK Government consider supporting a mass vaccination programme in Gaza?
Context
The World Health Organisation warned about the risk of polio spreading due to lack of sanitation and clean water, causing a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Anneliese Dodds
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this matter, which the Foreign Secretary and I discussed directly with Dr Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organisation, yesterday. My hon. Friend is right about the severe concern about polio and the need for a vaccination scheme, and the World Health Organisation is working on such a scheme.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Situation
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What steps he is taking to help improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza where almost 90% of the population has been displaced, and a recent assessment by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification found a risk of famine across the whole of Gaza?
Context
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening with high rates of displacement and risk of famine. Recent assessments have found over 90% of the population displaced.
Anneliese Dodds
The people of Gaza face a humanitarian catastrophe. Humanitarian aid is a moral necessity. Almost 90% of the population in Gaza have been displaced and the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification's recent assessment found a risk of famine across the whole of Gaza.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Situation
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The Minister for Veterans' Affairs promised last year to end veterans homelessness by the end of that year. Instead, homelessness rose by 14%. Are Ministers proud that their Government are failing to deliver on their promise to their veterans?
Context
The MP criticizes the Government for failing to deliver on their promise to end veterans' homelessness, noting an increase of 14%.
Andrew Murrison
One person homeless is one person too many. We will continue supporting veterans, charities and initiatives for housing in naval base port areas and garrison towns.
Session: Topical Questions
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More people are killed by cows and lightning than by dangerous cyclists, whereas around five people a day are killed on our roads by motor vehicles—a level that has flatlined under this Government. When will the Transport Secretary publish the long-overdue strategic framework for road safety?
Context
Road fatalities caused by motor vehicles remain high, with around five deaths per day. The Government has not published a road safety strategic framework.
Guy Opperman
The Secretary of State took a decision on road safety yesterday, and I addressed the issue in a Westminster Hall debate recently. I will write to the hon. Member with more detail.
Session: Topical Questions
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What is the point in spending £100 million on scanners if they are not even used?
Context
A report found that despite a £100 million investment for new body scanners to detect drugs, they were not staffed at HMP Bedford.
Edward Argar
This investment applies across all prisons. The body scanners were used appropriately and in an appropriate manner at HMP Bedford.
Session: Prisons Illegal Drugs
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The Government talks about sick note culture, but long wait times for adequate mental healthcare are delaying people's return to work and keeping them on benefits longer. Do you agree?
Context
Long waiting times for mental healthcare can delay return to work and prolong benefit dependency. This is especially relevant during Mental Health Awareness Week.
Mel Stride
We aim to improve the fit note approach by getting treatment earlier. My right hon. Friend, the Chancellor, has announced 400,000 additional talking therapies within the NHS for this purpose.
Session: Topical Questions
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Sewage has been discharged into our rivers for 3.6 million hours, including the River Thames in my constituency. Funding is only part of cleaning up this mess: the whole water sector is broken and needs to be put into special measures, so what is the Secretary of State's long-term plan for tackling these issues, or is he content to keep following Labour's lead and to take up our policies?
Context
The MP highlighted the issue of sewage discharges in rivers, including the River Thames, and questioned whether the government has a comprehensive strategy to address this.
Steve Barclay
The first thing I would mention is the £4.5 billion of investment in the Thames tideway tunnel over the past eight years, which is going to significantly improve the water quality of the River Thames. Alongside that, we are stepping up inspections, with a fourfold increase in inspections; we are tackling bonuses in companies that are guilty of pollution; and we are taking much tougher enforcement action, with the biggest ever prosecution of water firms by the Environment Agency. A whole range of actions, coupled with the plan for water, is bringing additional investment into the sector and taking a catchment by catchment approach.
Session: Catchment Partnerships Funding
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The Prime Minister previously backed calls for Horizon victim and campaigner Alan Bates to receive an honour, yet his name was absent from the Prime Minister's surprise honours list last month. However, Russia-linked Mohamed Mansour's name was on that list. What was it about the multi-millionaire, generous Conservative party donor that attracted the Prime Minister to the idea of giving him a knighthood?
Context
Ruth Cadbury questioned the Prime Minister's decision to include Mohamed Mansour in the recent honours list, while excluding Alan Bates who campaigned for victims of the Chernobyl disaster.
Alex Burghart
The gentleman whose name has just been mentioned is a very successful businessman and philanthropist, and I am sure those qualities were very much in the Prime Minister's mind when he was put forward for an honour. Extremely distinguished names from the world of artificial intelligence and the creative industries were also recognised for their contribution to our country.
Session: Nominations for Honours Scrutiny
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I am concerned about a young woman who made four GP appointments over several months for unexplained stomach cramps. Only an emergency admission abroad led to the diagnosis and removal of her tumour. How long will it be before the symptoms of female-specific conditions are taken seriously by our medical establishment, from initial training onwards?
Context
A constituent reported being diagnosed with ovarian cancer only after multiple GP appointments failed to identify the issue, resulting in infertility.
Victoria Atkins
I thank the hon. Lady for raising this issue and send best wishes to her constituent. The hon. Lady raises an important point regarding symptoms experienced by women, which are often different from those for men in conditions such as cancer and heart attacks. Part of my prioritisation is to ensure that clinicians receive training so they can make prompt diagnoses.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does my right hon. Friend agree we need a new Mayor for London, Susan Hall, to ensure more effective policing on our high streets?
Context
Concern over the Mayor of London's failure to ensure effective policing on high streets.
James Cleverly
The Mayor of London has been a massive disappointment regarding the policing of London. The Met is the only police force in the country to see its numbers reduce and fail to meet recruitment targets.
Session: Violence against Shop Workers
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What steps his Department is taking to help tackle violence against shop workers. Last week I met a shopkeeper in Hounslow who has been repeatedly targeted by shoplifters. The family cannot afford security guards or lose stock unlike big chains. It's welcome the Government backed Labour's 10-year campaign for a stand-alone offence of assault, but will the Minister scrap the unfair £200 minimum?
Context
The question follows a recent publication of the retail crime action plan by the police, and concerns about repeated targeting of small shopkeepers.
James Cleverly
Shoplifting is still a criminal offence, irrespective of value. The Government have put in place funding to put more police officers on the street, and neighbourhood policing numbers are up. We committed to pursuing all reasonable lines of inquiry and put in place a specific criminal offence of assault against retail workers.
Session: Violence against Shop Workers
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We need to tackle the revolving door of reoffending in our justice system. The lack of secure housing, adequate healthcare, education, job training and support means that prisoners are being left to fail after they are released, leading to victims suffering from ex-prisoners' reoffending. Can the Secretary of State announce when the Government expect the reoffending rate to go down?
Context
The reoffending rate continues to rise, posing a concern for the effectiveness of rehabilitation measures in place.
Alex Chalk
It is important to note that reoffending is down compared with under the last Labour Government, from around 31% in 2010 to 25% now. The government has provided 12 weeks' guaranteed accommodation for ex-prisoners which did not happen under a Labour Government. This measure has been praised by probation officers as the single most effective means of driving down reoffending.
Session: Reoffending
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The MP acknowledges that local authorities can effectively deliver their own strategies like low-traffic neighbourhoods and 20 mph zones, but criticises the government's “Plan for drivers” for weaponising these policies. She asks if he will stop using them against local authorities and recognise all road users, not just those in vehicles.
Context
Concerns about the government's policy of “Plan for drivers” potentially undermining local authorities' ability to implement safety measures such as low-traffic neighbourhoods and 20 mph zones.
Mark Harper
The hon. Lady's question was written before she heard the answer; it is clear that 20 mph zones make sense near schools and other appropriate areas but not when imposed indiscriminately without regard to circumstances, as Labour has done in Wales.
Session: Speed Limits
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Hounslow Borough is plagued by fly-tipping. Despite the council using all the powers it can to address the problem, spending large amounts of money to do so, and having a good rate of recycling, fly-tipping continues. What is the Government's timetable for responding to the Public Accounts Committee report on the Government's programme for waste reforms?
Context
The MP mentioned the persistent fly-tipping issue in her borough despite spending significant resources.
Robbie Moore
We are giving councils more powers than ever before to deal with fly-tipping. We have raised the minimum penalty fine from £400 to £1,000, and are allowing councils to ringfence that money for prosecutions and cleaning up their streets. It is disappointing to see from the stats that Labour councils are not using the powers we are giving them as much as they should.
Session: Fly-tipping
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I have been carrying out a health survey of thousands of residents in Harrogate and Knaresborough, to ask them for their experiences and views of the NHS. I will share the results with local healthcare professionals, to support them and their work. When the results are in, will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss how they will help inform and shape our local healthcare planning?
Context
The MP is carrying out a health survey of thousands of residents in Harrogate and Knaresborough to gather their experiences and views on the NHS. The results will be shared with local healthcare professionals.
Victoria Atkins
I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend to discuss that.
Session: Topical Questions
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If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities regarding women's health needs which are often overlooked and under-researched. Last year, the Government made menopause a priority, helping almost half a million women get hormone replacement therapy for less than £20 a year. This year, they are building on that work with a women's health hub in every integrated care board area in England, promoting research into conditions such as endometriosis and lobular breast cancer, which affects women differently from men.
Context
The Women's Health Strategy addresses gaps in research, funding, and care for women-specific conditions. The strategy includes prioritizing menopause and launching a £50 million research challenge to tackle maternity disparities.
Victoria Atkins
Last week we held the women's health summit, at which I announced that we are encouraging research into conditions such as lobular breast cancer. This announcement was made because of two amazing women I met recently who were living with the condition.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Minister tried to defend the Conservative's record on prisons, but they have failed to build the necessary prison spaces. Only 380 out of 1,000 promised pop-up prison cells were built last year. Can the Minister confirm when the remaining 620 places will be constructed?
Context
The Minister attempted to defend the Government's record on prisons, but it is noted that only 380 out of 1,000 promised pop-up prison cells were built by the end of 2023.
Edward Argar
We are committed to building 20,000 new prison places. Two prisons have already been built and one is in construction. We hope to receive planning permission for two more.
Session: Rehabilitation of Prisoners Prison Estate
View All Questions -->
Reoffending rates have risen partly because prison is failing to rehabilitate prisoners given how overcrowded, understaffed, and dangerously unsafe many prisons are. In one case, prison officers had to wade through raw sewage during heavy rain while prisoners remained locked in cells. Does the Minister accept that these conditions breed crime?
Context
The latest figures show that the reoffending rate has increased. The questioner attributes this to poor rehabilitation due to overcrowding, understaffing, and unsafe conditions in many prisons.
Edward Argar
I do not agree with her assessments. Reoffending rates are down compared to 2010, and we have increased staff numbers by 6.7% last year. We highlight success in reducing reoffending through tough community sentences.
Session: Rehabilitation of Prisoners Prison Estate
View All Questions -->
Over the past year, more people have been killed or seriously injured on our roads. The Government promised to set up a road safety investigation branch last year. When will that become a reality?
Context
There has been an increase in fatalities and serious injuries on UK roads, leading to calls for a road safety investigation branch.
Mark Harper
While road accidents are investigated by relevant authorities, there is no specific commitment on setting up a dedicated road safety investigation branch.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
In response to a previous question, it was stated that 1,000 additional probation officers were recruited. However, there are fewer officers now compared to last year, with many leaving due to excessive workloads. Will extended sentences and electronic monitoring simply shift more pressure onto the probation service?
Context
Concerns about the workload of probation officers and staff attrition rates.
Alex Chalk
As of 30 September 2023, there was a 4.2% increase for band 3 officers, 6.9% for band 4, and 13% for senior probation officers. The attrition rate is down. We are investing in the probation service to ensure its officers can manage their difficult job effectively.
Session: Short Sentence Suspension Probation Service
View All Questions -->
Will the Department look at the successful London scheme to address illegal freight operators contributing to cyclist deaths and encourage partnerships between local authorities, DVSA, and police forces?
Context
Heavy goods vehicles cause a disproportionate number of cycling deaths, necessitating the study of successful London schemes.
Richard Holden
I am happy to look at measures like this one proposed by the hon. Lady. I regularly meet the National Police Chiefs' Council on this issue, as well as police and crime commissioners' lead. We have updated the highway code but will consider further measures.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Thank you, Mr Speaker. In July, His Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation reported that it had found that far too many potential victims of domestic violence are at risk from those on probation due to wide-ranging systemic failures in the service. Furthermore, the chief inspector of the probation service said that things have deteriorated since the 2018 report into the probation service. Is the Minister not concerned that, once again, after 13 years of Conservative rule, things are continuing to get worse for victims of domestic violence?
Context
The HM Inspectorate of Probation reported systemic failures in protecting potential victims of domestic violence, raising concerns about the probation service's ability to address these issues effectively.
Damian Hinds
First, may I join you, Mr Speaker, in welcoming the hon. Lady to her place? I look forward to working constructively with her. She raises an important point about the protection of people from domestic abuse from those who are on probation. I can reassure her that we have put in place further measures and, indeed, invested additional money—£1.5 million a year—to support those extra checks into addresses of where offenders may be going, to make sure that there is not that domestic abuse risk.
Session: Probation Service
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Leasehold Reform
03 June 2025
Responding: Alex Norris
Main Concerns
['Many constituents have faced issues such as high service charges, rising building insurance, safety problems, unclear management contracts, and a lack of communication from management companies and freeholders. The common theme is a lack of control over these issues.']
Specific Asks
['The Government needs to address the complex legalistic maze that many leaseholders are trapped in and work on fixing the current situation which allows for excessive service charges without clear value or transparency.']
Childcare: Affordability and Availability
21 February 2023
Responding: Claire Coutinho
Main Concerns
['The hon. Member Ruth Cadbury expressed deep concern about the crisis in childcare affordability and availability, citing statistics from the Sutton Trust indicating that many children start school lacking basic social skills due to unaffordable or unavailable childcare. She highlighted testimonies from women who have been forced to delay returning to work or work part-time because of childcare costs, which exacerbate gender pay gaps. Cadbury also mentioned the closure and downsizing of nurseries across England compared to more supportive systems in countries like Sweden. Furthermore, she pointed out that 92% of childcare providers fund additional support for children with special educational needs and disabilities out of their own pockets, leading to a significant funding crisis. The hon. Member for Ilford South highlights the impact of austerity on early years education, noting that over 1,300 Sure Start centres have been closed since 2010 and childcare costs have increased by 44%. He cites statistics from Pregnant Then Screwed indicating that 17% of parents have had to leave their job due to childcare costs and 62% work fewer hours because of these expenses. He also mentions the financial pressure on mothers due to low statutory maternity pay, which equates to only 47% of the national living wage in 2021-22.']
Specific Asks
["Cadbury questioned whether the Government understands the importance of good-quality affordable childcare and its impact on education outcomes, women's workforce participation, inequality, cost of living, and the economy. She also asked if the Government is considering extending free childcare options for one and two-year-olds and ensuring adequate funding to cover the costs and reopen closed settings. The hon. Member calls for significant investment in early years education and childcare provision, including increased funding rates, free training for nursery staff, removal of business rates for nurseries, and the reintroduction of Sure Start centres. He also suggests introducing a national pay scale for childcare workers as part of the national economic infrastructure."]
Free Period Product Scheme for Schools
15 December 2021
Responding: Will Quince
Main Concerns
["The scheme's sign-up rate is concerning with only 41% of primary schools participating. There are regional variations in uptake, such as the north-east having a lower sign-up rate compared to London at 44% versus 50%. The stigma around periods persists and period poverty has worsened due to increased living costs. One in fourteen girls have missed school because they could not afford or access period products."]
Specific Asks
["The MP asks the government to consider making the scheme an opt-out rather than opt-in, improving communication with schools about the scheme, expanding product offerings to include multi-use items like reusable pads and mooncups, ensuring a more permanent footing for the scheme, addressing regional inequalities through pupil premium numbers, and looking at Scotland's Act as a model."]
Aviation Bill - Clause 1
09 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill aims to restore the Government's power to regulate civil aviation, bolster passenger rights, modernise airspace, and improve safety. It addresses recent disruptions and seeks to ensure robust...
European Entry and Exit System
08 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Civil Service Pensions
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
East Midland Railway Collision
22 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Social Media Ban for Under-16s
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Transport (Scotland) Bill - Schedule 4 - Minor and Consequential amendments
10 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment seeks to make minor and consequential changes to the bill, ensuring consistency in the provisions. It includes technical adjustments to align with existing regulations and improve clarit...
High Speed 2 Reset
19 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
26 March 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
The debate focuses on the urgent need to review the legislative framework and enforcement regime to close the gap between rights and reality for disabled travellers in the UK. It highlights progress m...
Student Loans
18 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Immigration Policy
09 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
78.6%
77 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
30
30.6% of votes
No Votes
47
48.0% of votes
Abstentions
21
21.4% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
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 NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
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 AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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 NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
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
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
8
PMQs Asked
128
Ministerial Questions Asked
195
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 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+119% above average
This MP:
8
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+855% above average
This MP:
128
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3912% above average
This MP:
195
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 (%)
+14% above average
This MP:
78.6
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 Ruth Cadbury's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.