Sarah Dyke
MP for Glastonbury and Somerton
Lib Dem
20 Jul 2023 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
This morning, I met farmers on Whitehall and on Saturday I met farmers supplying milk to family-run Wyke Farms, which has been making traditional cheddar cheese near Bruton for 160 years. They all told me that the family farm tax, as it stands, will devastate their businesses. If the Prime Minister really wants growth, will he listen to farmers, industry, the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee and even his own MPs, and pause and rethink this damaging and regressive tax?
Context
Farmers in Glastonbury and Somerton have expressed concerns over the family farm tax, which they believe will harm their businesses.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
We have invested a record £11.8 billion in sustainable farming this Parliament, and we set out a 25-year farming road map focused on increasing year-on-year productivity and profitability in farms, and that is vitally important.
Session: PMQs
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Many in Glastonbury and Somerton are forced to travel hundreds of miles to see an NHS dentist or suffer in agony, fall into debt to pay for private treatment or turn to DIY dentistry, like Jennifer, who extracted two of her teeth over the weekend. They simply cannot wait for the consultation on the broken NHS contract; they deserve immediate action. Will the Prime Minister outline what measures he is taking to end the dental desert in Somerset for good?
Context
Residents in Glastonbury and Somerton are suffering from a lack of access to NHS dentists. Some have resorted to private treatment or even DIY dentistry.
The Prime Minister
I thank the hon. Member for raising that. Added to the list of shocking things the last Government left us is the shocking state of NHS dentistry—broken, like everything else under the last Government. We are rolling out extra urgent care appointments. In Somerset, the integrated care board is expected to deliver over 13,000 extra dental appointments this year; I will give her more details in due course. We are also reforming the dental contract, which will shift focus on to retaining NHS dentists.
Session: PMQs
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The lawlessness is deterring tourists, and business owners have told me trade is suffering. As visitors start to arrive ahead of the Glastonbury festival, could the Prime Minister reassure my constituents that he will give the police the additional resource that they need to tackle this threatening and menacing behaviour, and to reduce the devastating crime wave sweeping through the town?
Context
The MP highlighted a notable increase in antisocial behaviour affecting the town of Glastonbury, mentioning that St John’s church was forced to close its doors after gravestones were reportedly used as counters for drug transactions. Constituents Peter and Melanie reported being targeted with demands for money when collecting their pensions, leaving them feeling scared and overwhelmed.
The Prime Minister
The hon. Member is absolutely right to raise this matter. Antisocial behaviour massively impacts on individuals and their communities, and that is why we are introducing 13,000 new neighbourhood police and giving them better powers—respect orders—so they can actually deal with what they see on the streets effectively.
Session: PMQs
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My constituents in Somerton and Frome, working together with the Langport Transport Group, submitted a robust strategic business case to the Government in July 2022 for the reopening of a train station in the Somerton and Langport area. Such a train station would connect over 50,000 people to the rail network, boost the local economy and support local people to reduce their reliance on cars. Almost two years on, they are still waiting for a response. Does the Prime Minister support this project, and can he provide confidence to my constituents that their hard work to drive this vital project forward has not been futile?
Context
A strategic business case for reopening a train station in the Somerton and Langport area was submitted to the Government in July 2022. The station would connect over 50,000 people to the rail network and support local economic growth.
Rishi Sunak
Conservatives in the south-west are rightly championing the reopening of local stations. Cullompton and Wellington will be among the places that receive funding as a result of our decision on HS2. It is because of that decision that we have now freed up billions of pounds of funding to invest in local transport across the country, and local leaders will be put in charge of that money to prioritise their local needs.
Assessment
Specific support for reopening a train station in Somerton and Langport was not addressed.
Discussed Other Stations
General Funding Announcement
Session: PMQs
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In rural areas such as Glastonbury and Somerton, the growing number of short-term lets is displacing local families and workers from the rented sector, hollowing out our rural communities. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to make sure that any new regulation protects rural rented stock from being removed from the market?
Context
In rural areas, the growth of short-term lets is displacing local families and workers from the rented sector, leading to the hollowing out of rural communities. There is a need to ensure that new regulation protects the rental stock from being removed from the market.
Lisa Nandy
That is precisely why we are bringing forward the measure to introduce a register of short-term lets. We believe that local leaders need to be able to understand what is happening in their local areas and to shape that in order to have the benefits of tourism. Some areas may want to have more short-term lets available to support the tourism industry, but there are other areas, including in the hon. Lady's constituency, where there is a real need for local housing for local people, and local leaders should have the power to provide that.
Session: Short-term Lets Regulation 2026-09-03
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Can the Secretary of State confirm whether personnel serving at bases such as RNAS Yeovilton will be affected by that delay, and what they should expect by 2030?
Context
Concerns about delays in funding for refurbishing or replacing service homes, impacting bases like RNAS Yeovilton.
Dan Jarvis
I am grateful to the hon. Lady for raising that important point, and I pay tribute to those who serve in her constituency. We well understand the importance of having the best possible standard of defence accommodation for those who give so much for our country. That is why the defence investment plan restated the commitment to spend £9 billion over the next 10 years on defence accommodation, and that is why nine out of 10 of those most in need of repair have already been fixed.
Session: Defence Investment Plan 2026-07-06
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What discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the potential merits of increasing funding for the defence investment plan?
Context
Discussions about the merits of increasing funding for defence investment.
Dan Jarvis
I worked closely with the Prime Minister and the Chancellor to secure more money for our armed forces—a £15 billion increase in my Department's spending power. That means we will invest £298 billion in defence over the next four years. Of course there is more to do, and I will continue to work closely with colleagues across Government to ensure that defence remains the No. 1 priority at the next spending review.
Session: Defence Investment Plan 2026-07-06
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This week, temperatures in Somerset are forecast to exceed 35°C, and some classrooms are set to breach safe working thresholds by as much as 10°C, risking serious disruption to learning. What immediate steps is the Secretary of State taking to protect pupils and staff from this extreme heat, and what dedicated funding will be made available to schools to retrofit for heat resilience, to prevent repeated disruption to education in future heatwaves?
Context
Temperatures in Somerset are forecast to exceed 35°C, posing risks of serious disruption.
Bridget Phillipson
We recognise the need to make sure that, as we refurbish and rebuild schools across our country, they are well placed to cope with some of the fluctuations in temperature we are seeing, including the hot weather we are experiencing at the moment.
Session: Topical Questions
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How quickly will applications for the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 be processed? Can farmers with agreements expiring this year apply ahead of time?
Context
Farmers in Glastonbury and Somerton constituency are facing significant rises in red diesel and fertiliser costs, impacting their financial margins.
Emma Reynolds
We have recently published draft guidance for SFI 2026 and will open the first window soon for small farms and those without an agreement. We are looking at whether we can ensure that farmers with agreements expiring later this year or early next year can apply before their agreements expire.
Session: Support for Farmers Fuel Costs
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My constituent's 14-year-old daughter with a painful dental abscess has struggled for over several months to access urgent treatment. Given that only 100,000 out of promised 700,000 extra urgent dental appointments have been provided, will the Minister provide a detailed breakdown of how many additional 1.8 million NHS dental appointments are urgent versus routine?
Context
A constituent's daughter has been unable to get an urgent dental appointment despite months of trying, highlighting the shortage of such appointments.
Stephen Kinnock
We will publish those data and statistics in August, but I can say that following reforms from April, all NHS dentists must deliver 8.2% of their contract in urgent care.
Session: NHS Dental Services
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How many urgent dental appointments have been provided since 1 April 2025?
Context
The question is about the number of urgent dental appointments provided since April 2025, prompted by the ongoing effort to rebuild the NHS dentistry system.
Stephen Kinnock
Since July 2024, we have been rebuilding a broken NHS dentistry system. We have delivered 1.8 million more treatments and reduced the underspend from £392 million to just £36 million, maximising the treatment provided for taxpayers' money. Last year, we asked integrated care boards to commission additional urgent appointments, and the data will be published in August.
Session: NHS Dental Services
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The availability of affordable housing in Somerset has plummeted, demand has surged and rents have risen by six times as much as income. These challenges are highlighted in rural market towns such as Glastonbury, where hundreds of people live in vans and caravans lining the kerbsides. Many are there because they cannot afford to rent a bricks-and-mortar home. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that everyone has a decent and safe place where they can afford to live?
Steve Reed
Ensuring that there are decent and safe places to live all across this country is a primary objective of this Government. As the hon. Lady will be aware, the social and affordable homes programme opened for bids in February, and the first phase of bidding will close later in April. The programme will provide up to £39 billion for the biggest ever increase in the amount of social and affordable housing across this country, including council housing, which will make a massive difference to people in rural areas as well as those in other parts of the country.
Session: Topical Questions
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If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.
Steve Reed
The Renters Rights Act 2025 meets Labour's manifesto commitment to transform the experience of private renting in England. We will introduce our reforms in three phases, the first of which will begin on 1 May, when section 21 no-fault evictions will be abolished and rent increases will be limited to just one a year. We will end rental bidding wars and limit requests for rent in advance to a maximum of one month, and it will be illegal to discriminate against prospective renters who have children or who receive benefits.
Session: Topical Questions
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Criminal gangs are targeting isolated farmland and woodland, dumping lorry loads of illegal waste, which poses serious environmental risks. The Environment Agency reports that offenders are saving thousands of pounds in disposal costs while landowners face the financial responsibility of clearing the site. Will the Minister support the National Crime Agency in preventing and effectively prosecuting serious and organised rural waste crime?
Context
Criminal gangs are targeting isolated farmland and woodland, dumping lorry loads of illegal waste.
Sarah Jones
The hon. Lady is absolutely right. Rural waste crime is completely unacceptable; it is often driven by larger, serious organised criminal gangs, and we are determined to bear down on it.
Session: Topical Questions
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Skills bootcamps in Somerset give businesses in Glastonbury and Somerton the opportunity to collaborate with training providers. However, changes to funding allocations could see Somerset lose nearly 70% of its funding. Will the Minister urgently review the skills bootcamp funding methodology? Without it, an important pathway for residents to gain valuable skills and to support economic prosperity in Somerset will be compromised.
Context
Skills bootcamps in Somerset give businesses in Glastonbury and Somerton the opportunity to collaborate with training providers, but changes to funding allocations could see Somerset lose nearly 70% of its funding.
Pat McFadden
I appreciate the value of skills bootcamps. They can play an important role in the mix of policies we are talking about today. I hear the representations the hon. Lady has made for more funding. All I would say to her and her party is that if we have more funding, I hope they support whatever revenue-raising measures that have to be put in place for it.
Session: Topical Questions
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If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities, noting visits to Cammell Laird shipyard, London Underground's Acton Works, and the youth guarantee jobs fair in Blackpool, connecting over 3,000 local people with 90 employers, and the extension of the Connect to Work programme to give employment support to more than 75,000 people with disabilities or long-term sickness.
Context
Since the last Work and Pensions questions, the Minister visited several locations, including Cammell Laird shipyard and London Underground's Acton Works, and attended events like the youth guarantee jobs fair in Blackpool.
Pat McFadden
Since the last Work and Pensions questions, we have had Apprenticeships Week, when I visited Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead and London Underground's Acton Works in west London. I attended the youth guarantee jobs fair in Blackpool, which connected over 3,000 local people with 90 employers; had a roundtable with business at which, for example, Make UK reported 50,000 vacancies in the engineering and manufacturing sectors; and we extended the Connect to Work programme to give employment support to more than 75,000 more people with disabilities or long-term sickness—people far too often in the past simply signed off and written off.
Session: Topical Questions
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Last week, 50 mm of intense rain fell across large parts of Somerset and exacerbated the already saturated ground, with a major incident declared on Tuesday. With more unsettled weather in the forecast and high spring tides imminent, residents have told me that they are worried they could be facing a repeat of the devastating 2013-14 floods. With the increasingly unpredictable, intense and changing patterns of rainfall, communities must be given the resources they need to prepare extreme weather resilience plans. I thank the Minister for her commitment to meet me in Somerset later this year, but will she bring forward that planned visit to Glastonbury and Somerton to witness the devastating impact that flooding is having on my communities while the floodwater levels remain up?
Context
50 mm of intense rain fell across parts of Somerset, exacerbating saturated ground conditions. With more unsettled weather forecasted and high spring tides imminent, communities fear a repeat of the 2013-14 floods. Residents need resources to prepare extreme weather resilience plans.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Hardy)
The hon. Lady raises a really important point—I have been following the situation really closely, and it is devastating. She is quite right to point out the trauma and upset caused by flooding. We invested £80 million in Somerset between April 2024 and March 2025 on flood and coastal risk management, and we will allocate another £75 million to Somerset between April 2025 and March 2026. I will check whether my diary aligns so that I can make an earlier visit.
Session: Flood Preparedness
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The need for increased defence spending is clear, but the growing uncertainty over the future of the new medium helicopter contract has left Leonardo in the lurch, over a year after the company was left as the only tender. It is putting our national defence readiness, and the jobs of hundreds of my constituents in Glastonbury and Somerton, at risk. As the delay now extends well beyond reason, can the Minister provide an update on the defence investment plan?
Context
The delay in the new medium helicopter contract is putting Leonardo's national defence readiness, as well as jobs for hundreds of constituents in Glastonbury and Somerton, at risk.
The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry (Luke Pollard)
As the Secretary of State set out earlier, we are working flat out to deliver the defence investment plan. We are continuing to speak to our colleagues in Leonardo, not just about NMH but about how we are investing in Leonardo’s services nationwide.
Session: Topical Questions
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In my constituency alone, there are more than 8,000 WASPI women, including Miriam from Martock who has lost £50,000 because of the maladministration of state pension age changes. Because she was unable to work, she had to sell her home and live on released capital; now at age 70, she is back in the workforce. Given this situation, will the Minister commit to properly compensating 1950s-born women, and will the Government consult with the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman before finalising their response?
Context
There are more than 8,000 WASPI women in Glastonbury and Somerton who have been negatively impacted by the state pension age changes. Many of these women, such as Miriam from Martock, face significant financial losses due to these changes.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Torsten Bell)
Many Members have constituents who face challenges in the years running up to the state pension age due to issues unrelated to communication, but rather to the increase and acceleration of the state pension age put in place by a previous Liberal Democrat Government. The focus is on understanding the specific issue related to communication around state pension changes. We will update the House as soon as a conclusion is reached within three months of the decision in December.
Session: State Pension Age Changes Compensation
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Pressures on schools to convert to academy trusts are considerable and widespread, but acadising at all costs is not always in everybody’s interests. Some parents in Glastonbury and Somerton have told me that they are concerned that where decisions are taken across a number of schools, performance could diminish as a result. What steps is the Minister taking to monitor trusts and hold them accountable, especially where a school that has joined with an academy has failed to improve?
Context
Parents in Glastonbury and Somerton have expressed concerns that converting schools to academy trusts may not always improve performance. Some parents are worried about the impact on school performance when multiple schools join a trust.
The Minister for School Standards (Georgia Gould)
I have seen real benefits from collaboration in saving money and sharing best practice to support children in their learning. However, as I have just set out, it is crucial that there is strong accountability, and we are legislating to bring in inspections for multi-academy trusts to ensure that there is strong governance and accountability.
Session: Academy Trusts Governance
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I recently met Abbas and Templecombe parish councillors to discuss their exciting plans to add a 400-metre running track, a multi-use games area and an outdoor adult gym to the local recreation ground. Given that physical inactivity costs the UK over £7 billion a year, such improvements are welcome, particularly in rural areas. However, despite securing some of the funding, the parish council is struggling to find the additional funds it needs to get the project off the ground. What steps is the Minister taking to help rural, parish and town councils improve their sports and leisure facilities?
Context
A parish council in Glastonbury and Somerton is planning to add a running track, multi-use games area, and outdoor gym to their recreation ground. Despite securing some funding, they are struggling to find additional funds needed for the project.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)
The hon. Lady is a strong advocate for her constituency, and she makes a very important argument. As I have outlined, the Government are investing £400 million in grassroots facilities. We are also working with the sports sector and local leaders to understand the demands of each community, and I would be happy to discuss that further with her.
Session: Access to Sports Facilities
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Recent media reports highlight the full extent of abuse that women have suffered in the armed forces, highlighting why the recommendations from the Atherton report must be urgently implemented in full. What steps is the Minister taking to remove the barriers to create an environment within our armed forces where women feel protected, valued and given the opportunity to excel and flourish?
Context
Recent media reports highlight the abuse that women have suffered in the armed forces, highlighting why recommendations from the Atherton report must be urgently implemented. The Member asks what steps are being taken to improve conditions.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Louise Sandher-Jones)
I thank the hon. Member for raising an incredibly important point. As she will know, I am personally dedicated to improving the experiences of women in our armed forces. She rightly highlights the Atherton report. We are taking forward several things to deliver that programme, such as improving how we take care of victims and introducing more accountability. I also highlight our support for the cross-governmental work on violence against women and girls.
Session: Women Veterans
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Earlier this week I met children from Ilchester community primary school. Maeve, who is in year 6, told me her No. 1 concern is the pressure on local businesses. Glastonbury and Somerton has many wonderful hotels and restaurants, like the Hollies in Bower Hinton, but many will face an average rates increase of 76% from April without transitional support. What action is the Minister taking to prevent a crisis in the hospitality sector and ensure that businesses like the Hollies can thrive?
Context
The MP noted concerns from constituents, particularly a student named Maeve who highlighted the pressure on local businesses. The constituency has many hotels and restaurants facing an average rates increase of 76% without transitional support.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Kate Dearden)
We absolutely recognise the significant contribution made by hospitality businesses to economic growth and social life in the UK, including the hon. Member’s constituency. With the temporary pandemic business rates relief coming to an end and the first independent revaluation since the pandemic taking effect next April, we are putting in place a £4 billion support package, so that most properties seeing increases will see them capped at 15% or less next year, or £800 for the smallest. We inherited support schemes that the previous Government had put in place with no funding for them to continue.
Session: Hospitality Sector Glastonbury and Somerton
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As was identified in the national food strategy, there is a shortage of skills in food and farming. The Liberal Democrats are proposing a “Farm First” scheme to give young people training and the incentive they need to choose a career in farming. Will the Minister outline the steps the Government are taking to create pathways to increase the number of post-16 learners who undertake training in food and farming?
Context
The MP highlighted the national food strategy's identification of a skills shortage in food and farming, proposing a “Farm First” scheme for training.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Andrew Western)
The hon. Lady will recognise the significant investment that this Government have put into agriculture more broadly since coming into office. I am not aware of the “Farm First” scheme, but if she would like to write to me about it, I would be happy to meet to discuss it further.
Session: Post-16 Skills Education
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I am concerned about the potential implications for my policies of US foreign policy on Ukraine. Since 2022, 1,600 Ukrainians have sought refuge in Somerset away from Putin’s war machine, many making Glastonbury and Somerton their home. The US-led peace negotiations, dictated by Russia, risk excluding US security guarantees, leaving many Ukrainians in fear of returning to Ukraine. What discussions has the Secretary of State had with Cabinet colleagues on implementing a pathway to settled status, so that Ukrainians may have a permanent future in the UK?
Context
Since the start of the war in 2022, around 1,600 Ukrainians have sought refuge in Somerset. The situation involves security guarantees provided by the US.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Yvette Cooper)
As the hon. Lady will know, I and many other people have been involved in welcoming people as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme. We continue to do so and to support the role that they play in our country, and that will continue. She refers to security guarantees, and I can tell her that the Ministry of Defence is involved in direct discussions on the detail of how security guarantees would need to work. That is essential as part of a just and lasting peace.
Session: Ukraine
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Rural areas have deep pockets of deprivation, and nearly 18% of children in Glastonbury and Somerton live in poverty. How will the Minister ensure that the child poverty strategy sufficiently focuses on child poverty in rural areas?
Context
Rural areas face unique challenges when it comes to child poverty, with nearly 18% of children living in poverty in Glastonbury and Somerton. The MP wants to ensure the strategy addresses these issues.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
I recognise the particular challenges faced by many rural communities, and I am grateful to the hon. Lady for raising them. We have been considering such matters through the development of the strategy. The taskforce has been working across Government, including with colleagues in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to understand some of the challenges. We are expanding childcare and new free breakfast clubs, and the lifting of the two-child limit will make a big difference to children and their life chances in every corner of our country.
Session: Child Poverty Strategy
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Sarah Dyke highlighted the high number of households in temporary accommodation in Somerset and noted that this situation requires a long-term solution. She asked what measures are being taken by the Minister to increase the availability of affordable homes to address this issue.
Context
Somerset faces a significant housing crisis with nearly 300 households in temporary accommodation, including over 120 families with children. The local council is spending substantial funds annually on additional temporary accommodation to meet demand.
The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)
Alison McGovern informed Sarah Dyke that the forthcoming homelessness strategy would address these concerns. She emphasized that while funding can be provided to support temporary measures, it is crucial to focus on building homes and ensuring families have sufficient income to cover rental costs.
Session: Families in Temporary Accommodation
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What steps are you taking to support off-grid homeowners like Gareth to transition to sustainable heating alternatives? What assessment has been made of using renewable liquid heating fuels?
Context
A constituent, Gareth from Pitney, lives in an off-grid home with no affordable heating options other than oil. Transitioning to sustainable heating alternatives would cost him about £20,000.
Martin McCluskey
The warm homes plan, launching before the end of the year, will address issues in rural homes. A consultation on alternative heating fuels was also launched today, inviting responses from constituents and others interested.
Session: Topical Questions
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A Liberal Democrat freedom of information request revealed that the Treasury recently had plans to review the family farm tax. Farmers across the country are fed up with bickering and infighting from a Government who just do not understand them, but there is still time to act and end months of confusion and misery. Will the Chancellor and her Ministers meet farmers from Glastonbury and Somerton, and me, to provide some clarity and reveal the full extent of the Government’s discussions on revoking this damaging family farm tax?
Context
Liberal Democrats have requested a review of the family farm tax, revealing plans by the Treasury to discuss the issue. Farmers are concerned about the impact of changes to agricultural property relief and business property relief.
Dan Tomlinson
Just a few weeks ago, I met farmers to discuss this and other important issues. The Government believe that even though this tax is a difficult change—I do not shy away from that fact—it is the right change to make, because it is a method of raising revenue in a fair way that helps contribute to restoring the public finances.
Session: Agricultural and Business Property Relief Impact on Farmers
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What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that adults with autism and other special educational needs can find fulfilling and secure employment?
Context
The questioner mentions that only 30% of people with autism are in work, compared to nearly 55% of disabled people. She provides an example of Charlie, a young adult with autism who has struggled to find employment.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
Transitional protection is available for people making the transition across to universal credit, and support is provided through the enhanced support journey for those whose transition may be particularly difficult. The Minister suggests sending details of specific cases if worried about particular individuals.
Session: Topical Questions
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Whether the government plans to implement the outstanding recommendations of the Defence Committee's second report of Session 2021-22 on Women in the Armed Forces. The Atherton report surveyed over 4,000 female service personnel and veterans, with 62% reporting being victims of bullying, discrimination, harassment or sexual assault during their service.
Context
The Defence Committee of Session 2021-22 published a report titled “Protecting those who protect us: Women in the Armed Forces from Recruitment to Civilian Life”, which made several recommendations aimed at improving conditions for women serving and veterans. The Atherton report, published in 2021, surveyed over 4,000 female service personnel and veterans, revealing that 62% had experienced bullying, discrimination, harassment or sexual assault during their service.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Al Carns)
Defence has accepted 33 recommendations from the “Women in the Armed Forces” report. Two outstanding elements remain: results of an armed forces sexual harassment survey and a veterans strategy with a specific female veterans section, both due to be released in autumn. We also have a tri-service complaints system and the violence against women and girls taskforce, ensuring women can serve safely and with pride.
Session: Women in the Armed Forces
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Glastonbury town centre has seen increasing rates of antisocial behaviour, shoplifting and crime. A local charity shop manager told me that residents and customers are too scared to walk down the high street, which obviously has a negative impact on the local economy. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how effective community policing can be the solution to the persistent issues that Glastonbury is facing?
Context
The MP reported increasing rates of antisocial behaviour, shoplifting, and crime in Glastonbury town centre. A local charity shop manager expressed concerns about the impact on residents and customers.
The Minister for Policing and Crime Prevention (Dame Diana Johnson)
I am, of course, very happy to meet the hon. Lady. That is why neighbourhood policing is important, and why the Government made a commitment to put 13,000 additional police personnel back into our town centres and communities over the course off this Parliament.
Session: Antisocial Behaviour
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Jackie from Street suffers with Crohn’s disease, fibromyalgia and mental health issues. She worked for most of her life until ill health made it impossible. Under the reforms, she will lose her entitlement to personal independence payment and employment and support allowance, plunging her into poverty. Can the Chancellor give Jackie the reassurance she needs that she will not be left in poverty?
Context
MP raised a case of Jackie, suffering from multiple health conditions, who is concerned about losing entitlement to personal independence payment and employment support allowance.
Rachel Reeves
Yes, I can absolutely give my assurance to Jackie, and to other people who are currently claiming PIP, that they will see absolutely no change in their entitlement. That is what my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions announced to the Chamber yesterday: everybody who is currently on those benefits will see no change whatever. The Timms review, which will be co-produced with disabled people and those who represent them, will build a new system for the future.
Session: Topical Questions
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Somerset Youth Justice Service recently got a “requires improvement” rating from His Majesty’s inspectorate of probation. The situation is clearly damaging young offenders’ chances of rehabilitation, so what steps is the Department taking to improve SYJS and support young offenders in Somerset?
Context
The Somerset Youth Justice Service recently received a 'requires improvement' rating from HM Inspectorate of Probation, which could be damaging to young offenders’ rehabilitation prospects.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Sir Nicholas Dakin)
The hon. Lady draws attention to an important issue. Inspections are significant in identifying where additional support and effort are needed. The Department will do everything it can to give proper support to Somerset Youth Justice Service.
Session: Reoffending Young Offenders
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Off-road bikes are often used illegally across private farmland, causing damage to crops, spooking animals and leaving farmers feeling scared and vulnerable. While the Crime and Policing Bill includes a provision to make it easier for police to seize vehicles associated with antisocial behaviour, Avon and Somerset police has little or no resource to police rural crimes properly. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to stop the illegal use of off-road bikes on farmland?
Context
Sarah Dyke mentions that off-road bikes are often used illegally across private farmland, causing damage to crops, scaring animals, and leaving farmers feeling scared and vulnerable. She asks about the steps being taken in the Crime and Policing Bill.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Yvette Cooper)
As well as strengthening the law, we are working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council on a stronger rural crime strategy. I can tell the hon. Lady that Avon and Somerset police will be getting 70 additional neighbourhood police officers across the area this year as a result of the neighbourhood policing guarantee.
Session: Vehicle Nuisance
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Somerset is home to some iconic film locations such as Glastonbury Tor, which featured in “The Kid Who Would Be King”; Montacute House, which featured in “Wolf Hall” and “Sense and Sensibility”; and Wells, where “Hot Fuzz” was filmed. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that the film industry in the UK thrives and continues to use our iconic locations?
Context
UK film industry thrives due to iconic locations such as Glastonbury Tor, Montacute House, Wells.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism (Chris Bryant)
The hon. Lady is right: one of the things that brings a lot of people to the UK as tourists—we want to reach 50 million international visitors by 2030—is seeing places where things were filmed. I went to Bath recently and saw many different places where there has been filming for “Bridgerton” and lots of different movies. It is an important part of our business and sometimes we need to make sure that local authorities take up such opportunities.
Session: Topical Questions
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What support is the Minister providing to SMEs such as Needles and Pins to ensure that they can compete for defence procurement contracts?
Context
Somerset is home to growing defence sector SMEs like Needles and Pins Aerospace, which supplies Leonardo helicopters. The question addresses specific support these companies need to compete for defence procurement contracts.
John Healey (The Secretary of State for Defence)
Next month we will set a target for direct defence investment in SMEs. Every 1% more of defence spending we put into SMEs is worth £250 million more for those small firms.
Session: Defence Procurement SMEs
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Earl, a social housing tenant from Glastonbury, is disabled and has faced multiple barriers that have prevented him from self-funding improvements to the sustainability and energy efficiency of his home, in order to help him reduce his energy poverty and improve his health. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that social housing tenants receive energy upgrades in their homes, and in particular those living in older housing stock, where upgrades might be more complex to achieve?
Context
A disabled tenant named Earl in Glastonbury has faced barriers to improving the energy efficiency of his home due to financial constraints. The question highlights the challenges facing social housing tenants, particularly those living in older properties where upgrades may be more complex.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
It sounds as though the hon. Lady is raising an individual case, and if she wants to draw it to our attention, she can do so. On the more general point, I believe that her local authority has received £6 million as part of the warm homes local grant, so it would be worth talking to it about this. Again—I am sure that I speak for the Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, my hon. Friend the Member for Peckham (Miatta Fahnbulleh), on this—where there are specific issues about how particular schemes are working, please do draw them to our attention and we will seek to act on them.
Session: Household Energy Efficiency
View All Questions -->
My constituent Hazel, from Street, was infected with hepatitis C in the 1970s after receiving blood products following the birth of her child. She suffered years of ill health and related problems, and is still waiting for the infected blood compensation scheme. Her case is truly heart-breaking, so what assurance can the Minister provide to people like Hazel that they will soon be supported?
Context
Hazel, a constituent of Sarah Dyke from Street, was infected with hepatitis C in the 1970s after receiving blood products following the birth of her child. She is still waiting for compensation under the infected blood compensation scheme.
Nick Thomas-Symonds (The Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office)
First, I express my sympathy and, I am sure, that of the whole House to Hazel in respect of what she has been through. The assurance I give is that this Government will act at pace. That is what we did in putting the first set of regulations in place by 24 August last year and by putting the second set of regulations in place by 31 March this year. I continue to stand ready to help and support IBCA, which is operationally independent, in any way that I can to speed up the payments.
Session: Infected Blood Compensation Scheme
View All Questions -->
Women and girls will never truly be safe while terrifying online influencers such as Andrew Tate are allowed platforms that radicalise men and boys into extreme misogyny. What steps is the Secretary of State taking with Cabinet colleagues to support police in tackling violence against women and girls?
Context
Women are being radicalised into extreme misogyny through platforms used by online influencers such as Andrew Tate.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Yvette Cooper)
Measures in the Online Safety Act 2023 are being implemented over the course of this year. That includes the introduction this summer of measures expected to ensure that stronger action is taken to prevent young boys and children more widely from seeing inappropriate material, which can be very damaging and very extreme. We also need to work in schools to prevent abuse in relationships.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
View All Questions -->
Lack of access to digital services prevents people from applying for jobs, studying and accessing healthcare, but community interest companies such as Donate IT, based in Wincantor, are helping to bridge the gap by diverting IT equipment that was otherwise heading to landfill. By refurbishing that tech and distributing it to the people, schools and groups who need it, Donate IT is helping to address digital poverty. How does the Minister plan to support such organisations to prevent electrical waste from going to landfill and to tackle digital exclusion?
Context
Community interest companies like Donate IT in Wincanton are helping to bridge the gap by refurbishing old IT equipment for distribution, preventing waste and addressing digital poverty.
The Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms (Chris Bryant)
I am really pleased that that is happening in the hon. Lady’s constituency. We were pleased as a Government to be able to say not only that many Government Departments will make sure that we do precisely the same thing, but that many major employers will also do the same. It is crazy to chuck old kit into landfill when, frankly, it could be used much better to provide people with digital opportunities for the future.
Session: Digital Inclusion
View All Questions -->
I thank the Minister for his response, and for the work he has done. The 2024 armed forces continuous attitude survey reported that 13% of female personnel had experienced sexual harassment in service during the prior 12 months, and many women have said they would not report an incident due to fear of the consequences. The recently announced tri-service scheme is welcome, but what steps is he taking to make it genuinely independent to ensure women’s confidence in the scheme and their safety while serving in the armed forces?
Context
The 2024 armed forces continuous attitude survey reported that 13% of female personnel had experienced sexual harassment in service during the prior 12 months, with many women expressing fear of reporting incidents due to potential consequences.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Al Carns)
There are two principal elements. The tri-service complaints system sits outside the chain of command, and when certain issues hit a threshold, they will be taken away from the single services, so the system will be completely independent. The second is the violence against women and girls taskforce that we have created, which will work directly to me. It will be a small team at my level, but it will have tentacles right down into the single services. It will provide a safe space for women to go to if they want to raise an issue or a complaint, which can then be transferred into the complaints system or, indeed, in parallel all the way up to me so that I can take action directly.
Session: Sexual Harassment
View All Questions -->
What progress has been made on achieving a 30% inflow of women into the armed forces by 2030? A balanced workforce is good for British defence, but women face challenges making it harder to attract and retain talent. What steps are being taken to accelerate towards this goal?
Context
The question pertains to the recruitment and retention challenges facing women in the military, aiming for a 30% inflow target by 2030 as per the Women in Defence Charter. Current statistics show only 11.9% female representation in regular forces and 15.9% in reserves.
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Luke Pollard)
We inherited a retention and recruitment crisis which must be addressed across all cohorts. Increasing female representation benefits our warfighting and readiness, but we are still some way from where the hon. Lady would like us to be on this issue. The latest figures show 11.9% female representation in regular forces and 15.9% in reserves. Implementing Atherton review recommendations will benefit everyone in the armed forces, particularly women, by improving culture and behaviour, focusing on health and wellbeing, addressing unacceptable crimes and behaviours, and ensuring a place for everyone in our armed forces.
Session: Armed Forces 2030 Recruitment Target Women
View All Questions -->
Yet another wet winter across Somerset highlights the need for the Government to urgently deliver solutions to mitigate the impact of flooding on farmland and protect domestic food production. The Brue headwaters multi-benefit project, facilitated by the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group South West, is working with farmers and landowners in Bruton, Charlton Musgrove and Wincanton to address flooding issues and to hold workshops that focus on natural flood management, to slow the flow of water across the upper Brue, thus reducing flooding, sediment run-off and the associated pollution of water- courses. Despite those efforts, many farmers in the catchment, and indeed the county and the country, are angry at the level of inundation of land that could be prevented by better flood management. How will the Minister work to support farmers, build flood resilience and protect food security?
Context
The Government is investing in flood management solutions, including natural approaches.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Hardy)
The hon. Lady is right to point out how angry farmers are and how they feel they have been let down by the previous Government on flood defences. The previous formula allocated funding only based on numbers of properties protected and paid little regard to rural areas. She also mentioned one of my favourite themes: natural flood management. We recently held a roundtable on that, with representatives from the NFU and the Country Land and Business Association, to talk about how we can better protect our rural areas in a more nature-friendly way.
Session: Flood Preparedness Projects
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Carnivals — [Carolyn Harris in the Chair]
12 March 2026
Responding: Stephanie Peacock
Main Concerns
["Carnivals in Somerset have been celebrated for over 400 years and are a vital part of the community's cultural and economic life. However, the tradition faces challenges due to rising costs, including materials, fuel, insurance, and health and safety compliance, which now exceed £30,000 for a single illuminated cart. Additionally, the income from street collections has declined due to an increasingly cashless society, and many small businesses are unable to afford sponsorship. Volunteers are also facing financial pressure to cover marshalling and other costs, with some committees struggling to secure adequate physical space for their activities. Health and safety regulations, while important, sometimes limit creativity and flexibility in cart design."]
Specific Asks
["The Government should outline plans to safeguard the viability of Somerset's illuminated carnivals, considering the financial challenges they face and the impact on the local economy. This includes providing support for local cultural events and ensuring that regulations are fair and developed in collaboration with carnival clubs and committees."]
Small Abattoirs
08 May 2025
Responding: Daniel Zeichner
Main Concerns
['The abattoir industry is at crisis point, with just 60 small abattoirs left in the UK as of 2023. According to a 2022 Food Standards Agency report, small abattoirs are closing at an alarming rate of 10% per year. The remaining small abattoirs face immense challenges and increased costs, including rising energy costs and employer national insurance contributions.']
Specific Asks
['I ask the Minister to ensure the continuation of the small abattoir discount on inspection charges so that small abattoirs can remain financially viable.']
Ambulance Response Times
06 March 2025
Responding: Ashley Dalton
Main Concerns
['Unacceptable ambulance response times have led to an estimated 50,000 deaths last year after long A&E waits. In Glastonbury and Somerton, residents faced horrific delays in receiving emergency care, with some waiting up to 13 hours for an ambulance. Ambulance staff are also experiencing burnout, with the NHS staff survey showing that 39% of respondents often or always felt burnt out.']
Specific Asks
['The Liberal Democrats demand localised data on ambulance delays and focused support for underperforming rural areas like Somerset to improve response times. They have called for a review of hospital handover policies and the adoption of innovative measures such as trial handovers in Nottingham to address these issues.']
Rural Broadband
13 November 2024
Responding: Chris Bryant
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the poor broadband coverage in rural areas, with only 21% of county areas having gigabit broadband compared to 70% of London. In my constituency, more than 15% of premises receive lines getting 10 megabits per second or less, putting the area in the worst 10% in the UK. Businesses and farmers are struggling due to slow internet speeds and unreliable connections, impacting productivity and security.']
Specific Asks
['I urge the Government to ensure that the remaining unspent funds for Project Gigabit are spent on ensuring hard-to-reach areas are covered. The ongoing spending review must take into account the opportunities in rural areas for boosting UK productivity by £72 billion by 2030.']
Rural Bus Services
11 September 2024
Responding: Simon Lightwood
Main Concerns
['Rural bus service users travel an average of 47% further compared with their urban counterparts, who also receive more funding per head. Budgeted local authority expenditure in rural areas is on average £11.68 per resident, while it is £20.22 in urban areas. There has been a concerning trend of bus route closures in rural and county areas over the past decade, with one in four routes ceasing to exist since 2010-11. Rural households spend almost £800 a year more on fuel than people in urban areas due to the lack of decent public transport.']
Specific Asks
['The Minister is asked to provide specific guidance on the protection of bus routes for social and environmental reasons, clarify future funding arrangements such as BSIP funds, retain the £2 fare cap, support local authorities and bus companies in switching to zero emission buses, and include rural areas in rail projects.']
SEND Provision: Somerset
03 September 2024
Responding: Catherine McKinnell
Main Concerns
['The current SEND system in Somerset is broken due to high demand, insufficient funding, and an adversarial approach. Since the reforms under the Children and Families Act 2014, there has been a significant increase in the number of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), leading to a surge in costs. Mainstream schools face real-term cuts, while independent specialist schools are far more expensive, placing further pressure on councils. Rural areas like Somerset also struggle with high home-to-school transport costs, exacerbating the issue. The system is failing to meet the needs of vulnerable children and is causing financial strain for local authorities, leading to a one-way exit from education for some children who move to home schooling.']
Specific Asks
['The government must speed up the process of granting EHCPs and provide funding to support early interventions. The Liberal Democrats propose creating a national body for SEND that would fund support for those with high needs, identify areas needing early intervention, and lower future costs by addressing issues before they escalate.']
Rural Communities: Government Support
28 November 2023
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the financial challenges facing rural communities, including the higher costs of living known as the 'rural premium', which requires residents to spend between 10% to 20% more on everyday essentials than urban counterparts. Rural areas also face productivity gaps and transport infrastructure issues; for example, over 53,000 people in my constituency have no access to a train station within 10km. In addition, there are significant broadband connectivity issues, with Somerton and Frome being in the bottom 6% of constituencies for mobile coverage. The impact on businesses is evident, as rural areas struggle to attract new companies due to poor internet connections and limited public transport options."]
Specific Asks
["I urge the Government to extend the rural fuel duty relief scheme to cover more of the UK's rural areas, including Somerset. Additionally, I call for increased investment in the farming sector through a £1 billion boost to the farming budget and providing energy support for farmers. The Government should also introduce a cap on domestic heating oil costs to assist those off-grid."]
Economic Growth
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Bluetongue Virus in Livestock
03 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Environmental Protection
06 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mary Creagh, a Labour MP for Wakefield, opened the debate by highlighting the need to address waste crime through stricter checks and requirements on those who transport and deal in waste. She emphasi...
Civil Service Pensions
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Farming Road Map and Profitability Review
24 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Pride Month
04 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Olivia Bailey opens the debate by highlighting the progress made in LGBT+ rights and recognising Labour's role in repealing section 28, ending the ban on LGBT people serving in armed forces, introduci...
South East Water: Disruption of Supply
03 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Readiness
20 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Energy Security
19 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Criticises the Government's energy policy, particularly the ban on new oil and gas licences. Emphasises the negative impact of these policies on Aberdeen, the North East of Scotland, and UK economic s...
Food Security and Cosmetically Imperfect Food
02 September 2026
The petition addresses the issue of food waste due to cosmetic standards, which has led to the rejection of nutritious but imperfect produce during the extreme summer heat, exacerbating import relianc...
View Full Petition -->
Access to household waste recycling facilities in Sherborne
21 April 2026
The petition addresses the concern of Somerset residents who are being charged £8.50 to use Dorset Council’s household waste recycling centres, which they believe should be free for local residents.
View Full Petition -->
Rural Post Offices
01 September 2025
The petition highlights the threat to rural post offices in Glastonbury and Somerton, noting the closure of several local post offices and the significant community impact, with over 800 signatures co...
View Full Petition -->
Rural Post Offices
15 July 2025
The petition addresses the closure of rural post offices in Glastonbury and Somerton, noting that the loss of several post offices has been detrimental to the local community. It highlights the prohib...
View Full Petition -->
Transport Infrastructure in Somerset
22 May 2024
The petition addresses the inadequacy of public transport infrastructure in Somerset, which limits economic growth, education, employment, and leisure opportunities for residents. It highlights that L...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
53.1%
52 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
39
39.8% of votes
No Votes
13
13.3% of votes
Abstentions
46
46.9% 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
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
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 AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
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
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
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
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 NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
4
PMQs Asked
88
Ministerial Questions Asked
112
House of Commons Debates Involved
7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
5
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+557% above average
This MP:
88
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+178% above average
This MP:
7
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2205% above average
This MP:
112
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
+104% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-23% below average
This MP:
53.1
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Sarah Dyke's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.