Sarah Edwards
MP for Tamworth
Lab
19 Oct 2023 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
On 16 July 2005, Private Leon Spicer and Private Phillip Hewett, both from Tamworth, and Second Lieutenant Richard Shearer from Nuneaton, were tragically killed in Iraq. More than 20 years on, our communities continue to remember their service and reflect on the ultimate sacrifice they made. Will the Prime Minister join me in paying tribute to these three brave men?
Context
Private Leon Spicer, Private Phillip Hewett, and Second Lieutenant Richard Shearer were tragically killed in Iraq in July 2005.
Keir Starmer
I thank my hon. Friend for the invitation, and join her in paying tribute to Private Leon Spicer, Private Phillip Hewett and Second Lieutenant Richard Shearer.
Session: PMQs
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I need your help as Prime Minister to deploy powers that can bring greater transparency, fairness, and competition to the commercial energy sector which has been called a 'wild west'. Can you ensure Ofgem will regulate and stamp out exploitation by third-party intermediaries?
Context
The hon. Member is launching the TNT charter to address unfair practices in commercial energy markets for SMEs.
Keir Starmer
We inherited high industrial energy costs but our British industry supercharger is cutting bills for major industries. We will appoint Ofgem to regulate and stamp out exploitation by third-party intermediaries, helping to reduce bills.
Session: PMQs
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In my constituency, the beautiful grade II listed Chetwynd bridge on the A513 between Edingale and Alrewas has been restricted to cars and light vans since October 2023, so farmers face a 25-mile diversion. With severe flooding hitting Edingale multiple times a year, this vital route risks being cut off for emergency response times as well. Bridges like this one, with a clear economic impact on communities, should be the focus of the Government's new structures fund, which I welcome. Will the Prime Minister encourage his Ministers to meet with me so that we can find a solution to this issue for my rural constituents in Tamworth?
Context
Concern over the restriction of Chetwynd bridge to cars and light vans, causing a 25-mile diversion for farmers. The question highlights the risk to emergency response times during severe flooding.
Keir Starmer
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this issue. Just hearing her makes it absolutely clear that we need to find a solution, so I will make sure that she gets the meeting that she requests with the relevant Minister so that we can move as quickly as possible.
Session: PMQs
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Many of my constituents, such as local mum Jessica, have contacted me about special educational needs and disability support. Jessica's son has waited years for an autism diagnosis, and he is not expected to have an education, health and care plan in place by the time he goes to secondary school. Will the Prime Minister confirm that students who need an EHCP will get one so that they can thrive at school?
Context
Local constituents, including Jessica, have faced long wait times for autism diagnosis and lack of EHCPs. Jessica's son is likely to start secondary school without an education, health and care plan.
Rishi Sunak
Of course, we want to see every child thrive at school, which is why we have tripled the amount going into special educational needs for capital places and put more money into support ECHPs. I am sorry to hear about the case that the hon. Lady mentions. I will ensure that we continue to look at this matter in particular, because, as she said, we want every child to thrive at school.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not commit to ensuring students who need an EHCP will receive one.
We Continue To Look At This Matter
Session: PMQs
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My constituency has been extremely lucky in getting £20 million for Glascote Heath and Stonydelph under the Pride in Place programme, which gives local people the ability to choose how the funding is to be spent. Will there be more rounds of this funding or similar schemes so that local people can be put in charge of how their money is spent?
Context
The constituency of Tamworth received £20 million for Glascote Heath and Stonydelph under the Pride in Place programme.
Lucy Rigby
The Pride in Place programme provides £5.8 billion of support to 284 neighbourhoods right across the country, including five places in my hon. Friend's constituency, which she does so much to advocate for. We will set out more details of further funding in the Budget.
Session: Topical Questions
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What opportunities are the ministerial team trying to develop in region, so that we can work with our allies to make the most of export business opportunities?
Context
The Midlands had its first defence procurement conference.
Seema Malhotra
We are building long-term partnerships between UK regions and our global network to support local growth, including in the west midlands and with more ministerial and head of mission visits across the UK this year.
Session: Topical Questions
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I regularly hear about the growing skills shortage and the urgent need to change perceptions about careers in construction. What steps is the Minister taking to invest in technical training for young people so that SME house builders have the skilled workforce they need?
Context
The questioner, as chair of the all-party parliamentary group for small and medium-sized enterprise house builders, highlights the growing skills shortage in the construction industry.
Pat McFadden
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to draw attention to the need for skills for house building. We support those skills through sector-based work academy programmes and last year, the Government announced a £625 million construction skills package to recruit 60,000 workers by 2029.
Session: Topical Questions
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With rising fuel costs caused by the Hormuz strait blockade, what steps is the Minister taking to secure its reopening and reduce costs for Tamworth residents and the UK?
Context
Fuel costs have risen due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, affecting constituents in Tamworth, especially the logistics sector.
Yvette Cooper
No involvement in conflict initiation, working towards closure and strait reopening; holding summits for no tolls; arguing against hijacking shipping lanes and hostage-taking by any country.
Session: Gulf Conflict
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My constituents are forced to travel far for their NHS treatment at the community diagnostic centre in Burton, Derby, or Sutton Coldfield. What is the Minister doing to deliver healthcare investment locally and improve transport links between NHS sites?
Context
Constituents face long travel distances for NHS treatments, up to 30 miles with limited public transportation options.
Karin Smyth
My hon. Friend highlights an important point about further roll-outs of CDCs, particularly for communities such as hers. We are expanding those and access through the front door via the NHS app and digital. Our new online hospital service will improve the sorts of issues that she mentions so that we bring services closer to her patients.
Session: Topical Questions
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Residents in my constituency have faced years of disruption from High Speed 2. Upcoming works include an 11-day closure at Swinfen interchange and a year-long closure of the northbound slip road at Streethay. Will the Secretary of State outline when these works will be completed? What assurances can be given that the disruption will be minimised?
Context
Residents in Tamworth and Lichfield face significant disruption due to HS2 works on the A38.
Heidi Alexander
HS2 works very closely with highways authorities to minimise impacts. The 11-day closure of the A38 at Swinfen interchange will avoid six months of repeated full-weekend closures.
Session: Topical Questions
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Like many Members in this House, I welcome the Government’s industrial strategy and its focus on growth for our local communities. Across Wales, we have a number of former mining towns, which face the challenge of retraining and upskilling their local workforce. My constituency of Tamworth, a former mining town, faces similar challenges. Will the Minister tell me how the industrial strategy will support former mining towns across Wales and in my constituency of Tamworth?
Context
The question is prompted by the publication of the government's industrial strategy and concerns its impact on areas in Wales with a history of coal mining, where retraining and upskilling are necessary.
Nia Griffith
There are many job opportunities coming to Wales through the industrial strategy. We are also ensuring that local communities have the money available to secure the safety of the coal tips, which is the industrial legacy of those communities. That means £118 million of additional funding on top of the £25 million that we have already dedicated to those areas. As my hon. Friend will know, we are also forging ahead with the industrial zones and freeports in Wales and also the supply chains for the various industries that I mentioned in my previous answer, and they will include, I know, industries in Tamworth.
Session: Industrial Strategy
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There has been a spate of attacks at Swinfen Hall Prison, which holds young offenders, in my constituency. Drugs, phones and weapons are often dropped in by drone. The families of prisoners are concerned for their safety, and prison officers are at risk. What steps are the Government taking to prevent drones and to tackle the high levels of violence in our prisons?
Context
Swinfen Hall Prison in Tamworth has experienced a spate of attacks, with drug and weapon deliveries via drones. The families and prison officers are concerned for safety.
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Shabana Mahmood)
Under the last Government, between 2019 and 2023, drone sightings around prisons increased by over 770%. We are investing £40 million in bolstering security measures in our prisons, and we are currently trialling new anti-drone netting on the long-term, high-security estate to tackle drone incursions.
Session: Prison Security
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Can the Minister share with me, as chair of the reconstituted all-party parliamentary group on pensions and growth, any plans for how counties that are outside mayoral authorities, such as Staffordshire, could benefit from pension reforms to encourage more investment in the UK, to support infrastructure, jobs and local regeneration?
Context
The MP is chair of the reconstituted all-party parliamentary group on pensions and growth, focusing on how counties outside mayoral authorities can benefit from pension reforms.
Torsten Bell
Our reforms to the local government pension scheme will support local investment in every part of England and Wales. Our defence spending plans are significant, with total defence spending in the west midlands amounting to £1.6 billion a year. Additionally, we are building reservoirs across various regions including one in the west midlands.
Session: Pension Savings Investment Returns
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On International Women’s Day, our community in Tamworth came together to not only celebrate the achievements of women, but reflect on the important issue of the safety of women and girls. Local women Tamanna and Mckenzie took the initiative to organise a walk-and-talk event, bringing together key organisations, including the UP Creative Hub community interest company and Tamworth Street Angels. They had never organised an event before, and they managed to pull together 50 women in just two weeks. Will the Minister join me in congratulating Tamanna and Mckenzie on that fantastic event, and on their dedication to raising awareness of such an important issue?
Context
Local women in Tamworth organized a walk-and-talk event to raise awareness of the safety of women and girls.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Jess Phillips)
Absolutely, gladly. Tamanna and Mckenzie deserve all our praise. It is infectious; the first time we do such a thing often leads to the second. The rising of the women is the rising of us all.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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In my constituency, a local hospitality business’s energy provider, E.ON, has behaved appallingly by back-billing and incorrectly billing, leaving that business nearly bankrupt. While I welcome the new expanded remit of the Energy Ombudsman, we need to ensure that it has the capacity and powers that it needs to protect businesses. Would the Minister meet me to discuss this case, and what are the Government doing to ensure that our local businesses are not driven to bankruptcy by the outrageous behaviour of energy suppliers?
Context
A local hospitality business in Tamworth faces near-bankruptcy due to incorrect and back billing by E.ON. The Energy Ombudsman's expanded remit has been welcomed, but concerns remain about its capacity.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Miatta Fahnbulleh)
I am happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this case. However, there are clear rules in place to protect consumers from unfair back-billing, and energy companies must comply with those rules. I have met Energy UK, the industry body, and Ofgem to reinforce our expectation that if rules are not complied with, Ofgem will take enforcement action. The broader point is that we have to ensure that the energy market is working for consumers and is fair.
Session: Energy Consumer Support
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What discussions are being had with airlines to encourage flights from regional airports outside London? In Tamworth, where the logistics sector is dominant and East Midlands Airport plays a crucial role, what specific steps will be taken to fuel economic growth in the west midlands by reviewing capacity at our regional airports?
Context
In Tamworth, logistics is the largest sectoral employer. East Midlands airport handles about 440,000 tonnes of freight annually and is part of a European rail link hub.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mike Kane)
This Government are committed to growth, which regional airports support by serving their local communities, creating jobs, and acting as gateways to international opportunities. Heathrow expansion could give more regions access to a bigger international network through their local airports, thus boosting productivity further. The Chancellor recently announced plans to build an advanced manufacturing and logistics park at East Midlands airport, unlocking up to £1 billion of investment and 2,000 jobs on the site.
Session: Regional Airports
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In my constituency we are proud to host the Defence Medical Services at Whittington. We are looking forward to a fresh date being set for a visit from my hon. Friend the Minister for Veterans and People so that he can see its brilliant work for himself. What steps is the Minister taking to build on the success of such centres of excellence in any new recruitment programmes?
Context
The MP expressed interest in a visit from the Minister for Veterans and People to see the Defence Medical Services at Whittington.
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Luke Pollard)
It is vital that we seek to invest in Defence Medical Services, especially as we live in more difficult and contested times where we may need to use its expertise and that of the national health service across the UK to support a warfighting effort. I know the Minister for Veterans and People is looking forward to visiting Whittington later this year. I hope that when the strategic defence review comes out, my hon. Friend the Member for Tamworth (Sarah Edwards) will see the path to investment and support that we are offering Defence Medical Services as we look to create a whole-of-society approach to our defence.
Session: Armed Forces Recruitment
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Many women fear violence and assault on nights out, even more so when alcohol is involved and it is dark. In my constituency, the Tamworth street angels do vital work to ensure that people feel safe in the town centre during the evenings, and they offer support when women need it most. Does the Minister agree that we should support such organisations, and will she join me in congratulating the Tamworth street angels on their recent King’s award for voluntary service?
Context
The Tamworth street angels offer support to people in the town centre during evenings, particularly for women who feel unsafe. They were recently awarded a King’s award for their voluntary service.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Jess Phillips)
I join my hon. Friend in saying what amazing and vital work is being done by people like the Tamworth street angels. It is unacceptable that women feel unsafe when they are out and about, and this Government seek not only to change legislation—on spiking, for example—to make sure our laws are right, but to make sure that, on the ground, we are training people in pubs, clubs, bars and across our night-time economy. We can write words on goatskin, but when the rubber hits the road in places like Tamworth, we need people like the street angels to make sure it actually means something.
Session: Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls
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Does the Secretary of State agree that we must continue to support heritage as a regenerative tool in Northern Ireland and the wider UK with deals like this?
Context
Belfast has seen economic redevelopment partly driven by embracing its heritage.
Hilary Benn
I agree. These deals are all about partnerships and places, including their heritage. All those are an integral part of the approach. In Belfast, the city deal is roaring ahead with things such as the advanced manufacturing centre and considerable investment in digital.
Session: City and Growth Deals
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What discussions has he had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the future of city and growth deals in Northern Ireland?
Context
Discussions were held to sign the heads of terms document for the Mid South West growth deal.
Hilary Benn
It was a pleasure to sign the heads of terms document for the Mid South West growth deal alongside the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Minister for Finance on 6 November. These deals are a partnership between the Northern Ireland Executive, the UK Government, local authorities and businesses.
Session: City and Growth Deals
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Does the Minister accept that selling off service accommodation can contribute to lower recruitment and retention levels?
Context
The Department is continuing to sell off service accommodation, including at Whittington in Tamworth.
James Cartlidge
The investment of £400 million is making a difference by putting in treatments for damp, mould, new doors, boilers. The commitment to 2.5% funding shows the importance of improving armed forces personnel's homes.
Session: Service Accommodation 2024-05-20 (2)
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The covid procurement scandal upset many people; I spoke with a fantastic local business in Tamworth that was manufacturing PPE as part of the regional procurement but was cut out of the process during the pandemic. The UK must be prepared for another pandemic, and British manufacturing offers a faster response time and more stable supply chain. When will we return to regional procurement to prioritize local businesses when providing PPE?
Context
The question relates to the exclusion of a local business, Wearwell (UK), from regional procurement during the pandemic. There is concern about relying on international suppliers and interest in prioritizing domestic manufacturing.
Alex Burghart
I welcome the hon. Lady to what I think are her first Cabinet Office questions. She is right to draw attention to the fantastic textile manufacturing that exists in the region in which her constituency sits. She will have heard me talk about the Procurement Act 2023, which was passed last year and will make sure that small and medium-sized enterprises, which by their nature are often local enterprises, will have a bigger share of public procurement.
Session: Covid-19 Procurement Fraud
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What recent estimate has been made of the cost to the public purse of procurement fraud during the covid-19 pandemic?
Context
The question stems from an inquiry into public expenditure losses due to procurement fraud related to the pandemic. The Government had released a report detailing detected procurement fraud costs for 2020-21.
Alex Burghart
The Government's “Cross-Government Fraud Landscape Annual Report 2022” includes data from the first year of the Government's response to the pandemic. The report suggests that in 2020-21, Government Departments and arm's length bodies reported a total of £124.6 million of detected procurement fraud. The same report showed that at the end of March 2021, some £88.2 million of fraud and error had been recovered within covid-19 schemes. Since then, crucially, further funds have been recovered and the Government will continue to update the House as fresh data becomes available.
Session: Covid-19 Procurement Fraud
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With a growing number of my constituents not even reporting crimes because they do not have access to a public police station, will the Minister reconsider additional funds to ensure that local police stations, such as Tamworth's, are reopening public-facing police desks?
Context
The MP noted constituents not reporting crimes due to lack of access to public police stations, prompting the request for additional funds.
Chris Philp
Staffordshire constabulary will receive an extra £16 million next year compared with the current financial year, which is a significant increase. They now have more than 2,000 police officers due to our uplift programme, which has seen record police numbers across England and Wales.
Session: Neighbourhood Policing
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What recent assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of neighbourhood policing levels?
Context
The adequacy of neighbourhood policing levels has been questioned, with recent assessments requested from the Department.
Chris Philp
Figures for local policing started to be published in 2015, with 61,083 roles at the time. The most recent figures for March last year show that the number had increased by 6,000 to 67,785.
Session: Neighbourhood Policing
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What steps she is taking to increase access to child and adolescent mental health services, given that many constituents are desperate for support?
Context
The MP notes the additional funding for child and adolescent mental health services but seeks clarity on specific steps being taken to address urgent needs in her constituency.
Maria Caulfield
We are investing an extra £2.3 billion a year to expand mental health services in England, aiming for 2 million more people to access mental health support including 345,000 children and young people.
Session: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
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I am concerned about many constituents in Tamworth coming to me in desperate need of support for their children. Those include Kate whose daughter is at crisis point and has been without a psychiatrist since November; Roger who has waited 18 months for an autism referral for his daughter; and Jess waiting for an ADHD assessment for her son. Will the Minister explain what action she is taking so that children, parents and families in my constituency can get the support they need?
Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of access to child and adolescent mental health services in her constituency, citing specific cases where families have been waiting for extended periods without necessary support.
Maria Caulfield
Through the investment we are putting in, particularly in the hon. Lady's local area, there are a number of initiatives to help support children and young people with their mental health. The Sandbox scheme supports those in the south Staffordshire area; Malachi provides family support across Tamworth and east Staffordshire; Combined Wellbeing covers north Staffordshire as an online resource; Family Wellbeing Service for ages 5-18 with mild to moderate needs; Staffordshire Emotional Health and Wellbeing Service for ages 5-18. I recommend constituents look up these funded services to improve mental health care in her local area.
Session: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
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As HS2 trains are designed for new tracks rather than current Victorian-era infrastructure, surely this will result in slower trains and reduced services for constituents. Can he explain how decreased capacity across the network, slower trains and fewer services will benefit constituents?
Context
HS2 trains are designed for new tracks, potentially resulting in slower speeds and reduced capacity on existing lines. The questioner asks about the impact on her constituents.
Huw Merriman
Again, that is not the case at all. HS2 trains will be built to run across the network they will travel on. On parts of the west coast main line where tilting trains go faster, HS2 trains will also be able to go at a faster speed. The journey time to Manchester will come down from two hours and 12 minutes to one hour and 40 minutes, leading to a faster service for all.
Session: High Speed 2
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What estimate has he made of the net cost to the public purse of land purchased and planned for sale in connection with HS2 phase 2?
Context
A total of £573 million had been spent acquiring land for HS2 phase 2 as of October 2023. The question concerns the net cost to the public purse from land purchases and planned sales.
Huw Merriman
As of October 2023, a total of £573 million had been spent acquiring land and property assets on phase 2. That includes all property asset types such as plots of land, farmland, farms, commercial property and domestic property. Any land and property asset that is no longer required will be sold, and a programme is being developed to do that.
Session: High Speed 2
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It is not possible for people in Tamworth to reach Burton hospital by bus if they need to do so. Will the Government commit to supporting Labour's take back control Bill, which will devolve the running of bus services to local authorities, so that bus routes that communities need can be delivered by the people who know where they are needed most?
Context
In Tamworth, it is impossible for people to reach Burton hospital by bus when needed. The Labour party has a Bill that would devolve the running of bus services to local authorities.
Richard Holden
This Government have put in unprecedented amounts of support for bus services, including £150 million for the midlands and the north. The Bus Services Act 2017 allowed franchising to be expanded across the country. I urge her to speak to the county council in her region and try to get it to allocate some of that money to support local services.
Session: Bus Services
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Business Energy Supply Billing: Regulation
01 July 2025
Responding: Miatta Fahnbulleh
Main Concerns
['My constituent Samantha Panton received an £10,000 demand from E.ON Next, threatening to close her business and put 10 jobs at risk. Upon investigation, it was found that E.ON Next owed Ms Panton £4,433 due to a billing error. The company ignored concerns about its mishandling of credit notes and breaches of back-billing regulations. Additionally, Ofgem’s review showed that only two suppliers have ever been fined for licence breaches and many do not report them.']
Specific Asks
["I ask the Minister when the proposed review of Ofgem's new licence rules will happen and whether she can guarantee it will be rigorous and effective. I also inquire about the conclusion of the review of Ofgem itself, as there is growing concern that Ofgem is not fit for purpose."]
Humanist Marriage
12 June 2025
Responding: Alex Davies-Jones
Main Concerns
['Despite conducting tens of thousands of ceremonies annually, including weddings and funerals, Humanist UK-trained celebrants are legally recognised only in some UK jurisdictions. In England and Wales, couples must undergo a separate civil marriage ceremony to gain legal status, imposing financial burdens and administrative challenges.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should take the simple step of granting legal recognition to humanist marriages based on the overwhelming support from public consultations and the precedent set in other UK jurisdictions.']
Defence Industries: West Midlands
19 March 2025
Responding: Luke Pollard
Main Concerns
['Global threats are evolving, making defence investment more critical. The west midlands and UK have major players like Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems, but skill shortages and supply chain volatility risk holding back the sector. Nearly 18,000 people work in defence SMEs in the West Midlands, with £1.6 billion spent annually by the Ministry of Defence.']
Specific Asks
['The upcoming defence industrial strategy must prioritise British businesses, including SMEs, ensuring investment creates jobs and strengthens national security. There is a need for longer-term funding models to provide certainty and drive innovation.']
Zero Emission Vans
29 October 2024
Responding: Lilian Greenwood
Main Concerns
['Vans are crucial for many industries in the UK economy, yet emissions from vans are increasing year on year. In Tamworth, extreme flooding events are becoming more common due to climate change, impacting both residents and businesses. The move to zero emission vehicles faces challenges such as higher costs, inadequate infrastructure, and regulatory hurdles. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular struggle with the upfront costs of transitioning to electric vans, energy rate increases, and grid upgrade delays.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should consider additional support for businesses moving towards zero emission vans, including targeted incentives, a roll-out of suitable infrastructure, and revisiting regulation regarding vehicle weight classes. The UK could also look at successful policies from other countries to inform its strategy.']
School Minibus Safety
12 February 2026
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
Sarah Edwards raised the issue of school minibus safety, highlighting a tragic incident from 1993 where 12 children and their teacher lost their lives in a crash. She argued that current regulations a...
Rural Mobile Connectivity
12 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate focuses on the inadequate mobile signal coverage in rural England, particularly highlighting the frustrations and inconveniences faced by constituents due to poor connectivity. Helen Morgan...
Business Rates Retail, Hospitality and Leisure 2026-01-19
19 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that the planned changes to business rates for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors will not result in crippling rises? Given the significant negative impact these cha...
Road Safety Strategy 2026-01-08
08 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Minister highlighted the new national road safety strategy aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries on British roads by 65% by 2035. She emphasised the current plateau in road safety improvem...
Business of the House 2026-01-08
08 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The MP expressed dissatisfaction with the Government’s practice of making significant policy announcements when Parliament is not sitting. He cited several examples of U-turns on policies related to i...
Employment Rights Bill 2025-09-15
15 September 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Birmingham Pub Bombings 2025-07-09
09 July 2025
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
Fifty-one years ago, two bombs exploded in the Mulberry Bush and Tavern in the Town pubs in Birmingham, resulting in 21 deaths and over 200 injuries. The Birmingham Six were arrested, tortured, and co...
Pension Schemes Bill 2025-07-07
07 July 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill aims to deliver fundamental reforms to the pensions landscape, building on a broad consensus across the House. It focuses on higher returns for pension savers, responds to specific responsibi...
NHS 10-Year Plan 2025-07-03
03 July 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Department for Business and Trade 2025-03-05
05 March 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Liam Byrne emphasises the unity of purpose among businesses in the UK regarding economic growth, highlighting their desire for an ambitious reset with the European Union, free trade deals, and support...
Attendance
71.4%
70 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
28
28.6% of votes
No Votes
42
42.9% of votes
Abstentions
28
28.6% 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
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 NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
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
DID NOT VOTE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED 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
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
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
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
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
4
PMQs Asked
26
Ministerial Questions Asked
28
House of Commons Debates Involved
4
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
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+94% above average
This MP:
26
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+59% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+476% above average
This MP:
28
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 (%)
+3% above average
This MP:
71.4
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Sarah Edwards's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.