Sarah Gibson
MP for Chippenham
Lib Dem
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Before we leave the House for several weeks, I feel it is absolutely necessary to raise an issue in my constituency about which I have been trying to get an answer from DEFRA and EA. A landfill site in Calne is producing a sulphurous smell that is closing windows and leading to sore throats among children. The Environment Agency admits controls may not be working effectively. This is not the kind of thing we expect in the UK. I urge the Prime Minister to help me get a response from DEFRA and EA on measures to reassure constituents they are not suffering ill health.
Context
A landfill site in Calne is producing a sulphurous smell affecting residents' health and causing discomfort.
Keir Starmer
I thank the hon. Lady for raising the issue. Now that she has raised it with me, I will make sure that I go away and chase it up so that she gets the reply that her constituents are entitled to.
Assessment
Did not provide a direct commitment or timeline on reassurance measures.
Pledged To Follow Up
Session: PMQs
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Will the Minister join me in thanking and paying tribute to Carole Gould and Julie Devey, who are constituents of mine and my hon. Friend (Anna Sabine). Will he pay tribute to their dedication, persistence, and courage in trying to get changes to sentencing for domestic abuse?
Context
Carole Gould and Julie Devey from the action group Killed Women have campaigned persistently to get changes to sentencing for domestic abuse.
David Lammy
As a father of a daughter, I pay tribute to the constituents mentioned for their doughty campaign over many years. There will be women out there now whose lives will be saved as a result of the sentence that perpetrators of this terrible crime face.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-06-30
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The grid connections reform was intended to improve investor confidence by removing zombie projects and prioritising shovel-ready ones. However, repeated NESO delays mean developers are still waiting for gate 2 offers even for projects due in 2026-27. Given the importance of connection reform for clean power 2030 ambitions, will the Minister ensure NESO and network companies issue these connections as soon as possible?
Context
Concerns arise over delays in the grid connections reform process, impacting investor confidence.
Michael Shanks
Over 600 GW was in the queue, with 300 GW cleared. The process has delayed due to complexity but is now moving faster with NESO and transmission owners partnering to expedite issuing gate 2 connections. I will ensure this happens.
Session: Electricity Grid Connections
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What recent progress has been made on improving connections to the electricity grid? The grid connections reform process was designed to boost investor confidence but repeated delays from NESO mean developers are still waiting for gate 2 connection offers even for projects due in 2026 and 2027. This is damaging investor confidence, so how will the Government ensure NESO and network companies work at pace to issue those connections?
Context
The Liberal Democrat MP is concerned about delays in the grid connections reform process, which was intended to improve investor confidence by removing zombie projects and prioritising shovel-ready projects.
Michael Shanks
We have cleared out 300 GW from a queue of over 600 GW, but delays remain. The first gate 2 offers are going out now with NESO and transmission owners working together to expedite the process. I will ensure this happens.
Session: Electricity Grid Connections
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Small businesses are at the heart of local communities. How has the Secretary of State discussed with other Departments about improving rural transport infrastructure to support such firms?
Context
The question is prompted by the need for better rural transport to support small businesses like Carbon ThreeSixty in the constituency, which faces challenges with public transport and cycle routes.
Jonathan Reynolds
I welcome the hon. Member's question and highlight the importance of rural businesses. The role of my Department is to focus on championing issues across Government, whether they sit neatly in the Department or not. Transport is a significant part of long-term investments that will grow the productive potential of the UK over the next decade.
Session: Small and Medium-sized Businesses
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Tomorrow—on Friday the 13th—the EU's general product safety regulation comes into effect. Businesses are telling me that the additional costs will mean that they can no longer sell to the EU and to Northern Ireland. What steps is the Department taking to ensure that small businesses are supported as the regulation comes into effect?
Context
The EU's new regulation on general product safety will take effect, with concerns about additional costs impacting small businesses in the UK and Northern Ireland.
Justin Madders
As the hon. Lady rightly pointed out, the regulation covers things that most businesses are doing already, but we have provided guidance for businesses, including online marketplaces, on how the regulation will apply in Northern Ireland. We will continue to engage with businesses and online marketplaces to ensure that we are supporting them in dealing with this new regulation.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Level 7 Apprenticeships
25 November 2025
Responding: Andrew Western
Main Concerns
["The recent Government assessment identified acute areas of deprivation in Sarah Gibson's constituency driven by limited access to education and skills. For many young people, apprenticeships are the only realistic route into higher education, particularly for underprivileged children who can benefit from the industry's progress towards a better gender balance. The Government’s decision to restrict level 7 apprenticeship funding threatens this progress, with Skills England estimating that over 250,000 additional workers will be needed by 2028 simply to maintain current construction output."]
Specific Asks
['Sarah Gibson asks the Minister for an assessment of the impact of restricting level 7 funding on future diversity in professions requiring this level as part of their final qualification. She also questions what impact this restriction will have on the ability of these professions to deliver necessary homes and infrastructure.']
Climate Change
24 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to approve the draft Carbon Budget Order 2026, which was laid before this House on 2 June.
The Planning Bill - Various Lords Amendments
27 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves an amendment to the Lords' amendments, proposing further modifications to address concerns raised by the House of Commons and to maintain control over certain aspects of local government structu...
Planning Reform 2025-12-16
16 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Baby Loss 2025-10-13
13 October 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate discusses the challenges faced by families who have experienced baby loss, highlighting that 13 babies die daily in various circumstances. It emphasises disparities in outcomes based on eth...
Scunthorpe Steelworks 2025-04-07
07 April 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm what actions the Government are taking to prevent the closure of Scunthorpe’s steelworks? The urgency stems from British Steel's recent announcement of early asset closures a...
Terms and Conditions of Employment 2025-03-25
25 March 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The regulations aim to increase the national living wage rate and the national minimum wage rates on 1 April 2025. The Government is committed to making work pay by tackling low pay, poor working cond...
Royal Mail Takeover
16 December 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Bus Funding
18 November 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Future of the Post Office
13 November 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Rural Affairs
11 November 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate concerns the impact of the Budget on rural communities, focusing particularly on farming. The speaker emphasises that food security is a national priority and highlights significant investm...
Attendance
60.2%
50 of 83 votes
Aye Votes
37
44.6% of votes
No Votes
13
15.7% of votes
Abstentions
33
39.8% of votes
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
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 Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
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: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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 AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
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: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
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 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 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
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
04 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
03 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
1
PMQs Asked
5
Ministerial Questions Asked
17
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
83
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
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
-63% below average
This MP:
5
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+251% above average
This MP:
17
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-13% below average
This MP:
60.2
Average:
69.5
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 Gibson's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.