Sarah Green
MP for Chesham and Amersham
Lib Dem
17 Jun 2021 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Yesterday, I spoke to women whose children were harmed after they continued taking sodium valproate during pregnancy. A Government Department commissioned a report on how to provide a redress scheme but did not introduce one yet. When will this Government respond to the Hughes report and establish a redress scheme for affected families?
Context
Women whose children suffered avoidable harm due to continued use of sodium valproate during pregnancy have urged the government for a redress scheme.
Keir Starmer
We recognise the harm caused by sodium valproate. The Minister for Public Health is dedicated to this issue, and I want a full response published as quickly as possible, keeping the hon. Lady updated on its progress.
Assessment
Specific timeline or commitment to establish a redress scheme was not given
Session: PMQs
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Many of my constituents are struggling to keep up with their energy bills this winter. When families fall behind, they are too often punished by being switched over to prepayment meters, which are more expensive do nothing to help their financial situation. Will the Prime Minister back our call to ban energy companies from forcibly installing prepayment meters and stop them switching smart meters over to prepayment meters remotely?
Context
Many constituents are struggling to keep up with their energy bills this winter. Energy companies often switch them over to more expensive prepayment meters.
Rishi Sunak
I want to assure the hon. Lady that Ofgem has specific regulations in place regarding the use of prepayment meters and how energy companies should treat those who are struggling with their bills. I am pleased to say that her constituents will receive, at a minimum, around £900 of support with their energy bills this winter as a result of this Government's actions.
Assessment
Did not back the call for a ban on prepayment meters
Session: PMQs
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The Epilepsy Society is researching the impact of climate change on epilepsy through their climate change initiative. Will the Prime Minister endorse this initiative and commit to additional funding for research?
Context
The Epilepsy Society, based in the MP's constituency, has started a project to understand how global warming affects epilepsy. A survey found 62% of those with uncontrolled seizures experienced increased severity or frequency in hot weather.
Boris Johnson
The Prime Minister acknowledges the importance of researching the potential link between hot weather and epilepsy but does not commit to additional funding.
Assessment
Commitment to endorsing and providing more funding
We Are Funding Epilepsy Research With Another £54 Million
Session: PMQs
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With a cumulative deficit of over £45 million already on the books, Buckinghamshire council is being asked to plan without knowing whether it will receive deficit relief. Will the Minister meet me and discuss support for councils like Buckinghamshire if such applications are rejected?
Context
Buckinghamshire council submitted its SEND improvement plan but faces significant deficits. The decision on deficit relief will be delayed until after the school year starts.
Georgia Gould
Many hon. Members across the House have talked to me about the issues with local authorities' delivery on SEND. The Department is determined to hold local authorities to account and ensure that they are all doing everything they can to support children and young people.
Session: SEND Improvement
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Will she meet me to discuss ways we can better support freelancers in our creatives industries, given that some chaperones are waiting up to eight months for payment due to disputes between agencies and production companies?
Context
Creative freelancers face challenges such as delayed payments from agencies and production companies, which affects their ability to support themselves and the sector.
Lisa Nandy
The Government are aware of the challenges faced by freelancers in the industry and would be delighted to organise a meeting with relevant officials. They have recently appointed a freelance champion role to advocate for these workers.
Session: Support for Creative Industries
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What steps is she taking to help support creative industries, given that nearly a third of those in the sector are self-employed and some chaperones are waiting up to eight months to be paid due to disputes between agencies and production companies?
Context
Creative industries are expanding but face challenges such as high self-employment rates and payment delays for chaperones.
Lisa Nandy
The Government recognise the challenges faced by a casualised industry with voiceless freelancers. They are willing to arrange a meeting with officials and have recently appointed a freelance champion role to advocate for these workers.
Session: Support for Creative Industries
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Not only are small businesses facing increasing energy bills, but they are dealing with prohibitive costs in connecting to the grid when they want to expand. What is the Department doing to bring down the cost of grid connection?
Context
Small businesses face high costs in connecting to the grid, affecting their ability to expand and create jobs.
Chris McDonald
We are concerned about the ability of businesses to connect to the grid, both to expand and to invest in new production facilities. Part of the work we did on reordering the grid queue was to help with that, but my colleague the Minister for Energy has commissioned an Ofgem end-to-end review so that we can bear down on the cost of grid connections.
Session: Cost of Energy Support for Businesses
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What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of providing further support to businesses with the cost of energy?
Context
The question arises from discussions on expanding support for businesses facing high energy costs.
Chris McDonald
Supporting businesses with the cost of energy is a priority for the Government. We have expanded support through the British industrial competitiveness scheme and increased discounts on electricity network charges, and we stand ready to act if market conditions worsen due to the middle east crisis.
Session: Cost of Energy Support for Businesses
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I want to know what specific work is underway to ensure necessary infrastructure is provided for new housing developments. The cumulative effect on sewerage systems and GP provision from many small developments should be addressed similarly to large projects. Given the lack of a local plan in Buckinghamshire, communities struggle with agency engagement.
Context
The MP continues to question the adequacy of infrastructure in new housing developments, emphasizing that smaller developments can also significantly impact local services such as GP provision and sewerage systems.
Matthew Pennycook
Having up-to-date local plans and infrastructure funding statements is crucial for ensuring timely infrastructure provision. The Minister expresses willingness to meet the hon. Lady to address her concerns about speeding up development and improving agency engagement in her constituency.
Session: Housing Developments Access to Infrastructure
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I am concerned that new housing developments do not have adequate access to infrastructure. I want to know what work the Department is doing to ensure necessary infrastructure is in place, especially given the cumulative effect of smaller developments on local facilities like sewerage systems and GP provision. We lack a local plan in Buckinghamshire, and communities struggle with agency engagement.
Context
The MP is concerned about the adequacy of infrastructure such as sewerage systems and GP provision in new housing developments, which can cumulatively impact local services.
Matthew Pennycook
Having up-to-date local plans and infrastructure funding statements is crucial for ensuring timely infrastructure provision. The Minister expresses willingness to meet the hon. Lady to address her concerns about speeding up development and improving agency engagement in her constituency.
Session: Housing Developments Access to Infrastructure
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Can the Minister outline what steps the Department is taking to ensure that increases in rail fares do not restrict access to education, and would he support the Liberal Democrat amendment to the Railways Bill?
Context
A constituent's daughter experienced an increase in rail fare costs, raising concerns about the impact on education accessibility. The Liberal Democrats propose amending the Railways Bill to cap fare increases at inflation.
Keir Mather
The hon. Lady is right to point to the fact that our railways need to serve as a catalyst for young people to access the educational opportunities they need. I have already explained that we are freezing regulated rail fares for the first time in 30 years, which we hope will have a benefit for constituents across the area that she represents. Ultimately, the only way that we can get fares down in the long term is to have a railway with a single guiding mind and a single point of accountability, and that is through Great British Railways.
Session: Rail Fare Affordability
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What steps she is taking to help improve the affordability of rail fares for passengers?
Context
The cost of living crisis has led to concerns about the affordability of rail fares for passengers. The government is facing pressure to address this issue.
Keir Mather
This Government know that many people across the country are struggling with the cost of living. That is why we are taking historic steps to improve affordability for rail passengers, including freezing regulated rail fares for the first time in 30 years, saving commuters up to £300 per year, and delivering another Great British rail sale in January, with over 1 million discounted tickets sold.
Session: Rail Fare Affordability
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I have one family who have waited over a year for a court hearing. A year is a long time for a child, and we know that others are waiting even longer. Will the Minister share what specific measures she is taking to ensure that cases involving children and vulnerable families are resolved more quickly?
Context
The backlog in the family court is causing distress, with some families waiting over a year for a hearing. This delay affects children's well-being.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)
Delays in the family court are untenable, and we are determined to roll out our pathfinder model to ensure a child-centric approach. We aim to repeal the presumption of parental involvement through the Victims and Courts Bill. The Minister invites the hon. Lady to write about that specific case for a full response.
Session: Family Court Reform
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Point 24 of Russia's peace plan proposes to establish a humanitarian committee to resolve outstanding issues such as prisoner exchanges on an 'all for all' basis and the return of civilian detainees and hostages, including children. That approach conflates prisoners of war with stolen children, who are afforded special protected status under the fourth Geneva convention. What guarantees can the Secretary of State provide that the UK will ensure that all Geneva convention signatories uphold their obligations in line with international law and the return of the stolen children?
Context
Point 24 of Russia’s peace plan proposes establishing a humanitarian committee for prisoner exchanges, including children. This involves international law.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Yvette Cooper)
Children kidnapped and stolen from Ukraine need to be returned to their families and to their country—that is essential. It must happen, and it is unconditional on anything else. The UK is continuing to support Ukraine and other countries in the work of tracing and identifying where children are, which includes direct work that has helped to identify the locations of 600 stolen children.
Session: Ukraine
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On Friday, I met primary schools in my constituency that are accommodating in their classrooms children who they are not set up for. One school had to convert its library for two children for whom the main classroom setting is overwhelming, and a second had to do the same for its IT department. What reassurance can the Minister give those teachers and schools that they will get the funding and resources they need to accommodate children with additional needs?
Context
The MP met primary schools in her constituency that had to make adjustments to accommodate children who require specific support.
Georgia Gould (The Minister for School Standards)
I have visited bespoke resource centres. I was recently in a resource centre in Southwark that provides that kind of brilliant provision. The £740 million we have set out is exactly to provide more specialist places that allow children to get the right support they need, often within mainstream schools and within their local communities.
Session: Children with SEND Mainstream Schools
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Residents in my constituency are concerned about a proposed site for a battery energy storage system on agricultural land in the green belt. With tales of similar storage systems catching fire, there is understandable fear in the community. Would the Minister meet me to discuss making local fire services statutory consultees for certain types of battery storage planning applications, and to hear my residents’ concerns, and will he reassure them that they will not be guinea pigs for new or untested technology?
Context
Residents in Sarah Green's constituency are concerned about a proposed site for a battery energy storage system on agricultural land within the green belt. There have been reports of similar storage systems catching fire, causing fear among local communities.
The Minister for Energy (Michael Shanks)
Public confidence in the safety of all infrastructure is incredibly important, as noted by the hon. Lady. Battery technology is no more unsafe than any other technology, but if there is a public perception that it is, then we take action to deal with that. I am hosting a roundtable to look at what more we can do around safety, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is doing work on some of the regulations in this space. The Health and Safety Executive closely regulates battery technology. I am happy to meet the hon. Lady to discuss what more we can do.
Session: Energy Infrastructure Applications Land Use Changes
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The Minister will know that Médecins Sans Frontières has referred to the locations used by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as sites of “orchestrated killing”. What pressure are the Government bringing to bear on both the Israeli and US Governments to stop using the foundation and reinstate the United Nations-led system of aid delivery?
Context
Médecins Sans Frontières has referred to locations used by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as sites of 'orchestrated killing'. The GHF is not working and has led to thousands upon thousands of injuries and many, many deaths at its sites.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
The hon. Lady is absolutely right. The Foreign Secretary set out our very clear views yesterday afternoon. The GHF is not working and has led to thousands upon thousands of injuries and many, many deaths at its sites. I have heard of the considerable looting that is associated with the lack of UN machinery—machinery that was functioning effectively.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Aid
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I have too many constituents whose financial abuse is effectively being perpetuated and facilitated by the Child Maintenance Service. I have secured a meeting with the relevant Minister in the other place, but it has been postponed. Could the Minister help me to secure a date for that meeting? I am sure that he would agree that if the system is at fault, it needs to change.
Context
The Child Maintenance Service is being used to facilitate economic abuse, affecting constituents who are victims of financial exploitation.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Andrew Western)
I hope the hon. Member has heard me say that we concur with the need for change. We have announced changes in the right direction today, and I will of course pick up with my fellow Minister about securing that meeting for her. I know they have already been in protracted talks about arranging it, and I will make sure it happens.
Session: Child Maintenance System Economic Abuse
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I thank the Minister for his response. He will know that some projects are waiting up to 15 years to connect to the grid, and the Secretary of State earlier referred to the zombie waiting list. Could I push him further and ask precisely what concrete steps the Department is taking to drastically cut that waiting list?
Context
Some projects wait up to 15 years to connect to the grid, and there are concerns about a 'zombie waiting list'.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Michael Shanks)
We have outlined significant reforms to the connections queue. There is currently more than 740 GW in that connection queue, most of which does not really exist. We prioritise projects that are ready to connect to the grid and have strategic importance to the grid through our reforms. The clean power action plan will drive forward these strategic outcomes. This work is under way with the National Energy System Operator considering those proposals, freeing up a huge number of projects from the connections queue for new ones.
Session: Grid Capacity
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My constituent was subject to financial, physical and emotional abuse by her ex-partner. She was also cyber-stalked; her social media accounts were hacked for details of her location and information about their children. Despite being granted a non-molestation order and a prohibited steps order, she was unable to compile sufficient evidence of the cyber-stalking to be granted a stalking protection order. Speaking to her, her fear is palpable. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that victims are supported in compiling the evidence they need for a stalking protection order?
Context
A constituent experienced financial, physical, emotional abuse and cyber-stalking by her ex-partner despite having non-molestation and prohibited steps orders. She faces difficulty in compiling evidence for a stalking protection order.
Shabana Mahmood (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
I am very sorry to hear of the experiences of the hon. Lady’s constituent; it is clearly a horrifying case, and my sympathies are with her. Given that stalking protection orders are relatively new, there is a case for continually examining whether their roll-out is working as intended. They are primarily a Home Office responsibility, but there are amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill, which is going through the House, that are designed to strengthen these orders. If the hon. Lady will write to me, I will ensure that she has a meeting with the relevant Minister to talk through the specifics of the case that she has raised, and the lessons that can be learned as we strengthen these orders for everyone.
Session: Victims of Domestic Abuse and Violence
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Chesham grammar school has received exceptional funding from the Department for some years to facilitate the hire of the neighbouring leisure centre’s sports hall for PE lessons. This year, the school’s application has been denied, despite its circumstances not having changed; it still has no on-site sports hall, and it still needs to fund the £65,000 hiring fees each year. Will the Minister meet me to discuss this particular case to ensure that the students of Chesham grammar school have access to the PE curriculum the school is required to provide come September?
Context
Chesham grammar school in Chesham and Amersham has received exceptional funding to hire a neighbouring leisure centre's sports hall for PE lessons. This year, the application was denied despite no change in circumstances; the school still lacks an on-site sports hall and needs to fund £65,000 hiring fees annually.
The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)
I would be happy to arrange a meeting for the hon. Lady to discuss this matter further. Buckinghamshire requested for a local authority-owned facility to be funded, and, in line with the published guidance, rental costs for local authority-owned facilities are out of scope of the exceptional funding. However, local authorities should organise such provision within the cost availability for schools.
Session: Schools Exceptional Funding
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The Liberal Democrats welcome the humanitarian support that the Government are giving to Sudan. We also recognise that greater protections are needed for women, children and ethnic minority groups. In the light of the failure of the United Nations to back safe areas, what is the UK doing to create safe zones for schools and hospitals in Sudan?
Context
Sudan faces a severe humanitarian crisis with ongoing conflict, displacement, famine, and lack of protection for vulnerable groups. The UN has failed to back safe areas.
The Minister for Development (Anneliese Dodds)
I am grateful for the hon. Lady’s support for the measures the UK Government have been taking. Clearly, there are dreadful problems when it comes to civilian protection in Sudan. The UK put forward a resolution to the Security Council, with Sierra Leone, focused on the protection of civilians. It was appalling that Russia vetoed that resolution. We will continue to use every avenue available to us to promote their safety.
Session: Sudan Humanitarian Situation
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What steps are under way to recruit and retain more educational psychologists so that children, including in Chesham and Amersham, do not have to wait as long as they currently are for the assessment they need?
Context
Children are facing long waits for necessary assessments due to a shortage of educational psychologists.
Catherine McKinnell
The hon. Lady raises an important point. We are working at pace to ensure that we have more professionals, along with the Department of Health and Social Care, which is also ensuring that we have the right workforce to support all children with special educational needs. I will write to the hon. Lady with specific details of the steps being taken.
Session: Topical Questions
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Perranporth academy plans to provide significant special educational needs provision but is one of 44 schools under a value-for-money review. The head of the primary school has not been consulted on this. Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss the situation?
Context
The head of Perranporth primary school in the constituency has not been consulted regarding a value-for-money review for Perranporth academy, which plans to provide significant SEN provision.
Catherine McKinnell
I appreciate my hon. Friend's concerns, we recognise the pressures local authorities are under, high needs funding has been increased recently which will benefit mainstream and special schools, and I am willing to arrange a meeting to discuss this further.
Session: SEN Provision Funding
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The recent National Audit Office report makes it clear that without reform the SEN system is financially unsustainable. Local authorities such as Buckinghamshire council have been able to exclude dedicated school grant deficits from their main revenue budgets since 2020, but this statutory override will end in March 2026 with no identified solution. Can the Minister share more on what urgent conversations she is having with colleagues to ensure local authorities get certainty?
Context
A recent National Audit Office report indicates the SEN system is financially unsustainable without reform. Buckinghamshire council, among others, has used a statutory override to exclude dedicated school grant deficits from their main revenue budgets since 2020, but this will end in March 2026 with no clear solution.
Catherine McKinnell
The statutory override goes up to March 2026, when it expires. We are currently considering how best to continue support for local authorities with deficits. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government regulations were amended.
Session: SEN Provision Funding
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Will the Minister update the House on the grim situation in Sudan? In particular, what pressure is being put on regional actors to stop fuelling the crisis, and what is the UK doing to help the 16 million children who, according to an estimate from Save the Children, face severe food shortages right now?
Context
16 million children face severe food shortages according to Save the Children.
Anneliese Dodds
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is the worst in the world. Millions of people face food insecurity, and disturbingly, it has now been verified that there is famine in the Zamzam refugee camp. We in the UK will continue to do all that we can, for instance in our role as a penholder. We will work with partners to raise the profile of this situation and make it clear to the warring parties that they must allow access to aid.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the Front Benchers to their places. They will know that the steel industry in Wales is just one of a number that have suffered in recent decades. Last year, the Industrial Communities Alliance said that tackling the effects of deindustrialisation in Wales has been hampered by competitive bidding, which forces local authorities in deprived areas to bid against each other, preventing partnership working and a more strategic approach. Will the Secretary of State confirm whether future rounds of the UK shared prosperity fund allocated to Wales will no longer be subject to competitive bidding?
Context
The MP raises concerns about competitive bidding hampering efforts to tackle deindustrialisation in Wales. She asks if future rounds of the UK shared prosperity fund will no longer be subject to such bidding.
Jo Stevens
This Government were elected on a manifesto that stressed a partnership approach with local authorities and an intention to stabilise the funding system, moving away from wasteful competition. Those are the principles we will seek to apply as we think about the future of local growth funding. As with all Government decisions regarding funding beyond March 2025, it is ultimately a matter for the spending review.
Session: Steel Industry
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What conversations is the Minister having with Government colleagues to make a redress scheme for surgical mesh victims a reality?
Context
Baroness Cumberlege's report and the patient safety commissioner's recommendations call for a redress scheme for women harmed by surgical mesh.
Maria Caulfield
The patient safety commissioner's report on redress has been commissioned by this Government. The recommendations will be taken in detail and a response is aimed for coming weeks.
Session: Topical Questions
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Last year, I wrote to the Department about a loophole that allows paying parents who earn non-taxable income overseas to avoid making child maintenance payments. For one of my constituents, that loophole has allowed their ex-partner not to pay any maintenance and effectively engage in financial abuse towards them. Will the Minister meet me to discuss that loophole, to ensure that paying parents are fulfilling their financial obligations to their children?
Context
The Liberal Democrat MP highlighted a loophole that allows paying parents who earn non-taxable income overseas to avoid making child maintenance payments. She cited an instance where this loophole led to financial abuse of a constituent.
Paul Maynard
I am obviously concerned to hear that case. We have just had a consultation on the possibility of moving from collect and pay to direct pay for all claimants, which would certainly help to put a greater focus on compliance. Although I am more than happy to arrange a meeting, I am not sure that one with me would be much help, because I am not in charge of child maintenance. I will ask the relevant Minister in the Lords to have a meeting with the hon. Member.
Session: Child Maintenance Service
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What recent assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the Child Maintenance Service in securing funds from paying parents? Since December 2022, there has been an increase from 65% to 68% in those paying something towards maintenance through collect and pay. However, this does not fully reflect the service's overall efficiency or the impact on separated families receiving support.
Context
The Liberal Democrat MP raised concerns about the effectiveness of securing funds from paying parents through the Child Maintenance Service. She noted an increase from 65% to 68% in payments made through collect and pay since December 2022.
Paul Maynard
The Government are committed to ensuring that separated parents support their children, taking robust enforcement action against those who do not do so. Since December 2022, there has been an increase from 65% to 68% in those paying something towards maintenance through collect and pay.
Session: Child Maintenance Service
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What steps is the Department taking to reduce waiting times for gynaecology assessments and treatment for those on cancer pathways?
Context
The MP highlighted specific concerns about long wait times for gynaecological appointments, especially for those on cancer pathways.
Andrew Stephenson
Significant investment is going in to reduce both general wait times and cancer wait times. Nearly 220,000 patients were seen last December following an urgent GP referral for suspected cancer, representing a significant increase over previous levels.
Session: Gynaecology Treatment
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What steps are being taken to reduce waiting times for gynaecology treatment?
Context
The MP noted significant concerns over long wait times for gynaecological appointments, affecting many constituents in Chesham and Amersham.
Andrew Stephenson
At Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, the number of gynaecology patients waiting more than 52 weeks reduced by over 30% between August and December. Targeted work has been done to help trusts with the most long waiters support gynaecology patients in the community where appropriate.
Session: Gynaecology Treatment
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Last year, the Legal Services Board stated that incidents of misconduct by lawyers dealing with non-disclosure agreements were a “cause for concern”, and that there was a strong case for a strengthened and harmonised regulatory approach. Does the Minister agree that there is a need for stronger regulation in this area, and will he support the Bill tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for Oxford West and Abingdon (Layla Moran), which would end the misuse of non-disclosure agreements in the workplace?
Context
A statement by the Legal Services Board highlighted concerns over lawyer misconduct involving NDAs, suggesting a need for enhanced regulatory measures. A Bill has been proposed to address misuse of NDAs.
Mike Freer
I am more than happy to have a discussion with the hon. Lady, but my understanding is that the Solicitors Regulation Authority has already published a warning notice reminding solicitors and law firms that potential professional misconduct by a person or a firm should be reported to the regulator. If she believes that there are still gaps in that warning notice, or that more needs to be done, I am more than happy to have a meeting.
Session: Non-disclosure Agreements
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What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the use of non-disclosure agreements in judicial processes. The courts and judiciary apply the law in relation to NDAs as appropriate in individual cases and, where necessary, determine whether or not they should be enforceable.
Context
The question arises from concerns over the legal implications and enforceability of NDAs in judicial contexts.
Mike Freer
Non-disclosure agreements cannot prevent any disclosure that is required or protected by law; nor can they preclude an individual from asserting statutory rights. The courts and judiciary apply the law in relation to NDAs as appropriate in individual cases and, where necessary, determine whether or not they should be enforceable.
Session: Non-disclosure Agreements
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Will the Minister outline what diplomatic steps the Department is taking to help stop the violence?
Context
ICC prosecutor said there are grounds to believe both the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces are committing war crimes in Darfur.
Andrew Mitchell
The hon. Lady is absolutely right in her analysis of what is happening in Sudan—throughout Sudan, and in particular in Darfur—where there is clear evidence of crimes against humanity being committed. Britain holds the pen at the United Nations as I said earlier to my right hon. Friend the Member for Chelmsford (Vicky Ford). We work through regional and international alliances.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps is the Minister's Department taking to ensure the best use of this funding?
Context
The local healthcare trust in Buckinghamshire continues to have a high proportion of fit-for-discharge patients occupying beds, despite efforts to improve the situation.
Helen Whately
Our discharge funding was distributed back in April last year to give more advance notice to organisations so they could put in place what is needed to speed up discharges. In my hon. Lady's own trust, discharges at the end of December were down by a third compared with the previous year.
Session: Hospital Discharge Social Care
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What recent progress her Department has made on supporting the timely discharge of patients from hospital into social care. Nearly one in six beds in my local healthcare trust in Buckinghamshire continues to be occupied by patients fit for discharge. A recent King's Fund report found that the Government's current practice of providing one-off funding to reduce delay, while welcome, comes with insufficient advance notice to allow for effective planning.
Context
The question arises due to delays in discharging patients, which affects the availability of hospital beds. The local healthcare trust in Buckinghamshire has nearly one in six beds occupied by fit-for-discharge patients.
Helen Whately
Discharging people on time is better for them and frees up hospital beds. We are changing how our health system works: joining up health and social care, care transfer hubs; helping people recover at home with more than 10,000 new virtual ward beds; investing in social care. Last month, delayed discharges were down 9% compared to the end of December 2022 despite almost 1,000 extra urgent admissions to hospitals every day in December. One reason we distributed discharge funding back in April last year was to give more advance notice so organisations could put in place what is needed to speed up discharges.
Session: Hospital Discharge Social Care
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Data released last year suggests that Britain has one of the largest queues in Europe of wind and solar capacity waiting to be connected to the grid. Will the Minister provide an update on what steps the Department is taking to reduce those waiting times?
Context
Data showing Britain has one of the largest queues in Europe for wind and solar capacity waiting to be connected.
Graham Stuart
The hon. Lady is absolutely right to highlight that issue. At the autumn statement, we announced plans to halve the time it takes to build new critical powerlines as well as reducing average delays from five years to no more than six months. The connection action plan at the more local level will release more than 100 GW of capacity and give powers to the system operator to terminate stalled projects. We are seeking across multiple Departments—led by this one—to deal with the issues that she rightly raised.
Session: Topical Questions
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Last year in Buckinghamshire, one in three education, health and care plans were issued outside the legally required 20-week timeframe. Will the Secretary of State outline what concrete steps the Department is taking to improve access to educational psychologists and reduce waiting times for EHCPs?
Context
One in three education, health and care plans were issued outside the legally required 20-week timeframe last year. Parents struggle to get support for their children.
Gillian Keegan
We are simplifying and standardising the EHCP process, boosting training opportunities through a new national professional qualification for special educational needs co-ordinators launching in autumn 2024, investing £21 million to train 400 more educational psychologists, and training up to 7,000 early years specialists. We now have 280,000 teaching assistants in our schools.
Session: Pupils with SEN and Disabilities
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What steps her Department is taking to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities?
Context
Since March, there has been an increase in the number of special free schools and a £70 million change programme launched. High-needs funding will be increased by 60%.
Gillian Keegan
We want all children to receive the right support to reach their full potential. Since March, we have opened 14 new special free schools, with 78 more approved; launched a £70 million change programme, benefiting every region in England and testing key SEND and alternative provision; doubled the number of supported internships to 4,500 by 2025; increased high-needs funding by 60%, to over £10.5 billion.
Session: Pupils with SEN and Disabilities
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The Department for Education has stated that
“Where responsible bodies discover lead piping, they must take action”.
Will the Secretary of State confirm whether those bodies are asked to look proactively for lead piping? What action are they asked to take if any is found?
“Where responsible bodies discover lead piping, they must take action”.
Will the Secretary of State confirm whether those bodies are asked to look proactively for lead piping? What action are they asked to take if any is found?
Context
The Department for Education has stated that responsible bodies must take action regarding lead piping. Questions arise about the proactive search requirement.
Nick Gibb
Schools must have suitable drinking water facilities. Where responsible bodies, such as local authorities or academy trusts, discover lead piping in a school, they must take action, working as appropriate with water companies. Capital funding allocated to schools each year can be used to fund the removal of pipe work if required, but when a school has a particular concern, it can contact the Department for assistance.
Session: Topical Questions
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One of my constituents tells me that they are at risk of losing their home because of how long they have had to wait for a benefit decision appeal. Will the Minister outline what steps his Department is taking to reduce the current 33-week waiting time for benefit decision appeals to be heard?
Context
A constituent faces the risk of losing their home due to a lengthy waiting period for benefit decision appeals, with an average wait time of 33 weeks.
Mike Freer
The team will monitor performance and share best practice across the tribunal process. The hon. Lady can write to me with details of a particular case, and I can investigate.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I agree with the importance of having a timely assessment. Last week, a constituent raised her case with me: she filled in her renewal form nine months ago but has been given less than two weeks' notice for an assessment next week. Surely we need to have assessments when the form is fresh and accurate, not nine months later?
Context
There are concerns about the timeliness and fairness of PIP assessments, with some claimants facing long delays between application submission and assessment scheduling.
Tom Pursglove
The waiting time for PIP decisions has come down considerably in recent times, but I am not complacent about that, as we want to go further in seeing those waits reduced. For example, being able to apply online is an important part of that journey, as well as improving interfaces and making sure people provide all the right information up front. If we can provide better support for that, it will help us make decisions sooner, which can only be welcome.
Session: Personal Independence Payment Assessments
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Hughes Report: Second Anniversary
11 February 2026
Responding: Karin Smyth
Main Concerns
['The issue of redress for victims harmed by valproate and pelvic mesh is a well-trodden road with no tangible progress. Despite the publication of the Hughes report two years ago, there is still no official government response or timeline for action. Sarah Green highlights that around 30,000 individuals have been affected, many facing significant financial, physical, mental health, and relationship challenges due to these issues.']
Specific Asks
['Green questions what conversations the Minister has had with the Treasury and Downing Street regarding redress and requests a meeting between the Minister and some of the affected families to understand why redress is crucial for them.']
Pony and Trap Racing: Regulation
02 September 2025
Responding: Lilian Greenwood
Main Concerns
["The debate highlights the lack of regulation for pony and trap racing, which poses significant safety risks to drivers, pedestrians, and animals. In Sarah Green's constituency, regular racing events disrupt communities and endanger road users on busy dual carriageways like the A413, leading to multiple incidents in recent years."]
Specific Asks
['Sarah asks for a licensing scheme similar to those for cycle races under the Road Traffic Act 1988 to ensure proper regulation of pony and trap racing events.']
Thames Water
16 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
High Speed 2 Reset
19 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
23 April 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The DVLA is not fit for purpose in how it delivers its responsibilities, particularly regarding medical driving licences. Last year alone, the agency issued over 12 million driving licences and handle...
Planning and Infrastructure Bill 2025-11-13
13 November 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Planning and Infrastructure Bill 2025-06-09
09 June 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Bank Closures and Banking Hubs 2025-06-05
05 June 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Recognises the importance of banking facilities to local communities, expresses concern over the decline in physical branches over the past four decades. Emphasises the role of face-to-face banking fo...
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
24 October 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Sir David Amess Adjournment Debate
12 September 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Honoured to open the debate in memory of Sir David Amess, Mark Francois highlighted three main topics: animal welfare, local NHS services, and a story about Sir David's campaign for Basildon in the 19...
Education and Opportunity
24 July 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Phillipson opened the debate by welcoming her new counterpart, expressing appreciation for education workers, announcing a review of post-16 qualification reform, emphasising Labour's commitment to tr...
Immigration and Home Affairs
23 July 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
69.4%
68 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
51
52.0% of votes
No Votes
17
17.3% of votes
Abstentions
30
30.6% 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
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
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
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
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
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
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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
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
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
3
PMQs Asked
85
Ministerial Questions Asked
30
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+534% above average
This MP:
85
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+517% above average
This MP:
30
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 (%)
+0% above average
This MP:
69.4
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 Green's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.