Sarah Olney
MP for Richmond Park
Lib Dem
1 Dec 2016 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
The period after Christmas can be a challenging time for many people, and consequently the month of January consistently sees higher rates of suicide than other times of the year, but suicide is preventable and lives can be saved. Education, raising awareness and targeting vulnerable groups are all effective suicide prevention strategies, and I was pleased to see them in the recent men’s health strategy, but I call on the Government to go a step further and launch a public health campaign to encourage discussions about suicidal thoughts and ideation. Will the Prime Minister agree to continue this conversation with me, and will he state his support for a public health campaign to tackle the worryingly high number of deaths from suicide in this country?
Context
The month of January consistently sees higher rates of suicide than other times of the year. Effective strategies include education, awareness raising and targeting vulnerable groups.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I thank the hon. Lady for raising that issue. I can assure her that we want to work with all colleagues across the House on that crucial issue, and it is in our interest to do so. As she said, we have launched the first ever men’s health strategy, announcing over £3.5 million for suicide prevention and support programmes. We are recruiting more than 7,000 mental health workers, which includes access to talking therapies, and we are also rolling out mental health support teams in schools. It is vital that we raise awareness and increase the support available. I can assure the hon. Lady that Ministers will be happy to discuss her proposals with her, because I genuinely want to work across the House on this serious and tragic issue.
Session: PMQs
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The money allocated to local authorities in London by the Government’s spending review fell 35% short of requested amounts. Is it the policy that London residents should continue receiving increasing council tax bills while their local authorities have less money?
Context
London boroughs face a £500 million funding shortfall, with two councils in Richmond and Kingston set to lose out.
The Deputy Prime Minister (Angela Rayner)
We are fixing the foundations of local government after 14 years of austerity. We have put record funding into local government, with multi-year settlements: we are helping local government where the last Government ruined it.
Assessment
Specific policy on council tax was not addressed
Changing Subject To Previous Government'S Austerity
Session: PMQs
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Four years ago, my constituent Juliana was drugged and raped by her then boyfriend. After his conviction, Juliana was advised that reading a transcript of his trial would help her to come to terms with her experience. But when she requested that transcript, she was told that she would have to pay more than £7,000. Astonishingly, Juliana is not alone. I have heard about victims who have been quoted fees of up to £22,000 just to read trial transcripts that are part of their own story. Justice should not have a price tag. The Liberal Democrat amendment to the Victims and Prisoners Bill would give all victims the right to read sentencing remarks and summings-up free of charge. Julian is here in the Gallery today, and she asks whether the Prime Minister will support that amendment. Will he look her in the eye and say yes?
Context
A constituent was quoted £7,000 and others up to £22,000 for the right to read trial transcripts that are part of their own story. The Liberal Democrats propose an amendment to the Victims and Prisoners Bill to allow free access.
Rishi Sunak
I am extremely sorry to hear about Juliana's case, and my sympathy is with her and her family. We are committed to improving victims' access to court transcripts to help them move on and rebuild their lives. That is why we have already committed to a one-year pilot to help identify the current demand and to inform our next steps.
Assessment
Did not directly support or reject the amendment; focused on commitment to improving access through a pilot study
Sympathy
Commitment To Improvement
Session: PMQs
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Despite over 72 billion litres of sewage dumped into rivers by Thames Water, with multi-billion-pound debts and possibility of bankruptcy, will the Prime Minister confirm if Thames Water will still exist by year-end?
Context
Olney inquires about the government's contingency plan for Thames Water, which is reported to be facing potential collapse.
Rishi Sunak
Our storm overflow reduction plan is backed by £60 billion of capital investment. We monitor every storm overflow in England and have legislation for unlimited penalties on water companies.
Assessment
Publication of contingency plans was avoided
Changed Subject
Session: PMQs
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Under the Conservatives, so much of the UK's potential is going untapped, with anaemic growth, falling living standards and declining international competitiveness. Just this morning, a solar power company developing an innovation from Oxford University said that the UK is the “least attractive” market in which to base its business due to a lack of incentives. That is a home-grown company that could have provided well-paid green jobs—lost to this country thanks to the Government's lack of an industrial strategy. Why does the Prime Minister think that each week more and more promising businesses choose to leave the UK?
Context
The UK is losing promising businesses to other countries, with a solar power company citing lack of incentives as the reason for choosing not to base its business here.
Rishi Sunak
The hon. Lady obviously missed the comments by the International Monetary Fund yesterday upgrading our growth performance, she obviously missed the survey of thousands of global chief executives just recently placing the UK as their No. 1 European investment destination, and it sounds like she also missed my trip to Japan last week, when we announced £18 billion of new investment in the UK economy.
Assessment
The question was about businesses leaving the UK; the answer provided positive economic data instead without addressing business outflows.
Session: PMQs
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In a shocking article last year, it was reported that staff at a GP practice in Walton were left in tears and “crumbling under pressure” owing to the increased workload caused by staff shortages. Is that any wonder, when there are 850 fewer GPs in the country than there were in 2019? What does the Deputy Prime Minister say to patients left in pain and staff left in tears—including some in his own constituency—as a result of the Government's failed promise to recruit more GPs?
Context
A GP practice in Walton faced significant staff pressure due to increased workload caused by a shortage of doctors, leaving both patients and medical staff distressed. There are 850 fewer GPs in the country compared to 2019.
Dominic Raab
Any abuse against any GP in any practice anywhere in the country is absolutely wrong, and we must demonstrate zero tolerance of it. I can tell the hon. Lady that there has been a large increase in the number of GP appointments, with 29 million since the start of the year. We are improving access to general practice, with more support staff, and also improving the technology, with more state-of-the-art telephone systems. A record number of GPs are being trained, and we are investing £1.5 billion to create 50 million more appointments a year by 2024.
Assessment
The questioner's specific concern about staffing shortages was not directly addressed with concrete actions or commitments beyond broad statements of progress and investment.
Session: PMQs
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For my Richmond Park constituents and communities across south-west London, from Wimbledon to Elmbridge, any expansion of Heathrow would be disastrous. A third runway would see over 6 million more tonnes of carbon pumped into the atmosphere every year, and 2 million households would be affected by increased noise levels. Last week, the Transport Secretary said that she supported Heathrow expansion. The Prime Minister has previously stated that she would support a fourth runway. Does she stand by her previous comments, or will she rule out Government support for the construction of a third runway at Heathrow?
Context
The question addresses concerns about the environmental and noise impacts of expanding Heathrow airport, referencing previous statements by both the Transport Secretary and the Prime Minister.
Elizabeth Truss
I absolutely agree with what the Transport Secretary said. We need to make sure that industries such as the air industry become more environmentally friendly. I support the development of low-carbon technology in those sectors. That is the way that we will help to grow the economy but also serve the environment.
Assessment
Specific commitment on ruling out Government support for a third runway at Heathrow
I Absolutely Agree With What The Transport Secretary Said
Session: PMQs
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Last Friday, it emerged that there had been an oil spill in Beverley Brook, a river that flows through Richmond Park to the Thames. Black waste oil and iridescence can now be seen along 13 km of the watercourse, posing a serious threat to fish and local wildlife. The Environment Agency is investigating, but it is understaffed and underfunded while also battling water companies over sewage discharge.
Context
An oil spill in Beverley Brook is threatening local wildlife and water quality. The Environment Agency investigates but faces staffing and funding challenges.
Boris Johnson
We want to ensure that we use our landmark Environment Act 2021 to continue to improve the quality of our rivers, and that is what we are doing.
Assessment
Did not commit to strengthening Office for Environmental Protection powers specifically.
Use Environment Act
Session: PMQs
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May I first pay tribute to all the teachers both in my constituency and across the country who have done incredible work in keeping learning going under such difficult circumstances? I was really pleased to be able to thank my daughter's schoolteacher in person yesterday. Can the Prime Minister confirm that the Government's approach to managing the pandemic will guarantee that all children will have an uninterrupted academic year when they return to school after the summer break?
Context
One million children were out of school last week due to self-isolation rules following positive tests in their bubbles. The speaker acknowledges the efforts of teachers.
Boris Johnson
The hon. Lady is absolutely right to focus on the needs of children in the pandemic and the paramount importance of keeping them in school. We will do everything we can to ensure that we are able to get schools back in September—I have every confidence that we will be able to—but that will be greatly assisted, as I never tire of repeating this afternoon, if everybody goes and gets their second jab, or first jab.
Assessment
Did not confirm guaranteeing uninterrupted academic year, instead focused on vaccinations
Session: PMQs
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I welcome the Prime Minister's commitment last week to include aviation and shipping in our emissions target, but surely he knows that we will miss that target if we proceed with a third runway at Heathrow, and, furthermore, that that would undermine the progress towards net zero. Will he therefore take this opportunity to commit to amending the airports national policy statement?
Context
The question is prompted by the Prime Minister's recent commitment to include aviation and shipping in the UK's emission targets. There are concerns about missing these targets with a third runway at Heathrow.
Boris Johnson
The third runway at Heathrow is a private sector venture and it is up to them to produce the capital for it. The government is looking instead into jet-zero aviation with lower carbon emissions, an area where BEIS and DfT are working together.
Assessment
Commitment to amending the airports national policy statement
Looking At This
Working On It
Session: PMQs
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The former Chancellor invested a significant amount of political capital into driving forward the white elephant project of building a third runway at Heathrow on the basis that it would deliver economic growth, but the Government's appraisal report states that the net present value of expansion is between minus £23.4 billion and minus £62.5 billion. Will this Chancellor put an end to this absurd proposal?
Context
The MP questions the economic case for the third runway at Heathrow.
John Healey
After years of delay, indecision and often vexatious challenge, we have given the go-ahead to this project quite simply because the economic case stacks up and will help to bring growth.
Session: Economic Growth 2026-09-08
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Earlier this year the Minister for roads, the hon. Member for Wakefield and Rothwell (Simon Lightwood), wrote to me to say that Hammersmith bridge in my constituency would be a suitable candidate for the structures fund, but Hammersmith and Fulham council has just decided not to make an application on the basis that the structures fund is not suitable for repairs. Will the Minister please meet me as a matter of urgency to determine whether the structures fund remains a suitable way of funding repairs to Hammersmith bridge?
Context
The Minister wrote that Hammersmith bridge would be a suitable candidate for the structures fund, but Hammersmith and Fulham council decided not to apply due to suitability concerns.
Simon Lightwood
I would be happy to meet the hon. Lady, but I will say once again that we would welcome an application from Hammersmith and Fulham council for the bridge in question.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-16
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Given the critical impact of iodine deficiency on pregnant women and their children's health, will the Government urgently commission a new review into this issue following the last governmental review in 2014?
Context
Studies indicate that iodine levels among UK women of reproductive age are only 82 micrograms per litre, with 30% recording levels below 50 micrograms. The World Health Organisation suggests that less than 150 micrograms indicates iodine deficiency.
James Murray
I thank the hon. Lady for raising an important point and drawing attention to the impacts that iodine deficiency can have, but I am happy to look into the matter further and respond to her in writing.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-14
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Does the Minister agree that there is political momentum now to negotiate a new growth and defence partnership with Europe?
Context
Joining the single market could boost UK GDP by £25 billion annually. Single market membership would restore passporting rights for financial services and eliminate rules-of-origin red tape.
Chris Bryant
Agreeing in principle but not signing up to any Liberal Democrat campaign, as the party was part of creating momentum toward the Brexit referendum.
Session: Trade with Europe 2026-07-02
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One in 50 Londoners, including one in 21 children, are homeless and living in temporary accommodation. London boroughs are spending £5 million a day on temporary accommodation. Although housing costs have skyrocketed in the past 15 years, the temporary accommodation subsidy gap has remained frozen since 2011. Some councils are now struggling to fund other important areas, such as social care. Will the Minister commit to urgently reviewing the temporary accommodation subsidy gap, to ensure that councils are fairly reimbursed?
Context
London boroughs are spending £5 million a day on temporary accommodation due to rising housing costs and a frozen subsidy gap since 2011.
Stephen Timms
I can assure the hon. Member that my Department is working very closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to look at what we need to do between us to address the problem of homelessness. I note the point she raises, which is one of the points for discussion.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-06-29
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Today marks 10 years since the Brexit referendum. Since that date, we have had 10 Home Secretaries, nine Foreign Secretaries, eight Chancellors, seven Defence Secretaries and 6 Prime Ministers. Does the Chancellor agree that such instability has acted as a break on growth in this country and can she set out what she plans to do to reverse that trend?
Context
Since the Brexit referendum, there has been significant turnover in key government positions.
Rachel Reeves
In the first quarter of this year we were the fastest growing economy in the G7. Since I became Chancellor, we have had growth of 2.3%, which is the second fastest rate of growth in the G7. We are growing our economy by bringing investment and stability back to the UK, and businesses are following our lead by investing in our country.
Session: Topical Questions
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Despite the Secretary of State's saying that the Department is on track to meet an already revised and narrower target, this month's DFE report found that there are 1,907 fewer teachers overall since Labour came to power. What further steps is the Secretary of State taking to recruit and retain our teachers?
Context
A Public Accounts Committee report found that the Department for Education lacks a plan to recruit additional teachers as promised in Labour's manifesto, and there are now 1,907 fewer teachers overall since Labour came to power.
Bridget Phillipson
We have published the delivery plan that the hon. Lady referred to, so I suggest that she goes away and reads it. When she does so, she may also be interested to know that primary pupil numbers have fallen by more than 84,000 since last year, and that that is set to continue until at least 2030.
Session: Teacher Recruitment and Retention
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The Government's proposed high-value council tax surcharge will be collected by councils but retained by the Treasury. If councils neither control the charge nor keep the revenue, why is it being called a council tax? Will the Minister commit to changing this misleading policy title? Given that most of the revenue from the surcharge will be raised in London, will the Government ensure that a fair proportion is reinvested in the capital?
Context
The government's proposed high-value council tax surcharge will be collected by councils but retained by the Treasury. The MP questions the misleading nature of this policy.
Alison McGovern
I thank—[Interruption.] I can assure the shadow Secretary of State that I was very busy last week. Most people are bothered about the fairness of the council tax system, and that is why it is right that the Chancellor introduced this policy.
Session: Topical Questions
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According to reports, the Government have requested supermarket retailers to lower prices for essential food items like milk, bread, and eggs. Given the chief executive officer of Marks & Spencer's description of these proposals as 'completely preposterous', can you confirm that instead of imposing price controls on private businesses, your Department will focus on reducing government-imposed burdens such as business rates, national insurance contributions, and energy costs?
Context
The Financial Times and The Times reported that the Government asked supermarkets to reduce prices on essential items. Marks & Spencer's CEO criticized these proposals as 'completely preposterous'.
Peter Kyle
There will be no price cap or price control, but I am not going to apologise for taking comprehensive action against cost-of-living challenges inherited from a broken economy.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Government announced their intention in the industrial strategy to use their procurement power to shape markets for innovation in the longer term. Tech start-ups in my constituency complain that the process of getting Government contracts is slow, risk-averse and structurally biased in its financial viability tests and paperwork requirements towards incumbents and US suppliers. As one of them put it to me, no one gets sacked for buying IBM. That surely prevents the Government from achieving their goal of greater innovation. What conversations is the Minister having with his Cabinet Office counterparts to ensure that our ambitious home-grown small and medium-sized enterprises are not being squeezed out of the competition for public contracts that could provide these firms with valuable growth opportunities and the innovation that our economy and public services so badly need?
Chris McDonald
The hon. Member raises an extremely important point: Government procurement can, of course, be an important lever for growing our economy. Whereas previous Governments used the fig leaf of being in the EU as an excuse to buy things from overseas simply because they were a penny cheaper, this Government are committed to ensuring that as much as possible of UK taxpayers’ money is spent in the UK.
The hon. Member asks what discussions I am having with Cabinet Office colleagues. I am having discussions with colleagues in the Cabinet Office, the Home Department, the Ministry of Defence and across Government, because there is a commitment among Ministers to ensure that Government procurement is targeted at British companies. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has made a strong commitment to reduce regulation and bureaucracy, so we can ensure that these contracts are awarded more efficiently and more easily to small businesses in the UK.
The hon. Member asks what discussions I am having with Cabinet Office colleagues. I am having discussions with colleagues in the Cabinet Office, the Home Department, the Ministry of Defence and across Government, because there is a commitment among Ministers to ensure that Government procurement is targeted at British companies. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has made a strong commitment to reduce regulation and bureaucracy, so we can ensure that these contracts are awarded more efficiently and more easily to small businesses in the UK.
Session: Industrial Strategy
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First-time buyers across London face a 25% penalty if buying over the £450,000 threshold. Data from February this year showed that the average price paid by a first-time buyer in London was £463,000. Can the Chancellor ensure first-time buyers are not unfairly disadvantaged by using lifetime ISAs?
Context
More than 1.3 million people use lifetime ISAs to save for their first home, but the property cap of £450,000 has been frozen since 2017 despite rising house prices in London.
Lucy Rigby
The Government recognise that the LISA is not working for everyone, and have launched a short consultation on a new ISA product to support more first-time buyers. The new product will include the Government bonus paid at the point of withdrawal for home purchase.
Session: Topical Questions
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Parents of children with disabilities work tirelessly to ensure their children can have the same opportunities as everyone else, yet only 3.5% of applications for disability living allowance for children are approved within target timeframe. One constituent faced delays and an administrative error preventing initial payment. Will the Minister commit to urgent action to improve DLA processing times for children?
Context
Over the past two years, only 3.5% of applications for disability living allowance for children have been approved by the Department for Work and Pensions within its target timeframe. A constituent experienced lengthy delays including an administrative error that prevented her from receiving her first payment award.
Stephen Timms
We did hit the 90% target last month, reflecting steady improvement over recent months. We are introducing a new online evidence portal to improve evidence gathering from schools and education professions, which will reduce delays. This portal is planned for full rollout in autumn.
Session: Disability Living Allowance for Children
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What assessment has been made of the adequacy of the proportion of disability living allowance for children applications that have been approved by his Department within its target timeframes in the last two years?
Context
The Liberal Democrat MP questioned the adequacy of child Disability Living Allowance (DLA) approval rates within target timeframes over the past two years.
Stephen Timms
In the six months up to March last year, we appointed an additional 111 case managers to help deal with increased demand for child DLA. The current target is to clear 90% of new child DLA claims in 45 days. Performance has steadily improved, and I am pleased to say that in March we did hit that target.
Session: Disability Living Allowance for Children
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In the Q4 2025 quarterly economic survey, 52% of businesses reported utility costs as a pressure that is driving them to raise prices, and there is a particular impact on the hospitality sector. Recent research by the British Chambers of Commerce shows that more than a quarter of businesses will struggle to pay their energy bills over the next 12 months, and this survey was conducted before the recent escalation in the middle east. Last week's forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility also did not take into account any potential impact from the jump in oil prices triggered by the strikes in Iran. The fuel duty hike in September is already expected to hit families and small businesses hard, so will the Secretary of State speak to the Chancellor now about scrapping this damaging policy?
Context
The Q4 2025 quarterly economic survey reported that 52% of businesses cited utility costs as a pressure driving them to raise prices, and recent research shows that more than a quarter of businesses will struggle to pay their energy bills over the next year.
Kate Dearden
The hon. Lady will have heard in my earlier remarks that I absolutely recognise those pressures and meet hospitality businesses regularly to hear their concerns; energy costs have, of course, come up as one of the biggest pressures facing them. I recognise the concerns those businesses will have when looking at the Gulf conflict and its possible impacts. As the hon. Lady will have heard in my earlier answer, the real risk to businesses is dependence on the volatile international gas markets, which has left us exposed. She will know the work that we are doing in different Departments to recognise that and to tackle that root cause in order to provide better support for businesses. We are looking at the unstable energy markets that have left us exposed and trying to ensure that we have more power here in Britain; we will work with the sector closely and across Government on that.
Session: Hospitality Sector
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Research from the Entrepreneurs Network shows that 54% of Britain's 100 fastest growing companies have a foreign-born founder or co-founder. International entrepreneurs play a vital role in driving innovation, investment and job creation across the UK, yet this Government are recklessly introducing unworkable visa regulations for those very people. Since the Budget in October 2024, 110,000 jobs have been lost in the hospitality sector and 74,000 in retail, and 700,000 graduates are currently unemployed. Youth unemployment has just hit 16%. What impact assessment have the Government undertaken on the impact of their proposed changes to indefinite leave to remain on job creation, and what conversations has the Minister had with the Home Secretary regarding this damaging disincentive to those looking to build their businesses and create jobs here in the UK?
Context
The MP is questioning the impact of proposed changes to indefinite leave to remain on job creation.
Peter Kyle
I am afraid that the hon. Lady describes the doom-laden Lib Dem world that she inhabits, not the real world that is inhabited by entrepreneurs and businesses right across the country. The reality is that 381,000 more people are in work since the start of 2025 because of this Labour Government. She may have missed the fact that my Department, under my leadership and this team, has set up the global talent taskforce, accompanied by a global talent visa. Around the world, we are out there hunting down the best talent, attracting people to the UK and aligning this endeavour with investment, making the UK the best place to invest, to grow and to scale a business anywhere in the world.
Session: Job Creation
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Does the Minister agree that ensuring that the regulator operates efficiently is paramount if we are to deliver on housing targets and support the UK housing sector?
Context
The Mayor of London's target for building new homes in London is not being met due to delays caused by the Building Safety Regulator, impacting investment and employment.
Samantha Dixon
The Government recognised last summer that the Building Safety Regulator needed to be reformed and brought in new leadership, and there has been a marked improvement in performance. Performance data is published monthly, so there is transparency on how the Building Safety Regulator is performing.
Session: Building Safety Regulator
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In 2021, it was predicted that carbon abatement for a third runway at Heathrow would cost £100 million, and costs will have only risen since. According to the emissions trading scheme, just 15% of the clean-up costs of expansion will be covered by Heathrow; the rest will fall on the taxpayer.
Context
The Liberal Democrats are concerned that the UK emissions trading scheme does not reflect recent changes in net zero emission targets, which could lead to underestimation of carbon abatement costs for major projects.
Chris McDonald
The Government do not comment on or interfere with the carbon price. Ultimately, the price is set by the market to ensure that the ETS drives decarbonisation where it is cheapest.
Session: UK Emissions Trading Scheme
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If he will update the UK emissions trading scheme to reflect the carbon abatement costs of major projects. In 2021, it was predicted that carbon abatement for a third runway at Heathrow would cost £100 million, and costs will have only risen since. According to the emissions trading scheme, just 15% of the clean-up costs of expansion will be covered by Heathrow; the rest will fall on the taxpayer.
Context
The Liberal Democrats are concerned that the UK emissions trading scheme does not reflect recent changes in net zero emission targets, which could lead to underestimation of carbon abatement costs for major projects.
Chris McDonald
The Government do not comment on or interfere with the carbon price. Ultimately, the price is set by the market to ensure that the ETS drives decarbonisation where it is cheapest.
Session: UK Emissions Trading Scheme
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What steps is the Minister taking to bring down the average water bill? Thames Water's typical metered charges have risen by 40.7%, with further increases projected through 2030. The Government should encourage more households to use water meters, which can save money compared to non-metered usage.
Context
Thames Water’s typical metered charges increased by 40.7% this financial year and are expected to rise until 2030, indicating significant cost-of-living issues for consumers.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Hardy)
I am a strong advocate for water meters which help with cost savings and environmental conservation. Ofwat’s water efficiency fund is exploring innovative methods to promote the benefits of metering. We are also doubling social tariffs support over five years and reforming WaterSure to assist those needing more water due to medical reasons.
Session: Water Bills
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The heavy burden of Labour’s national insurance contributions rise, compounded by high energy costs and the business rates increase, has raised alarm about the affordability of hospitality businesses’ monthly employment costs. Some 84,000 jobs in the hospitality sector alone have been lost since the NICs rise was introduced, and that is particularly damaging to young people, many of whom have traditionally found their first jobs in the hospitality sector, including the Minister, as she just said at the Dispatch Box. With the sector struggling to employ new workers, damage is being done to the career prospects of our young people, and it will be detrimental to the broader economy in the long term. Business confidence is down, job vacancies are down and unemployment is up, so what steps will the Department take to tackle high unemployment costs, support businesses and bring down those increasingly high levels of unemployment?
Context
The Minister was questioned about the impact of national insurance contributions rise, energy costs, and business rates on the hospitality sector.
Kate Dearden
A decade of stagnant growth and living standards will not be turned around in 18 months, but there are signs of progress. The Conservatives left one in eight young people out of education, employment and training, and we are working relentlessly to turn around that disgraceful figure. We recognise the challenges that businesses have to work through as a result of the actions undertaken by the previous Government. On youth unemployment, we have announced an £828 million funding package to give a generation of young people a brighter future. Over the next three years, 1 million young people on universal credit across the country will benefit from support designed to get them into employment and learning, and that includes what we are doing with small businesses on apprenticeships, which we are partly funding. That will be significant, especially for the hospitality sector, in encouraging more jobs. Those jobs are a key lifeline for people to get into the employment market. That is something I recognise, as the hon. Lady noted. We know the importance of this issue, and we want to work closely with the sector and with councils in the significant wider work we are doing on the strategy.
Session: Hospitality Sector
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In his speech this week, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster set out his plan for the future of the civil service, in which he envisioned further sackings in a digital transformation. Last week, we saw the untested and potentially dangerous nature of artificial intelligence when the chief constable of West Midlands police admitted that his force had used AI to come to its verdict that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans should be banned from attending their European game away to Aston Villa. As Government Departments are already using AI to make critical and life-changing decisions, can the Minister clarify whether he plans to replace diligent civil servants with artificial intelligence?
Context
Following the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster's speech on digital transformation in public services, concerns were raised about potential job losses and the risks associated with AI decision-making.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Darren Jones)
In the first instance, I am trying to put in place computers that work. Before we even get to artificial intelligence, we need to build some pretty basic services—services like those that the public are used to using in the private sector, but that are not used for public services because of 14 years of austerity from the Conservative party.
Session: Topical Questions
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Following up on the Public Accounts Committee report published last Friday, what more can the Government do to ensure that children’s homes have appropriate financial and governance oversight?
Context
The Public Accounts Committee published a report highlighting the lack of financial and governance oversight for private companies running children's homes, with 84% of UK children's homes being privately managed. The largest providers average profits of 22% on charges per child per year of £318,000.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Josh MacAlister)
Welcoming interest in this issue, I highlighted that reports from the National Audit Office and Public Accounts Committee demonstrate the need for radical reform in children’s social care. The Government is investing £2.4 billion to reset the system overall so it can intervene earlier and will expand fostering plans soon. Additionally, measures are being introduced through the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill to establish a financial oversight mechanism and profit cap.
Session: Children’s Care Home Providers Financial Oversight
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On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I asked the Secretary of State a direct question about his former statements and how they conflict with current Government policy. Would you agree that the Secretary of State should have directly answered me?
Context
The Secretary of State was asked about the conflict between his past statements and current government policy.
Mr Speaker
I do not have an opinion, and I am not responsible for that, but you have certainly got that on the record.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given that expansion will add an extra 8 to 9 megatonnes of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere, can the Secretary of State confirm that it is still his intention to vote against a third runway at Heathrow?
Context
The Secretary of State previously stated opposition to the third runway based on environmental principles.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Katie White)
The Secretary of State regularly meets Cabinet colleagues about these issues. This Government are absolutely clear that any expansion of Heathrow must be compatible with our legally binding carbon budgets and net zero targets. We are committed to ensuring that the economic benefits of airport expansions are delivered in line with our environmental and climate objectives.
Session: Topical Questions
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We were pleased to hear that the Chancellor announced lower multipliers in the Budget, but higher valuations will wipe out any benefit from the lower multipliers. The average increase for hospitality businesses is estimated at 76%, compared with other sectors like warehouses and offices having much smaller increases. Given this information was known back in September, how does this align with the government’s pledge to support small businesses? How do they plan to meet their commitment to reduce business rates?
Context
The government promised to introduce permanently lower business rates but recent announcements on higher valuations are likely to negate these benefits. UKHospitality estimates an average increase of 76% for hospitality businesses over the next three years.
Chris Bryant
Everybody was aware after 2021's revaluation due to covid there would be significant increases following the new revaluation in 2024. There was no transitional relief set aside post-election. We provided £4.3 billion of relief this year, showing a strong future for our hospitality sector under Labour.
Session: Small and Medium-sized Businesses
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I listened carefully to the Minister’s response to my hon. Friend the Member for Bath (Wera Hobhouse). Some £90 billion is being lost every year in tax receipts, 20,000 small firms have stopped all exports to the EU and 33% of currently trading businesses are experiencing extra costs. The Prime Minister’s chief economic adviser has recommended a customs union with the EU. The Deputy Prime Minister has also suggested that countries within a customs union tend to see stronger economic growth, and the Minister agrees, so what is his Government going to do about it?
Context
The question addresses significant economic issues caused by Brexit, including loss of tax receipts, reduced exports from small firms to the EU, and increased costs for businesses. The speaker references the Prime Minister's chief economic adviser recommending a customs union with the EU.
Chris Bryant
We are going to get the best possible deal that we can out of the European Union. That is one of the reasons that I was in Brussels only yesterday alongside Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Minister for the Cabinet Office. We are getting a better deal from the European Union. We want to ensure that we have frictionless trade with the EU—that was what was promised by the ragtag and bobtail of that lot on the Conservative Benches—and that is what we will deliver.
Session: Economic Growth
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Today marks the final day of the UN’s 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, which focused primarily on ending digital violence against women and girls. The domestic abuse charity Refuge has experienced a 62% increase in referrals of technologically facilitated abuse from last year. That abuse can take the form of stalking via tracking devices, non-consensual sharing of intimate images and recording devices being used by abusers to monitor victims. Will the Minister confirm what steps she is taking with the Home Secretary to help tackle violence against women and girls, with specific reference to technologically facilitated abuse?
Context
Refuge has experienced a significant increase in referrals of technologically facilitated abuse, which includes tracking devices, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and monitoring by abusers.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)
Refuge does brilliant work to support victims of tech-based abuse. The Government are determined to have a cross-Government approach, and I am working very closely with the Home Office and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to see how we can get to grips with the issue. We will be publishing our cross-Government VAWG strategy imminently and there will be a specific reference to tech abuse in that strategy.
Session: Tackling Violence against Women and Girls
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Sarah Olney welcomed the return of the industrial strategy but noted that funding is hard to access under the apprenticeship levy and millions go unspent. She asked for details on what training will be funded by a proposed more flexible growth and skills levy, so businesses and young people can plan ahead with certainty.
Context
The Liberal Democrats have long championed an industrial strategy, including the creation of the Green Investment Bank and opposition to scrapping the industrial plan. The current system includes the apprenticeship levy which businesses find challenging.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Blair McDougall)
I thank the hon. Lady for her kind words on my new appointment. I will not get ahead of announcements on that, but given the importance of skills to the industrial strategy, we are not waiting for those announcements. We have had TechFirst, a £187 million investment in secondary school pupils, undergraduates, PhD students, entrepreneurs and businesses, to help them get ahead on that. We have the engineering package of over £100 million, and the defence package of £182 million. We are making those investments now to ensure that the pipeline is there for those industries, which are the priority within the industrial strategy.
Session: Industrial Strategy
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Businesses across the country are struggling with unaffordable energy costs. The burden of this Government’s national insurance contributions rise and uncertainty over the Employment Rights Bill are compounded by the immense struggle caused by sky-high energy bills. I urge the Government to act with more urgency in addressing energy costs for businesses, including through accelerating the launch of the industrial competitiveness scheme.
Context
The question arises from businesses across the country facing unaffordable energy costs, compounded by national insurance contributions and uncertainty over the Employment Rights Bill.
Peter Kyle
I can assure the hon. Lady that we are in constant contact with the Energy Secretary. When I was at DSIT, we co-chaired the AI energy council, and we are working together to get the transition to renewable power done as swiftly as possible, generating the wealth that our country needs from the transition period. Also, we are lowering bills and, through some targeted interventions, ensuring that those key businesses get the support they need on the challenges with energy prices and supply.
Session: Topical Questions
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People across the UK are suffering in silence with gambling addictions. The proliferation of online betting has only added to the issue, as people are able to wager more money than they can afford with just a click on their phone screen. Will the Minister speak to her colleague the Chancellor in advance of the upcoming Budget to support the Liberal Democrats’ call for a double gambling tax, which would not only raise millions of pounds but disincentivise harmful gambling?
Context
The MP discusses the issue of gambling addictions, particularly exacerbated by online betting. The MP seeks a double gambling tax to raise funds and discourage harmful behavior.
Lisa Nandy
This Government have wasted no time in taking action to increase the amount of support available to the minority of people for whom gambling becomes a problem. As I said to the hon. Member for Old Bexley and Sidcup (Mr French), gambling brings joy to millions of people and it is an incredibly important part of the UK economy, but we are determined to ensure that support is there for that minority of people. That is why we wasted no time in introducing a levy that is helping to boost such support, particularly for young people. We are happy to continue the conversation with Members from across the House to ensure that we tackle this important issue, but on the specific proposal that the hon. Lady makes, we have no plans to introduce such a measure.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Liberal Democrats welcome the plans in the recently announced industrial strategy to reduce some of the world’s highest industrial energy prices. However, businesses across the UK, especially in hospitality and on our high streets, are still struggling with unaffordable energy costs. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that small businesses can benefit from more sustainable pricing? Will he encourage his Cabinet colleagues to consider proposals set out by the Liberal Democrats yesterday to break the link between gas prices and energy costs, which would halve energy bills in a decade, so that people and businesses across the country can enjoy the true benefits of cheap, clean and renewable power?
Context
Businesses across the UK, particularly in hospitality and high streets, are struggling with unaffordable energy costs. The Liberal Democrats have proposed breaking the link between gas prices and energy costs to halve energy bills within a decade.
Gareth Thomas (Minister for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy)
I have not yet seen the Liberal Democrats’ policy proposals but I look forward to that treat over the summer. We are supporting a pilot in the west midlands to help SMEs to reduce their energy costs through full energy audits and funding to implement measures that can bring down energy costs.
Session: SME Operating Costs
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Now that UK-EU relations are at a turning point, does the Minister agree that it is finally time to be more ambitious, drop the red lines, cut the red tape, and aim to negotiate a UK-EU customs union that would boost the public coffers by £25 billion a year?
Context
The UK has recently reached a small trade agreement with the EU, its largest trading partner. The Prime Minister received a state visit from French President Emmanuel Macron.
Nick Thomas-Symonds (Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office)
We have delivered an ambitious new trading arrangement with the European Union. We have also delivered a new free trade agreement with India and an economic deal with the United States. What the hon. Lady is suggesting would take away our freedom to be able to do that, which is contributing to our economy.
Session: UK-EU Trading Relationship
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The Government recently announced a number of measures to reform the civil service, including cutting up to 10,000 jobs and relocating thousands of roles across the country. These reforms are vast in scope and could have a significant impact on public services, but the Government do not seem particularly interested in setting out to Parliament the details of the changes. This House has not been given any clarity to enable proper scrutiny of which roles will be moved, cut or otherwise changed. When will the Chancellor of the Duchy Lancaster present his full plans on civil service reform to Parliament?
Context
The MP expresses concerns about the lack of detailed information provided by the Government on civil service reforms, including job cuts and role relocations.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Pat McFadden)
On 14 May, the Government announced the launch of new thematic campuses in Aberdeen and Manchester and the closure of 11 buildings, and reaffirmed the commitment on relocating 50% of senior roles outside London, which I just mentioned. The hon. Lady says these are vast commitments, but I think we need to go faster. Reform of the state is essential, and those commitments will not be the end of civil service and state reform.
Session: Civil Service Relocation
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Last week, ahead of the launch of its ethnicity code, the Lending Standards Board announced it would be closing, following the withdrawal of support from major high street banks. This was going to be a groundbreaking step towards tackling the barriers that ethnic minority business owners face in accessing finance. What steps will the Government take to ensure that the ethnicity code is implemented, supported and scaled, so that its principles are embedded across the financial sector?
Context
The Lending Standards Board announced it would be closing following the withdrawal of support from major high street banks, which was going to be a groundbreaking step towards tackling barriers for ethnic minority business owners in accessing finance.
Emma Reynolds
I am aware of the situation. I reassure the hon. Lady that the Government are committed to ensuring that firms continue to deliver good customer outcomes, now and in the future, with proportionate regulation and oversight. I am happy to engage with her in more detail on the subject she mentions.
Session: Topical Questions
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In my constituency, Hammersmith bridge has been closed to vehicles for over six years. During that time, buses have been unable to cross, emergency vehicles have experienced delays and businesses on both sides of the bridge have lost out. The Economic Secretary to the Treasury was recently unable to confirm on the radio whether the structures fund will be put towards the bridge’s repairs, so will the Minister tell me whether we can expect funding for Hammersmith bridge to reopen?
Context
The Hammersmith Bridge has been closed to vehicles for over six years, causing problems for local businesses and emergency services.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
I entirely appreciate the problems that the hon. Member and her constituents have experienced as a result of Hammersmith bridge. Further information on the structures fund will be announced in due course.
Session: Local Bus Services
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The Liberal Democrats have long called for a closer trading relationship with Europe after the disastrous negotiations by the previous Conservative Government. We welcomed last month’s new trade agreement, including an agrifood deal establishing a UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary zone. The EU is our largest agrifood market, but since Brexit exports are down by 21% and imports are down by 7%. The introduction of an SPS agreement will provide welcome relief to many businesses by reducing costs through the removal of border checks and reducing many certificate requirements, such as for export health certificates. However, businesses and producers cannot plan without clarity, so will the Minister set out a timeline on when we can expect the SPS deal to be implemented?
Context
The MP highlighted the need for clarity and timeline on when the UK-EU SPS deal will be implemented.
The Minister for Trade Policy (Mr Alexander)
I sympathise with a lot of what the hon. Lady has said. She is right to recognise that post Brexit we have broadly overperformed in services, relative to expectations, but significantly underperformed in terms of goods exports. That was in no small measure because a number of food and agriculture producers were buried in red tape and new paperwork. That is exactly why, as she suggests, the SPS deal is critical. Again, I welcome the fact that, for the second time today, we are being challenged to go further and faster on deals that we have delivered. I can assure her that, as I have said in relation to the United States, we take seriously our responsibilities on the implementation of SPS, but that places responsibilities on the British Government and, in this case, on the European Commission.
Session: Trade Agreements Programme
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I have listened with a great deal of interest to what the right hon. Gentleman has had to say on the Government’s plans to make Whitehall more efficient and to make significant reforms to service delivery, and we on these Benches very much welcome the intention behind that statement. However, announcements have been made in the media about the intention to cut 2,100 jobs in the Cabinet Office and reduce the Department’s workforce by a third. Why have we not had a statement in this House about those job cuts specifically, and when will Members of Parliament get an opportunity to scrutinise exactly what that means for their constituents and their expectations about service delivery?
Context
The MP is concerned about job cuts in the Cabinet Office and wants to know when there will be a statement made in the House about these job cuts.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Pat McFadden)
I work very closely with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Treasury on this matter. The truth is, civil service headcount grew by more than 100,000 in the years the Opposition was in power. We believe that some of that can be explained by the repatriation of powers after Brexit, but some of it can be looked at in terms of efficiencies, which is what we are doing. By reducing the Government’s overhead, we can devote the resources to where they are really needed: in frontline public services. After such growth presided over by the Conservatives over the past decade, we believe that can be done.
Session: Civil Service Reform
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Two weeks ago, I was glad to read reports in The Times that the Government intend to introduce a youth mobility scheme between the UK and the EU. That would be good for our economy, while providing young British people with the opportunity to work and study abroad. That is what the British public want, with new polling showing that more than two thirds of the UK population are in favour of such a scheme, but last week the Home Secretary ruled it out. Will the Minister do the right thing, remove the unnecessary barriers facing young people in the UK and commit to negotiations on an EU-UK youth mobility scheme?
Context
The MP was glad to read reports that the Government intended to introduce a youth mobility scheme but was disappointed when it was ruled out by the Home Secretary.
Nick Thomas-Symonds (Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office)
The position of the Government is unchanged; we have no plans for a youth mobility scheme. We will, of course, always listen to sensible proposals from the EU, but they have to be within our red lines of no return to freedom of movement, no return to the single market and no return to the customs union.
Session: Relations with the EU
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The US Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has this week announced the stepping back of US counter-cyber measures against Russia. This incredibly concerning decision by the Americans threatens not only their cyber-security, but our own. The Russian Government have been accused of orchestrating a widespread campaign of interference and disinformation that seeks to undermine the global order. In 2020, the UK Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee stated that the Government had underestimated the response required to the Russian threat. Can the Minister tell us what further measures the Government are taking to protect British democracy, and will he commit to publishing the full, unredacted Russia report?
Context
The US Defence Secretary has announced the reduction of counter-cyber measures against Russia, raising concerns about the security implications for both the US and UK. The Russian Government is accused of orchestrating a widespread campaign of interference and disinformation.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Pat McFadden)
We are fully alive to the threat posed by Russian cyber-attacks. I mentioned in my previous answer the threat from state and non-state actors, and there is sometimes a threat from state-backed actors against our public infrastructure. We will work as hard as possible to protect our institutions against such attacks, and our intelligence co-operation with the United States remains a very important part of our defences.
Session: Cyber-security Local Government Resilience
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Last year, the National Cyber Security Centre said that Government were almost certain that Russian actors had attempted to interfere in the 2019 general election. Trust in politics is at an all-time low; disinformation is rising; and following instances across the world of foreign interference in elections, it is essential that the Government make a plan to address this threat to democracy. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to safeguard democratic processes from external influences?
Context
The MP highlights the National Cyber Security Centre's concerns about Russian actors attempting to interfere in the 2019 general election. This underscores the need for plans to address foreign influence on elections.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Pat McFadden)
The Liberal Democrat spokesperson makes some strong points. We have to take the protection of our democratic system and processes seriously. I outlined Russian activity in my speech to the NATO cyber-security conference a couple of months ago. We guard against it here and help other countries guard against it, too.
Session: Cyber Security
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Elections: First Past the Post —arl Turner in the Chair]
24 June 2026
Responding: Samantha Dixon
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the limitations of first past the post as highlighted by Andy Burnham and its role in political instability. The current system disregards a significant portion of voter preferences, leading to tactical voting and disengagement from politics. In Richmond upon Thames, for example, the Liberal Democrats won every single seat despite only receiving 51.5% of the vote share, leaving out 48.5% of voters.']
Specific Asks
["I ask whether a future Labour Government could consider changing our electoral system to proportional representation, ensuring that UK residents' views are fairly represented in this place."]
Suicide: Reducing the Stigma
19 November 2025
Responding: Stephen Kinnock
Main Concerns
['Suicide is a difficult topic for people to discuss and impacts families and friends deeply. According to Campaign Against Living Miserably, one in four UK residents will experience suicidal thoughts in their lives, while 200,000 attempt suicide annually. The stigma of talking about suicide prevents individuals from seeking support.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should launch a public health campaign to tackle the stigma associated with suicide and hold regular open discussions with the public on this topic.']
Venture Capital: Access
13 May 2025
Responding: Gareth Thomas
Main Concerns
['Venture capital in the UK is inequitable, with ethnic minorities receiving disproportionately lower percentages of VC deals and funding. In 2022, only 10% of first-time equity deals went to all-ethnic minority teams, and only 6% of total investment value went to all-female founder teams. Additionally, black founders received just 0.24% of venture capital funding between 2009 and 2019.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should take meaningful action to ensure that the UK’s venture capital industry is accessible and inclusive by increasing transparency in data reporting on VC deals.']
Youth Mobility Scheme: EU
29 January 2025
Responding: Nick Thomas-Symonds
Main Concerns
["The Government's approach to relations with the EU has resulted in sectors such as hospitality struggling from lack of staff, with exports by small businesses dropping by 30% and 20,000 firms ceasing all exports to the EU. The UK faces acute labour shortages in crucial areas like hospitality, arts, entertainment, and retail."]
Specific Asks
['The Liberal Democrats propose a youth mobility scheme that would allow young people aged 18 to 30 to live, work, and study in participating countries for a set period without reverting to freedom of movement. The scheme aims to provide opportunities for British young people while improving relations with the EU.']
Protection of Seals
27 June 2023
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the welfare and protection of seals in England and Wales, particularly after the death of a seal pup named Freddie Mercury due to human negligence. In addition to an incident where a BASE jumper caused distress to a group of seals in north Wales, there are ongoing issues with badly managed tourism and inappropriate individual behaviour that threaten the well-being of seal colonies. According to data from the Seal Research Trust, 68% of human presence near seals results in disturbance.']
Specific Asks
['I urge the Government to amend the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to include intentional or reckless disturbance of seals as an offence, aligning legislation with Northern Ireland and Scotland. Additionally, I hope for legislative progress to ensure better protections against human disturbances that harm seal populations.']
Artificial Intelligence: Intellectual Property Rights
01 February 2023
Responding: George Freeman
Main Concerns
["The rapid rise of AI poses significant challenges for the creative sector. Sarah Olney's survey found that nearly 600 copyrighted images were used without consent, and respondents feel AI is devaluing their work and impacting income. There are active legal battles regarding AI and IP rights. The IPO's text and data mining proposals have been met with resistance as they could undermine creators' rights and stifle future creativity."]
Specific Asks
["Olney asks the government to confirm that it will not proceed with the proposed all-out exception to copyright for text and data mining. She seeks assurances on thorough consultation with stakeholders, robust enforcement of current protections, and a regulatory framework protecting creative workers' rights while fostering AI innovation."]
Metropolitan Police: Misogyny and Sexual Harassment
08 March 2022
Responding: Rachel Maclean
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the impact of misogyny and sexual harassment in the Metropolitan Police, particularly following the death of Sarah Everard. The arrest of a serving police officer for her murder damaged public confidence further when the Met advised women to flag down buses or shout for help if they felt threatened by a police officer. Over the past four years, 2,000 accusations of sexual misconduct against Met officers were made, but only one-third resulted in dismissals. This includes PC Wayne Couzens who was previously convicted and regularly shared offensive messages on WhatsApp with other officers. Additionally, two police officers were jailed for photographing and sharing images of the bodies of Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman after their disappearance. The Independent Office for Police Conduct also found a culture of 'toxic masculinity', sexual harassment, and misogyny at Charing Cross police station, highlighting issues of inappropriate conduct by male officers towards women."]
Specific Asks
["I urge the review led by Baroness Louise Casey to expand its terms of reference to include specific mention of misogyny. The next Metropolitan Police Commissioner should pay attention to the findings of the IOPC report and Casey's review, focusing on creating a culture that reinforces respectful behaviour and deals robustly with evidence of misogynistic attitudes."]
Maternal Mental Health — [Mr Laurence Robertson in the Chair]
10 March 2021
Responding: Nadine Dorries
Main Concerns
['Ms Olney is concerned about the impact of isolation and lockdown measures on maternal mental health. She highlighted that pregnancy and birth can trigger poor mental health, especially when compounded by loneliness, financial uncertainty, lack of access to childcare, and bereavement due to the pandemic. The survey received over 11,000 responses, revealing how difficult isolation has made the experience of giving birth and caring for a newborn, with numerous cases detailing the lack of professional support and emotional distress.']
Specific Asks
['Ms Olney urges the Government to allocate sufficient resources to address the shortage of health visitors and midwives. She also requests that digital and telephone perinatal check-ups not become the new standard and calls for home visits by health visitors to all new mothers to properly address maternal mental health.']
Planning for the Future — [Sir Charles Walker in the Chair]
15 December 2020
Responding: Christopher Pincher
Main Concerns
["The White Paper proposes reforms to planning permissions, including zoning areas into growth, renewal and protected zones with different approval rules. This would remove local councillors' ability to scrutinise individual applications on their merits. The proposal also fails to address the climate emergency by not providing policies or funding for net zero carbon emissions, despite building a million homes since 2015 without such standards. Additionally, the zoned approach could lead to unsuitable development and environmental damage."]
Specific Asks
['The Government should embed net zero carbon ambition into planning policy through the legislative framework, making carbon reduction a material consideration in the planning process. They need to provide more opportunities for local authorities to address climate change and protect green spaces within their plans.']
Jaguar Land Rover: Redundancies
09 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
British Steel
16 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Steel Industry (Alleviation of Financial Difficulties) Bill - Clause 3 - Sunset for exercise of principal transfer powers
14 July 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government support all the Lords amendments before us, which strengthen the Steel Industry (Alleviation of Financial Difficulties) Bill. Amendment 1 ensures that the sunset power in the Bill may b...
Opposition Day
07 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Steel Tariffs
17 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Steel Industry Act - Clause or Amendment being debated: New clause 4, amendment 7, amendments 8 and 9, amendment 6, amendment 20, amendment 22, amendment 24, new clauses 6 to 13
09 June 2026
Bill Debate
Led by this MP
The amendment moved by Sarah Olney aims to introduce provisions requiring the Secretary of State to publish a written estimate of environmental liabilities before compensation can be paid. This is int...
Steel Industry Nationalisation Bill - New Clause 8: Contingent liabilities
08 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment aims to narrow the definition of a steel undertaking so that it must predominantly involve the manufacture or processing of steel. It seeks to prevent unnecessary nationalisation by ensu...
Processed Russian Oil Products: Sanctions
20 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Heathrow Airport: Third Runway
14 May 2026
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
The debate surrounding a third runway at Heathrow has stretched over three decades, with the Liberal Democrats opposing expansion due to overstated economic benefits and unavoidable environmental cons...
Backbench Business
23 April 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Congratulated her colleague on securing the debate and highlighted the crucial role of allied health professionals in delivering the NHS's three shifts, especially in paediatric care. She cited exampl...
Planning applications in Richmond Park
22 July 2021
The petition addresses concerns over the Former Stag Brewery and Homebase, Manor Road planning applications in Richmond Park constituency, arguing that weakening local authority decisions risks unsuit...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
55.1%
54 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
38
38.8% of votes
No Votes
16
16.3% of votes
Abstentions
44
44.9% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
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
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
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
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: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
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: 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
DID NOT VOTE
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
10
PMQs Asked
108
Ministerial Questions Asked
240
House of Commons Debates Involved
9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
1
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
+173% above average
This MP:
10
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+706% above average
This MP:
108
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+258% above average
This MP:
9
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+4838% above average
This MP:
240
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-59% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-20% below average
This MP:
55.1
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Sarah Olney's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.