Sean Woodcock
MP for Banbury
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Maternity care in north Oxfordshire declined under the previous Government, with the loss of consultant-led services at the Horton hospital—where I was born—and serious failings by the trust, which is now part of Baroness Amos's inquiry. However, last week, the Care Quality Commission upgraded the Horton maternity unit to good. Will the Prime Minister visit the Horton hospital in Banbury to see the change that this Government's £3.3 million investment has delivered since July 2024?
Context
The Care Quality Commission recently upgraded the Horton maternity unit to 'good'.
Keir Starmer
I am pleased that my hon. Friend's local maternity services are seeing improvements. We now have a record number of midwives working in the NHS, and we are investing over £150 million to address critical safety risks. There is much more that we need to do so that every mother is listened to and receives outstanding care. The recommendations of the Amos inquiry will be published shortly, and we will act to deliver lasting change.
Session: PMQs
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This Government have a NATO-first approach, meaning that our strength is reinforced by global allies, so that, in an increasingly dangerous world, the UK will not stand alone. It is vital that colleagues from across the House and Governments across the UK remain united in that approach. Will the Secretary of State provide an update on any discussions she has had with the new Welsh Government regarding their contribution to the UK's national security?
Context
There are concerns about the new Welsh Government's stance on UK defence.
Jo Stevens
The strategic defence review reinforces the importance of close collaboration between all Governments on defence, particularly where key levers such as skills and planning are devolved. I can confirm to my hon. Friend that I have written to the Cabinet Minister for Finance in the new minority Plaid Welsh Government on Wales's role in the defence of the UK. I regret to inform the House that the Minister did not respond to my request for confirmation that the Welsh Government will support the UK's full membership of NATO, but I can assure the House that the UK Labour Government are wholeheartedly committed to our defence and security.
Session: Defence Spending
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What assessment she has made of the potential impact of increases in defence spending on Wales?
Context
The question comes after recent increases in defence spending and concerns about its distribution.
Jo Stevens
Wales has a crucial role to play in our national security. Wales is home to a dynamic defence SME base, as well as major companies such as QinetiQ, BAE Systems, Airbus, General Dynamics and Thales. The increased defence budget will support thousands of jobs in communities across Wales, help to grow our economy and keep the UK safe.
Session: Defence Spending
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Will the Minister agree to meet me to discuss how we can fix that despite the council?
Context
Cherwell district council's failings in addressing a major planning application, with Banbury having a huge and desperate housing need.
Matthew Pennycook
I am more than happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the housing challenges in his part of the country.
Session: Topical Questions
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How is the Solicitor General ensuring that victims remain central in CPS work?
Context
60% of rape victims drop out before trial, highlighting the need for measures to support victims.
Ellie Reeves
Measures include an enhanced offer for rape victims, prosecution team meetings before trials, dedicated liaison officers in Crown courts. Raneem's law is introduced, embedding domestic abuse specialists in 999 call centres, and rolling out protection orders.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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What assessment has been made on the adequacy of Crown Prosecution Service prosecutions in cases involving violence against women and girls?
Context
The adequacy of current CPS prosecution levels for cases involving violence against women and girls is under scrutiny.
Ellie Reeves
I highlighted steps taken to increase advocate availability for rape cases, which grew by over 50% since summer 2024. The Government have set aside £6 million over the next two years to introduce independent legal advisers for victims of adult rape.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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What assessment has been made of the impact of the abolition of the two-child benefit cap for families in Northern Ireland? The Government's child poverty strategy aims to lift over 550,000 children out of poverty by 2030.
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of government policies on child poverty and families in Northern Ireland, referencing specific government initiatives.
Hilary Benn
Lifting the two-child benefit cap in Northern Ireland will help more than 17,000 children and over 48,000 people. We are also increasing the national minimum wage to benefit 170,000 people and raising the state pension for 330,000 pensioners.
Session: Autumn Budget 2025
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What assessment has been made of the impact of the abolition of the two-child benefit cap for families in Northern Ireland? The Government's child poverty strategy aims to lift over 550,000 children out of poverty by 2030.
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of government policies on child poverty and families in Northern Ireland, referencing specific government initiatives.
Hilary Benn
Lifting the two-child benefit cap in Northern Ireland will help more than 17,000 children and over 48,000 people. We are also increasing the national minimum wage to benefit 170,000 people and raising the state pension for 330,000 pensioners.
Session: Autumn Budget 2025
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What assessment has been made of the potential impact of the autumn budget 2025 on Northern Ireland? The autumn budget provided additional funding for Northern Ireland, but there are concerns about its overall impact.
Context
The MP is concerned about the potential impact of the autumn budget on Northern Ireland, citing specific financial concerns and measures.
Hilary Benn
The autumn Budget provided Northern Ireland with an additional £370 million on top of the record spending review settlement, and will assist families with the cost of living by cutting energy bills, lifting the two-child benefit limit and raising the minimum wage.
Session: Autumn Budget 2025
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What assessment has been made of the potential impact of the autumn budget 2025 on Northern Ireland? The autumn budget provided additional funding for Northern Ireland, but there are concerns about its overall impact.
Context
The MP is concerned about the potential impact of the autumn budget on Northern Ireland, citing specific financial concerns and measures.
Hilary Benn
The autumn Budget provided Northern Ireland with an additional £370 million on top of the record spending review settlement, and will assist families with the cost of living by cutting energy bills, lifting the two-child benefit limit and raising the minimum wage.
Session: Autumn Budget 2025
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Nearly 11,000 homes in Cherwell district have been granted planning permission but remain unbuilt. This causes understandable frustration for local residents and the thousands of people in housing need. Will the Minister set out what action the Government are taking to improve build-out so that much-needed homes are built and delivered?
Context
Nearly 11,000 homes in Cherwell district have been granted planning permission but remain unbuilt. This causes frustration for local residents who are in housing need.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
My hon. Friend is a powerful advocate for the interests of Banbury, and he has rightly and forcefully conveyed the message that the communities he represents expect homes, infrastructure and services that have been promised as part of a planning approval to be delivered as quickly as possible. I am sure he will welcome the fact that the new draft national planning policy framework, on which the Government are currently consulting, proposes to strengthen national policies to ensure that major residential developments are deliverable within a reasonable period. He will also be reassured to know that we intend to take further action to incentivise faster build-out rates, drawing on the two consultations that we undertook last year.
Session: Social and Affordable Homes Banbury
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T7. What steps is the Minister taking to support small and medium-sized businesses in Banbury with public procurement?
Context
The need to support local businesses through public procurement.
Chris Ward
Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of our economy, and we are looking at reforming procurement rules to do everything we can to make sure that the £400 billion a year we spend on this does everything possible to help small businesses. We consulted in the summer, including on late payments and reforming social value, and we are going to bring forward a package of reforms shortly on this.
Session: Topical Questions
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The war in Ukraine has shown the importance of drones on the modern battlefield. The previous Government published a drone strategy that was only 12 pages long, and half of that was pictures. They failed to fund UK companies that are investing in, and making, world-leading drone tech here at home. Will the strategic defence review correct that wrong, and support drone development in the UK?
Context
The war in Ukraine has highlighted the importance of drones. The previous government's drone strategy was criticised for being inadequate.
John Healey
The shadow Defence Secretary, the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge), shouts, “Total rubbish,” but his 12-page drone strategy was half-full of pictures and totally unfunded. The strategic defence review will look at how our technologies are changing the nature of warfare, and will ensure that we can make Britain secure at home and strong abroad.
Session: Topical Questions
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Every week on my journey to and from this place I join constituents on overcrowded Chiltern Railways trains that are often advertised as standing room only. The oldest class of carriages operating on that network has an average age of 47 years. In the light of this, can Ministers tell me what action the Department is taking to support the replacement and refurbishment of these carriages to improve capacity, service reliability, and passenger experience and comfort?
Context
Overcrowded trains and ageing carriages on the Chiltern line causing reliability issues.
Simon Lightwood
Chiltern Railways faces challenges with ageing trains and is engaged in commercial negotiations to replace its oldest Mark 3 carriages. The Department is collaborating with Chiltern to ensure that the procurement delivers long-term passenger benefits. Separately, the Chiltern Class 168 fleet is undergoing significant refurbishment, including to its interiors, and improvements to reliability.
Session: Topical Questions
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Homelessness is a concern for many veterans, with the Prime Minister pledging to guarantee a roof over their heads. What measures are being taken to support homeless veterans in Banbury?
Context
Homelessness is a concern for many veterans, with the Prime Minister pledging to guarantee a roof over their heads.
Rushanara Ali
The government is committed to ensuring that all veterans have access to suitable accommodation. This includes a range of initiatives such as the Armed Forces Covenant, which ensures that veterans receive fair treatment and consideration, and specific support programs for homeless veterans.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Keep the Horton General campaign in my constituency has recently catalogued the poor experiences of tens of Banbury-based mothers who gave birth at the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford. Will the Secretary of State or a member of his team meet me to discuss these concerning reports of poor maternity care?
Context
The Keep the Horton General campaign in Banbury has catalogued poor experiences of mothers who gave birth at John Radcliffe hospital.
Wes Streeting
We have already heard about the staffing shortages and the actions we will take to address that, but I also want to reassure people that patient voices, including those of recent and expectant mothers, will be part of our 10-year plan for the NHS.
Session: Topical Questions
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I ask if the Minister can commit to ensuring English people enjoy the same health funding as those in Scotland, given that health and social care integration requires significant funding and staff engagement. Will he make this commitment?
Context
The question addresses the integration of health and social care services, highlighting a need for sufficient funding. The Scottish National Party's representative points out that health is funded £323 more per head in Scotland than in England.
Andrew Gwynne
I welcome the hon. Gentleman back to the House, but I politely say to him that he needs to be a little bit patient. There will be some announcements in the near future on this Government's plans for social care. He should rest assured that we on the Labour Benches understand the integration agenda. We understand the need to fix both the NHS and social care.
Session: Health and Social Care Reform
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I ask whether he plans to hold discussions with NHS staff and patients on his plans for reforming NHS health and social care services. I note that in my constituency of Banbury, issues such as whistleblowing among hospital staff remain unaddressed and there are threats against those who speak out. The voices of frontline workers should not be silenced; we need a regulatory body with oversight over medical managers to ensure accountability.
Context
The question follows an initial query about NHS reform, specifically addressing the need for discussions with frontline staff and patients to shape a 10-year plan.
Andrew Gwynne
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We have previously said that bank managers are more regulated than NHS managers. This Labour Government will pursue an agenda of greater accountability, transparency and candour when it comes to those making managerial and executive decisions in our national health service.
Session: Health and Social Care Reform
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Full name of the bill being debated - Which clause or amendment is being debated
10 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The reasoned amendment tabled by the official Opposition has been selected. The amendment aims to introduce significant changes to the bill to address issues related to [specific issue], highlighting ...
Jaguar Land Rover: Redundancies
09 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill - New Clause 116
02 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I propose New Clause 116 to introduce a cap on donations from overseas contributors to political parties and candidates. This measure is necessary to ensure the integrity of our democratic process and...
Local Government Reorganisation
13 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Opposition Day
07 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Foreign Interference in UK Politics
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East: Economic Response
21 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Energy Security
19 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Criticises the Government's energy policy, particularly the ban on new oil and gas licences. Emphasises the negative impact of these policies on Aberdeen, the North East of Scotland, and UK economic s...
Lord Mandelson Humble Address: Government Response Update
27 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
91.8%
90 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
31
31.6% of votes
No Votes
59
60.2% of votes
Abstentions
8
8.2% 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
VOTED NO
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 NO
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
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
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 NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
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 AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
1
PMQs Asked
17
Ministerial Questions Asked
50
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+27% above average
This MP:
17
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+929% above average
This MP:
50
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 (%)
+33% above average
This MP:
91.8
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 Sean Woodcock's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.