Steve Darling
MP for Torbay
Lib Dem
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
After a cost of living crisis overseen by the chaotic Conservative Government, many in the tourist industry in Torbay believed that they had weathered the storm, as did those in Devon and Cornwall. However, many in the tourist industry in Torbay fear that the Government’s national insurance contribution hikes and effective jobs tax could be the last nail in the coffin for some of those businesses. In the light of that, will the Prime Minister give me the pleasure of showing him round Paignton zoo this summer, so he can see this outstanding, amazing tourist attraction in Torbay? It is one of many across the west of England that, sadly, are massively impacted by the jobs tax.
Context
The tourist industry in Torbay and other areas of Devon and Cornwall is facing financial strain due to the government's national insurance contribution hikes. Many businesses fear these measures could be detrimental to their survival.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
May I start by wishing Jennie, the hon. Gentleman’s guide dog, a very happy birthday for yesterday? She is six years old—although she does not look particularly interested in my answer, I have to say. I recognise the importance of tourism to the hon. Gentleman’s beautiful constituency—I have been there many times, and worked there for a short time—in driving growth and creating jobs. We have announced a new Visitor Economy Advisory Council, which will work with business to deliver a new strategy that is focused on supporting growth and the tourism industry. VisitBritain has also launched a new international marketing campaign to showcase Britain’s incredible heritage, culture and landscapes, and I know the Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism will be happy to keep the hon. Gentleman updated.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not address the specific impact of national insurance contribution hikes on businesses in Torbay or provide a commitment to visit Paignton Zoo.
Changed Subject
Provided General Information About Tourism Support
Session: PMQs
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Does the Minister think it is time to acknowledge that buildings are outdated and accelerate investment in Torbay hospital? The MP mentioned the tower block at Torbay hospital which becomes an oven during heatwaves. He asked if construction can be brought forward for this hospital, which is slated for development between 2032-2034.
Context
Torbay hospital, one of the oldest estates in NHS, is struggling with heatwave conditions affecting patients and staff.
Sharon Hodgson
The Minister noted that Torbay hospital is in wave 2 of the new hospital programme, with construction expected to commence between 2032 and 2034. She heard what he said about bringing this forward but could not commit to accelerating it at this stage.
Session: NHS Buildings Extreme Heat 2026-07-14
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I welcome the Government's acceptance of a finding from the Liz Sayce review of carer's allowance overpayments in respect of the underuse of waivers, given that the households concerned are often the most vulnerable in society. Has a review of the use of waivers been undertaken, and what changes have been made for frontline staff?
Context
The Government have accepted a review's finding regarding carer's allowance overpayments.
Stephen Timms
As the hon. Member knows, we are working through the cases of those who were required to repay an overpayment over recent years. I am receiving an update every week on the number of cases that have been gone through and the number of people who have had an overpayment reduced or cancelled, and I would be happy to give the hon. Member further information about the progress of that work.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-06-29
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In deprived coastal communities such as Torbay, the NHS and the Department for Work and Pensions can make up a significant part of the job offer, including entry-level jobs for young people. It was therefore disturbing to hear last week that almost 5,500 jobs could be moved or be at risk of redundancy across the United Kingdom. In Torquay, there are 130 jobs at Cotswold House with no prospect of being moved to another DWP location. Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss those office closures and how young people can be helped into employment through employment with the DWP?
Context
Almost 5,500 jobs could be moved or are at risk of redundancy across the United Kingdom. In Torquay, there are 130 jobs at Cotswold House with no prospect of being moved to another DWP location.
Pat McFadden
I appreciate that the DWP plays a role as a local employer, but it is important that we deliver our service as efficiently as possible on behalf of the taxpayer and that we get the maximum value for money for that. With regard to the hon. Member's request, there has been an offer of a meeting with a Minister from the Department; I hope that he will take that up.
Session: Unemployed Young People 2026-06-29
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The abolition of Healthwatch will see the NHS and Government marking their own homework. Can assurances be given about how patient voices, especially for those with learning disabilities, complex needs, and dementia, will be ensured to be heard?
Context
Healthwatch plays a critical role in ensuring that underrepresented groups are heard.
Karin Smyth
The hon. Gentleman raises an important point about varied needs local commissioners need to address, which the Health Bill seeks to do by embedding patient views directly in commissioning decisions.
Session: Healthwatch
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The Guardian reported that young people from more deprived backgrounds face discrimination via the apprenticeship system, especially if their family receives child benefit. How can you support these vulnerable families?
Context
A Guardian report highlighted discrimination against young people from more deprived communities through the apprenticeship system, including a penalty for families receiving child benefit.
Pat McFadden
Apprenticeships provide a paid wage and should be preferred over benefits for family income, considering the overall economic impact on the family.
Session: Apprenticeships
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The Chancellor had the opportunity to reverse a jobs tax that is costing thousands of jobs for young people across the UK, but did not do so. Why did she not choose to reverse this tax?
Context
The Chancellor had the opportunity to reverse a jobs tax that is costing thousands of jobs for young people across the UK, but did not do so.
Pat McFadden
The Liberal Democrats support extra spending but oppose revenue-raising measures. If they want NHS waiting lists to fall and more spending, they must support revenue-raising measures.
Session: Unemployment
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Last week, Citizens Advice shared a report into Access to Work which confirmed many things that we know from our own postbags relating to disturbing delays in the system on both processing applications and reimbursement. Will the Minister share with us what recovery plan he has in place and when the Government will get up to a 28-day turnaround for these important issues?
Context
Citizens Advice reported delays in Access to Work processing applications and reimbursement, affecting many constituents. Steve Darling cited a 28-day turnaround as a critical improvement goal.
Stephen Timms
The new disability advisory panel—chaired by Zara Todd—will be working with us on reform of Access to Work. We have increased the number of staff working on this from 500 to 650 in the past couple of years, which is reducing some of the delays that we saw as a result of the big surge in applications. I would be glad to keep the hon. Gentleman posted on further progress, including our proposals for reform, which we will bring forward as soon as we are able to do so.
Session: Topical Questions
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There is clear evidence up and down the country of Serco failing to serve the Courts Service appropriately, including for my constituents in Torbay. Does the Secretary of State accept that if we can make sure that Serco can get people to the courts more rapidly, it will give them better access to justice and allow them to access jury trials?
Context
The Lord Chancellor proposed reforms to jury trials, which could affect the efficiency of the court system. Steve Darling mentions concerns about Serco's inadequate service delivery.
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Mr David Lammy)
The Courts Minister and the Prisons Minister are working together on this issue. Sir Brian Leveson will have more to say tomorrow in part 2 of his report, on efficiencies, but one of the things that we are looking at is local authorities opening bus lanes to those drivers, so that they can speed through.
Session: Changes to Jury Trials
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The Sayce review investigated the carers’ allowance scandal and identified that almost 87,000 carers were affected. The Government are planning to write off the debts of 26,000 carers, but does that mean that the Minister believes that 60,000 carers are guilty of fraud?
Context
The Sayce review identified almost 87,000 carers affected by the carers’ allowance scandal.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
I think the hon. Gentleman would agree that Liz Sayce did a superb job. We commissioned her review straight after the general election, and we have accepted all but two of the recommendations that she made in her report. We are working through the detail of how to implement those recommendations, and we will set out the proposals and the details as soon as we are able to do so. We are also working with carer organisations on communications with the carers affected to ensure that they are right.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Liberal Democrats welcome the fact that the Government have accepted the findings of the Sayce review into carer’s allowance overpayments, but what assurances can the Minister give that the Government will stop hounding carers about overpayments? Will the Government also apologise?
Context
The Sayce review findings have been accepted. The issue is ensuring that carers are not pursued for genuine overpayments and seeking apologies.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
I am very sorry about what happened to many carers. For example, only about half of the alerts that came into the Department from HMRC were checked, so overpayments that the Department had been notified of carried on for months and months. Of course, genuine overpayments do still need recovery and that work will continue. If people run into difficulties, it is always worth talking to the DWP debt management service.
Session: Review of Carer’s Allowance Overpayments
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Given that last year the new Secretary of State said that it is open to debate as to whether the two-child limit is harmful and this policy has been the most impactful in driving children into poverty, will the Minister acknowledge that the two-child limit is harmful?
Context
The new Secretary of State for Work and Pensions previously stated that it is open to debate as to whether the two-child limit is harmful, but statistics show it has driven more than 730,000 children into poverty.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Andrew Western)
I am happy to acknowledge the findings of the Child Poverty Action Group, which I think has put forward the statistics that the hon. Gentleman sets out. This is not the only lever available to us, all levers are under active consideration.
Session: Child Poverty
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Torbay hospital needs significant investment which has been delayed. It is described as 'dire' with sewage leaks and scaffolding around it. Will the Minister meet me and representatives to discuss achieving necessary investment?
Context
The Conservative Government's promise of 40 new hospitals by 2030 lacked funding beyond March. Torbay Hospital, the third oldest in UK, is in dire need of investment due to sewage leaks and structural issues.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
I remind the hon. Member that Lord Darzi echoed concerns about the state of hospitals, and I have visited many such hospitals and would be happy to discuss the matter further. The Torbay and South Devon NHS foundation trust has received £7.3 million from the estates safety fund for works at the hospital, and we are committed to ensuring its development in line with the programme.
Session: New Hospital Programme
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With proposals from the Green Paper set to push 300,000 individuals into poverty, how will changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) ensure that people with disabilities live their best lives?
Context
The Liberal Democrats are concerned about proposals in the Green Paper which could plunge 300,000 people into poverty.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
We are determined, through the changes, to provide employment support for people who are out of work on health and disability grounds. We have an ambitious programme, Connect to Work, building up to an additional £1 billion a year in employment support by the end of the Parliament.
Session: Topical Questions
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There are significant delays in processing Access to Work applications which cause concerns for disabled people who might lose their jobs. What reassurance can the Minister provide that there are plans to address this backlog?
Context
The MP highlights unacceptable delays in Access to Work application processing, causing fears among disabled individuals about losing job offers.
The Minister for Employment (Alison McGovern)
We have increased staffing levels to tackle the backlog and will continue to prioritise this issue as it is crucial for disabled individuals to take up offered jobs. However, there is still more work needed in this area.
Session: Employment Incentives
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Health authorities in Devon are set to trial the relocation of a vital coronary service from Torbay to Exeter, which is 24 miles away. Will the Minister meet me and fellow south Devon MPs who have grave concerns about the impact on patient safety?
Context
Health authorities in Devon are set to trial the relocation of a vital coronary service from Torbay to Exeter, which is 24 miles away.
Wes Streeting
It is important that people are able to get the right care in the right place at the right time, and I recognise the challenges, particularly in geographies such as Devon and Cornwall, which have more rural and remote communities. In the first instance, I encourage the hon. Gentleman to take this issue up with local health leaders and his integrated care board, but Ministers are always open to receiving representations beyond that if he needs further reassurance.
Session: Topical Questions
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Children in poverty in Torbay make up 23% of our population but 100% of our future. Barnardo’s recently highlighted that the most powerful tool in the Government’s toolbox to tackle child poverty is ending the two-child cap. Only last week, the annual poverty report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation came to the same conclusion. When will the Minister come to that same conclusion and end the two-child cap?
Context
The questioner raises concerns about the impact of the two-child cap on child poverty rates in Torbay and asks for a timeline on ending it.
The Minister for Employment (Alison McGovern)
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question and for coming along to our parliamentary engagement session last week, which I hope he agrees was a productive update for everybody. As I just mentioned, I watched from the Opposition Benches as various policies, including the one he mentions, were introduced. We can see their consequences all around us.
Session: Child Poverty Strategy
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Has that given the Minister pause for thought?
Context
Labour councillors on Hull city council voted to condemn the government’s decision not to compensate WASPI women.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Torsten Bell)
I recognise the strength of feeling on this issue right across the House. We carefully considered the ombudsman’s report, but as the hon. Member knows, we do not think it is fair to provide compensation costing up to £10 billion when 90% of affected pensioners knew that the state pension age was rising, and the evidence shows that letters being sent earlier would have made little difference.
Session: Topical Questions
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What consideration have Ministers given to exempting the seasonal tourism industry from the national insurance hikes set to kick in this summer? That would benefit Paignton zoo and Splashdown in the Torbay constituency.
Context
Seasonal tourism businesses such as Paignton zoo and Splashdown are facing challenges due to national insurance hikes.
James Murray (Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury)
We set out the details of our decision to increase the rate of national insurance contributions from employers and to reduce the threshold, and we have added the different benefit we will give, particularly to small businesses and charities, by more than doubling the employment allowance. The employer national insurance contribution changes were among the toughest we took in the Budget, but they were necessary to repair the public finances and deliver the economic stability that is so crucial for investment and growth.
Session: Supporting SMEs, Retail, and Hospitality and Tourism
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I hope the Secretary of State will join me in congratulating Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell on their victory on “Strictly” this weekend. In the light of that victory, how does she plan to make the Access to Work scheme more fit for purpose, so that it can help more people with disabilities reach their full potential?
Context
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell won on 'Strictly' this weekend.
Liz Kendall
I absolutely join in the hon. Gentleman's comments. It was a great joy to see that victory at the weekend. We want to see Access to Work working better. We want to get the backlogs down, and for that support to be available to more people.
Session: “Get Britain Working” White Paper
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A report by the National Audit Office last week highlighted how cliff edges in the care allowance system have resulted in 136,000 people owing £250 million. In the light of that, will the Minister ensure that we stop this injustice and stop the demands until a fairer system is introduced?
Context
A report highlights how the care allowance system has resulted in £250 million owed by 136,000 people.
Stephen Timms
I welcome the NAO report, which I asked for last May, when I was Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee. We are determined to address the problem of carer's allowance overpayments. The cliff edge could be dealt with through the introduction of a taper instead of the current arrangements, as the Chancellor mentioned in her Budget speech in the autumn.
Session: Topical Questions
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On Armistice Day, it is important for the Chamber to reflect on the Royal British Legion and its 'Credit their Service' campaign, which seeks to disregard military compensation in pension credit calculations. Will the Secretary of State give serious consideration to disregarding such compensation?
Context
The Royal British Legion's 'Credit their Service' campaign aims to ensure that military compensation is not disregarded when calculating benefits. This issue was raised on Armistice Day.
Emma Reynolds
I associate myself with the hon. Gentleman's comments and those of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. I will look carefully at what the hon. Gentleman has suggested and get back to him.
Session: Pension Credit Uptake
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I am sure all Members in this Chamber are aware of the Women Against State Pension Inequality campaign and the parliamentary ombudsman's findings. Will the Secretary of State commit to making a statement in the House before Christmas on progress with her review of the ombudsman's report?
Context
The Women Against State Pension Inequality campaign and the parliamentary ombudsman's findings are under consideration by the government.
Emma Reynolds
As the hon. Gentleman will know, the ombudsman took six years to consider a range of complex cases, and we are looking at their complexity. I was the first Minister in six years to meet representatives of the WASPI campaign. We hope to be able to update the House in the coming weeks.
Session: Topical Questions
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There are 2.7 million pensioners over the age of 80 who would have benefited from the £300 winter fuel allowance. They are among the most vulnerable in our society. The right hon. Lady is right to say that the previous Government let them down, but let us not add insult to injury and have the new Government let them down. Can she reassure the House that she will reverse the regressive approach that she has taken to the winter fuel allowance, and not hit the most vulnerable people who are over 80?
Context
The question addresses the government's policy on reducing winter fuel allowance for those over 80 and seeks reassurance on reversing this decision.
Liz Kendall
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. He will know that this was not a decision that we wanted or expected to make. The reason we have taken it is that we have to deal with the £22 billion black hole in the public finances left by Conservative Members. But in doing so, we will as a progressive party always prioritise the very poorest pensioners. That is why we are so determined to end a situation where up to 880,000 people miss out on the winter fuel allowance because they are not getting pension credit. We are determined to put that right.
Session: Winter Fuel Payment
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Mr Speaker, may I draw your attention to a report recently published by the University of Bath, which highlights that benefit claimants face a series of cliff edges if they claim additional funds? If a family earn just £7,399, they lose the ability to claim free school meals. What plans does the Minister have to tackle the lack of compassion in the system?
Context
The MP references a report on benefit claimants facing series of cliff edges.
Stephen Timms
I am not familiar with the report to which the hon. Member refers, but we committed in our manifesto to reviewing universal credit, nearly 15 years after it was first launched. The cliff edge issue and others will be among those that we will want to look at in the course of that review.
Session: Topical Questions
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I congratulate the Solicitor General on their appointment. How will the Solicitor General ensure that we expedite shoplifting prosecutions?
Context
The British Retail Consortium identified a £1.7 billion cost to traders from the offence, affecting high street viability in Torbay.
Sarah Sackman
The police are working closely with CPS colleagues to prosecute shoplifting, but we know there is more to do. Among additional measures, the Government will introduce a new offence of assaulting retail workers in order to protect store staff. There are other things that we can do, but this is a start.
Session: Shoplifting Prosecutions
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What steps are being taken to help increase prosecution rates for shoplifting?
Context
The British Retail Consortium identified a £1.7 billion cost to traders from shoplifting offences, impacting the viability of high street trading in Torbay.
Sarah Sackman
Our safer streets mission aims to end the epidemic of shoplifting on high streets. Between 2018 and 2023, the charge rate for shoplifting offences decreased significantly under the previous government, with 10,000 fewer charges per year. The current government believes that criminal gangs have been emboldened by poor enforcement and immunity for low-level shoplifting. We are introducing a new offence of assaulting retail workers to protect store staff.
Session: Shoplifting Prosecutions
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Can the Minister assure the House that there will be some reviews to ensure that justice is served more locally to our communities?
Context
Torquay magistrates court closed in the last decade, causing local justice issues for residents.
Heidi Alexander
I am happy to discuss that matter with him, possibly alongside looking at the court in Chorley.
Session: Court Backlog
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What assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the backlog of cases in courts?
Context
The question arises from the growing backlog of cases across various jurisdictions, affecting court users' experience and efficiency.
Heidi Alexander
The Government are committed to reducing caseloads and bringing waiting times down. 18 Nightingale courtrooms remain open, and we plan to sit more than 105,000 days in the Crown court and more than 102,000 days in the family court this financial year.
Session: Court Backlog
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Some 21,000 pensioners in my constituency of Torbay will be impacted by the cut. In Devon and Cornwall, almost 90% of pensioners will be impacted by it. While many of us acknowledge that the Chancellor was left with a massive financial challenge when she came into the post, I remain extremely concerned about the residents who have reached out to me and colleagues with their major concerns about making ends meet as we enter the winter period. They have had no time to save and it is a complete shock to them. What assurances can the Chancellor give that the Government will support those who are most vulnerable? If those measures fail, what assurances can she give that she will scrap the proposal?
Context
21,000 pensioners in Torbay will be impacted by the cut to winter fuel payments. The constituency has a high proportion of rural and older housing stock.
Rachel Reeves
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. He will be a powerful representative for Torbay constituents. This Government are taking action to ensure lowest income pensioners get support through pension credit and working with Age UK, local authorities to play their part in identifying entitled but non-receiving pensioners.
Session: Cost of Living Support for Pensioners
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Defibrillators in Police Vehicles
08 July 2026
Responding: Sarah Jones
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the lack of defibrillators in police vehicles, which can lead to missed opportunities for saving lives during cardiac arrests. Jay, a young man who had a cardiac arrest at the age of 18, was one such victim due to the delayed arrival of an ambulance and the absence of a defibrillator nearby. The medical evidence shows that for every minute without intervention, there is a 10% reduction in survival rates. Less than 10% of response vehicles across the country have defibrillators as standard equipment.']
Specific Asks
['I ask the Minister to take steps to ensure that all police response vehicles are equipped with defibrillators and remove the postcode lottery for emergency medical aid, ensuring that such tools become mandatory in all response vehicles.']
NHS Funding: South-west
11 June 2025
Responding: Karin Smyth
Main Concerns
["The NHS funding situation is dire, with a £6.6 billion hole in the hospital programme's budget and significant challenges at Torbay Hospital, including outdated facilities, sewage leaks, and structural issues. The pressures on staff are immense due to these conditions."]
Specific Asks
['Steve Darling asks for the Minister to address the wave 2 mitigation bids, particularly regarding funding for Torbay Hospital and guidance on ICB mergers in the area.']
Backbench Business
16 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
16 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
13 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr Carmichael highlighted the concern regarding the management of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, specifically noting proposed changes to payments for coastguard rescue officers that could impact ...
Employment and Training
06 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The draft order aims to support the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board's levy proposals for 2026, 2027 and 2028. This statutory instrument is crucial as it retains funding mechanisms tha...
Department for Work and Pensions
30 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Department for Work and Pensions supports nearly 23 million people and spends around £300 billion each year. The central question is not just about cost, but whether the system is fair, timely and...
Milburn Review: Interim Report
02 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Health and Social Care Bill
01 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, James Murray, moved the Second Reading of the Health and Social Care Bill. He emphasised the personal significance of the NHS in his life due to a ra...
Debate on the Address
14 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The UK labour market is performing well with high employment rates, low unemployment compared to OECD countries, and rising real wages. The government's economic management has put the country in a be...
The Pension Schemes Bill - Clause 40 - Certain schemes providing money purchase benefits: scale and asset allocation
28 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves amendments to the Bill that aim to retain the original policy intent while addressing concerns raised in both Houses. The proposed changes include a new requirement for regulators to assess barr...
Paignton Post Office
13 October 2025
The petitioners are concerned about the potential closure of Paignton post office, which they view as a vital part of their community.
View Full Petition -->
Paignton Post Office
02 April 2025
The petition seeks to protect and save Paignton Post Office from closure, highlighting its importance as a vital community resource in the town centre of Paignton.
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
60.2%
50 of 83 votes
Aye Votes
36
43.4% of votes
No Votes
14
16.9% of votes
Abstentions
33
39.8% of votes
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
03 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
1
PMQs Asked
29
Ministerial Questions Asked
100
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
2
Petitions Presented
83
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+112% above average
This MP:
29
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-21% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1966% above average
This MP:
100
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-18% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.4
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-13% below average
This MP:
60.2
Average:
69.5
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Steve Darling's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.