Tessa Munt
MP for Wells and Mendip Hills
Lib Dem
6 May 2010 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Ahead of the 80th anniversary of VE Day, may I thank the Prime Minister for his Government’s recognition of the highly dangerous and clandestine work of the 1,746 pilots and navigators who formed the RAF’s photographic reconnaissance squadrons, and the 635 Buckinghamshire-based photographic interpreters—often forgotten—whose service will be marked with a national memorial near the Churchill war rooms? They had a death rate of nearly 50% and a life expectancy of only two and a half months, but they nevertheless captured 26 million images of enemy operations, providing daily, up-to-date intelligence to the strategists in the Cabinet war rooms. May I ask the Prime Minister to join me when that national memorial is unveiled so that we can pay our respects to the likes of the late Captain Wilfred Bruce Tilley DFC, of Axbridge in my constituency, and the other amazing young men and women whose work was so critical to the safety of millions of people in this country and elsewhere?
Context
The Prime Minister's Government is recognising the service of 1,746 pilots and navigators who formed the RAF’s photographic reconnaissance squadrons during World War II. A national memorial is planned to commemorate their sacrifice.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I thank the hon. Lady for raising that very important issue. I am sure that Members on both sides of the House would support a memorial to the service and sacrifice of those veterans. The bravery and service of individuals such as Captain Tilley, and others in the Photographic Reconnaissance Unit and the photographic interpretation units, saved the lives of many servicemen and servicewomen and, of course, civilians, and—as the hon. Lady rightly pointed out—the cost was the many casualties in those units. As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we will remember those who helped to secure our greatest victory.
Session: PMQs
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Today is Back British Farming Day, with previous Government underspending £100 million in farming budget. Will the Prime Minister deny removing this permanently? Farmers want increased budget and environmental support.
Context
Previous government underspent £100 million in the farming budget. Concern about plans to remove this funding.
Keir Starmer
Our rural communities were neglected by previous Government. We will protect farmers, make supply chain fairer, prevent bill rises by switching to GB Energy. No pre-empting Budget but support will be in place.
Assessment
Removing £100 million from the farming budget permanently
Protect Farmers
Carefully Considering
Session: PMQs
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Returning to the emergency alerts, what assessment has the Secretary of State made of issuing alerts on a regional or county basis for important but more local emergencies, such as bluetongue outbreaks in cattle and sheep in rural areas?
Context
The MP inquires about issuing emergency alerts on a regional or county basis for important but more local emergencies.
Dan Jarvis
I hope that the hon. Member heard my earlier response about how seriously we take the issuing of the alert, and how we take considerable effort to look carefully at how it has worked and whether it can be improved in future. I say to her that every emergency alert is carefully co-ordinated with the responding public bodies and agencies, and each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure that it is necessary for public safety.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-10
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For many, rural bus services are the only way to buy food, to get to work, school or medical appointments, or to access services. A shuttle bus is meant to replace the 173 First Bus service during six months of roadworks on rural roads, but would-be passengers could not find any details or get through to the operator, and they were left standing in extreme heat at the roadside. Will the Minister ensure that when routes are disrupted, operators and local transport authorities provide clear, accessible and timely information so that passengers are not left stranded?
Context
Passengers often face difficulties when rural bus routes are disrupted, leaving them stranded without clear information.
Simon Lightwood
It is important that when bus services are disrupted, people are given timely information to ensure that they can undertake their journey. I will reiterate that all local authorities and bus operators should do just that.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-16
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Surely the Secretary of State must support the Chinook Justice Campaign families' long-standing pleas for a fresh inquiry into why their family members were put on that particular flight?
Context
Former Defence Secretary and Scotland Secretary both claimed they were misled about the Chinook helicopter disaster, leading to calls for a fresh inquiry into the incident.
Calvin Bailey
I am very close to some of the families who lost family members on that Chinook. I am sympathetic to their point but we are looking at this matter at the moment and will make sure the questions raised are answered. I agree to meet her.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-06
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I am keen that this matter progresses quickly. A constituent facing domestic violence needs transcripts now but faces thousands in costs. Will the Minister address this gross inequality and waive these fees as soon as possible?
Context
The issue of high fees charged for court transcripts is preventing many victims from accessing important documentation needed for justice.
Sarah Sackman
I am sorry to hear about the case. Technology in this area is a potential game changer but must be accurate and respect anonymity and reporting restrictions. The Ministry of Justice is progressing with AI adoption which will change things.
Session: Court Transcripts 2026-06-30
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What steps he is taking to make all court transcripts free for victims. The fees for victims who want to get their transcripts are eye-watering. A constituent in a case of domestic violence needs transcripts immediately but faces thousands of pounds in costs. Will the Minister waive these fees as soon as possible?
Context
The question arises from the issue of high fees charged for court transcripts, which are critical for victims seeking justice.
Sarah Sackman
The Government are committed to transparency and access to justice. Victims of sexual offences and bereaved families can already request free sentencing remarks. From spring 2027, eligibility will be extended so that all victims can request transcripts through the Sentencing Act 2026.
Session: Court Transcripts 2026-06-30
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Food security is national security, and I am glad that the Government recognised that earlier this year. As the Government pursue their building of 1.5 million homes, can we make sure that the Minister's Department talks to other Departments across Government so that we do not lose valuable agricultural land?
Context
The MP is concerned about the potential loss of valuable agricultural land due to the government's plan for 1.5 million new homes, given that the UK already imports 55% of its food.
Angela Eagle
I assure the House that, given the Department I was in previously, I am able to join up the “food security is national security” mantra in a stronger way than has perhaps happened. The Government's land use framework demonstrates how we can ensure through multiple land use that we can build the homes we need and grow the food we need.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Secretary of State have another look at this issue to make absolutely certain that pupils benefit from better funding? There has been a 10-year drift between inflation and the amount of money the scheme receives.
Context
The MP highlighted the importance of the music and dance scheme for local schools in her constituency, specifically Wells Cathedral School.
Lisa Nandy
The hon. Lady is thanked for her tribute to Alastair Tighe and the commitment to support such schemes adequately, despite difficult financial circumstances; £36.5 million was committed last year with an increase of £1.3 million.
Session: Access to Music and Dance Training
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What steps she is taking to help ensure that children from less privileged backgrounds can access music and dance training. Wells Cathedral school has 80 young people on the music and dance scheme, with a cleaner paying £200 a year for what is typically a £50,000 education. There has been a 10-year drift between inflation and funding.
Context
The MP highlighted the importance of the music and dance scheme for local schools in her constituency, specifically Wells Cathedral School.
Lisa Nandy
The Government funds music and dance schemes adequately, including an increase of £36.5 million last year and further £1.3 million for the current financial year.
Session: Access to Music and Dance Training
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My constituent Sophia requires extensive transportation for daycare and hospital visits. Under new legislation, carers will have to pay 25p per mile over the 50,000-mile threshold, likely costing thousands annually. Will the Minister advocate adjusting this threshold?
Context
A constituent spends her life in a wheelchair due to poor NHS care, using significant transport for daycare and medical appointments.
Simon Lightwood
I would be delighted to meet the hon. Lady.
Session: Topical Questions
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Could you tell me when the first documents relating to the Chinook crash were closed and explain why there is no Ministerial oversight over these decisions?
Context
Documents related to the Chinook crash were closed, raising questions about oversight.
Louise Jones
I will write to the hon. Lady with the specific information. I know that she has also submitted questions to my office about this issue. There are important provisions, including protection of personal data, governing those documents.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituent Jason runs The Cider Barn in the village of Draycott just outside Cheddar, facing a massive increase in business rates from £100 to £600 per month. This shock makes it hard for micro and small businesses to survive. Given its importance to the local community, what can the Minister say—and importantly do—to assure small businesses like Jason's that they will be supported by this Government?
Context
A constituent named Jason runs a local venue called The Cider Barn which has seen its business rates increase significantly, affecting his operating costs.
Peter Kyle
The hon. Lady's constituent requires multiple types of support from this Government, which he is getting through permanently lowered business rates multiplier for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties, benefiting over 750,000 businesses worth nearly £1 billion. Just this week, legislation has been introduced to tackle late payments for small businesses, injecting another £11 billion into the economy.
Session: Small Businesses Rural Areas
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What steps his Department is taking to support small and microbusinesses in rural areas?
Context
The question addresses the need to support small and microbusinesses in England's rural areas, which face unique challenges.
Peter Kyle
Ensuring that business support takes account of rural needs is incredibly important for this Government. Around one in six people live in rural areas in England, with over 520,000 businesses contributing £259 billion to the English economy.
Session: Small Businesses Rural Areas
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Why are ordinary citizens reimbursed for jury service at the rate of only 31.4p per mile for travel by car, yet the standard HMRC approved rate is 45p per mile? It does not cover the cost of travel, and penalises those who live in rural areas.
Context
The question concerns the disparity between the standard HMRC rate and the reimbursement rate for jurors.
Jake Richards
The hon. Member raises an important practical point. The Government recognise the hugely important civic duty role that jurors play day in, day out across the country, and we will always keep remuneration and travel costs under review. We have heard the question.
Session: Topical Questions
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One of my constituents was murdered by a foreign national. The murderer will be repatriated after serving only part of his 14-year sentence, leading to the loss of input into parole arrangements for the victim's mother and her grandchildren. What can the Minister say to reassure my constituents that they will not see him released early in his home country? What voice will victims have in such situations?
Context
A constituent of the MP was murdered by a foreign national who is now being repatriated early, causing distress to the victim's family.
Jake Richards
This Government are committed to ensuring that, where possible, foreign national offenders serve their sentence outside this country. I have had discussions with colleagues in Ghana, Nigeria, Albania and Poland; last month we signed a new arrangement with Italy. We are working at pace to ensure those agreements are rigorous. On the individual case mentioned, I am very happy to meet the MP and her constituents to discuss the details.
Session: Foreign National Prisoners Sentences
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One of my constituents was murdered by a foreign national. The murderer will be repatriated after serving only part of his 14-year sentence, leading to the loss of input into parole arrangements for the victim's mother and her grandchildren. What can the Minister say to reassure my constituents that they will not see him released early in his home country? What voice will victims have in such situations?
Context
A constituent of the MP was murdered by a foreign national who is now being repatriated early, causing distress to the victim's family.
Jake Richards
This Government are committed to ensuring that, where possible, foreign national offenders serve their sentence outside this country. I have had discussions with colleagues in Ghana, Nigeria, Albania and Poland; last month we signed a new arrangement with Italy. We are working at pace to ensure those agreements are rigorous. On the individual case mentioned, I am very happy to meet the MP and her constituents to discuss the details.
Session: Foreign National Prisoners Sentences
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Last time we were here for Business and Trade questions, I asked about exports of paraquat—the use of which is forbidden here—to other countries. To update the ministerial team, Syngenta put out a press release on 3 March to say that it would stop production this year. May I therefore expand my previous question to ensure that the response includes the export of pesticides and other products whose use is banned in the UK?
Context
Syngenta—the company that makes paraquat—announced it would stop production this year.
Chris Bryant
Yes.
Session: Topical Questions
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I joined South Western Ambulance Service for a shift and met paramedic science students who are finding it almost impossible to get jobs, with only eight out of 120 last year securing positions despite university assurances. What is the Minister doing about this?
Context
Local paramedic science students struggle to find jobs despite promises of employment. The South Western Ambulance Service has not advertised any job positions in the past six months.
Wes Streeting
The hon. Member highlights a real challenge we have inherited: the disconnection between undergraduate education and training, and the jobs that are available. We are addressing this through our workforce plan. I want to place on the record my thanks to South Western Ambulance Service which in December improved ambulance response times by just under 30 minutes for category 2 calls.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can we have a debate on the need for estate agents to verify the names and addresses of people introduced to new properties?
Context
Some constituents have had valuable property stolen from their homes during viewings, with perpetrators not who they purported to be.
Alan Campbell
The Government are looking at the whole subject of buying and selling houses. The hon. Lady may wish to write to the Minister about it.
Session: Business of the House
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Will the Minister work with his counterparts at the Department of Health and Social Care to get a realistic update on exactly what has happened as a result of the Hughes report, and give me the information about meetings between the Department and the Patient Safety Commissioner about progress on those recommendations?
Context
Post-maternity complications such as female pelvic prolapse are a concern, with lack of answers on surgical mesh implant issues.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
I will absolutely raise the issue with colleagues in the Department and we will write to the hon. Lady urgently with the answers she is looking for.
Session: Maternity Care
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At midnight, The Times published an article on the ME final delivery plan, carrying quotes from three ME campaign groups. The charity Action for ME published a five-page briefing at the same time, and “BBC Breakfast” also featured the plan, so they had all read the plan. I checked with the relevant officers and went to the House of Commons Library about half an hour ago, and no plan has been published. More than 12 hours after the Department’s press release, no MP can access the plan. Is this how it should be?
Context
The MP questions the delay in publishing a final delivery plan for ME care.
Ashley Dalton
I thank the hon. Member for raising this issue. That is not what I was expecting. A written ministerial statement has been tabled, and I will speak to officials and make sure that that plan is available as it should be.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituent Phill is one of the 916 people in the special category mechanism who were suddenly and inexplicably excluded from the Government’s infected blood compensation scheme when it was published in February this year, even though the Government’s expert group had said in August last year that they should be compensated. Why did the criteria informing the eligibility for the scheme change without explanation, and can the Minister please provide a list of all the conditions included in the core award?
Context
The special category mechanism excluded 916 people from the compensation scheme without explanation, despite previous expert group recommendations.
Nick Thomas-Symonds (Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office)
The hon. Lady is right to raise this issue. Components of the SCM criteria are planned in both the core awards and the supplementary route, and those in receipt of SCM payments can continue to receive those payments under the infected blood support schemes route. However, as I said in my evidence to the inquiry only a few weeks ago, that is a matter that I will consider further.
Session: Infected Blood Compensation Scheme
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It is 12 and a half years since IPP sentences were described as “not defensible” and were abolished for offenders, but 2,852 people remain incarcerated under these sentences—just 74 fewer than in June 2022. When the Justice Committee reported in 2022, its key recommendation was that the Government legislate to enable a resentencing exercise for these individuals. Will the Minister please set up an expert committee to at least advise on how to bring forward a resentencing exercise urgently?
Context
The Justice Committee published a report on IPP sentences in September 2022, highlighting the ongoing issue of individuals remaining incarcerated under these abolished sentences.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Sir Nicholas Dakin)
It is right and proper that IPP sentences were abolished. Various organisations have considered resentencing. None of them has identified an approach that would not involve releasing offenders whom the Parole Board has determined pose too great a risk to the public. We do not wish to give false hope to those serving the sentence by establishing an expert panel, but we will continue to work robustly with this group and do everything in our power to address the problem that we recognise.
Session: Imprisonment for Public Protection Sentencing
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I have a constituent who has broken and rotting teeth. His GP referred him to the local dental hospital but he has been refused treatment because the hospital said that the surgeon would take a referral only from a dentist which my constituent and many others in Somerset just do not have. What does the Minister suggest my constituent should do to stop the pain?
Context
A constituent with broken and rotting teeth was refused treatment at the local dental hospital due to referral policies.
Stephen Kinnock
As the hon. Lady knows we now have a commitment to providing 700,000 more urgent dental appointments. Those who do not have an NHS dentist can call 111 and will be prioritised. We are very clear that every integrated care board has a target within those 700,000 appointments and if they are not hitting that target we will want to know why.
Session: Topical Questions
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I recognise that there are very good schemes for those on lower incomes and that heating homes is really important. For many older properties and properties in conservation areas, as fast as we heat the homes, the heat just goes out the windows. In my area, where there are lots of older homes and homes in conservation areas, it is near impossible to get permission to apply double or triple glazing. Can the Secretary of State sort out this tension between having warm homes and older homes, particularly when he is trying so hard to ensure that homes meet the C grade rating for energy performance certificates by 2030? This needs to be sorted out with planning departments.
Context
Concern about energy efficiency measures being difficult to implement in conservation areas due to planning restrictions. Emphasis on the challenge of balancing historic preservation with modern requirements for efficient heating.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
The hon. Lady raises a really important point. I am constantly on the look-out for small measures and large in the planning system that can obstruct the sensible energy efficiency measures, such as solar panels, that will make all the difference. I say to her and other Members of the House that if they have specific examples of barriers or interpretations of guidelines that are getting in the way—sometimes is not about the rules but about local councils’ interpretations of them—please bring them to our attention, because we are constantly trying to make it easier to make such upgrades happen.
Session: Household Energy Efficiency
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In July 2023, my constituent Alison claimed a refund of overpaid tax that was mistakenly paid twice. In February 2024, she was told that her claim would be assessed by 20 March, in July 2024 she was told that it would be by 22 October, and in December she was told that she could not have a date but that the department had definitely received her claim 16 months previously. She has heard nothing since. Will the Chancellor agree to meet me to discuss this very vexed situation for someone who has very little money, given that this claim is nearly 21 months delayed?
Context
A constituent of Tessa Munt's has been experiencing delays in receiving a tax refund claim from HMRC, with the process taking nearly 21 months.
James Murray
I was sorry to hear about the hon. Lady’s constituent’s experience with, I assume, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. Even though, as the Minister with responsibility for HMRC, I cannot get directly involved in individual cases, I am happy to raise it with HMRC and make sure that it gives the matter proper attention to try and resolve it.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Secretary of State will know about the planned engineering works between Didcot Parkway and Swindon and in the Paddington area, which will cause significant disruption between London and Bristol and in south Wales this Sunday and next Sunday. Disruption on major routes causes massive chaos on the rural routes that are accessed via Bristol and further to the south-west. Then there is the closure of the M4 between Bath and Bristol, which means that there will be no buses between Swindon and Bristol on those days. The alerts about longer and busier journeys and train cancellations and delays advise us to travel the day before or the day after. That does not seem adequate. Will the Secretary of State please pull the rail, bus and road bodies together to avoid clashes such as this, particularly when we face six years of further disruption as a result of High Speed 2 works, which will not benefit the south-west in the slightest?
Context
The question concerns planned engineering works between Didcot Parkway, Swindon, and the Paddington area, causing significant disruption to major routes in the south-west.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
The hon. Lady makes a fair point. Having readjusted my own travel plans for this weekend, I feel her pain somewhat. This Government recognise that Sunday performance in particular, irrespective of planned engineering works, has not been good enough on Great Western Railway, and we are working actively to address that. GWR is continuing to make tactical interventions to improve the resilience of timetabling, diagramming and rostering. I will raise her wider point about join-up between modes with officials in my Department.
Session: Passenger Rail Performance
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Last week, the Government released their latest departmental lobbying transparency data which was two months overdue and relates to a past period. The public won't know about recent meetings until December at the earliest. Will the Government set a timeline for creating a central database with monthly updates to improve transparency?
Context
The latest departmental lobbying transparency data was released two months late, covering the period April to June 2024. The public will learn of new Government meetings only in December.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
The Government are committed to transparency around lobbying. That is why we will have regular transparency updates. The approach that we take will frankly be in stark contrast with that of the Government who preceded us.
Session: Topical Questions
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Non-qualifying leaseholder status gets slapped on a property in perpetuity long after the required safety works are completed. That status means that it is almost impossible to acquire a mortgage—solicitors advise very strongly that purchasers steer clear of such properties, which are very often flats—and the status is inherited by successive owners in perpetuity. Has the Minister considered what this status does for the housing crisis?
Context
Non-qualifying leaseholder status can make it almost impossible to acquire a mortgage for properties.
Alex Norris
I completely understand the challenge. Drawing a line between qualifying and non-qualifying leaseholders—between people who own a property and therefore suffer from things that have been beyond their control, and landlords that are businesses and therefore have multiple assets—will always be a difficult job. At the edge, where the boundary between qualifying and non-qualifying becomes blurred, there are some difficult cases. As a new government, we are committed to working with people to understand better how we can go forward on that.
Session: Topical Questions
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Residents in Somerset and North Somerset recognise £70 million granted for new radiotherapy machines. However, 70 machines will pass their recommended lifetime by the end of this year. Will the Minister meet Radiotherapy UK to discuss a more consistent programme?
Context
£70 million has been allocated for new radiotherapy machines, but many machines will reach their end of life by the end of this year. A consistent programme of maintenance and replacement is needed.
Karin Smyth
Officials regularly meet Radiotherapy UK. The Department values its input, and if there are specific incidents, the hon. Lady can highlight them for a response.
Session: NHS Hospital Equipment
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What recent assessment has been made on the adequacy of NHS hospital equipment? The Darzi review highlighted the poor condition of NHS equipment, with fewer scanners and outdated technology compared to other sectors.
Context
The NHS has been starved of capital investment, lagging 15 years behind the private sector in technology use. The question arises from a review stating fewer scanners per person than comparable countries.
Karin Smyth
At the Budget, Chancellor announced £1.5 billion investment in capital funding including AI-enabled scanners to address the backlog caused by outdated technology and insufficient capital investment.
Session: NHS Hospital Equipment
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What steps her Department is taking to support young offenders. The young futures programme will be a prevention-first approach to crime reduction, building on the Department's successful turnaround programme. I was very pleased to visit the first secure school which will put education at its heart, ensuring children in custody turn their lives around.
Context
The MP inquires about the steps being taken by the Department to support young offenders, focusing on the prevention of crime and improvement of their circumstances.
Nicholas Dakin
The young futures programme will be a prevention-first approach to crime reduction, building on the Department's successful turnaround programme. I was very pleased to visit the first secure school which will put education at its heart, ensuring children in custody turn their lives around.
Session: Supporting Young Offenders
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Third time lucky: it is Somerset here. I know that the Government want services—finding a home, looking for help, paying taxes, working, and even learning during covid—to be accessed online, but in my part of mid and north Somerset, people can only dream of gigabit broadband; they would be really happy if they had superfast. Can the Minister investigate how to inspire a national broadband roll-out programme that is realistic? Is it time for a new national plan, as access to superfast broadband has so many holes and still costs billions?
Context
The question addresses the challenges of providing broadband in Somerset, where residents face difficulties accessing services online due to poor connectivity.
Alex Norris
I am grateful for the hon. Lady's question, and I think of the challenges in my own constituency, where my constituents ask me questions in a similar vein. To be very clear, the Government know that the market will be able to provide considerable coverage across the country, but that there will always be communities—including her own, I suspect—where that has traditionally been a challenge, and we are committed to making sure that that gap is filled. We have the same aspiration and, as I say, we intend to meet it as soon as we possibly can.
Session: Broadband Access and Mobile Signal
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Third time lucky: it is Somerset here. I know that the Government want services—finding a home, looking for help, paying taxes, working, and even learning during covid—to be accessed online, but in my part of mid and north Somerset, people can only dream of gigabit broadband; they would be really happy if they had superfast. Can the Minister investigate how to inspire a national broadband roll-out programme that is realistic? Is it time for a new national plan, as access to superfast broadband has so many holes and still costs billions?
Context
The question addresses the challenges of providing broadband in Somerset, where residents face difficulties accessing services online due to poor connectivity.
Alex Norris
I am grateful for the hon. Lady's question, and I think of the challenges in my own constituency, where my constituents ask me questions in a similar vein. To be very clear, the Government know that the market will be able to provide considerable coverage across the country, but that there will always be communities—including her own, I suspect—where that has traditionally been a challenge, and we are committed to making sure that that gap is filled. We have the same aspiration and, as I say, we intend to meet it as soon as we possibly can.
Session: Broadband Access and Mobile Signal
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What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that every property has access to either gigabit broadband or a 4G or 5G mobile signal. I am concerned about the lack of progress in my constituency where businesses, residents, and visitors rely heavily on reliable digital connectivity.
Context
The question addresses the government's efforts to ensure that every property has access to gigabit broadband or a 4G/5G mobile signal, emphasizing the importance of digital connectivity for economic growth and social inclusion.
Alex Norris
It is essential to keep pace with growing demand for internet bandwidth and mobile data from local businesses, residents and those who visit our communities. That is why the Government's ambition is to reach national gigabit and national 5G coverage as soon as possible, by committing to support investment in high-quality, reliable digital connectivity, so that communities can benefit from faster economic growth and greater social inclusion.
Session: Broadband Access and Mobile Signal
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What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that every property has access to either gigabit broadband or a 4G or 5G mobile signal. I am concerned about the lack of progress in my constituency where businesses, residents, and visitors rely heavily on reliable digital connectivity.
Context
The question addresses the government's efforts to ensure that every property has access to gigabit broadband or a 4G/5G mobile signal, emphasizing the importance of digital connectivity for economic growth and social inclusion.
Alex Norris
It is essential to keep pace with growing demand for internet bandwidth and mobile data from local businesses, residents and those who visit our communities. That is why the Government's ambition is to reach national gigabit and national 5G coverage as soon as possible, by committing to support investment in high-quality, reliable digital connectivity, so that communities can benefit from faster economic growth and greater social inclusion.
Session: Broadband Access and Mobile Signal
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You will be aware that we are coming to the end of Whistleblowing Awareness Week. Civil servants and others are Ministers' best friends. They can indicate where to find evidence of fraud, corruption and other criminal activity. May I press Ministers to create the office of the whistleblower, give new legal protection, normalise speaking out, promote greater public awareness of whistleblowing rights, demonstrating the importance of whistleblowers in a fair society?
Context
Civil servants play a crucial role in whistleblowing to indicate evidence of fraud, corruption and criminal activity.
Pat McFadden
The hon. Lady is absolutely right to draw attention to the good work that civil servants do and the valuable role that whistleblowers play. That is why the last time we were in government, we legislated for legal protection for whistleblowers.
Session: Topical Questions
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Communities are developing local solar projects funded by residents and non-profit organisations have installed panels on schools with an element of community ownership. Individuals trying to connect their energy projects to the grid face prohibitive costs. What can be done to encourage National Grid to support communities in creating their own energy?
Context
Local communities have community solar projects but face high connection costs. The current grid was designed for large power stations, not small-scale generators.
Michael Shanks
We are working on reforms to halve development time for new transmission infrastructure, delivering clean power by 2030. We want many more community energy projects but need significant upgrading of the inherited grid. Work is being done with National Grid and others to identify next steps for shortening connections queue and making it affordable for smaller projects.
Session: Grid Capacity
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My village has a community solar project funded by residents, and non-profit organisations have installed panels on schools. However, individuals trying to connect their smaller energy projects to the grid are faced with prohibitive costs. What can the Minister do to encourage National Grid to support these communities and make connections more affordable?
Context
Communities are developing local solar projects, but individuals face high costs for grid connection. The current grid infrastructure is not suitable for small-scale power generators.
Michael Shanks
We are working on reforms in planning, supply chains and other areas to halve development time for new transmission infrastructure. We want to see many more community energy projects throughout the country, but we need significant upgrading of the grid inherited from previous governments. Work is being done with National Grid to identify next steps for shortening the connections queue and making it more affordable for smaller projects.
Session: Grid Capacity
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Local Authorities: Aluminium Recycling
01 September 2026
Responding: Emma Hardy
Main Concerns
["Tessa Munt is concerned about the inefficient management of aluminium recycling by local authorities. She highlights that while aluminium is the most valuable material in household recycling bins, many councils are losing out on significant income from its recycling due to poor management or lack of oversight. Munt reports that around 60% of the 12 billion aluminium cans used annually are exported for recycling, with only 40% recycled in the UK. She cites examples of councils receiving vastly different incomes from aluminium recycling despite similar circumstances, such as Cambridgeshire earning £1.6 million while Surrey only £2,000. She also notes the environmental impact of shipping aluminium to smelters in countries like China and the USA, which results in significant carbon emissions and energy waste. Munt is particularly worried that the export of aluminium scrap undermines the Government's critical minerals strategy and circular economy objectives."]
Specific Asks
['Munt asks the Government to intervene to prevent further exports of aluminium scrap from UK councils to ensure the material is recycled in the UK. She seeks clarity on the definition of recycling and urges the Minister to address the commercial sensitivity issues that prevent transparency in aluminium recycling income.']
National Planning Policy Framework
16 July 2026
Responding: Matthew Pennycook
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the High Court decision permitting the development of 190 homes in Yatton, a flood-prone area. This sets a precedent for other communities living with flood risks. The village is barely 2 km from the Bristol channel and within flood zone 3a, according to the Environment Agency. Fifty-one percent of my constituency is less than 20 metres above sea level, making it highly susceptible to flooding. Building on such land undermines property values, causes significant damage to homes and businesses, and affects mental health. The Flood Re scheme ends in 2039, leaving properties built in high-risk areas uninsurable or unmortgageable.']
Specific Asks
['I ask the Minister to reconsider the changes to the National Planning Policy Framework that prioritise building homes over protection from flooding. I also request a letter explaining how the Government has arrived at population growth figures for Somerset and North Somerset, which seem unrealistic compared to national projections.']
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
19 November 2025
Responding: Ashley Dalton
Main Concerns
['Myalgic encephalomyelitis is a complex, chronic condition affecting multiple body systems. There are approximately 1.35 million people living with ME or ME-like symptoms, which includes healthcare workers, teachers and other key workers who kept the country running during the pandemic. Women are five times more likely than men to develop ME, and patients have endured substandard and sometimes unsafe healthcare with pitifully little funding for research.']
Specific Asks
['I urge the Minister to see this not as a sunk cost but as an investment in a group of people who are desperate to contribute to society. The annual economic impact of ME today is likely to be at least £7 billion, and if those living with ME-like symptoms following covid are included, we could be approaching an annual cost of £20 billion.']
ADHD: Impact on Prison Rehabilitation and Reoffending
01 July 2025
Responding: Sir Nicholas Dakin
Main Concerns
["Studies suggest that up to a quarter of people in UK prisons meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, while just 3% to 4% of the general population are identified as living with ADHD. The identification and management of neurodiverse individuals, including those with ADHD, is described as 'patchy, inconsistent and uncoordinated' across the criminal justice system."]
Specific Asks
['The need for a holistic approach that co-ordinates health and social care to act as a bridge between the criminal justice system and wider community services should be prioritised. The debate calls for better screening, support, and understanding of ADHD within the prison environment to improve rehabilitation and reduce reoffending rates.']
Recycling of Tyres
29 April 2025
Responding: Mary Creagh
Main Concerns
['The UK disposes of approximately 600,000 tonnes of end-of-life tyres each year, with about 350,000 tonnes shipped to India. This raises serious environmental and public health concerns as India does not have the same stringent environmental emissions regulations that we have in the UK.']
Specific Asks
['Will the review be limited to an assessment of the enforcement of the existing legal provisions contained in the Basel convention and the waste shipments regulations? Will it consider policy improvements?']
Public Office (Accountability) Bill
14 July 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Foreign Interference in UK Politics
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
House of Commons Commission
18 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Grooming Gangs: Independent Inquiry
18 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Courts and Tribunals Bill
18 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Russian Shadow Fleet
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Social Media Ban for Under-16s
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
15 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to express concern over the state of NHS dentistry, noting that nearly 14 million people in England could not access dental care. Highlights issues such as lack of availability for children in S...
National Security
14 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Supreme Court Dillon Judgment
14 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
59.6%
56 of 94 votes
Aye Votes
42
44.7% of votes
No Votes
14
14.9% of votes
Abstentions
38
40.4% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
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
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: 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
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
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
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
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
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
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
2
PMQs Asked
38
Ministerial Questions Asked
66
House of Commons Debates Involved
5
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
94
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
-45% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+184% above average
This MP:
38
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+99% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1258% above average
This MP:
66
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 (%)
-14% below average
This MP:
59.6
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 Tessa Munt's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.