Tim Farron
MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale
Lib Dem
5 May 2005 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Half of us, sadly, will get cancer at some point during our lives and half of those with cancer will need radiotherapy treatment, yet 3.5 million people in this country live in radiotherapy deserts where they do not have close access to that treatment. That includes my constituency, where my constituents living in Westmorland have to take three-hour round trips every day to get lifesaving treatment. Will the Prime Minister back our proposal for a satellite radiotherapy unit at Westmorland General Hospital in Kendal, and support all the other Members living in radiotherapy deserts to bring radiotherapy close to their communities, too?
Context
Half of people will get cancer at some point in their lives, and half of those with cancer need radiotherapy treatment. 3.5 million people live in areas without close access to this treatment, including the questioner's constituency where constituents have to travel three hours round trip for treatment.
Rishi Sunak
Like the hon. Gentleman, I know that access to healthcare in rural areas is particularly important, given the distances that our rural constituents have to drive. That is why we remain committed to expanding the range of diagnostic services that are available through our proposal to roll out community diagnostic centres. The record-breaking capital budget that we have in the NHS is delivering that. I look forward to the Department's engaging with him on his plans for his local area.
Assessment
Support for a specific satellite radiotherapy unit proposal
Commitment To Expanding Diagnostic Services Without Addressing Specifics Of The Proposed Unit
Session: PMQs
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The virus effectively turned summer into winter for Cumbrian tourism. Ending Government funding in October, though, will mean three winters in a row, causing severe hardship on top of the 312% increase in unemployment we have already had locally. Will the Prime Minister provide a support package for tourism and hospitality in the lakes, the dales and elsewhere to see them through the spring of 2021?
Context
Farron asks for a support package to help the tourism industry in Cumbria, which has been severely impacted by the pandemic.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman. We are certainly looking at all sorts of packages—creative ideas—to help the tourism industry over the winter period so that its winter, as it were, can continue to be a kind of summer once we can get things open again. There are all sorts of packages that we will be bringing forward, but I do not want to extend some of the schemes that we currently have.
Session: PMQs
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Will the Minister meet me and farmers' representatives to ensure that farmers in poverty get the support they deserve?
Context
The University of Cumbria has shown that average hill farm incomes are below the national minimum wage, yet farmers often cannot claim universal credit due to monthly income assessment criteria when they have fluctuating annual incomes.
Diana R. Johnson
Yes, I am very happy to meet the hon. Gentleman.
Session: Universal Credit People in Employment 2026-06-29
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I am concerned about the long-standing deferral of the TriLink railway upgrade scheme that is crucial for connecting north-west England and southern Scotland on the busiest line in western Europe. The near-fatal derailment at Shap suggests the urgency of this improvement, so I ask if Andy Burnham understands the need to extend infrastructure investment beyond certain regions.
Context
The TriLink scheme, which connects north-west England with south Scotland, has been deferred by successive governments. This delay may have contributed to recent safety concerns such as the derailment near Shap.
Lucy Rigby
My right hon. Friend will speak for himself, but I am confident he understands the importance of national growth beyond specific regions. The Government's approach aims to stimulate economic growth across all areas rather than focusing on limited postcodes.
Session: Transport Connectivity Border Communities
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How will the Minister stop developers using viability assessments to wriggle out of providing affordable homes for communities such as mine?
Context
Developers using viability assessments to avoid providing affordable homes in Allithwaite near Grange-over Sands.
Matthew Pennycook
We think it is right that developers can use site-by-site viability assessments, as the alternative where viability challenges are acute is that we get no homes coming forward at all. We have consulted, in the recent consultation on the NPPF, on standardised inputs to viability, and we will set out further steps in due course.
Session: Topical Questions
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Would the Minister be willing to meet me and the Farmer Network as we seek to deliver mental health answers for people struggling? Some 25% of farmers are below the poverty line, often isolated and dealing with transition at times of enormous stress and anxiety with nowhere to turn. Would the Minister agree to meet so that we can address this particular cause of the appalling tragedy in our county?
Context
The suicide rate among men in Cumbria is twice the national average. One of the contributing factors is isolation and rurality, particularly affecting farmers who face significant stress and anxiety with no support.
Preet Kaur Gill
We have invested an extra £3.6 million in suicide prevention work in the most deprived parts of England where men face the greatest risk of suicide, partnering with the Premier League's Together Against Suicide initiative to meet men on their terms so that they do not suffer in silence.
Session: Men’s Mental Health Care North-west England
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Kendal magistrates court was outrageously closed in 2017, on the promise that sittings would continue in other public buildings in Kendal, yet there has not been a single sitting in Kendal since 2020. Will the Justice Secretary put this right urgently, so that that promise can be kept and local people can have reasonable access to justice?
Context
In 2017, Kendal magistrates court was closed with the promise of sittings continuing in other public buildings. Since 2020, there has not been a single sitting in Kendal.
David Lammy
The hon. Gentleman knows that the Government inherited a justice system in crisis, with a record and rising caseload. He also knows that the last Government closed courts right across the country. We are legislating for structural reform. We are investing £2.78 billion to bring down the backlog. We will continue to look closely at the needs in Kendal, but he recognises that it will take some time to address what we inherited.
Session: Topical Questions
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I had the honour of taking part as a volunteer in a restorative justice programme at His Majesty's Prison Haverigg in Cumbria. Restorative justice gives victims the opportunity to share with offenders the real impact of their crimes and gives offenders the opportunity to take serious responsibility. Studies show that restorative justice reduces reoffending rates by up to 28%, so what is the Minister doing to ensure that restorative justice programmes are delivered in every prison?
Context
The question arises from the honourable member's personal experience volunteering in a restorative justice programme at HMP Haverigg, which demonstrated reduced reoffending rates by up to 28%. Studies highlight the effectiveness of such programs.
Jake Richards
The hon. Gentleman is right that there is an important role for restorative justice in our criminal justice system. Just yesterday we made an announcement on the use of restorative justice in our youth courts, as well as the appointment of Jacob Dunne as an expert adviser. There is more to do in the adult estate, and the Government will announce measures on re:hub, which is an essential cog of the restorative justice system, in due course.
Session: Reoffending
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What steps he is taking to help reduce levels of reoffending. The Government are being asked about measures in place to assist individuals moving away from a life of crime and preventing them from reoffending.
Context
The question addresses the need to reduce reoffending rates, focusing on the support given to offenders for rehabilitation.
Jake Richards
The Government are giving offenders the tools to move away from a life of crime. We are led by the evidence when addressing needs such as housing, employment and substance misuse treatment and support in order to develop personal skills and behaviours. We are also investing £700 million in probation and expanding intensive supervision courts for prolific offenders.
Session: Reoffending
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What is the Minister doing to support Disability Confident employers and make it easier for them to employ people with disabilities? The Disability Confident scheme has great potential but needs further progression.
Context
The Disability Confident employer scheme is gaining traction in the community, aiming to support disabled individuals' employment opportunities.
Stephen Timms
I point to Sir Charlie Mayfield's Keep Britain Working review, addressing employer engagement with disabled individuals. Over 19,000 employers have signed up; we aim to ensure progression in Disability Confident levels for significant impact.
Session: Disabled People Benefits Reassessments
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Is this the moment to do the right thing by increasing our spending on international aid and protecting people from the calamity of famine?
Context
Research shows that 762,000 people have died as a direct result of US aid cuts since January last year. The reduction in international aid is affecting food prices and could cause devastating famines in many countries.
Yvette Cooper
The hon. Member will know from our statement that we have focused our support on fragile and conflict-affected states. We are also working, including with the World Bank, to monitor the states most heavily affected by shortages of fertiliser, food, and oil supplies, which are having a huge impact.
Session: Gulf Conflict
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Will the Minister commit to working with MPs dealing with Airbnb issues and embark on licensing consultation for next parliamentary Session?
Context
The scale of short-term holiday lets in York is causing housing challenges and affecting public services, while residents face antisocial behaviour.
Matthew Pennycook
Engagement continues, Government understands impact of excessive concentrations on housing availability and affordability, considering additional powers for local authorities.
Session: Short-term Holiday Lets Registration
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The proposal for merging Lancashire and Cumbria police forces is being argued as improving police efficiency. However, there is risk that Cumbria's police force will be drawn down to larger urban centres in Lancashire. Does the Home Secretary agree it would be wise to call off this merger?
Context
There are concerns that a merger of Lancashire and Cumbria police forces may lead to fewer officers in less populated areas.
Shabana Mahmood
There are no planned mergers. An independent review is being carried out by Lord Hogan-Howe. The review will advise on number of regional forces needed. Local police areas will be key in reforms dealing with the issues raised.
Session: Police Efficiency Technology
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Only 55% of Britain's food is produced in Britain, so food security should be a much bigger priority for this Government. England is now the only country in Europe that does not financially support farmers to produce food. Is that recklessly foolish? Will the Minister amend the farm payment scheme?
Context
Concerns over food security due to low production percentage in Britain, lack of financial support for farmers, and the new farm payment scheme.
Angela Eagle
Local markets are very important for local food supply, most operated by local authorities. I am interested in assisting them. DEFRA oversees Covent Garden Market Authority alone. Food security is not complacent; 67% self-sufficient overall or 77% excluding non-domestic produce like bananas and mangoes.
Session: Publicly Owned Markets Food Security
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Last year, Carlisle Crown court saw a reduction of 71 sitting days. Add to that the fact that Westmorland, our neck of the woods, lost our magistrates court in Kendal 10 years ago. Does that not remind us that backlogs are not because Britain has juries, but because we lack capacity in our judicial system? Will the Secretary of State restore those sitting days to Carlisle, and extend the number of sitting days in Lancaster, too? Will he also look at restoring magistrates courts to places like Westmorland?
Context
Last year, Carlisle Crown court saw a reduction of 71 sitting days. Additionally, Kendal lost its magistrates court 10 years ago.
David Lammy
As I said, the number is now uncapped, so the hon. Member will be pleased to hear that Carlisle will have the maximum number of sitting days that it can possibly have. He will note that there were substantial magistrates courts closures under the last Government, and a massive reduction in the number of magistrates.
Session: Crown Court Funding
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On the subject of the provision of speech and language therapy for students with special educational needs, Westmorland and Furness council, in my area, was not one of the councils in financial difficulty—until last month, when the Government decided, for the crime of it being the most rural district in the country, to cut 31% of its budget over three years. What confidence can children with special educational needs and their parents in my community have that they are not going to be hit massively by these cuts, and what can the Minister do to put the cuts right?
Context
Westmorland and Furness council, which is not in financial difficulty, has faced a 31% budget cut over three years by the government.
Georgia Gould
We are providing dedicated support for speech and language therapists, educational psychologists and occupational therapists so that they are available to every primary and secondary school. In an average secondary school in the hon. Gentleman's constituency, we expect that that will amount to about 160 days of support a year.
Session: Speech and Language Therapy
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Will the Minister support our new plans to bring a satellite radiotherapy unit to Kendal, so that people in our communities can experience shorter journeys and longer lives? In OECD countries, the average proportion of people with cancer who have access to radiotherapy is 53%. In England, the proportion is 36%, and in Lancashire and South Cumbria it is just 29%.
Context
The question is prompted by the observation that access to radiotherapy for cancer patients in OECD countries averages 53%, while England's proportion is significantly lower at 36%. In Lancashire and South Cumbria, this figure drops to just 29%, with many patients having to travel long distances for treatment.
Ashley Dalton
We are committed to ensuring that coastal and rural areas receive the services they need. We are investing more in radiotherapy machines, and we are working with ICBs to ensure that they are providing the services their communities need.
Session: Access to Radiotherapy
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What will the Secretary of State do to help people like my constituent who are struggling with high energy costs?
Context
A constituent's energy bills have doubled over four years, making it unsustainable for him to continue running his hotel.
Ed Miliband
This has happened because of the fossil fuel crisis presided over by the previous Government. All I can say to the hon. Gentleman is that we are doing absolutely everything we can to help his constituents and others.
Session: Topical Questions
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There are two things that the Government could do to improve energy resilience, particularly in communities like mine in Cumbria. First, they could support Electricity North West by ensuring that it buries its cables where possible to protect them against wild weather, which, as the Minister knows, we have from time to time. Secondly, they could accelerate local energy markets so that in places like Coniston, which the Minister and I discussed in our meeting yesterday, they are able to provide energy for the community they are embedded within, thereby enhancing the resilience of the network. Will the Minister do those things?
Context
The Government could improve energy resilience in communities like Cumbria by supporting Electricity North West to bury cables where possible and accelerating local energy markets.
Michael Shanks
I think Electricity North West is considering exactly that question, looking at where the lines can be buried to avoid repetition of the issues that have been caused so far. I will follow up on that point in particular with it. I had a fantastic meeting with the hon. Gentleman yesterday to talk about Coniston and local energy markets. I encourage him and Members across the House to read the local power plan, published this morning, which sets out our ambition to look at innovative ways in which communities can own and invest in their own energy while also having the resilience of local energy networks and smart energy systems that help the grid both nationally and locally.
Session: Electricity Distribution Network Resilience
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Has the Minister assessed what proportion of British Business Bank grant funding goes to the smallest of businesses? One in four people in my constituency works for themselves or for very small businesses. To what extent is she working to ensure that smaller businesses—those employing 10 people or fewer, which are the very bedrock of our economy in the lakes and dales in Cumbria—know about the availability of those loans and are talked through the difficult process of applying for and receiving them, so that we can invest in rural communities like mine?
Context
80% of the recent deployment of the growth guarantee scheme was outside London, but there is concern about how smaller businesses with 10 or fewer employees can access loans.
Lucy Rigby (Economic Secretary to the Treasury)
The Government support small businesses through a range of ways. On businesses in his area, 80% of the recent deployment of the growth guarantee scheme was outside London.
Session: Government-backed Loans SMEs
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May I encourage the brilliant team at Kendal jobcentre who already do a fantastic job reaching out to young people across Westmorland and Lonsdale? Will he bear in mind that communities like mine have enormous travel distances, necessitating youth hubs outside main towns such as Kendal and Penrith, including locations like Kirkby Stephen, Appleby, Grange and Windermere. Will he also pay attention to the poor bus services in rural areas impacting young people’s ability to reach appointments?
Context
Farron commends the jobcentre team for reaching out to young people but highlights challenges such as large distances in his constituency, suggesting youth hubs should be established in more accessible locations.
Pat McFadden
All the beautiful locations mentioned by the hon. Member tempt me to offer a visit. I echo his thanks to the people who work in Kendal jobcentre and other jobcentres around the country. The issue of transport and distances is important, which is why we are pioneering the roll-out of mobile jobcentres located in vans that can visit small areas for one or two days a week.
Session: Youth Hubs
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Roughly 50% of young people receiving child and adolescent mental health services in south Cumbria have ADHD or autism. The ICB provides no specific funding for this group, placing a burden on families and delaying treatment for other conditions such as eating disorders. Will the Minister pay personal attention to ensure proper support through CAMHS?
Context
In south Cumbria, approximately half of the young people on child and adolescent mental health services have ADHD or autism, but the integrated care board provides no funding specifically to address these conditions.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ashley Dalton)
As this ICB affects my constituency too, I am concerned. This issue will be explored as part of the review; I am willing to ask the responsible Minister to contact the hon. Gentleman regarding how we can advance this matter.
Session: ADHD Services
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If farm profitability is so important to the Government, I find it utterly peculiar that the review was released only today as a written statement at the last minute. It is an insult to this House and indeed the excellent Baroness Batters herself. England is now the only country in the UK, and indeed in Europe, that does not provide financial support to its farmers. Will the Secretary of State tell us whether food security will be counted as a public good, as the Liberal Democrats propose, and funded through environmental land management schemes? When will the SFI be reopened, and how much money will be in it?
Context
England is now the only country in the UK without financial support to its farmers. The family farm tax has been implemented, reducing profitability.
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Reynolds)
The hon. Member asked a number of good questions. I have said that the new iteration of the SFI will be out in the first half of next year. My hon. Friend the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs and I are looking very carefully at how we get this right, and I can reassure him on that.
Session: Farming Profitability
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Access to banking is surely a key part of financial inclusion. The high street banks save £2 billion a year from having abandoned our high streets and town centres. Our post offices pick up the tab and we are glad that they do, but they are not funded by the banks anywhere near enough to be able to maintain their presence. In Westmorland, we have lost Hawkshead, Staveley and Grasmere post offices, and we are set to lose Shap and Tebay largely because the banks do not fund the post offices for doing their jobs properly. What is the Chancellor going to do to make them do that?
Context
The MP is concerned about the withdrawal of banking services from high streets, particularly in rural areas. He mentions that post offices have been picking up the tab for these services but are not adequately funded by banks.
Lucy Rigby (Economic Secretary to the Treasury)
I thank the hon. Member for his question. We very much understand the importance of in-person banking, including in beautiful, rural communities such as those that he represents. That is exactly why we are committed to rolling out 350 banking hubs right across the UK by the end of this Parliament. Over 240 hubs have been announced so far and more than 190 are already open.
Session: Financial Inclusion Strategy
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Cumbria has a much higher than average number of unpaid carers largely due to its older demographic and rural isolation issues, compounded by seasonal and variable work patterns. What measures is the Minister taking to ensure that carers can take flexible seasonal work without fear of losing all their support?
Context
Cumbria has a higher number of unpaid carers due to the older population and rural isolation, exacerbated by seasonal and variable work. Carers need flexibility without fear of losing support.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
The hon. Gentleman will know that the carer’s allowance has an earnings threshold, which we have increased very significantly—the biggest increase in the earnings threshold that there has ever been. We are also looking, in the longer term, at introducing a taper to carer’s allowance, instead of the cliff-edge earnings threshold that is still there at the moment. That will not be a quick fix, but once it is in place, I think it will help with the concern he raises.
Session: Review of Carer’s Allowance Overpayments
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Tim Farron noted that Westmorland ranks fifth nationally in terms of empty properties and highlighted efforts by the council to bring some of these homes back into permanent use. He asked what additional powers could be given to local authorities to requisition homes that have been vacant for long periods as temporary or emergency accommodation.
Context
Westmorland has a high number of empty properties, with the council investing in staff to bring these homes back into use for housing homeless people. However, there is a need for more robust powers to requisition long-term vacant properties as temporary or emergency accommodation.
The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)
Alison McGovern thanked Tim Farron for his pertinent question. She acknowledged that bringing empty homes back into use is a priority, and councils already possess extensive powers in this regard. The Minister committed to ensuring stable funding for local authorities so they can invest further in bringing these properties back into use.
Session: Families in Temporary Accommodation
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The recent Cumbria Tourism business survey showed that 56% of businesses are struggling to pay their energy bills, with an astonishing 14% actively considering selling up or closing down. Once a community loses its pub, it loses its heart, and it very rarely gets it back. Ahead of the Budget, will the Minister speak with the Chancellor and others in the Treasury to back the Liberal Democrats’ call for a 5% cut in VAT to support this vital industry, which is, after all, at the forefront of sustainable business practices and at the heart of so many of our communities?
Context
The recent Cumbria Tourism business survey showed that many businesses in the tourism industry are struggling to pay their energy bills, with some considering selling up or closing down.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Chris McDonald)
I must admit that, as a regular tourist to Cumbria myself, I absolutely appreciate the joys of a countryside pub in the hon. Member’s constituency, and I understand the pressures that they are under. I will leave any commentary on the Budget to the Chancellor at the appropriate time, but rest assured that every day in this job I am making the case for increased competitiveness in British industry.
Session: Energy Costs Support for Businesses
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I, too, welcome the Secretary of State, and the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, the hon. Member for Wallasey (Dame Angela Eagle), to their roles. I look forward to working with them both.
Research from the University of Cumbria shows that, by this time next year, the average hill farmer will earn barely half the national minimum wage, yet the Government’s family farm tax means an annual tax bill of £20,000 a year for the typical hill farm. Those farmers will have to stop farming and sell up. To whom? To wealthy landowners and big city corporations. Is this policy not deeply socially unjust, robbing from the poor and giving to the rich, while betraying the people who care for our landscape and provide food for us?
Research from the University of Cumbria shows that, by this time next year, the average hill farmer will earn barely half the national minimum wage, yet the Government’s family farm tax means an annual tax bill of £20,000 a year for the typical hill farm. Those farmers will have to stop farming and sell up. To whom? To wealthy landowners and big city corporations. Is this policy not deeply socially unjust, robbing from the poor and giving to the rich, while betraying the people who care for our landscape and provide food for us?
Context
The MP highlighted research showing that hill farmers will earn barely half the national minimum wage by next year. Additionally, a family farm tax means an annual bill of £20,000 for typical hill farms.
Angela Eagle
We will publish the farming road map and the Batters review, and then talk about a strategy for making farming more productive, profitable and sustainable for the next generation. Upland farmers will play an important part in that review, and we will see what we can do to support them.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Chancellor consider in her Budget closing the loophole in small business rates relief that allows wealthy second homeowners to have their homes on the rental market for 72 nights a year and therefore avoid paying any tax whatsoever? My constituents working the minimum wage are having to subsidise them. That is not fair, is it?
Context
A loophole in small business rates relief allows wealthy second homeowners to avoid paying taxes.
Dan Tomlinson
We will set out the changes that we will make to business rates at the Budget.
Session: Topical Questions
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How will the United Kingdom help to ensure that the Gaza peace plan includes measures to restore access to clean and plentiful water? The main source of fresh water in Gaza is the coastal aquifer, which is contaminated by sea water, sewage and chemicals. Up to 97% of Gaza’s tap water is unfit for human consumption. Surely the Foreign Secretary agrees that there can be no just peace amidst thirst and squalor.
Context
Access to clean water is critical for the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where up to 97% of tap water is unfit for consumption.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Yvette Cooper)
The hon. Member is right to highlight water as a crucial humanitarian aid and support. I have spoken to Tom Fletcher, who is co-ordinating much of the UN support, and to the Egyptian and Israeli Foreign Ministers about the importance of ensuring that the crossings are open so that water can be provided and critical infrastructure rebuilt. That will require financing, and my hon. Friend the Middle East Minister has already been involved in looking at ways in which we can finance reconstruction for the long term.
Session: Gaza Peace Plan
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Skills bootcamps in Cumbria have provided a great opportunity: 60 hours of training for young people in disciplines as varied as coding, scaffolding and project management. The cost to deliver those bootcamps across the whole of Cumbria is £2.7 million—chicken feed compared with the benefit that those young people and their future employers get out of them. What conversations has the Secretary of State had with his friends in the Treasury to ensure that that scheme is maintained and continued?
Context
Skills bootcamps in Cumbria have provided training opportunities for young people.
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Pat McFadden)
I am always having conversations with my friends in the Treasury. I agree with the hon. Member that flexibility and some short courses in the skills and training system are very important. Not everything has to be done according to the exact same formula and recipe, and shorter training courses have a big part to play.
Session: Young People Employment, Education and Training
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Is it not wasteful and inconvenient for cancer patients needing chemotherapy in Carlisle but living in rural areas like Kirkby Stephen to have to travel on the same day or the day before just to get bloods taken, due to local hospitals no longer funding these services through GP surgeries?
Context
The MP highlighted an issue where cancer patients from Kirkby Stephen, who need chemotherapy in Carlisle, must travel on the day or before their treatment to get blood tests done at a hospital.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
As he often does, the hon. Gentleman highlights in his own very rural constituency some of the fundamental problems at the heart of our NHS. That is why we are reforming it, ensuring that we move hospital services from hospitals into the community and developing neighbourhood health services. We are also looking at the financial flows in the system that lead to these sorts of perverse incentives and funding arrangements, which do damage to his constituents, as they do to many others and to rural and coastal communities.
Session: Health Service Spending
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Is the answer to this not the creation of local energy markets to reduce the gap between service users and energy producers? Will the Government back the urgent delivery of P441 to make local energy markets a reality, save Coniston hydro scheme and service the local community?
Context
A major issue is the disconnect between small renewable energy schemes and communities, exemplified by the Coniston hydro scheme facing issues of resilience and sustainability.
Katie White
In this role, there are a lot of acronyms. I have to say that I did not know P441 until I sat on this Bench, but I understand from my colleagues that we are looking into that. We support local community projects, and we will be looking at that project and will come back to the hon. Member on P441.
Session: Emission Reductions Progress Report
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There is planning permission in this country for 900,000 properties that are as yet unbuilt, so maybe the issue is not that the planning laws are too restrictive but that they are not prescriptive enough. In my constituency, the average income needed to buy the average house is £71,000 a year—11 times the average income in my communities. Is it not right to ensure that, if the Chancellor changes planning law, we have to build more genuinely affordable homes in communities like ours, rather than giving developers carte blanche?
Context
The MP is concerned about the affordability of homes, pointing out that existing planning permissions are not being utilized effectively.
Rachel Reeves (The Chancellor of the Exchequer)
That cannot be an excuse, though, for blocking developments and blocking people who own land from building more homes on that land. In the end, the simple law of supply and demand means that if we are not building homes, prices will continue to be unaffordable for the hon. Gentleman’s constituents. We are not allowing builders to build carte blanche and he absolutely knows that. We put the biggest investment into the affordable homes programme that has ever been seen, because it is important that the homes being built are affordable for families in his constituency and in mine.
Session: Planning Reform Economic Growth
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Does the Minister accept that the Government’s increase in national insurance contributions has had a negative impact on employment in communities such as ours? Cumbria Tourism assesses that 37% of its businesses have cut staff as a consequence and 33% are freezing recruitment. Is it possible that the Government will get less from this tax rise than they expect, and that in doing this they are doing grave harm to the Cumbrian tourism economy and many other parts of our economy?
Context
The impact of the Government's recent increase in national insurance contributions, particularly on employment rates and business recruitment decisions.
Alison McGovern
I speak to many businesses, and since coming into office, the Secretary of State and I have totally changed our approach with employers. That new approach includes a partnership with UK Hospitality, providing specific employment support to get into hospitality, and a hospitality passport so that people can evidence their qualifications, which we and UK Hospitality believe can help those people who really need a chance in life to get a good start in the hospitality sector.
Session: Poverty Reduction
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Lancashire and South Cumbria integrated care board is having to make savings of £142 million this year, and the backdrop to that is a loss of wards at Barrow, Lancaster and Kendal. We hear a lot about additional money for the NHS. Why is none of it coming to Cumbria?
Context
The MP questions the lack of additional money for NHS in Cumbria despite overall investment.
Wes Streeting
It is not the case that none of the money is going to Cumbria. We are taking action to deal with the persistent over-running and over-spending of NHS budgets, which was an intolerable situation that we had to get a grip on. We are investing £26 billion more in the NHS, and that will rise over the course of this Parliament. We will make sure that every part of the country gets its fair share, not least through the deprivation-linked funding that I mentioned.
Session: Topical Questions
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The sixth form of the Lakes school provides further education near Windermere but requires significant rebuilding. The site has historical importance, being where Holocaust survivors received rehabilitation. On the 80th anniversary of their arrival, will the Minister agree to meet me and local people to discuss a rebuild of the school with a memorial for the Windermere children?
Context
The Lakes School sixth form near Windermere is in need of a rebuild due to its poor condition and historical significance as the site where Holocaust survivors were rehabilitated.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Stephen Morgan)
Ensuring that schools and colleges have the resources and buildings that they need is key to our mission to break down barriers to opportunity and ensure that every child can succeed and thrive. As always, I am very happy to meet the hon. Gentleman.
Session: Further Education Estate
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Will the Minister be much clearer that this proposal will not be retrospective for people who underpin our health service in Cumbria and across the country? Will she be mindful of the impact on our health service if she goes ahead with a decision—which, at the moment, it looks like the Government are going to—that will hugely undermine the flow of workers who come here to support us and keep us all well?
Context
The hon. Member for Truro and Falmouth raised concerns about the impact of the proposed changes on NHS workers, particularly those in Cumbria.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Seema Malhotra)
May I gently disagree with the hon. Gentleman? We do recognise the vital contribution of overseas NHS workers, and we have not yet defined what contributions will reduce the period for settlement, but the proposed changes are subject to consultation. In addition, we are committed to ensuring that the NHS remains supported, while reducing long-term reliance on migration.
Session: Qualifying Period for Settlement Impact on NHS Staffing
View All Questions -->
Does the Chancellor acknowledge that cancer drives poverty and will she look at investing more in radiotherapy given the disparity with international averages?
Context
Cancer is a major driver of poverty, with people unable to work during treatment or due to collateral damage post-treatment. The international average for cancer patients receiving radiotherapy is 53%, while in the UK it stands at only 36%.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
In the spending review, £29 billion more was invested annually for day-to-day NHS spending and a record uplift in capital spending was made. This has delivered 4 million additional appointments and reduced waiting lists by 250,000.
Session: Poverty Reduction
View All Questions -->
I thank the Minister for his reply, but this month the Care Quality Commission found high levels of staff vacancies in the already understaffed psychiatric intensive care units and acute mental health wards in South Cumbria, concluding that this is putting patient safety “at risk”. Yet, worryingly, the ICB in South Cumbria is making additional cuts of £142 million this year, with North Cumbria also making cuts. In the light of that, what is his plan to intervene to ensure that mental health staffing in Cumbria is increased to safe levels?
Context
The Care Quality Commission found high levels of staff vacancies in psychiatric intensive care units and acute mental health wards in South Cumbria, putting patient safety at risk. Additionally, the Integrated Care Board in South Cumbria is making cuts of £142 million this year.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
I thank the hon. Member for that. There is no doubt that the NHS, universities and others need to do more to get students, trainees and qualified doctors and mental health specialists in places where the NHS and patients need them. We will publish a refreshed workforce plan later this year to ensure that the NHS has the right people in the right places to care for patients when they need it.
Session: Mental Health Services Staffing in Rural Areas
View All Questions -->
Small rural schools in Cumbria have some of the oldest buildings needing repairs and also constrained budgets. Will the Minister consider setting out a special budget aimed at tackling repair backlogs?
Context
Small rural schools in Cumbria face significant building repair needs but have limited budgets.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Stephen Morgan)
Ensuring schools and colleges get the resources and buildings they need is part of our mission to break down barriers to opportunity. I would be very happy to meet him to discuss these issues further.
Session: School Estate
View All Questions -->
Most of the 1,500 farms in Westmorland and Lonsdale have rivers or becks running through them. Since we are the most beautiful—and indeed wettest—place in England, that is an awful lot of potential, and mostly untapped, energy. Will the Secretary of State and the Minister meet me and hydro energy experts to consider a new nationwide project to support farmers to have small hydroelectricity schemes on their farms to diversify farm income, provide clean energy for the farm and harness natural renewable energy for the wider economy?
Context
Referring to the potential of hydroelectricity in his constituency, which includes many rivers and becks.
Michael Shanks
I will not be drawn on confirming whether the hon. Gentleman’s constituency is the most beautiful part of England—I will leave that to him. However, what he proposes sounds like a fantastic idea and I am happy to meet him to discuss it further. We see huge potential for a whole range of renewables. Those kinds of innovative projects—smaller scale as well—are what could deliver not just benefits for the system but real benefits for the communities that host them.
Session: Fossil Fuels
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Outdoor Education
11 June 2025
Responding: Catherine McKinnell
Main Concerns
['Tim Farron highlights the importance of outdoor education centres in his constituency such as Bendrigg Trust, Brathay, Outward Bound Trust, Patterdale Outdoor Education Centre, and several university and local authority-owned centres. He mentions that research from the University of Cumbria demonstrates significant benefits for young people including confidence building, character development, risk awareness, and engagement with nature.']
Specific Asks
['Farron calls for the government to ringfence education funding for outdoor education at early stages and ensure children have access to natural environments. He also suggests cross-party working across devolved nations like Northern Ireland which has invested £4 million in enhancing high-quality outdoor learning experiences.']
Accessibility of Radiotherapy
04 February 2025
Responding: Andrew Gwynne
Main Concerns
["Three quarters of Tim Farron's constituents in Westmorland live dangerously too far from radiotherapy treatment. The two, three or four-hour round trip to the Rosemere cancer unit at Preston is not just inconvenient but debilitating and cruel for many, affecting their ability to complete or even start their treatment. Some do not get referred for radiotherapy in the first place due to distance."]
Specific Asks
['Tim Farron asks for a satellite radiotherapy unit at Westmorland general hospital in Kendal as part of the Rosemere unit to replicate the model of successful satellite units around the UK, which would attract more patients and provide better access to treatment.']
Water Companies: Regulation and Financial Stability — [Mark Pritchard in the Chair]
23 October 2024
Responding: Emma Hardy
Main Concerns
["The MP is concerned about the increase in sewage spills, inadequate regulation, climate change impact, and environmental damage to rivers and lakes. He cites specific statistics: a 54% rise in sewage spills from 2022-2023, over 464,000 combined sewer outflows last year at various locations such as Appleby, Kirkby Stephen, Staveley, Tebay, Greystoke; and £78 billion paid in dividends since privatisation. He emphasises the importance of water to Westmorland's tourism economy and biodiversity."]
Specific Asks
['The MP calls for a unified regulator, an end to self-monitoring by water companies, full cost charging for monitoring, community benefit model with special protections for Windermere, urgent action on sewage discharges, and shorter notice periods for license revocation. He also requests that the Government commits to these necessary changes.']
People Granted Asylum: Government Support
26 March 2024
Responding: Michael Tomlinson
Main Concerns
["The hon. Member Tim Farron is concerned about the increase in homelessness among refugees who have been granted asylum status. He cites data from Manchester showing a 223% rise in street homelessness, with British Red Cross figures indicating a 202% increase in destitution cases and a 205% surge in support needs for clients experiencing destitution since August last year. Farron also mentions that local authorities face difficulties due to the Home Office's policy changes, leading to increased costs and hardships."]
Specific Asks
['Farron asks the Minister to review whether the refugee move-on period should be extended to 56 days and confirm that it will continue to be calculated from the issuing of the biometric residence permit. He also requests a review of local impacts of asylum backlog clearance, best practices for accessing private rented accommodation, and face-to-face support during the move-on period.']
Railway Stations in Cumbria: Staffing Changes
18 October 2023
Responding: Huw Merriman
Main Concerns
['Tim Farron is concerned about the proposed staffing changes in Cumbria that would lead to the closure of ticket offices at several stations, including Penrith, Oxenholme, Appleby, Windermere, Grange-over-Sands and Ulverston. He highlights that these closures will significantly impact rail users, especially those with disabilities and older populations who rely on staff for assistance. The proposed staffing changes would result in reduced hours of operation at these stations, making them inaccessible to many residents and visitors.']
Specific Asks
['Farron calls on the Minister to intervene directly and prevent the closures of ticket offices in Cumbria, citing a petition with over 3,000 signatures against the proposals. He requests that the Government uphold their pledge to ensure staff are available to assist those who need additional support.']
Environmental Land Management Scheme: Funding for Upland Areas
03 May 2023
Responding: Mark Spencer
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the impact of transitioning from the Basic Payment Scheme to the Environmental Land Management Scheme on upland farmers, who typically rely on basic payments for over 50% of their income. Fewer than 30 farms out of more than 1,000 in my constituency have registered for the new scheme due to low payment rates and lack of clarity. Many are seeing a significant loss in income with no alternative sources of funding. Upland farmers face unique challenges such as restricted access to the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) because of existing stewardship schemes, and lower per hectare payments compared to lowland areas.']
Specific Asks
['I ask the Minister to clarify whether an economic assessment has been done on the impact of transitioning from CAP to ELMS on upland farms. If one exists, I urge the publication of this document immediately. Additionally, I request that the Government either pause the phase-out of BPS or accelerate the introduction of effective ELMS schemes for early next year to give farmers breathing space and ensure they can transition successfully.']
Labour and Skills Shortages: Temporary Recovery Visa — [Judith Cummins in the Chair]
08 November 2022
Responding: Robert Jenrick
Main Concerns
['The UK faces severe labour shortages in the hospitality and tourism industries, particularly in Cumbria. A recent survey by Cumbria Tourism found that 73% of businesses experience recruitment problems with more than half citing it as significant. Despite low unemployment rates (1.5%) compared to the national average (3.7%), Cumbrian employers struggle to recruit sufficient workers due to a smaller working-age population and lack of available talent within the UK.']
Specific Asks
["The Government should introduce a temporary recovery visa for industries facing labour shortages, as recommended by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee in their report 'Promoting Britain abroad.' Additionally, allowing asylum seekers who have been waiting more than six months for decisions to work would alleviate workforce shortages."]
Second Homes and Holiday Lets: Rural Communities
06 January 2022
Main Concerns
['The housing crisis in Cumbria and rural Britain has become a catastrophe during the pandemic, with an erosion of affordable homes for local people. The average house price in South Lakeland is 11 times greater than the average household income, leaving families on low to reasonable incomes excluded from homeownership. In many towns and villages, the majority of properties are now empty for most of the year, leading to school closures, reduced bus services, pub closures, and isolated communities. The speaker calls for urgent action from the government to address this issue.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should act radically right now by implementing measures such as making second homes and holiday lets separate categories of planning use, providing ringfenced finance for councils, increasing council tax on second homes in worst-affected communities, ensuring all holiday let owners pay council tax, enforcing affordable new builds with funding support, banning section 21 evictions, and regulating platforms like Airbnb.']
Project Gigabit
21 September 2021
Responding: Julia Lopez
Main Concerns
["The MP is concerned about the imminent cancellation of the broadband voucher scheme, which threatens to leave thousands of rural homes unconnected. He highlighted the success of community-led internet service providers like Broadband for the Rural North (B4RN), which has connected over 9,000 properties in Cumbria, Lancashire and Northumberland, offering hyperfast fibre-optic broadband at no additional cost. The MP cited specific communities that will be impacted by the Government's decision to end the voucher scheme, such as Kirkwhelpington and Great Salkeld."]
Specific Asks
["The MP asks the Minister to ensure all properties in areas where B4RN is engaged are given deferred scope procurement status, allowing them to continue connecting rural communities. He also requests that pre-registered packages associated with these areas remain open through the rest of the procurement process to support B4RN's build programme."]
Covid-19: Access to Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
02 December 2020
Main Concerns
['Mr. Tim Farron is concerned about the national cancer crisis caused by the pandemic, with a backlog that needs urgent attention. He points out that around 1,000 fewer people in south Cumbria and Lancashire received their first cancer treatment compared to the same period last year, indicating a 17% drop. The clinical evidence suggests that more patients are now presenting with advanced cancers due to delayed diagnosis and treatment, leading to unnecessary deaths.']
Specific Asks
['Mr. Farron requests the Minister to meet him and expert clinicians in the next few days to address the cancer backlog and to urgently boost cancer services to catch up with the crisis.']
State of Climate and Nature
13 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Immigration and Asylum Bill
13 July 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The speaker has selected the reasoned amendment in the name of the Leader of the Opposition, but no specific opening argument is provided in this excerpt.
Opposition Day
07 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Asylum Accommodation
29 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Farming Road Map and Profitability Review
24 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Opposition Day
23 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves the motion expressing regret over the chaos in Government, particularly regarding the temporary Prime Minister's attendance at the NATO summit. Calls on the Government to spend 3% of GDP on defe...
Thames Water
16 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Investment Plan
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
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...
Kendal Post Office
02 April 2025
The petition of residents from the constituency of Westmorland and Lonsdale expresses concern over Kendal Post Office being listed as one of 115 directly operated post offices at risk of closure, high...
View Full Petition -->
Kendal Post Office
25 February 2025
The petition seeks to preserve the Kendal Crown post office located on Stricklandgate, which serves as a vital community service and houses the Royal Mail sorting office.
View Full Petition -->
NoneHelme Chase Maternity Unit
09 September 2024
The petition addresses the repeated temporary closure of Helme Chase maternity unit at Westmorland general hospital, which has seen a significant decline in births over 20 years due to underfunding by...
View Full Petition -->
NHS dental appointments in rural areas
09 January 2024
The petition highlights the concern over a shortage of NHS dental appointments in rural areas, particularly affecting 50% of local children and 64% of adults who lack access to an NHS dentist.
View Full Petition -->
On-call Doctor Provision at Westmorland General Hospital
05 December 2023
The petition opposes the decision by Cumbria Health on Call to reduce the out-of-hours doctor provision at Westmorland General Hospital in Kendal, which has led to longer travel times for medical care...
View Full Petition -->
Railway Station Ticket Offices
11 September 2023
The petition calls for rail firms to cancel plans to close most of the remaining 1,007 ticket offices across England, citing these offices as vital for ensuring accessibility for all passengers, espec...
View Full Petition -->
Planned closure of the Ambleside and Hawkshead doctors surgeries
21 November 2022
The petitioners are concerned about the potential closure of Central Lakes Medical Group practices in Ambleside and Hawkshead, along with the possibility that these surgeries might be run by a private...
View Full Petition -->
Petition
09 November 2022
The petitioners are concerned about Royal Mail's proposal to close the Sedbergh delivery office, which would make the Sedbergh post office unsustainable and lead to the closure of outreach services at...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
47.0%
39 of 83 votes
Aye Votes
27
32.5% of votes
No Votes
12
14.5% of votes
Abstentions
44
53.0% 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
VOTED NO
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
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
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
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
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
04 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
03 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
2
PMQs Asked
156
Ministerial Questions Asked
263
House of Commons Debates Involved
11
Westminster Hall Debates Led
1
Statements / Bills
8
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
-46% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+1042% above average
This MP:
156
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+335% above average
This MP:
11
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+5333% above average
This MP:
263
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-89% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
+228% above average
This MP:
8
Average:
2.4
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-32% below average
This MP:
47.0
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 Tim Farron's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.