Toby Perkins
MP for Chesterfield
Lab
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I associate myself with the Prime Minister's remarks. The Prime Minister's commitment to 1.5 million more homes will require 48,000 new entrants to the construction industry every year. In Chesterfield we are doing our bit: our construction skills hub brought 70 new entrants into the construction sector. We saw a welcome increase in numbers across the country last year, but we need a step change and we need numbers to double. What steps is the Prime Minister taking to get more people to commit to construction industry careers and get those numbers up where we need them to be to deliver on his housing ambitions?
Context
The MP noted the Prime Minister's commitment to build 1.5 million new homes, requiring an increase in construction workforce.
Keir Starmer
My hon. Friend is right: the task of rebuilding our country is a huge opportunity to give young people a brilliant career. We are backing apprentices with a record £3 billion budget, and we are making sure that companies that bid for major contracts commit to high-quality apprenticeships here in the United Kingdom. We are creating 13,000 new opportunities for young people as plumbers, engineers and bricklayers, securing their future and rebuilding this country.
Assessment
Did not specify steps taken or to be taken by the Prime Minister directly addressing the questioner's concern about increasing workforce numbers in construction sector.
Session: PMQs
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The Prime Minister has rightly made house building and economic growth key priorities for the Government. By giving the go-ahead today to the Chesterfield Staveley regeneration route, he will help us to deliver 1,500 houses and 7,200 jobs on land that was previously coalmining and brownfield industrial land. It is not just a road; it is a growth project. Will the Prime Minister keep the good news coming and tell us that he will support the Chesterfield Staveley regeneration route?
Context
Mr Perkins is advocating for the Chesterfield Staveley regeneration route, which includes building 1,500 houses and creating 5,700 jobs on land previously used for coal mining and industrial purposes.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I thank my hon. Friend for that question; I know that he is working on this scheme. As he knows, land investigation works are currently taking place to help establish the final costs. The Roads Minister is looking closely at the scheme, alongside about 40 others. We will prioritise schemes that deliver faster journeys and allow new homes and jobs.
Assessment
Did not confirm direct support for Chesterfield Staveley regeneration route but indicated it was under review.
Under Review
Session: PMQs
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We have all had Prime Ministers who we disagreed with or did not rate, but there has never been one who has debased the office in the way that he has. He is now forced to lie down in the back of his car to keep away from photographers. We all know that the Prime Minister was sacked from two previous jobs for lying, so can he explain to the House why he believes that the great office of Prime Minister can be held to a lower standard than those previous jobs that he was sacked from?
Context
The Prime Minister was previously sacked from two jobs for lying. He is now avoiding media attention.
Boris Johnson
I welcome the point that the hon. Gentleman makes in the partisan spirit with which I think it was intended. I do not agree with him, but can I suggest respectfully that he waits until the inquiry is concluded, which I hope will be as soon as possible?
Assessment
The specific question about moral standards was not addressed.
Waiting For The Inquiry
Session: PMQs
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Is it the perspective of the Secretary of State that the current family visa regime is working as intended, or does she think it needs reform?
Context
The family visa regime allows for familial applications that accompany the arrival of a single worker.
Alex Norris
We agree that reform is overdue and will introduce a new policy for a fairer and more consistent framework.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-13
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My right hon. Friend took office shortly after the fiasco of the contracts for difference auction under the previous Government, which did not get a single megawatt of new energy proposed. Since then, we have had tremendous success in boosting the amount of renewable energy, and this country is making tremendous progress. We are moving forward, but what does my right hon. Friend say to people like the shadow Secretary of State, the right hon. Member for East Surrey (Claire Coutinho), who is constantly attempting to undermine the moves this Government are making to decarbonise the grid? Should we not all be celebrating the fact that the industry supports the steps that the Government are taking?
Context
Discussion about past fiascos and current progress in boosting renewable energy, with emphasis on criticism towards those undermining government efforts.
Ed Miliband
I agree with my hon. Friend. He puts it very well. Our renewables auctions have resulted in enough power to power the equivalent of 23 million homes. That is significantly cheaper than building new gas-fired power stations, which is what the shadow Secretary of State wants to do; I am old enough to remember when she was in favour of clean energy—but never mind.
Session: Large-scale Solar Farms 2026-07-07
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Support for young people wanting access to the world of work has never been more crucial, but the success of youth hubs will depend on their ability to connect with, be useful to and understand the needs of employers. What steps will the youth hubs take to ensure that they are communicating with businesses and understanding their needs?
Context
Support for young people in the job market is crucial.
Pat McFadden
My hon. Friend has raised an important point. This has to be a joint effort between the Government and employers. We had a great roundtable at No. 10 this morning with employers who are committed to expanding youth opportunity, and I have visited Merlin, an important leisure and hospitality business, which has agreed to take on 300 young people through our youth guarantee measures. Other businesses are signing up as well, and I encourage as many as possible to do so.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-06-29
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I welcome what my right hon. Friends have been doing on public procurement. On car hire services, it is expected that around 20% of fleet industry vehicles will be electric, but less than 1% of Government purchases have been for electric vehicle hire. I know that the Government take this issue seriously, so will the Minister lay out what the Government are doing to ensure that they hire more electric vehicles?
Chris Ward
My hon. Friend raises an important point. He is right about the reforms that we are trying to make to public procurement, and to improve our number of electric vehicles. I will write to him with the specifics on the Government Car Service.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Defence Secretary is absolutely right to spell out the strength of our commitment but there is increasing concern about the extent to which China is propping up both the economic and military capabilities of Mr Putin and his barbaric regime, so can the Secretary of State tell me what his latest assessment is of China’s contribution to Putin’s war machine and what steps we are taking to ensure the international community remains united?
Context
Mr Perkins is concerned about the growing influence of China in supporting Russia’s war efforts against Ukraine.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
My hon. Friend is right to raise this, and as a nation and a Government the UK will not hesitate to act against those supplying and funding Putin’s war economy. We have sanctioned a range of organisations that operate in third countries over economic and military support for Russia, including 50 Chinese companies. We will continue to work across other nations with other nations and to bolster the support for Ukraine and the principles of the UN charter.
Session: Ukraine
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It is clear that the number of people with conditions making them eligible for personal independence payment support has expanded far beyond what was initially intended. Many disabled constituents desperately need this support. What reassurance can my right hon. Friend give us that, after his review, we will have a system considering individuals rather than using a check-box approach?
Context
The number of people eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) support has expanded beyond initial intentions, and there are concerns about the check-box approach that has led to disrepute in the PIP regime.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
The steering group appointed is made up overwhelmingly of disabled people, many currently claiming Personal Independence Payment or having done so in the past. The review is co-produced with transparency and openness; monthly letters will be published to show progress and determination.
Session: Personal Independence Payment Review
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Britain has a proud track record of providing refuge for people fleeing persecution and war, but when tens of thousands of people are travelling across many safe countries to get here, it is clear that the criminal gangs’ sales pitch—that Britain is an easy place to find illegal work—is working. Can my hon. Friend tell me how digital ID will help us smash those criminal gangs and tackle the scourge of illegal work?
Context
Progress on a digital identity scheme to combat illegal work and support refugees.
Josh Simons (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
Around the world and across Europe, countries use digital checks to evaluate whether someone has a legal right to work, but we do not. While we have brilliant digital verification tools, millions of checks use unreliable paper-based systems based on passports, birth certificates and other forms of evidence. This leaves too much room for fraud and, crucially, creates the perception that our country has weaker regimes for combating illegal working. Digitising checks will enable digital auditing of employers and more enforcement, bringing our illegal working regime in line with international peers and helping to deliver on one of our top priorities: reducing illegal migration.
Session: Digital ID Scheme
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Following last week’s Budget, will the Foreign Secretary confirm that Britain remains committed to providing £11.6 billion over five years to 2026 for international climate finance and will include inflation increases?
Context
The MP expressed concern about the commitment to international climate finance in light of recent budget changes and weather-related crises.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Yvette Cooper)
We will continue to take action on international climate finance and provide support for dealing with these issues. The details for future financial issues were obviously set out as part of the Budget.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps her Department is taking to ensure that it meets its target of two thirds of young people participating in higher-level learning. The construction skills hub in Staveley in my constituency is a great example of the value of apprenticeships, and this year 68 young people came straight out of school and started a new construction apprenticeship.
Context
The construction skills hub in Staveley has seen success with young people starting construction apprenticeships.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
My hon. Friend is right, and I know he has championed this cause for many years to ensure there are strong vocational and technical routes, including into areas such as construction. Around 5,000 more construction apprenticeship places will be made available each year, thanks to our £140 million investment, but that investment comes with reform, such as new foundation apprenticeships to equip young people with the skills they need, and construction technical excellence colleges in every region, working together with business, to ensure that we are training the plasterers, the electricians and the bricklayers of the future.
Session: Higher-level Learning Target
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One of the most important things we can do to support the health of the elderly is to ensure that they can get to see their local doctor. It is great to hear the Health Secretary talk about the improved access to appointments—we are seeing that in Chesterfield—but he is also right to say that it is the first step back up the mountain. The Government inherited a real crisis in GP access and the situation is particularly difficult in more deprived areas. Will my hon. Friend tell me what more we will do to ensure that people are able to see a GP, and in particular that practices that serve the most deprived communities can get access to the extra GPs they need?
Context
The Government inherited a crisis in GP access, especially in deprived areas. The Health Secretary acknowledged improved access but noted it was only the first step.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
My hon. Friend will know that when we came into Government we inherited the absurd situation where the additional roles reimbursement scheme was weighed down by red tape and it was not actually possible to recruit GPs. We changed that. We invested an extra £82 million and as a result we have well over 1,000 more GPs on the frontline, but that is just the beginning. We have contract reform and £889 million of additional investment in general practice, and we are moving forward with an online booking system, which will be obligatory by 1 October. We have much more work to do—for example, around the interface with pharmacy; we are working hard on that. There is a lot more to do, but my hon. Friend is right that the first step up the mountain has been taken.
Session: Health of the Elderly
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My hon. Friend the Minister and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State deserve great credit for attracting the large investment that they have secured, but once they have finished the lap of honour, they will be aware that this is the first step up the mountain. The Minister is right that the Government have inherited flood defences that are in an appalling state, and the latest estimate shows that as many as 6 million houses are at risk of flooding. I call on her to get on with the flood improvements that we demand in Chesterfield. First, will she tell us more about how she will ensure the money will be spent wisely? Secondly, how will she ensure that the Treasury understands that this is not a one-year commitment, but something that we will need for the rest of this term in office?
Context
The Minister has attracted significant investment for flood defences, but the state of flood defences is critical.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Hardy)
I thank my hon. Friend for his question, and may I congratulate him on his recent engagement? He is right to point out the importance of money being spent wisely now to save money in the future. There are a couple of interesting factors: every £1 we spend on maintenance of flood defences saves £13 in damage prevention, and every £1 we spend on new defences saves £5 in damage prevention. Those are important statistics that I use frequently in negotiations about future spending reviews with Treasury officials.
Session: Flood Preparedness Projects
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Does my hon. Friend agree that with greater stability under this Labour Government, there are opportunities for community energy coming forward as part of the recovery of our whole energy infrastructure?
Context
The questioner argues for the stability of the current government's approach to the energy market compared to the previous one.
Michael Shanks
My hon. Friend is right that stability is key, but so too is this Government's commitment to invest in community energy. We have committed to upwards of 8 GW of energy from community sources over the course of this Parliament up to 2030.
Session: Community Energy Projects
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I thank the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice (Emma Hardy), for coming back to me about the River Hipper scheme, which is of huge importance in my constituency. May I invite her to come to Chesterfield to meet people affected by the flood and see the Holymoorside scheme?
Context
The River Hipper scheme is of huge importance to Chesterfield. Toby Perkins thanks Emma Hardy for coming back about the matter.
Emma Hardy
It is always a pleasure to work with my hon. Friend, and I know how passionately he campaigned for his community during the last floods.
Session: Topical Questions
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What is being done to make additional grid connections affordable and accessible for green businesses like Summer Berry Company?
Context
A local business in the constituency has invested heavily to become carbon neutral but faces additional costs for grid connections.
Kerry McCarthy
The Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero is involved with that issue. We have set up the energy superpower mission board, headed by Chris Stark. I had a conversation with him about grid capacity and connections in the right places.
Session: Climate Change International Leadership
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There was about a £350 million underspend in the farm budget under the previous Government. In opposition, they said that any underspend should be rolled over into future years. Is that still their position in government, and how will they do it?
Context
The previous Government left a significant underspend in the farm budget, amounting to £350 million.
Mary Creagh
We are looking at everything as part of the spending review and decisions will be announced in due course.
Session: Environmental Land Management Schemes
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I have to say that the Minister's response suggests that the Government are completely in denial. The Office for Environmental Protection report exposed that the Government are way off target on their legally binding tree-planting target. There has been no trend of improvement on tree planting between 2018 and 2023. It would be bad enough if the problem were lack of money, but her Department is even failing to spend the money that it has been allocated. The environmental land management scheme is underspent by hundreds of millions, and the nature for climate fund that she spoke about has returned £77 million to the Treasury unspent. Is not it clear that, to get the tree cover that our country needs, we do not need a magic money tree; we need a Labour Government?
Context
The MP criticised the Government for falling behind on their legally binding tree planting target and highlighted underspending issues.
Rebecca Pow
I ask the hon. Gentleman to look at his own tree-planting record. This Government have planted more trees than Labour did. We now have the plan in place so, if one looks at the graph, it is ramping up to hit those targets, and the training, skills, the forest apprenticeship and the framework are in place to reach our targets.
Session: Tree Planting
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The murder of Gracie Spinks sent shockwaves through the town, and the report on Derbyshire police's handling of this situation was salutary. There is still far too much inconsistency in how stalking and violence against women are handled, so will the Home Secretary back Labour's plan to bring in mandatory national standards, and mandatory training on tackling violence against women, so that we see consistency in policing on stalking right across the country?
Context
The murder of Gracie Spinks in Chesterfield highlighted inconsistencies in how stalking and violence against women are handled by police.
James Cleverly
I reassure the hon. Gentleman and the House that, under my leadership, the Home Office and policing across the UK will maintain its focus on preventing violence against women and girls. We have a roll-out of police guidance and training when it comes to women and girls. I will listen carefully to the proposals he has put forward, because we want to make sure that women and girls feel safe in this country.
Session: Topical Questions
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For almost two years, the Sandpiper Hotel in Chesterfield has housed asylum seekers, and most have had their applications approved, indicating they are entitled to stay. Why do the Government continue this approach when it is ineffective?
Context
The Sandpiper Hotel in Chesterfield has been used to house asylum seekers, with many applications being approved. There are concerns about the continued use of such accommodations.
Tom Pursglove
The Labour Party lacks a credible plan to reduce illegal immigration and close hotels. We are working towards closing more hotels while addressing the root cause of asylum seeker flows.
Session: Asylum Seekers Accommodated in Hotels
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I commend my right hon. and learned Friend for building on the work that he and I did together to ensure that the most dangerous and serious offenders spend longer behind bars. The consultation on sentencing in cases of murder concluded a few weeks ago. When can we reasonably expect a response on that sensitive and important issue?
Context
The question is about the Government's response to a recent sentencing consultation, particularly on murder cases involving knives.
Alex Chalk
My right hon. and learned Friend is absolutely right to say that it is a sensitive issue. As he knows from practice, those who commit the offence of murder outside, using a knife that is brought to the scene, can expect a starting point of 25 years. However, as the Gould and Devey families have made so powerfully clear, where the crime takes place inside the home, there are very difficult sentencing decisions for judges. The consultation has ended, and I pay tribute to the Under-Secretary of State for Justice, my hon. Friend the Member for Orpington (Gareth Bacon), who has spoken to a number of people about it, as indeed have I. We will respond in the coming weeks, but this matter requires careful thought.
Session: Sentencing Dangerous Offenders
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People in Chesterfield were disappointed when Derbyshire County Council said it lacked funds to contribute towards the approved Staveley regeneration route. Will the Secretary of State update us on the project's status and address local government financial constraints?
Context
The Staveley regeneration route was approved by the Government but local funding concerns raised in Chesterfield could delay its progress.
Guy Opperman
I have looked into this scheme, met colleagues in the House, and am happy to write to the hon. Gentleman in detail.
Session: Topical Questions
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Despite recent progress on water quality, 'State of Our Rivers' report indicates not one English river is in a good condition. The only solution considered was stolen from Labour. Is it true that Britain's rivers cannot afford five more years of this Government?
Context
Criticism of the Government's approach to water quality, noting that no English river is in a good overall condition.
Robbie Moore
When the Leader of Opposition says Wales would be blueprint, I fear. We see worse pollution under Welsh Labour. Our plan is about investment, stronger regulation and tougher enforcement against polluters.
Session: Waterway Cleanliness
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I can understand why the Minister does not refer to the trends, because he knows that level 2 apprenticeships are way down. The Government's reforms have seen level 2 apprenticeship starts fall by two thirds since 2012-13, and the number of people employed on an apprenticeship with a small and medium-sized enterprise has fallen by 49% since the levy's introduction. Why does he think that young people are now half as likely to be on an SME apprenticeship than they were when the levy was introduced?
Context
Following concerns over the decline in apprenticeships, particularly at level 2 since 2012-13 and with small and medium-sized enterprises, the questioner challenges the minister to explain why young people are now half as likely to be on an SME apprenticeship than when the levy was introduced.
Robert Halfon
I hugely respect the hon. Gentleman. I know he is a bruiser, but I had been looking forward to his question. I thought he would celebrate the 13,000 apprentices in Chesterfield since May 2010, the 11,270 apprentices at levels 2 and 3, or the £19.5 million investment in Chesterfield College.
Session: Apprenticeship Levy Trends
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What assessment she has made of trends in the number of level 2 and 3 apprenticeship starts since the apprenticeship levy was introduced?
Context
The question follows concerns over the decline in apprenticeship starts, particularly at level 2 and 3, since the introduction of the apprenticeship levy.
Robert Halfon
Sixty-five per cent of all apprenticeship starts so far this year have been at levels 2 and 3, with level 3 remaining the most popular level, accounting for 43% of all starts. Over 360 apprenticeship standards are at levels 2 and 3, covering more than half of all apprenticeships.
Session: Apprenticeship Levy Trends
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GoCompare's recent pothole report described the potholes in Tory-run Derbyshire as the very worst in England. The Conservative council leader was clear that funding decisions from central Government have forced the county to adopt a “sticking plaster and patching approach”. He said the funding doesn't touch the sides of the issue for counties across the country. Why should Derbyshire motorists pay a Tory pothole tax?
Context
The MP is concerned about local authority's inability to effectively manage pothole issues due to insufficient central government funding, highlighting specific impacts on Derbyshire.
Simon Hoare
For the hon. Gentleman's benefit, let me repeat those figures of £5 billion for local highways maintenance and the additional £8 billion announced in October. That will fill holes, including in Derbyshire and his constituency, to support motorists, the economy and people going about their business.
Session: Local Government Finance Potholes
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If he will make a comparative assessment of trends in (a) the level of local government financial settlements and (b) the number of cars damaged as a result of potholes in the last 10 years. GoCompare's recent pothole report described the worst potholes in England. The Conservative council leader stated that central Government funding decisions have forced Derbyshire to adopt an ineffective patching approach, leaving residents with substantial repair costs due to poor road conditions.
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of local government funding decisions on road maintenance, specifically highlighting severe pothole issues in Tory-run Derbyshire. He references a GoCompare report describing the worst potholes in England.
Simon Hoare
We have made available up to £64.7 billion for local authorities through the 2024-25 local government finance settlement. Local authorities can decide how to spend the majority of that funding. The Government are also investing more than £5 billion into local highways maintenance in this Parliament. In October, we announced a further £8 billion to fix our roads.
Session: Local Government Finance Potholes
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The Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, the hon. Member for Derby North (Amanda Solloway) spoke about the Government's approach to differential fuel prices in different towns. Motorists in Chesterfield remain mystified as to why major supermarkets are charging them more than they charge customers just a few miles up the road in Sheffield. It is clear that the Government's approach is not working. When I wrote to the major supermarkets, they admitted that they charge Chesterfield customers more. There is no reason why customers in Chesterfield should be charged more than customers in Sheffield, so will the Minister tell us what she is doing about that?
Context
Major supermarkets are charging motorists in Chesterfield higher fuel prices compared to those in nearby Sheffield, despite no apparent reason for the difference.
Amanda Solloway
I could not agree more that we should not be paying different prices at different petrol stations. That is one of the reasons why we have launched a consultation on Pumpwatch, and why we have very regular meetings with the suppliers to make sure that they are not doing this. They should not be doing it and we are very clear about that.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given the Government's intentions on peatland and industry support, why is there no parliamentary time allocated for this urgent policy? We were expecting legislation in the King's Speech.
Context
The question addresses the urgency for legislation to ban horticultural peat sales, which was expected in the King's Speech but not included.
Rebecca Pow
We are committed to banning the use of peat when parliamentary time allows. We work on projects for peatland restoration and farmer transition to new crops, with increased sustainable farming incentive payments.
Session: Horticultural Peat
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I am grateful for your generosity, Madam Deputy Speaker. We are just grateful that at least some Conservative Members have turned up. On 20 October over 500 homes in Chesterfield, like hundreds across the UK, were flooded, leading to the tragic death of Mrs Gilbert on Tapton Terrace. Less than a month later, with the impeccable timing that only this accident-prone Government are capable of, the National Audit Office announced that the Government had cut by 40% the number of homes that will be protected from floods by 2027. Will the Secretary of State at least promise the House that he will never again say to a flood victim that the Government are doing all they can?
Context
On October 20, over 500 homes in Chesterfield were flooded, resulting in the tragic death of Mrs Gilbert. Shortly after, it was revealed that the number of homes to be protected from floods by 2027 has been cut by 40%.
Steve Barclay
Our investment in flood asset maintenance is up by £220 million, and we have increased funding from £2.6 billion over six years to £5.2 billion between 2021 and 2027 for flood protection. The programme has faced pressures due to inflation and covid.
Session: Flooding Management of Waterways
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New research from the House of Commons Library has shown that the amount of the apprenticeship levy paid by employers that has been allocated to the apprenticeship budget has fallen from 89% in 2017 to just 77% in the most recent year. The truthful answer to the question from the hon. Member for Stroud is that the Secretary of State is doing nothing to reform the apprenticeship levy, as she believes it is working perfectly. Can the Minister confirm that any employer that wants greater flexibility in the levy should vote Labour in the next general election?
Context
Research from the House of Commons Library shows that the amount of the apprenticeship levy paid by employers allocated to the apprenticeship budget has fallen.
Gillian Keegan
There is nothing that would make me give such drastic advice. The truth about the apprenticeship levy is that 99.6% of it will be spent this year. We can look in the rear view mirror, and there are some reports going back over time that show some underspend in the levy, but they are back over time. Some of the funding goes to the devolved Governments.
Session: Skills and Apprenticeships Funding
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Under the Conservatives, new social rented homes fell by over 80%, with 27,000 fewer yearly than under Labour. Renters and buyers cannot afford another year of this Tory Government. Is the amount of affordable housing adequate?
Context
The MP continues to question the adequacy of affordable housing, highlighting a significant reduction in social rented homes and challenging the government's impact on both renters and buyers.
Rachel Maclean
Chesterfield Borough Council, controlled by Labour with significant Government grant funding, is responsible for delivering affordable housing. It's up to Chesterfield Labour council and developers to ensure planning obligations meet local needs.
Session: Affordable Housing
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What assessment has been made of the adequacy of affordable housing provision in (a) Chesterfield and (b) England? Under the Conservatives, the number of new social rented homes fell by over 80%, with 27,000 fewer homes built yearly than under Labour. Mortgage holders face highest interest rates in a generation.
Context
The MP is concerned about the adequacy of affordable housing provision in Chesterfield and England, citing a significant decline in new social rented homes under Conservative governance.
Rachel Maclean
The Government are committed to increasing affordable housing through their £11.5 billion programme, delivering tens of thousands of homes for sale and rent across England. Chesterfield Borough Council is under Labour control with significant Government grant funding to deliver affordable housing locally.
Session: Affordable Housing
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Why is she so determined to stand against what employers say they want, and to hold learners, employers and our economy back? The Secretary of State says that she is listening to businesses, but if she were, she would hear that Labour's plan has won widespread support from the business community.
Context
The MP is advocating for Labour's plan to devolve adult education budgets and make the apprenticeship levy more flexible.
Gillian Keegan
That is a good question. The hon. Gentleman is right that employers have often asked for flexibility in the levy, but the problem with their calculations is that we are spending 99.6% of the levy on apprentices. Their policy is based on levy payer spend, not budget.
Session: Local Business Needs Skills Development
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Will the Secretary of State join me, the Labour party and the right hon. Member for Witham in supporting the wide range of businesses and employers that support Labour's plans for reform of the apprenticeship levy? The Minister does not commit to joining or supporting Labour's plans but criticizes them.
Context
The question stems from criticism of the Government's approach to apprenticeships and seeks support for Labour's policy on greater flexibility for the apprenticeship levy.
Gillian Keegan
We are already spending 99.6% of the levy, so Labour's policy would mean that we would have to take some apprentices away from SMEs to be able to create that levy.
Session: Apprenticeships People Over 16
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It is great to see you back in your place, Madam Deputy Speaker. To be fair to the Defence Secretary, he has been very candid that 13 years of this Government have, in his words, “hollowed out and underfunded” our armed forces, but why should anyone believe that, in their final gasps, the exhausted Government who underfunded them over 13 years will actually put right the hollowing-out they have put in place in that time?
Context
The question arises from criticisms that the government has underfunded the armed forces over a period of time, affecting their capability. The Defence Secretary previously acknowledged this issue.
Ben Wallace
Maybe the hon. Gentleman cannot hear: I did not say “13”; I said there had been “30” years of hollowing out, which includes his last Government, a Government I served under as a soldier. His Government spent a lot of money going to war in the middle east, which hollowed us out too, because we were not properly refunded.
Session: Topical Questions
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Notwithstanding what the Secretary of State has said, we know that many aspects of the shipbuilding industry feel that our Government have been less supportive of them than some of our competitor nations around the world. If the Government continue to award contracts under which large proportions of the work are completed abroad, will that not undermine the British shipbuilding industry? Will the Secretary of State say something more about how we can ensure that more of these ships are built by UK shipbuilding firms?
Context
The MP is concerned that the Government's approach to awarding contracts undermines the British shipbuilding industry.
Ben Wallace
I really urge the hon. Gentleman not to listen to the propaganda and claptrap of the union leadership. I recently went to Belfast and to Appledore and met the local unions and do you know what? They do not agree with their leadership's statements and rather bizarre propaganda. Fundamentally, the fleet solid support ships will be entirely put together, and nearly two thirds built or supplied, through the UK.
Session: British Shipbuilding
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I thank the Minister for that answer. We know there are GP appointment difficulties everywhere, but it is much harder in deprived communities. The Social Market Foundation research shows GPs in more deprived areas have twice as many patients on their books compared to affluent areas. Why should patients in deprived areas tolerate greater difficulties in getting appointments?
Context
There are significant disparities in GP appointment availability between deprived and affluent areas, with more patients per doctor in deprived regions.
Neil O'Brien
In Derby and Derbyshire, for example, there are 495 more doctors and other patient-facing staff than in 2019. Step one is to have more clinicians, which we are doing through investment. The hon. Member raises a point about Carr-Hill and the funding formula underlying general practice. There is actually heavy weighting for deprivation. Funding is driven by health need, which is also heavily driven by age.
Session: GP Appointments Chesterfield, Derbyshire and England
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I am concerned about the adequacy of GP appointment availability in (a) Chesterfield constituency, (b) Derbyshire, and (c) England. I want an assessment of whether these areas are adequately served by general practitioners given current demand and health needs.
Context
There are concerns about the adequacy of GP appointments in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, and England, affecting patient access to healthcare services.
Neil O'Brien
In November, there were 13.9% more appointments in general practice across England as a whole than in the same month before the pandemic. In Derby and Derbyshire, there were 16.6% more appointments. Our GPs are doing more than ever, and compared with 2015-16, we are investing a fifth more in real terms. But we know that demand is unprecedented, and we are working to further support our hard-working GPs.
Session: GP Appointments Chesterfield, Derbyshire and England
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The Minister was a huge champion for the FE sector when he was Chair of the Education Committee. Their funding settlements for FE colleges are the worst in post-war history, according to the independent Institute for Fiscal Studies. Is not the reality that only the election of a Labour Government will allow our colleges to play the role we truly need from them?
Context
The MP criticises the Government's funding settlements for FE colleges, citing an independent analysis that shows per-student funding fell by 14% in real terms between 2010 and 2019.
Robert Halfon
The Government are increasing investment in apprenticeships to £2.7 billion by 2024-25, investing an extra £1.6 billion in 16-to-19 education over the same period of time including £500 million a year for T-levels and committing £1.5 billion to upgrade the FE college estate.
Session: Further Education Revenue Funding
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The number of black and ethnic minority students is proportionately higher in further education colleges, yet the number of black and ethnic minority lecturers is low and the number of college leaders is tiny. What are the Government doing to address this under-representation?
Context
Black and ethnic minority students are proportionately higher in further education colleges, but there is a small number of black and ethnic minority lecturers and an even smaller number of college leaders.
Kemi Badenoch (Minister for Women and Equalities)
The hon. Gentleman asks an excellent question. We are working on this issue through the Inclusive Britain strategy, ensuring proper representation of people in the education sector via positive action within the Equality Act.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the Secretary of State to her latest position—she has had a dizzying array of jobs recently, so it is great to see her in this post, as I know that she has a real commitment to skills and apprenticeships. I do not know whether the Secretary of State has had an opportunity to speak at length with the new Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education, the right hon. Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon), but when he chaired the Education Committee he stressed the need for greater flexibility in the apprenticeship levy. He spoke powerfully about too much of it being spent on managerial apprenticeships, and the Committee agreed entirely, so it was a considerable disappointment to hear last week that the Government now appear to be ruling out reform of the levy. Labour's plan to increase its flexibility has been widely welcomed by employers. Do the Government recognise that the levy is not working, and that we need to give businesses and employers the flexibility they are demanding?
Context
The MP is concerned about the flexibility of the apprenticeship levy and its impact on businesses.
Gillian Keegan
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his comments, and for welcoming me and referring to the variety of jobs that I have had—in fact, I did 30 years' worth of jobs before I came here, so I am used to a lot of change. The apprenticeship levy was created to support the uptake and delivery of high-quality apprenticeships, and has been set at a level to fund this employer demand. We are making apprenticeships more flexible, providing new flexi-job and accelerated apprenticeships that are accessible to employers in all sectors—something I was working on when I was last in the Department. We have also improved the levy transfer system so that employers can make greater use of their levy funds. More than 215 employers, including Asda, HomeServe and BT Group, have pledged to transfer £14.62 million to support apprenticeships in businesses of all sizes.
Session: Degree Apprenticeships
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Palliative Care: North Derbyshire
17 December 2025
Responding: Stephen Kinnock
Main Concerns
['In late June, a fundraiser for Ashgate hospice raised over £385,000. In October, the announcement was made that Ashgate would be making as many as 52 posts redundant and closing 60% of its in-patient beds. The community has expressed deep concern about these changes.']
Specific Asks
['The Government needs to provide greater clarity on funding levels for hospices and ensure that services like those provided by Ashgate continue uninterrupted.']
Flood Defences: Chesterfield
24 June 2025
Responding: Emma Hardy
Main Concerns
['Flooding is a critical issue for constituents in Chesterfield and across the UK, with over 6 million people living in flood-risk areas. The economic cost of flooding can be enormous; the 2015-2016 winter floods cost £1.6 billion to the national economy. Climate change is projected to increase the risk and costs associated with flooding.']
Specific Asks
['The government should invest more in flood defence maintenance and construction, particularly for areas at high risk such as Tapton Terrace in Chesterfield, where the Environment Agency has deemed it cheaper to buy homes than protect them.']
East to West Chesterfield Cycle Route
09 November 2021
Responding: Andrew Stephenson
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the lack of consultation from Derbyshire County Council regarding the East to West Chesterfield cycle route. Many residents in Brimington Common and other affected areas have reported not receiving any information or being contacted by the council despite overwhelming opposition to the proposal, as evidenced by a survey response ratio of 63% against closure and only 27% supporting it. I received over 70 responses within 24 hours from constituents who did not receive consultation letters, showing a significant majority against the route. The proposed scheme includes closing Crow Lane permanently and narrowing Chatsworth Road, which could exacerbate traffic congestion on already busy roads such as A632 and A619, potentially leading to increased emissions and safety risks for pedestrians, cyclists, and all road users.']
Specific Asks
["I call upon Derbyshire County Council to pause their plans and re-engage with residents in affected areas so that their views are heard and fully considered. I would appreciate the Minister's view on this situation and whether he is satisfied that a scheme funded by his Department can go ahead without hearing local residents' opinions, especially considering there seems to be an attempt to diminish voices opposing it. Will the Department for Transport investigate if Derbyshire County Council's consultation adheres to minimum standards required for accessing funding?"]
Universal Credit: Effect of Child Element on Separated Parents — [Mrs Sheryll Murray in the Chair]
04 November 2020
Responding: Will Quince
Main Concerns
["There is significant evidence that positive relationships with both parents are crucial for children's well-being. However, parental separation can lead to financial stress, mental health issues, and homelessness. The current system of child benefit eligibility often pits separated parents against each other in disputes over who receives benefits. This issue affects about 30,000 young non-resident parents according to the family resources survey."]
Specific Asks
['The Minister should clarify what actions have been taken following the Social Security Advisory Committee report and if a cross-departmental working group has been established. Furthermore, will the Government consider measures to support all non-residential parents with more than one child to stay overnight without incurring financial penalties?']
Football Attendances: VAR — [Mr Clive Betts in the Chair]
17 March 2020
Responding: Nigel Huddleston
Main Concerns
["The MP is concerned that the implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in football has negatively impacted the sport's appeal and fans' enjoyment. He cites issues such as delays in decision-making, offside decisions based on hairline margins, and the lack of spontaneity during matches. The YouGov poll showed 67% of fans felt VAR had made watching football less enjoyable."]
Specific Asks
['The MP calls for the abolition of VAR, arguing it should not be tolerated unless significant changes are made to its operation, including reviewing the offside law and involving fans in decision-making processes. He also requests that decisions only be altered if they are clear and obvious errors.']
Falkland Islands: Sovereignty
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Jackdaw and Rosebank Oil and Gas Fields
03 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Rewiring the State
02 September 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister has set out priorities to address 40 years of overly centralised decision making and over-privatisation, which have stripped power and resources away from communities. The Governmen...
Direction of Government
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
National Energy System Operator: Blackout Risk
15 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
13 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
State of Climate and Nature
13 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Asylum Accommodation
29 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Climate Change
24 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to approve the draft Carbon Budget Order 2026, which was laid before this House on 2 June.
Petition
31 January 2022
The petition addresses the issue of stalking, highlighting the need for additional funding for stalking advocates to support victims and prevent further harm.
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
85.7%
84 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
30
30.6% of votes
No Votes
54
55.1% of votes
Abstentions
14
14.3% 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
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
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
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
3
PMQs Asked
90
Ministerial Questions Asked
198
House of Commons Debates Involved
5
Westminster Hall Debates Led
1
Statements / Bills
1
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+571% above average
This MP:
90
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+99% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3974% above average
This MP:
198
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-89% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-59% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+24% above average
This MP:
85.7
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 Toby Perkins's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.