Tom Gordon
MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough
Lib Dem
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Earlier this year, I found myself in hospital as a result of a flare-up from living with ulcerative colitis. I was bowled over by the support of local constituents and people who live with inflammatory bowel disease across the country when they got in touch. For people with IBD, however, care often falls far short of the mark. It can take ages to get a diagnosis—for me, it took the best part of a decade—and then when someone manages to get one, care can become a postcode lottery. Living with a fluctuating and non-visible condition is already hard enough before having to navigate those systems. IBD UK Alliance set out what good care looks like with the IBD standards. Will the Prime Minister meet me and clinicians to discuss IBD standards, and will he consider appointing a national clinical lead to drive improvement when it comes to IBD care?
Context
The MP noted his personal experience with ulcerative colitis, highlighting long diagnosis times and inconsistent care quality across the country. He mentioned IBD UK Alliance's standards for better care.
Keir Starmer
I thank the hon. Member for sharing his personal experience and, notwithstanding that, congratulate him on his achievements at the London marathon. I agree with him that patients should receive high-quality, consistent care, wherever they live. Through national improvement programmes such as Getting It Right First Time, we are making sure that best practice is shared to drive up standards, and I am happy for Ministers to give him the details.
Assessment
Appointment of a national clinical lead
Under Review
Session: PMQs
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What steps will the Prime Minister take now to reassure our constituents about the continued failings of TEWV and rebuild trust?
Context
The MP's constituents face long distances to mental health facilities due to inadequate local in-patient beds.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
We are recruiting 6,700 additional NHS mental health staff, building new dedicated mental health emergency departments, and increasing NHS spending on mental health by almost £700 million. We acknowledge the unacceptable situation faced by constituents.
Session: PMQs
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The questioner asks if the government will consider index-linking compensation to inflation to prevent delays from reducing the value of compensation awards. The scheme has faced delays and the constituent's family has been affected.
Context
A constituent of the MP lost his father due to contaminated blood products. The scheme to compensate victims has faced delays.
Louise Haigh
The government is considering the hon. Gentleman's question as they go forward. Reports are being laid in the House today regarding improvements to the scheme.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-10
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If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. The questioner argues that the government's approach to introducing legislation is too bureaucratic and has resulted in absurdities like three consultations on microchipping cats. The public expects change and less red tape.
Context
The questioner criticizes the government's approach to introducing legislation, citing the example of microchipping cats.
Louise Haigh
The government is stripping out needless bureaucracy and will introduce reforms to minimize the risk of judicial review. Transport, water and other major infrastructure projects will benefit from parliamentary authorisation, allowing the government to lead and put public control at the heart of decision making.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-10
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Under the Conservative Government, we saw multiple attempts to bring forward a Bill but one never made it through the successive Government cycles. I hope that the Minister will learn from those lessons and bring forward a Bill that is properly trans-inclusive too. The Bill talks about “abusive” conversion practices, but that risks implying that non-abusive forms exist, leading to a potential loophole. What steps and conversations he is having to ensure people cannot be pushed through those other alternative loopholes?
Context
Previous attempts under the Conservative Government to bring forward a Bill failed to progress.
Simon Lightwood
Let me be clear: this Government are committed to protecting the dignity and safety of trans people. That is why we are introducing a full trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices, per our manifesto. I would be delighted to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss his further queries in person.
Session: Conversion Therapy 2026-09-09
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What steps she is taking to ban conversion therapy. The Government published their draft conversion practices Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny on 25 June. Parliament is appointing the Joint Committee that will review the draft provisions, aiming to report by 22 January.
Context
The Government is considering a draft conversion practices Bill.
Simon Lightwood
On 25 June, the Government published their draft conversion practices Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny. Parliament is in the process of appointing the Joint Committee that will review the draft provisions. I understand that the Committee aims to report by 22 January, and I look forward to working with all its members on this important legislation to ensure that a ban is effective in targeting these abusive and harmful practices.
Session: Conversion Therapy 2026-09-09
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What steps is the Minister taking with other Departments to ensure that young people can find information online?
Context
The questioner highlights local youth organisations and work experience students and asks about steps to ensure young people can find information online.
Florence Eshalomi
I thank the hon. Gentleman for that important point. It is important that we understand that young people receive information about voting through many different means, including through social media, and I know that colleagues in the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport are looking at challenges around misinformation and fake news circulating online. It is important that we look at the places where young people spend the majority of their time—schools and educational settings—and ensure that our teachers, trainers and carers are equipped to engage with our young people in the right way. The democratic engagement fund will be key to helping with that and the Electoral Commission is also looking at the issue of online engagement.
Session: Democratic Participation Young People 2026-09-07
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In my capacity as chair of the all-party parliamentary group on cabin air quality, I recently met pilots and cabin crew about the impact of fume events and the lifelong consequences they can have for them. What steps are the Government taking to investigate, research, regulate and mitigate those issues?
Context
The MP chairs the all-party parliamentary group on cabin air quality and met with pilots and cabin crew to discuss fume events that can have lifelong consequences for them. The issue is related to pilot and passenger safety.
Keir Mather
Let me thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. Air quality in relation to both pilot and passenger safety is of real concern to the Department for Transport. We undertake work constantly to monitor the impact of cabin air quality on those affected groups, and I would be glad to have a further conversation with him to take that work further.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-16
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My understanding is that Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, is bringing into force the Weaver Network, but in York and North Yorkshire we do not yet have an equivalent. One of the challenges that people face is that they often connect over the boundary of those two counties. I used to live in West Yorkshire but go to college in North Yorkshire, and countless people make that journey each day. Does the Secretary of State agree that mass transit needs to work across those county divides? Would it not be better if we had something like a Transport for Yorkshire to make it easier for everyone to get around our great county?
Context
Transport crosses administrative boundaries, and people often face challenges when making journeys that connect over the boundary of two counties. The Weaver Network is being brought into force in West Yorkshire.
Heidi Alexander
I know that the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, and the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, work closely together. The hon. Gentleman is right that transport crosses administrative boundaries, and that this needs to work for people. That was at the heart of the “Better Connected” strategy that we published earlier this year. I am sure that all elected representatives in the great county of Yorkshire will be working together to ensure that they have the best possible service.
Session: Mass Transit Systems 2026-07-16
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I recently visited Envirovent, a manufacturer and supplier of sustainable ventilation products just outside Harrogate. It was recognised in The Sunday Times' best places to work 2026 and recently produced its three-millionth ventilation fan unit. Will the Minister join me in congratulating Envirovent on those achievements, and perhaps visit to see the fantastic work it does for the people of Harrogate and North Yorkshire?
Context
Envirovent, a manufacturer of sustainable ventilation products outside Harrogate, was recognised in The Sunday Times' best places to work 2026 and recently produced its three-millionth unit.
Peter Kyle
I certainly join the hon. Member in celebrating the success of that business—and businesses across the country that are doing such great work for the people who work in them and our overall economy. I would like to hear more about the business, and if I get the opportunity, visiting would be a pleasure.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-02
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What steps is the Government taking to support the new owners of Slingsby Gin?
Context
Slingsby Gin, a much-loved brand in Harrogate and Knaresborough, went into administration earlier this year.
Blair McDougall
There is a big extension of UK Export Finance so that such businesses can find new markets, which helps them become more resilient. The Minister will put his constituents in touch with people at UK Export Finance.
Session: Distillers 2026-07-02
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The special school at Bilton Woodfield was set to open in September 2024, but it is now delayed until September 2026. Will the Minister meet me and apply pressure to ensure that no further delays are made?
Context
There has been a delay in opening the special school at Bilton Woodfield, causing concern about further delays.
Georgia Gould
I would be happy to meet the hon. Member, and I did not get a chance to say that I am also happy to meet the hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham (Sarah Green). These are critical issues, and we want to see provision come forward.
Session: SEND Improvement
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What steps her Department is taking to improve the SEND system?
Context
The question stems from long-standing issues with the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system.
Georgia Gould
Children with special educational needs and disabilities have been let down for too long. We are determined to transform their experiences and outcomes by working with young people, parents and professionals to create a system where needs are identified and met early and schools have the training, resources and physical environments to be inclusive for all children.
Session: SEND Improvement
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First-time buyers in Little Stanion have been let down by a developer going into administration and a hostile management company lacking transparency and updates on improvements. Will the Secretary of State outline more actions for new build areas to prevent such issues?
Context
Little Stanion residents are facing issues due to developer administration and lack of transparency from the management agency. Roads, community centre, and play equipment maintenance are neglected.
Steve Reed
The Government are consulting on leasehold changes for greater transparency and changing regulations under the national planning policy framework. A new homes ombudsman is being introduced for faster redress.
Session: Housing Developers Accountability
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Constituents living on the Kingsley Farm development have spent months chasing the developer, Stonebridge Homes, for completion of estate elements agreed in planning consent. Residents at The Willows face similar issues. This problem exists nationwide. My mother, a councillor, reports issues in Knottingley and Normanton where developers are not treating customers fairly. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to give local authorities additional powers?
Context
Residents in Kingsley Farm development and The Willows are facing delays with unfinished developments. Developers like Stonebridge Homes are failing to meet planning permission agreements.
Steve Reed
Following the fair funding review, councils now have adequate resources for their building control functions. Longer term, a new homes ombudsman will be introduced for faster redress in these circumstances.
Session: Housing Developers Accountability
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Does the Solicitor General agree public confidence is crucial to improving prosecution rates? What further actions is she taking with CPS?
Context
Improving prosecution rates and reassuring victims that sexual offences are robustly prosecuted.
Ellie Reeves
The CPS has introduced an enhanced service, offering meetings before trials and dedicated liaison officers. £5 million is allocated for pilot services including prosecution team meetings and victim liaison officers in Crown courts.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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Earlier this year, children from Pannal primary school went to their forest school in Sandy Bank woods, only to find that the path was cordoned off and trees had been felled. What steps is the Minister taking with her colleagues in the Department for Education and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to ensure primary schools have access to forest schools all year round?
Context
Children from Pannal primary school found the path to their forest school in Sandy Bank woods cordoned off due to tree felling.
Mary Creagh
I am very happy to look into the case that the hon. Gentleman has mentioned. It depends on the ownership of the land—sometimes there is legitimate tree felling that has to be done at a certain time of year, normally before the bird nesting season—but if he gets in touch with me, I would be happy to look into that issue.
Session: Access to Nature
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Last September, I met the Minister for Energy Consumers, the hon. Member for Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West (Martin McCluskey), to discuss those who have been adversely impacted by incorrectly installed spray foam insulation. Has the Department considered remediation or support for those affected?
Context
The MP met the Minister for Energy Consumers to discuss adversely impacted individuals due to incorrectly installed spray foam insulation. He asked about remediation or support options.
Martin McCluskey
We are considering a range of remediation options in a number of schemes for which the Department is responsible, most of which were operated by the previous Government. We will come forward with proposals soon.
Session: Topical Questions
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Disabled people in England face a postcode lottery when it comes to the time in which they can use their bus passes. What conversations have been had with colleagues at the Department for Transport and the Treasury about removing those unfair time restrictions?
Stephen Timms
I regularly meet the lead Ministers on disability from all Departments, including the Department for Transport; I know that my colleague there is particularly interested in transport accessibility for disabled people. I would be very happy to pick up with them the point that the hon. Gentleman raises.
Session: Topical Questions
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I have been contacted by dentists who want to expand access but are constrained by the current NHS dental funding model. One practice has the physical space for a dentist but cannot get them in because of the funding model, forcing reliance on short-term foundation dentists. Will the Minister outline steps taken to reform this and will he meet me to discuss issues in my constituency?
Context
Dentists in Harrogate and Knaresborough are constrained by the current funding model, preventing them from expanding access despite having physical space ready for new dentists.
Stephen Kinnock
In the Humber and North Yorkshire ICB area, 52,795 more NHS dental treatments were delivered between April and October 2025 compared with before the election. Long-term contract reform is ongoing to resolve funding issues, and we will come forward in summer with a public consultation on fundamental reform.
Session: NHS Dental Services
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The Labour Mayor of York and North Yorkshire is tinkering with the Department for Transport's highways funding ratio, reallocating about £4 million from North Yorkshire to the city of York. When North Yorkshire council has already lost the rural services delivery grant, how can the Minister think that is fair?
Context
The Labour Mayor of York and North Yorkshire is reallocating funds from North Yorkshire to the city of York, affecting North Yorkshire council which has already lost the rural services delivery grant.
Simon Lightwood
The Department continues to give funding that is devolved to local leaders. It is up to the democratically elected local leaders to decide how to spend it. Funding is allocated for the whole of the hon. Gentleman's constituency to deal with that.
Session: Topical Questions
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The MP visited Ventrolla, a specialist heritage window manufacturer in his constituency, concerned about apprenticeship reform. Ventrolla signed a cross-party and cross-organisation letter to the Prime Minister about sector concerns over the changes to apprenticeships. What conversations are Ministers having with businesses like Ventrolla to ensure these changes do not adversely impact the sector and rob young people of opportunities and apprenticeships?
Context
The MP visited Ventrolla, a heritage window manufacturer, which expressed concern about the recent announcements of apprenticeship reform and their potential impact on apprenticeships.
Pat McFadden
We have a lot of dialogue with businesses about the nature of the growth and skills levy and how it is used. I have to say to the hon. Gentleman and to the House that we are making a choice to prioritise young people. It is precisely because the previous Government did not prioritise young people that we saw a 40% decline in apprenticeship starts. I do not think that is an argument for the status quo; it is an argument for change. That is the slogan upon which we were elected, and it is change to the system that we will bring.
Session: Support for NEET Young People
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Constituents relying on the Leeds to York via Harrogate line experience regular disruption due to part of the route being single track. Given the indefinite pause of the York area capacity scheme, which means that trains from Harrogate to York still have to use the fast east coast main line, we will continue seeing delays. Will the Government reconsider this pause and what alternative plans will they set out in the meantime to address capacity constraints and improve reliability for my constituents?
Context
Railway users face regular disruption due to the single track route between Harrogate and York, which affects trains on the Leeds to York via Harrogate line. The indefinite pause of the York area capacity scheme exacerbates this issue.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Keir Mather)
The Harrogate line interventions have not been funded in this spending review period, but that does not preclude doubling the single track between Knaresborough and York as part of a future local or national infrastructure pipeline. Platform extensions and electrification have previously been developed to a strategic outline business case level of maturity. Based on current and future demand forecasts, dualling the line was not considered necessary, but I am happy to continue engaging with the hon. Member on this very important issue.
Session: Rail Services Harrogate and Knaresborough
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One thing that really concerns me is that I have met a number of parents who have had to leave work because of the unmet need of their children with special educational needs and disabilities. Children who are already really vulnerable are ending up being forced into poverty because there is not the support from schools and local authorities. What conversations has the Minister had about assessing the impact of SEND and how that leads to the unemployment of parents?
Context
The MP mentioned concerns about parents having to leave work due to the unmet needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities, leading to forced unemployment and poverty.
Diana Johnson
That is obviously a very important question, and the Government are looking at the whole issue of SEND. I have been in the House long enough to know that the regime currently operating, which is not working for parents and children, was introduced by the previous Government—if I recall correctly, it was the Conservative Government rather than the coalition one—and we clearly need to look at how we can have a system that works, that supports families and children, and that helps parents get back into work.
Session: Child Poverty
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I met Anoosheh Ashoori and opened his exhibit “Surviving Evin” at a Harrogate district Amnesty International branch event at Ripon cathedral. Given the continued use of arbitrary detention and state-sponsored kidnapping and hostage-taking by Iran, what steps are the Government taking to strengthen protections for British nationals when abroad?
Context
Anoosheh Ashoori's case highlights the continued use of arbitrary detention and state-sponsored kidnapping by Iran, raising concerns about the safety of British nationals.
Hamish Falconer
I am familiar with the case that the hon. Member mentions. On all the other detention cases in Iran, we are working to ensure that those individuals have full access to consular assistance where they need it, as British nationals have across the world.
Session: Topical Questions
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I appreciate the response that the Minister has given. He will not be surprised to hear me talking about spray foam insulation once again. One of the biggest frustrations that people have is that they do not have faith or trust in Government schemes because of the failure of the installation of spray foam insulation under the previous Government. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that mortgage lenders do away with the blanket ban on providing mortgages to people with spray foam insulation, what steps has he taken to reform TrustMark, and what consideration has he given to fixing the problem once and for all?
Context
The question addresses the lack of consumer trust in home retrofit installations, particularly concerning spray foam insulation. The previous government's failure to properly oversee these installations has led to a loss of faith among consumers.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Martin McCluskey)
It is fair to say that I am gripped by this problem, because without confidence in the consumer protection around the installation of these schemes, we will not hit the targets for clean power by 2030, nor create the warm and safe homes that we need. We are working with lenders and financial institutions to resolve the accessibility of some outstanding financial products, but it is now not the case that all lenders have a blanket ban—we are making some progress on that. We will conduct further assessments to quantify the extent of spray foam, and I am keen to work closely with the hon. Gentleman and others who have examples from their constituencies that can inform how we design the future system.
Session: Energy Efficiency Schemes Consumer Confidence
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In response to a recent written parliamentary question, the Department confirmed that it is shelving improvements to Skelton junction outside York. That will have an impact on the proposed improvements to rail services for commuters in Harrogate and Knaresborough. How does that align with the Government’s vision for growth?
Context
The MP questioned the Department's decision to shelve improvements to rail services at Skelton Junction, which affects Harrogate and Knaresborough commuters.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
We are committed to improving rail connectivity and capacity in the north of England. I would be happy to have a further conversation with the hon. Gentleman about that scheme.
Session: Topical Questions
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Over the past year I have had the privilege of taking part in the armed forces parliamentary scheme. One issue that arises is that families of overseas workers in the armed forces have no access to work opportunities and no specific visas or agreements with other countries where our armed forces are based, meaning they must often take pay cuts or not relocate with their partners in the forces. Will the Minister think about what we can do to support armed forces workers overseas?
Context
The question arises from Tom Gordon's participation in the armed forces parliamentary scheme, where he observed issues affecting families of overseas workers in the armed forces.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Louise Sandher-Jones)
I have served overseas and observed this issue at first hand. Discussions with the Cabinet Office are ongoing, and I hope to update the hon. Member in due course.
Session: Armed Forces Recruitment and Retention
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A number of years ago, Woodfield school in Bilton in my constituency was closed. It has been rebuilt as a specialist school for children with autism. Originally meant to open in September last year, it was delayed until September this year. Will the Minister meet me and confirm whether it will open on time this September?
Context
Woodfield school in Bilton, which was meant to open as a specialist school for children with autism, faced delays opening until September this year. The question seeks confirmation of the opening timeline.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Stephen Morgan)
I am happy to meet the hon. Member.
Session: Rebuilding Schools
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I regularly meet the Harrogate business improvement district and the chamber of commerce, and we have a thriving hospitality and tourism sector in Harrogate and Knaresborough. I recently met Alison, a constituent who runs a number of local bars and restaurants, and she is worried that with the increase in employer NICs, rising energy costs and the other pressures that this Government are not getting to grips with, businesses like hers will not be there to see the benefits of business rates reform. What is the Minister doing with Treasury colleagues to support local hospitality?
Context
The MP expressed concerns about the challenges faced by local hospitality businesses, including increased employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs), rising energy costs, and other pressures.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)
One of the most important measures that will help the hospitality sector is business rates reform. We have set out our commitment to do that, and we are working with all the different parts of the business community, including the hospitality sector, to get our reform proposals right. As I alluded to in a previous answer, we will publish an interim report giving more detail of our thinking on business rates reform, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer will confirm our plans in the Budget later this year.
Session: Hospitality Sector
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When the Government introduced the increased £3 bus cap, it saw the cost of a number of shorter journeys with local bus providers increase by more than inflation. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that people are not feeling the effects of Labour’s bus tax?
Context
Some shorter journeys with local bus providers have seen an increase in cost by more than inflation.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
Participants in the bus fare cap are only able to increase bus fares by inflation, so if the hon. Gentleman wants to speak to me outside the Chamber, I would be happy to take that matter up for him.
Session: Topical Questions
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Every 17 minutes, someone in Yorkshire is told that they have cancer. Tomorrow, I will be launching a report for Yorkshire Cancer Research, which is based in my constituency, that will set out key recommendations. Will the Minister meet us to talk about how we can feed them into the national cancer plan?
Context
The Minister for Secondary Care was questioned about steps to reduce cancer diagnosis times. Mr Gordon mentions a report by Yorkshire Cancer Research with key recommendations.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
The work that the hon. Member is doing locally with that group is essential. I will ensure that we have a good response for him, whether it is meeting me or a colleague.
Session: Cancer Diagnoses
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With the effects of climate change already being felt, the Institution of Civil Engineers and others have urged the Government to prioritise infrastructure resilience. Following the Court ruling on the third national adaptation programme, the Government pledged to strengthen the approach, but the Climate Change Committee called this “ineffective”. When will the Department publish its updated plans, and how will it strengthen them?
Context
The effects of climate change are already being felt, with the Institution of Civil Engineers urging the Government to prioritise infrastructure resilience. The Climate Change Committee called the Government's pledge to strengthen their approach 'ineffective'.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Hardy)
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his important question. Of course, we welcome the Climate Change Committee’s assessment. The Government recognise the need to go further and faster to prepare for the impacts of a warmer world. For example, we are already taking active steps to include climate adaptation in our flood programme. For the first time, the Environment Agency’s flood risk modelling integrates potential impacts of climate change on flood and coastal erosion risk. The investment of £2.65 billion into maintaining flood defences will help to better protect 52,000 properties by March 2026.
Session: Climate Resilience Plans
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I pay tribute to Brian Dunsby OBE, who tirelessly campaigned for improving our railways including getting a direct service from London to Harrogate. The issue he raised was how the Leeds to York line becomes single tracked at Knaresborough, leading to delays and implications for running higher services levels. I am launching a campaign for dual tracking of the line between Knaresborough and York so that rail services are fit for purpose. Will the Secretary of State join me in this? Can she offer any advice on securing investment?
Context
Brian Dunsby OBE campaigned for improved rail services between London and Harrogate, highlighting single tracking issues on the Leeds to York line via Harrogate. This causes delays when one service is delayed.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
I express condolences on the loss of the rail campaigner and constituent mentioned. Network Rail is considering electrification schemes and potentially longer platform schemes in his constituency but recognises he is talking about dual tracking. I suggest seeking a meeting with the Rail Minister to discuss this in more detail.
Session: Railway Capacity
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Harrogate is a proud armed forces town and the location of the Army Foundation College, and Menwith Hill and Catterick are nearby. North Yorkshire as a whole plays an important part for our armed forces. Veterans in my constituency have told me that they often move back there after postings throughout their careers, but they then have problems accessing housing through the local authority. What conversations is the Minister having with local government colleagues to ensure that local authorities have a better understanding of how to listen to what veterans say about the adaptations they need?
Context
The MP's constituency is a proud armed forces town with connections to the Army Foundation College, Menwith Hill, and Catterick. Veterans often move back to the area after postings but struggle with access to local authority housing.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Al Carns)
As the hon. Member knows very well, access to social and affordable housing is a severe problem across the country. We work with many councils, explaining to them the covenant as a whole and the need for veterans to be fast-tracked. Op Fortitude is a prime example: there have been 3,000 referrals, and 825 veterans have been put into housing in a relatively short time. I would like to connect the hon. Member with that operation to ensure that we can point any veterans who need such support in the right direction.
Session: Support for Veterans
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In recent weeks, I have been inundated with messages from constituents who are worried sick about changes to the disability benefits system, but yesterday’s announcement goes further than even the Conservatives managed, or dared, to. Disabled people already face systemic barriers in society, including in accessing health, transport and housing. Inadequate financial support already means that some of the most vulnerable have to access food banks. These cuts will exacerbate their pain, and fuel hunger and debt. What assessment has the Department made of the cuts, the impact on finances, and the harm that they will cause?
Context
Constituents are worried about changes to the disability benefits system. The previous government proposed converting PIP from cash into vouchers, causing anxiety.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
I refer the hon. Gentleman to the previous Government’s proposal to convert PIP from cash into vouchers, which caused huge anxiety. We made it clear in the announcement yesterday that we are not going to do that, but we will make changes to ensure that the personal independence payment is financially sustainable in the long term. That will reassure a large number of people for whom PIP is vital.
Session: Health and Disability Green Paper
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Harrogate has a wealth of independent stores that attract people to the town from across the region—including shoplifters, unfortunately. I have been speaking with Harrogate business improvement district about what it can do to help tackle shoplifting. It has an increasingly good relationship with North Yorkshire police. What steps is the Minister taking to encourage North Yorkshire police and other police organisations to work with local community and business organisations to crack down on shoplifting?
Context
The issue of retail crime in Harrogate has been discussed with the local business improvement district.
Diana Johnson
The hon. Gentleman makes an important point. I visited North Yorkshire last week, and one of the issues there is how well the police are working with communities and the retail sector to start to tackle some of the issues around retail crime. Over the next three years, £7 million will be allocated to support the police to tackle retail crime through the specialist team Opal, which is the national police intelligence unit. That unit is looking at the serious organised criminal gangs that are now involved in retail theft.
Session: Retail Crime
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Does the Secretary of State still plan to deliver on that promise, and if so, what is the timeline for seeing that money allocated?
Context
The previous Government promised over £4 billion for transport projects in the north and midlands when they cancelled High Speed 2.
Heidi Alexander
Delivering economic growth requires a proper plan for investment in our transport infrastructure. That is exactly what this Government are determined to deliver.
Session: Topical Questions
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Why has many people come together in Speaker's House to hear about the progress made in tackling hate crime against the LGBT community? Will the Solicitor General outline what steps have been taken to ensure that trans people feel safe, and that perpetrators of hate crimes towards trans people are brought to justice?
Context
February marks LGBT History Month, during which many people gathered to discuss progress in tackling hate crime against the LGBT community. The question specifically addresses concerns about trans individuals feeling safe and perpetrators being brought to justice.
The Solicitor General
The CPS prosecutes all cases that are referred to it, provided they meet the full code test for Crown prosecutors. There is more work to be done regarding incidents involving trans people. The CPS and police national hate crime leads are committed to joint working to increase the number of police referrals to the CPS for hate crime offences.
Session: Hate Crime Prosecution
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In Harrogate and Knaresborough, the River Nidd regularly overflows with sewage. When I visited the Killinghall sewage treatment works last year, a key thing that came to light was that water companies are putting in infrastructure to manage the current sewage issue, rather than future-proofing. What steps will the Minister take to ensure we build sewage works that meet both current and future demand?
Context
The River Nidd regularly overflows with sewage, highlighting the issue of water companies managing current sewage issues without future-proofing. This raises concerns about infrastructure meeting both current and future demand.
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Steve Reed)
The money announced in Ofwat’s final determination before Christmas will create record levels of investment in our water system to do precisely what the hon. Gentleman says, dealing with the current sewage problems while also putting in place the infrastructure to manage and meet future demand.
Session: River Health
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In recent days and weeks, household bills across my constituency have gone up and up and up. Many who miss out on pension credit because they are just above the cut-off will now be wondering where they will find that extra money. Will the Government think again about the removal of the winter fuel payment and ensure that pension credit is rolled out on a taper?
Context
Household bills across the constituency have risen significantly, leading to pensioners just above the cut-off for pension credit facing financial strain.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work Pensions (Torsten Bell)
It is important that we keep driving up the take-up of pension credit, but that is not the only support available to pensioners: everyone will see the state pension rise by over 4% this April; the household support fund is very important and will be extended for another year; and the warm home discount is available to the poorest pensioners.
Session: Pension Credit Take-up
View All Questions -->
In my constituency of Harrogate and Knaresborough we have heard harrowing stories from people who have tried to reach out and get access to mental health services before they reach crisis point. Often, people end up facing months-long if not years-long waiting lists. When all too often they reach a crisis point, they end up having to access services as far away as Newcastle or Manchester. What are the Government doing to make sure that we can root local community mental health facilities in communities such as Harrogate and Knaresborough?
Context
Local residents in Harrogate and Knaresborough face long waiting lists for mental health services, with some having to travel far from their communities to receive care.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
In addition to the measures that I just set out, in the Budget the Chancellor made funding available to expand talking therapies to 380,000 extra patients. We have a £26 million capital investment scheme for mental health crisis centres and, as always with this Government, investment goes with reform. We are finally reforming the Mental Health Act—that was first talked about when Theresa May was in 10 Downing Street. This Government are rolling up their sleeves and getting on with the job.
Session: Mental Health Services
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Home-to-School Transport
04 June 2026
Responding: Georgia Gould
Main Concerns
['Local authorities in England spent £2.6 billion on home-to-school transport in 2024-25, with SEND transport alone more than doubling in cost over the period. The Public Accounts Committee found that the Department for Education does not know if this spending is achieving value for money. Some 1 million young people in the UK are not in education, employment or training, and one in five children of compulsory school age miss at least a day of school per fortnight. In North Yorkshire, families have been denied free transport to the nearest suitable school and are now paying £94 a month for a bus permit.']
Specific Asks
['The statutory guidance on home-to-school transport should be updated so that the minimum provision becomes the nearest or catchment school rather than solely the nearest suitable school. The Minister should impress upon her colleagues at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to reinstate the rural services delivery grant.']
Water (Special Measures) Act 2025: Enforcement
20 January 2026
Responding: Emma Hardy
Main Concerns
['The Water (Special Measures) Act was meant to strengthen regulation, but since its introduction in October 2025, Yorkshire Water received a red rating from the Environment Agency for serious pollution incidents that had almost tripled in 2024. Despite this, customers have been asked repeatedly to pay more while receiving less service.']
Specific Asks
['Tom Gordon calls for proper enforcement of the Act and for water companies to be genuinely held accountable with measures such as freezing bonus payments and ensuring public benefit interest over corporate shareholder responsibilities.']
Accountability for Daesh Crimes
15 May 2025
Main Concerns
['Between 2014 and 2017, Daesh waged a campaign of brutal violence against ethnic and religious minorities in Syria and Iraq. Despite the UK formally recognising Daesh’s genocide against Yazidis in 2023, no individuals have been prosecuted for international crimes like genocide in the UK. Other countries such as Germany have successfully prosecuted Daish perpetrators.']
Specific Asks
["The report calls for a reset in the UK's approach to investigating and prosecuting international crimes, amending legislation to enshrine universal jurisdiction for those crimes in UK law, greater oversight of citizenship deprivation powers, and addressing the humanitarian crisis affecting British citizens detained in camps in Syria."]
Ukraine and Russia
10 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Aviation Bill - Clause 1
09 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill aims to restore the Government's power to regulate civil aviation, bolster passenger rights, modernise airspace, and improve safety. It addresses recent disruptions and seeks to ensure robust...
Economic Growth
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Health and Care Bill - Schedule 1
07 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to confer primary care functions on integrated care boards, thereby ensuring better coordination and integration of health ser...
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
NATO Summit
09 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
09 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mohamed argues that successive British Governments have acknowledged the illegality and harmful effects of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories but have failed to take decisive ...
Regional Innovation and Growth
18 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Social Media Ban for Under-16s
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Review of the Student Loans System
09 June 2026
The petition addresses concerns over changes to the student loan system, including frozen repayment thresholds and altered interest rates, which have made student loans less affordable and more of a l...
View Full Petition -->
Settlement route for British National (Overseas) visa holders
05 January 2026
The petition addresses the concern that changing the 5+1 settlement route for British National (Overseas) visa holders to a 10-year requirement would be unfair to nearly 150,000 individuals who have r...
View Full Petition -->
Knaresborough Castle
17 December 2025
The petition aims to save Knaresborough Castle, which is in a poor state of repair and vital to the town’s history and tourism industry.
View Full Petition -->
House of Lords
16 December 2025
The petition highlights concerns about the House of Lords, arguing that its unelected nature undermines democratic legitimacy and public confidence in the legislative process.
View Full Petition -->
Settlement route for British National (Overseas) visa holders
04 November 2025
The petition addresses concerns about the potential alteration of the 5+1 settlement route for British National (Overseas) visa holders, which currently allows them to apply for Indefinite Leave to Re...
View Full Petition -->
Disabled bus passes during peak hours
13 October 2025
The petitioners from North Yorkshire declare that restricting the use of disabled persons’ bus passes during peak hours is unfair and places additional barriers on disabled people, who already face si...
View Full Petition -->
PETITION
08 September 2025
The petition addresses the restriction on disabled bus passes being usable only outside peak hours, arguing that this creates unfair barriers for people with disabilities who face significant structur...
View Full Petition -->
Harrogate spring water money for Harrogate
17 July 2025
The petition calls for the Harrogate Springs Water Levy of 0.5% of profits to be returned to the people of Harrogate through the newly created Harrogate Town Council, as it was originally intended.
View Full Petition -->
Harrogate Spring Water money for Harrogate
07 July 2025
The petitioners are concerned that Harrogate Spring Water's 0.5% revenue levy, which used to support the local area through Harrogate Borough Council, is now being directed to North Yorkshire Council ...
View Full Petition -->
School transport in North Yorkshire
07 January 2025
The petitioners are concerned about North Yorkshire Council’s decision to limit free school transport to the nearest school only, arguing it will harm rural families by dividing communities, impacting...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
64.3%
63 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
47
48.0% of votes
No Votes
16
16.3% of votes
Abstentions
35
35.7% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
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
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
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
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: 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
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
2
PMQs Asked
50
Ministerial Questions Asked
80
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
11
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-45% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+273% above average
This MP:
50
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1546% above average
This MP:
80
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
+349% above average
This MP:
11
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-7% below average
This MP:
64.3
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 Tom Gordon's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.