Tom Hayes
MP for Bournemouth East
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
Can she give an update on the closure of any of the asylum hotels in Bournemouth? The MP has previously asked for updates on 5 January, 9 February, 9 March, and 8 June.
Context
Three asylum hotels were inherited, and regular updates have been requested regarding their closure.
Shabana Mahmood
The Government is committed to ending the use of all asylum hotels by the end of this Parliament. While further positive news may come, no specific update was given for Bournemouth's hotels.
Session: Asylum Hotels 2026-07-13
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Catherine on Tuckton Road, Claire on Naseby Road and Elise on Irving Road all agree that Britain should draw closer to the European Union. Can the European relations Minister please tell my constituents what this Labour Government are doing to bring Britain into the heart of the European Union again?
Context
The MP is seeking to understand what specific actions the Labour Government will take to bring Britain back into closer ties with the EU.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
I am proud to have delivered the new security and defence partnership and the re-accession to Erasmus+. We are working on a summit that will be good for jobs, bear down on bills and secure our borders.
Session: Topical Questions
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We are a patient people and a compassionate community in Bournemouth, but there is a feeling in town that, with our three asylum hotels, we are being asked to do more than our fair share. Will the Minister please set out for my constituents that Bournemouth is uppermost in his mind as he closes hotels and that Bournemouth's asylum hotels are being prioritised for closure?
Context
Bournemouth has three asylum hotels, putting significant pressure on public services and community tensions.
Alex Norris
My hon. Friend raises that issue with me very frequently indeed, and for good reason. I totally accept his characterisation. The people of Bournemouth have three such hotels, which is an extraordinary pressure not just on public services but on community tensions. I do not want those hotels open a minute longer than they have to be, so Bournemouth is absolutely uppermost in our minds.
Session: Topical Questions
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Had the 8.3 GW of offshore wind secured at the start of this year through allocation round 7 been in place last year, we would have seen gas generation cut by a third, and wholesale prices down by 13%. It is clear that we have to double down on the clean energy revolution. We cannot be distracted by yet more fossil fuel work. Will the Secretary of State outline how we will push forward the clean energy transition, and offshore wind in particular?
Context
Offshore wind projects could significantly reduce gas generation and lower wholesale prices.
Ed Miliband
My hon. Friend makes a really important point. If I might actually praise the previous Government, some of what they did on renewables has helped to reduce wholesale costs. The problem is that the Conservatives have now abandoned their position. My hon. Friend is absolutely right: the only answer to the crisis we face is to go further, faster, on getting off fossil fuels and on to clean power.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister join me in congratulating Ryan Cornish and Elliott Prentice, who are the Members of Youth Parliament for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, and their deputies, Ruth Simpkins and Lilee Bedwell, on a fantastic year? They have not just participated in our democracy; they have strengthened it locally.
Context
The Youth Parliament members from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have been active and their work has strengthened local democracy.
Darren Jones
I join my hon. Friend in congratulating his constituents. The Youth Parliament plays an important role in our democracy, and in engaging young people in it. With Mr Speaker's consent, it has the benefit of coming to this Chamber to experience what it is like. The good news is that we have already had Members of Youth Parliament become Members of Parliament as a consequence of their experience; it did not warn them off. We look forward to welcoming more of them in future generations.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister agree that we should not be imposing costs on UK electricity exports to the EU and throwing away money, and instead be boosting trade, energy security, and seeking an exemption from CBAM?
Context
The EU's carbon budget amendment mechanism came into effect on 1 January, affecting the IFA2 interconnector between Britain and France, imposing costs of £2.2 billion on UK electricity exports to the EU and potentially robbing the Treasury of up to £8 billion.
Chris Ward
Absolutely, the Minister agrees that we should not impose costs on UK electricity exports to the EU and seeks to reduce bills, ease the route to decarbonisation, and reduce reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets.
Session: UK-EU Emission Trading Systems
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What recent discussions have taken place with the European Commission on linking UK and EU emission trading systems?
Context
Discussions about linking the UK and EU emission trading systems to lower costs for businesses and consumers, and its economic impact of £9 billion per year.
Chris Ward
We are negotiating an agreement to link emission trading schemes as part of a new partnership with the EU, which will lower costs for businesses and consumers, add £9 billion a year to the economy, and ease the route to decarbonisation and reduce reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets.
Session: UK-EU Emission Trading Systems
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Does the Secretary of State agree that the Government will not look kindly on councils such as BCP that withdraw funding from key infrastructure that could unlock growth. This decision undermines safety and growth sectors.
Context
BCP council is axing the money to improve safety and accessibility at Pokesdown railway station, undermining growth sectors in Bournemouth.
Heidi Alexander
I was angered when I learned of the council's decision to withdraw funding from the Pokesdown station improvements scheme. A meeting is due to take place in the coming weeks between South Western Railway and the council, attempting to get the council to rethink its position on the scheme.
Session: Commuter Safety
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I respect everyone's democratic right to protest within the law. In Bournemouth, Dorset police is being forced to spend around £100,000 policing protests at the three asylum hotels, which were opened by the Conservatives at eye-watering expense. Often protests have to be managed by neighbourhood policing teams that we, as a Labour Government, are rebuilding. That means that police are spending their time policing protests rather than out on the beat in their neighbourhoods. When will Bournemouth's asylum hotels begin to close, not just because they are bad for the people living in and around them, but because of the huge cost to our local police force and the abstractions to our neighbourhood policing teams?
Alex Norris
My hon. Friend is a doughty champion for his community. He has raised the issue of these hotels with me on multiple occasions and I know that he will continue to do so until they are closed. He is exactly right; for the reasons he mentions, hotels are a very bad place to accommodate those seeking asylum.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Conservatives may want to talk down Britain, but Bournemouth is building again, with a £350 million expansion at J. P. Morgan Chase following the Chancellor’s visit, a £100 million expansion planned by AFC Bournemouth, a £50 million airport upgrade, £26 million invested in Bournemouth and Poole College, £500 million provided for the Royal Bournemouth hospital development, and new land at Wessex Fields to build key worker housing and medical research facilities. Will the Chancellor continue to prioritise stability, bringing down costs, and the free trade that we need in our world, so that we can continue to protect and expand these investments into Bournemouth?
Context
J. P. Morgan Chase has announced a £350 million expansion in Bournemouth, AFC Bournemouth plans a £100 million expansion, the airport is getting a £50 million upgrade, £26 million will be invested in Bournemouth and Poole College, £500 million is provided for the Royal Bournemouth Hospital development, and new land at Wessex Fields to build key worker housing and medical research facilities.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
I thank my hon. Friend for that question. He did not mention the beautiful Bournemouth pier, which we visited together in August and where we enjoyed a very nice ice cream, but he did mention J.P. Morgan, which has announced record investment in its Bournemouth campus. It is employing a shedload of apprentices on that campus, helping it to grow its business, and after this year’s Budget, J. P. Morgan has announced a new building in Canary Wharf.
Session: Inflation
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My constituent Stephen Sherwood has complex needs and learning difficulties. He could not understand changes to universal credit, needed guidance that never came, and so lost financial support that he badly needed. Stephen and his mum, Nicola, rightly want to know whether the DWP involves people with complex needs and learning difficulties in the design of system changes, and whether the Government will do more to ensure that such people have these changes explained to them in ways that they can understand.
Context
A constituent with complex needs and learning difficulties lost financial support due to changes in universal credit. The question asks about involvement of people with similar needs in system design.
Stephen Timms
My hon. Friend raises a very good point. As I have said, the process of migration that we are going through is the most difficult part, as people move from employment and support allowance to universal credit. We have introduced an enhanced support journey to assist people such as my hon. Friend’s constituent who are going through this process, but I look forward to meeting him in a couple of weeks’ time to discuss lessons from this particular case.
Session: Topical Questions
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Boots has stores in Castlepoint, Southbourne Grove and Boscombe high street in my constituency. I met Boots in Parliament to hear about what it is doing to tackle shoplifting. In London, it is working with the Metropolitan police, who plug into Boots’s own reporting system to avoid the need for duplicate reporting. I am calling for the same to come to Bournemouth, but plugging all businesses into all police forces will take a lot of work. Will the Government consider having a national police app that is opt-in, like the national health service app, so people do not have to go through the faff of reporting their demographic information and so they can get on with reporting crime faster? That would be a lot of help to Karl, the store manager at Aldi in Boscombe.
Context
The MP discusses with Boots about tackling shoplifting and proposes a national police app for businesses to report crimes more efficiently.
Darren Jones (The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster)
That is a very good idea—I have had similar issues in my own constituency. I will make sure that that idea is passed on to the Home Secretary. Police reforms will be coming to the House shortly.
Session: Topical Questions
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In Dorset, we have just seen record numbers of e-scooter seizures. The police and crime commissioner, David Sidwick, and I are prioritising tackling this issue, because not only is it a form of antisocial behaviour, but it is an ideal way for drug dealers to get around. Residents in Littledown and Iford are particularly concerned. I am pleased to hear the Minister say that if parliamentary time allows, he will bring forward a Bill. Can he say whether that Bill might include mandatory registration and identification plates for e-scooters, among other things?
Context
Record numbers of e-scooter seizures have been reported in Dorset, causing concern among residents and local officials about antisocial behaviour and drug-related activities. Police and crime commissioner David Sidwick is prioritising tackling this issue.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
As part of any future legislation, any regulations—including potentially requiring registration or licence plates—will be publicly consulted on before they come into force.
Session: E-scooters
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I recently visited an asylum hotel in my constituency and have spoken separately with people living there and in the community surrounding the hotel. It is clear that ending the use of hotels for asylum seekers is in the best interests of not only asylum seekers, but the neighbouring community and the taxpayer. The Minister and I have had many conversations about this. Can he confirm when the Government will begin ending the use of asylum hotels in Bournemouth?
Context
The MP has visited an asylum hotel in his constituency and discusses the impact on both asylum seekers and the community.
The Minister for Border Security and Asylum (Alex Norris)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that question. I can assure his constituents and hon. and right hon. colleagues that he persists with me on this issue on virtually a daily basis, including over the Christmas period, which was very welcome indeed. I could not be clearer: we do not want to see hotels in Bournemouth used for this purpose.
Session: Asylum Hotels
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Because of antisocial behaviour, including drug dealing and public injecting, Upper Charminster community action group has activated a community safety trigger. What measures are the Government taking to tackle antisocial behaviour in Bournemouth and beyond?
Context
Community safety trigger activated due to antisocial behaviour in Bournemouth, including drug dealing and public injecting.
The Minister for Policing and Crime (Sarah Jones)
Antisocial behaviour is a scourge that has gone untackled for too long. We are funding hotspot policing in our town centres and other areas in which antisocial behaviour is rife; that is having an impact. Our neighbourhood policing guarantee, which will mean 3,000 more police on our streets by next March, will have an impact. We are introducing respect orders, which will be a really useful tool to tackle prolific antisocial behaviour offenders.
Session: Topical Questions
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Mr Speaker, may I wish you and your team a happy Christmas? What the Solicitor General found does not surprise me. Chris has said that he cannot stomach shoplifting, particularly at the Asda petrol station in Charminster, and Jackie is putting up with antisocial behaviour and shoplifting at the Co-op on Christchurch Road. Does the Solicitor General agree that businesses need easier ways to report crime, and that no shop worker or constituent should have to put up with fear of harm or abuse on their high street?
Context
The Solicitor General provided data on prosecution volumes for the Dorset police area, highlighting shoplifting as a major issue. Tom Hayes follows up with specific concerns from constituents about crime and business impact.
The Solicitor General
My hon. Friend makes a good point. I know that he has convened a meeting in his constituency on retail crime with high street businesses, and he has been vocal, both in the Chamber and with me, about the scourge of shoplifting. The Government are introducing new measures in the Crime and Policing Bill to tackle retail crime. That includes removing the £200 low-value limit for shoplifting, as well as introducing a new offence of assaulting a shop worker.
Session: Prosecution Rates Bournemouth East
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We must ensure that courts like Bournemouth are not being kept idle at a cost of thousands of taxpayers’ pounds every day. After all, we have a backlog that we have got to clear thanks to the Conservative party. Bournemouth piloted the pathfinder model, and it wants to do more, but it is being held back by private contractors such as Serco. Will the Government reconsider their approach and consider alternative ways to deliver prisoners to court on time, thereby saving the taxpayer valuable money?
Context
Delays in delivering prisoners to the Bournemouth courts have caused significant costs to taxpayers, impacting the efficiency of the criminal justice system. The situation is exacerbated by a backlog inherited from previous government policies.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Jake Richards)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise the shocking situation in our Crown courts and civil courts that the Government inherited from the Conservative party. We must take action. That is why my hon. and learned Friend the Minister for Courts and Legal Services will be setting out a wide-ranging package that will get a grip of the backlog and ensure that our criminal justice system is fit for the future.
Session: Contracted Prisoner Escort Services Bournemouth
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Nan Roberts is 92. She was widowed this year and is facing her first Christmas without her husband of 64 years, and she is feeling utterly fobbed off by a creaking DWP system. She is waiting for her “choices letter”, despite having ingoing state pension payments dating back to 1994. The threat of asking this question has already led to some action by the DWP, but will the Secretary of State outline how I can do more to support my constituent?
Context
Nan Roberts, a 92-year-old widow, is waiting for her “choices letter” despite having state pension payments since 1994.
Torsten Bell
The hon. Gentleman is a powerful champion for his constituents and I am sure that all hon. Members will be unhappy to hear about this case. I know that staff from the Department for Work and Pensions have already been in touch with his office, and I am happy to follow up myself.
Session: Topical Questions
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University Hospitals Dorset NHS foundation trust, one of the region’s biggest emitters, has secured two grants totalling £3 million from Great British Energy for solar investment. The trust wants to develop a geothermal solution that pulls energy from the geology under the Royal Bournemouth hospital. Will the Minister meet me and representatives from the trust so that we can explore this potential decarbonisation project together?
Context
Tom Hayes noted that University Hospitals Dorset NHS foundation trust has secured grants for solar investment and expressed interest in developing a geothermal solution to decarbonise the Royal Bournemouth hospital.
The Minister for Energy (Michael Shanks)
It sounds like a great idea. I am very happy to meet my hon. Friend and representatives from the trust to discuss that.
Session: Renewable Energy Sources Funding
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The Amazon rainforest is the lungs of the earth, but it is gasping for breath. I am pleased that COP30 will be in the heart of the Amazon. Ella, a school student from my constituency, would like to know what steps the Government will be taking to stop deforestation and back nature-based solutions. On behalf of Ella, may I urge the Secretary of State to go as far as possible and do all he can?
Context
The question stems from the urgency of addressing deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, which is crucial for global environmental stability. The MP mentions a school student named Ella who is concerned about this issue.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
I thank my hon. Friend for his question, and Ella for her interest in and enthusiasm for this incredibly important issue. Deforestation is a terrible thing for the planet, but it is also terrible for the people who are affected—the indigenous people who live in the forest. Nature-based solutions and solutions that put indigenous people at the centre make a huge difference. This is a COP in the forest, and I think the Brazilian presidency deserves congratulations on that emphasis. It is developing a number of initiatives, including the so-called TFFF—the tropical forest forever facility—to finance the prevention of deforestation, and we are working with it on that.
Session: Tackling Climate Change International Co-operation
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I thank the Secretary of State for his answer and for his two visits to Bournemouth. People still talk happily about his visit to the Hengistbury Head Outdoors centre. I met recently with constituents in Bournemouth East who are calling for nationalisation as a way to improve accountability and investment in the water industry. How does the Secretary of State see a path towards nationalisation sitting within his wider efforts to protect our waters?
Context
MP Tom Hayes highlighted water pollution issues on the Dorset coast and referenced previous meetings with constituents calling for nationalisation to improve accountability and investment.
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Steve Reed)
Nationalisation is not the answer, because it would require handing over more than £100 billion to water company owners that could only be raised through higher taxation or cuts to vital public services. It would also take years of legal wrangling that would see the brakes slammed on investment, causing pollution to get worse and, ultimately, lead to higher bills for customers. This Government are taking the fastest possible route towards cleaner water and fairer bills.
Session: Dorset Coast Pollution
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Many thousands of constituents, including Philip and Kathryn in my constituency, live for part of the year in Spain. Prior to Brexit, they did so without restriction, but now they face limited visa options, resulting in more frequent flying. What conversations has the Minister had with Spain’s Government about ending these barriers?
Context
UK citizens, including constituents of Tom Hayes living part-time in Spain, face limited visa options post-Brexit, leading to more frequent travel by air.
Nick Thomas-Symonds (The Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office)
I thank Philip and Kathryn for raising this issue, and I know my hon. Friend is a powerful advocate for them. The Foreign Office leads on bilateral issues with EU member states, and they regularly engage on a range of issues. While we recognise that extending the 90/180 day period is a matter for member states and the EU, my hon. Friend can be assured that we will continue to listen to and advocate for UK nationals affected.
Session: Visas Schengen Area
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Every week brings new concerns about crime in Bournemouth, and I will pick up this issue with the police and crime commissioner for my area in my Boscombe office on Friday. Increasing prison spaces keeps dangerous people away from the public, punishes serious crime, and stops reoffending, especially where it applies to violent crime.
Context
Concerns about crime in Bournemouth and the need to increase prison spaces to keep dangerous people away from the public and punish serious crimes. Constituent Tim from Athelstan Road provided suggestions for achieving this.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Sir Nicholas Dakin)
Public protection is our No. 1 priority, but we are also tackling reoffending with proper programmes in place in prison. We need to support people when they come out of prison as well, and probation is part of that solution.
Session: Prison Capacity
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Green jobs are great jobs, and I welcome the £43 billion of private investment in clean energy since the election of this Labour Government. In order to bring down our industrial energy prices further, what steps will the Government take to get us on to clean energy that we control and off the fossil fuels that are in the control of dictators?
Context
There is a need to transition towards clean energy and control our electricity costs.
Sarah Jones (Minister of State, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
In the industrial strategy, clean energy is one of the growth-driving sectors where we have seen 10% growth in the economy. We are also seeing hundreds of thousands of jobs, which the Conservatives now seem determined to oppose. We will introduce the clean energy of the future, and that is why we are pushing for clean energy by 2030.
Session: Reducing Industrial Electricity Prices
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I have been campaigning for fair renting in Bournemouth, and I recently held my first renters roundtable at the Bournemouth food bank’s café. It was attended by, among others, my constituent Alison Thomas, who cannot cook in her home because water is leaking through her kitchen ceiling and she is scared to turn on any electrical devices. My constituents the Al-Mubaraks, a family of six, rent an overcrowded home, with black mould so harmful that the headteacher of the four children living there has written to my office to express concern. Does my hon. Friend agree with me that we need urgent action to improve the state of the private rented sector in Bournemouth East?
Context
Campaigning for fair renting in Bournemouth, with concerns about the conditions of private rented homes.
Matthew Pennycook
I thank my hon. Friend for all he does to support private renters in his constituency. I am saddened but, in all honesty, not shocked by the cases he raises. Such experiences are still far too common in both the social sector and the private rented sector. In particular, we know the health risk posed by damp and mould. That is one reason we have chosen to sequence the implementation of Awaab’s law in the way we have, as it will allow us to apply the protections to damp and mould earlier than would otherwise have been the case.
Session: Topical Questions
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Coastal constituencies such as mine in Bournemouth East suffer significant health inequalities. What are the Government doing to address them, and will the Minister meet me and coastal Labour MPs to address the issue?
Context
The Hon. Member raises concerns about health inequalities faced by coastal constituencies.
Ashley Dalton
My hon. Friend is right: coastal communities face unique challenges when it comes to health inequalities. I will shortly attend the all-party group for coastal communities, where I will meet him and colleagues to discuss these issues.
Session: Topical Questions
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Bournemouth East residents are experiencing significant taxpayer expenses from asylum hotels while facing delays in processing applications. I have communicated my concerns to the local council regarding further hotel use. Can you outline how resources were redirected post-election to expedite hotel closures and application processing, moving beyond Conservative governance's shortcomings?
Context
Asylum seekers are living in limbo due to high costs and delays. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council was written to expressing opposition to additional asylum hotels.
The Minister for Border Security and Asylum (Dame Angela Eagle)
We aim to reduce asylum hotel use as part of our strategy to lower accommodation costs and restore order in the immigration system. Key actions include clearing the backlog of asylum applications and increasing returns, ensuring a more efficient process.
Session: Asylum Seekers Hotels
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What steps she is taking to improve accessibility at Pokesdown railway station. The people of Pokesdown are certainly very keen for their lift, which they have been waiting a long time for. Back in the 1980s and 1990s, train services between Bournemouth and London Waterloo took the historically fastest time of 90 minutes. Will the Minister meet me and South Western Railway to discuss whether we can restore that fast time, as well as to discuss Pokesdown?
Context
The local community has long awaited accessibility improvements, specifically the installation of lifts at Pokesdown railway station.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
South Western Railway has been working closely with Network Rail and the local authority to provide a viable scheme that will result in the installation of new lifts at the station. To establish the likely cost of the scheme and assess affordability, detailed design works are under way and are expected to be finalised in 2025. There are no current plans to introduce an express service between Bournemouth and London, but I will keep my hon. Friend updated on the future plans regarding South Western Railway, which will become the first operator to be taken back into public ownership in May.
Session: Pokesdown Station
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The Veterans Minister and I recently visited Bournemouth War Memorial Homes, a specialist social housing provider for veterans in my constituency. Will the Minister outline what the Government are doing to support housing providers to buy or build homes for heroes across our country?
Context
The Veterans Minister and the MP recently visited Bournemouth War Memorial Homes, a specialist social housing provider for veterans in the constituency. The question is about what the Government are doing to support such providers.
Al Carns
I thank my hon. Friend for the visit to Bournemouth to see that exemplar of how to house veterans. The Prime Minister has just announced £3.7 million of funding towards veterans’ housing and there will be more to come in due course.
Session: Topical Questions
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I recently visited the zero-emission boiler manufacturer Tepeo in Wokingham. Its owners were thrilled by the Government's decision that heat batteries can qualify for the warm homes social housing fund wave 3, but expressed concern about whether they could scale up without the same subsidy support and VAT relief as heat pumps. Will the Minister meet me, and representatives of Thermal Storage UK, to discuss how we can support heat batteries, so that households can become more resilient?
Miatta Fahnbulleh
My hon. Friend is a great champion of our clean power mission, and I would be very happy to meet him and representatives of the sector.
Session: Topical Questions
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I was delighted to spend Friday afternoon with Cats Whiskers day nursery and earlier this year, I visited Tops day nursery, which is ranked ninth in the Department's top 100 apprenticeship employees. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to increase the number and quality of childcare apprenticeships?
Context
Childcare providers in Bournemouth are recognised for their work, including Cats Whiskers day nursery and Tops day nursery.
Bridget Phillipson
I pay tribute to the providers in my hon. Friend's constituency for their work. We want to see great careers right across the early years sector from apprenticeships all the way up to graduate level. I will happily meet him to discuss that further.
Session: Topical Questions
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In recent weeks, I have met the DWP in Bournemouth and advice agencies including the citizens advice bureau for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Advice agencies welcome the record increase in carers allowance that was announced in the Budget. They and in-work parents with disabled children have also asked about the transition from child tax credit to universal credit. That may be a matter for the “Get Britain Working” White Paper, but can the Minister say how the Government will further support such parents to work and earn, and flexibly meet their families' needs?
Context
Advice agencies and DWP in Bournemouth have raised concerns about the transition from child tax credit to universal credit, which may affect in-work parents with disabled children.
Alison McGovern
I thank my hon. Friend for bringing this matter to the House, and I pay tribute to all those he has worked with to understand the challenge that we face. He is right that we will take this forward through the “Get Britain Working” White Paper. Citizens Advice is playing an important role in supporting that work, and the work of the child poverty taskforce.
Session: Parents Looking for Work
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What steps she is taking to help support parents who are looking for work. The White Paper, 'Get Britain Working', aims to rewrite employment policy and set an ambition for an 80% employment rate but does not address parents' needs specifically.
Context
The MP seeks support measures for parents in employment.
Alison McGovern
Helping parents to have fulfilling and sustainable work helps our economy and prevents child poverty. The “Get Britain Working” White Paper will rewrite employment policy and set an ambition for an 80% employment rate, but we cannot achieve this without the support of parents.
Session: Parents Looking for Work
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Public Libraries: Bournemouth East
24 June 2026
Responding: Nicholas Dakin
Main Concerns
['Charminster library has been closed for six months and the community is fighting to reopen it. The closure is due to years of poor maintenance under austerity measures, exacerbated by conservative council leaders burning through £90 million in reserves on vanity projects. The library plays a crucial role in providing free access to information and fostering community connections. In 2010, spending on BCP libraries fell by 52% compared with the national average of 47%. Constituents have expressed concerns about limited opening hours and the importance of libraries as community hubs.']
Specific Asks
['The MP asks the Minister to confirm that the duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 still applies to BCP council. He also requests officials from the Department to meet with Charminster library users to explore potential interventions, and for the national libraries strategy to address buildings like Charminster library.']
Playgrounds: Bournemouth East
10 September 2025
Responding: Matthew Pennycook
Main Concerns
['Eight months ago, the longest debate on playgrounds since 17 years was held. In that period, many playgrounds have closed due to austerity measures, leaving only 35% of children in Bournemouth East within reach of a play area. Over 2 million children across England live more than 10 minutes from a playground and one in eight do not even have a garden.']
Specific Asks
["Firstly, the debate calls for a strategy with objectives and deadlines to support Baroness Taylor's work on play. Secondly, it seeks a statutory duty for councils to assess and support play provision as seen in Wales and Scotland, which England currently lacks."]
Playgrounds
08 January 2025
Responding: Alex Norris
Main Concerns
["The debate highlights the neglect of playground provision over the past decade with only one national play strategy launched 17 years ago, and the current lack of investment leading to dilapidated playground equipment excluding children with special educational needs. The survey received 642 responses indicating that parents want spaces for their children's physical and cognitive development as well as free outdoor activities in a cost-of-living crisis."]
Specific Asks
['Tom Hayes asks the Minister to conduct a full review of current playground provision across England, ensuring that all play areas are accessible and inclusive for children with special educational needs and disabilities. He also calls for an increase in funding towards playground development as part of a new national play strategy.']
Iran
15 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The speaker highlighted the critical situation in Iran, noting Britain’s armed forces' commendable work. He mentioned recent US strikes against Iranian targets, stressing the need for a diplomatic sol...
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr Carmichael highlighted the concern regarding the management of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, specifically noting proposed changes to payments for coastguard rescue officers that could impact ...
Backbench Business
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The House recognises the threat posed by Russia and China, as well as the uncertainty regarding US reliability within NATO. It acknowledges the UK's current military shortfalls and calls for a program...
Payment Scheme
06 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate focuses on the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme and its amendments. The lead MP acknowledges thousands of victims suffering due to infected blood, emphasises the importance of reflecting ...
Draft Conversion Practices Bill
25 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
25 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Windrush Day is on 22 June, commemorating the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush in 1948. The debate highlights the contributions of the Windrush generation to British society while also addressing the li...
Debate on the Address
14 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The UK labour market is performing well with high employment rates, low unemployment compared to OECD countries, and rising real wages. The government's economic management has put the country in a be...
Debate on the Address
13 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Points of Order
24 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Opposition Day
24 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
80.7%
67 of 83 votes
Aye Votes
29
34.9% of votes
No Votes
38
45.8% of votes
Abstentions
16
19.3% of votes
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
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 Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
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: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
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 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
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: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
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
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: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
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 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
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
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
03 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
0
PMQs Asked
33
Ministerial Questions Asked
106
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
83
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+142% above average
This MP:
33
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2090% above average
This MP:
106
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+16% above average
This MP:
80.7
Average:
69.5
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Tom Hayes's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.