Vikki Slade
MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole
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.
Two weeks ago it was confirmed that no extra time would be provided in the other place to allow the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill to complete its course. If the will of this democratically elected House is blocked, it will be a travesty for democracy and, more importantly, a tragedy for all those who are relying on the legislation and have waited so long, not least my own dad. Will the Prime Minister act now to prevent the dismissal of the views of 76% of the public, especially as other parts of our country have approved legislation, and so secure a real legacy of social policy in this Parliament?
Context
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was not given extra time in the other place to complete its passage, despite public support of 76%. The bill aims to provide terminally ill adults with more control over their end-of-life care.
Keir Starmer
I thank the hon. Lady for raising that issue. I know there are strong views, and I acknowledge her personal connection, which shows how serious the issues are. It is a matter of conscience. It is for Parliament to decide the passage of the legislation and any changes. Scrutiny is a matter for the other place. We have a responsibility to make sure any legislation is workable, effective and enforceable.
Assessment
The answer discussed the process and responsibility of Parliament to decide on the passage of legislation but did not commit to any specific action to prevent the dismissal of the bill.
Session: PMQs
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When my young constituent Axel was given his EHCP a year ago, his primary school place was withdrawn with no replacement. He is at home with his mum who cannot work. Can the Deputy Prime Minister commit to somewhere for him in September?
Context
Axel, a young constituent, was given an education, health and care plan but his primary school place was withdrawn without replacement.
The Deputy Prime Minister (Angela Rayner)
We are determined to fix the SEND system and support children before issues escalate. We are investing £3.4 billion this year, deploying specialist teams across early years and primary school settings, helping identify and respond to speech and language needs. Full plans on reforming SEND will be set out in autumn.
Assessment
Specific commitment for Axel was not made
Broad Statement About Reforms
Session: PMQs
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Canford Magna in my constituency is proposed as a site for a new energy-from-waste incinerator, which will burn 260,000 tonnes of waste a year—more than the whole of Dorset’s use. I am concerned that as we reduce our levels of waste with the brilliant new plans to recycle more, we will end up having to feed the monster. The area already has 95% of the capacity, so does the Prime Minister agree that we should not allow new plants where we already have sufficient capacity or where carbon capture will not be included?
Context
Proposed incinerator in Canford Magna will burn more waste than the whole of Dorset's use annually.
The Prime Minister
I hope the hon. Lady will forgive me, but I do not know the details of the particular incinerator she speaks of and I am not across that. I will make sure, however, that she gets an answer to her question in written form as soon as possible.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not directly address the proposal for a new energy-from-waste incinerator.
Session: PMQs
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I am sorry to return to Capita, but I may have a solution. My constituent John is retiring partly due to ill health and his salary is now at half level—he is really struggling. He explained to me that under the current system a retirement date must be selected four months in advance, and if the delay goes one day past that, rather than amending the figures, the system has to start all over again. My suggestion is that we make a slight tweak so that we save Capita a lot of work and our residents a lot of heartache. Will the Minister comment on that and pick up my constituent's case?
Context
The MP's constituent John is struggling with his salary after retiring partly due to ill health. The current system has a four-month advance requirement and no allowance for delays.
Sally Jameson
I thank the hon. Member for bringing that idea to this House. I will be happy to put that to Capita when I next meet it, and if she wants to write to me with her case, I will happily ensure that it is escalated.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-10
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What additional measures are being considered to ensure there is no two-tier system between councils with HRA and those without, given the complexity and cost of influencing the social housing network?
Context
Councils that sold their housing stock years ago face challenges in influencing the social housing network and supporting constituents living in poor-quality homes.
Matthew Pennycook
We have raised the threshold for accessing an HRA to 1,000 homes and are considering further measures to ensure sufficient public control of private registered providers in an area to meet housing need. Further discussions will be held on the Social Housing Bill.
Session: Housing Revenue Account Council Houses 2026-09-07
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Will the Minister consider extending cultural capital grants to community cinemas like the Rex cinema, which shows two films every day and maintains its art deco interior?
Context
Rex cinema in Wareham, one of the oldest in the country, requires £400,000 to repair its roof, which is over 135 years old.
Ian Murray
In the interests of time, I will just say that I am happy to meet the hon. Lady to discuss that issue in more detail.
Session: Access to Culture 2026-09-03
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After a horrendous summer of wildfires and the catastrophe in Nepal and Tibet, it is clear that if we are going to solve these problems, we need to act globally but think locally. It is really important that the public trust the information they receive on climate change. Will the FCDO work with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that the public are educated, and will it consider funding a national programme of public information, or perhaps screenings of the “People's Emergency Briefing”, so that we can all understand more about the situation?
Context
Vikki Slade highlighted the importance of educating the public on climate change and suggested a national programme of public information or screenings of the “People's Emergency Briefing” to enhance public understanding.
Kirsty McNeill
I could not agree with the hon. Lady more. It is very important that people trust the information they receive. She will have noticed the alert that was sent out across England, which was a sign of how seriously this Government take their commitment to communicate with the public responsibly.
Session: Climate Change International Partners 2026-09-01
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In Manchester, London and now Wales, side road zebra crossings without Belisha beacons are allowed. Dunyeats Road suffers from multiple issues causing collisions. Will she consider allowing councils to bring forward these crossings?
Context
Slade asks about allowing councils to introduce side road zebra crossings in areas with collision issues.
Lilian Greenwood
We are spending £280 million on improving station accessibility and intend to legislate for side road zebra crossings in future.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-16
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The Government have worked with Ofgem to bring forward low or no standing charge schemes, which are supposedly open for trial. I cannot find them and neither can my residents. The access to those schemes is so small, so what are the Government doing to make them available to more people now?
Context
Concern over difficulty in accessing low or no standing charge schemes.
Martin McCluskey
I will share details of that with the hon. Lady. We are also undertaking the cost allocation review, which deals with those issues.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-07
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What is being done to address recruitment concerns among younger individuals and the lack of legal advisors in youth justice?
Context
Concerns have been raised about recruiting individuals with only a few years of work remaining, as well as the need for more legal advisers to support magistrates.
David Lammy
We are reforming pay and career progression for legal advisers. We will fund more legal advisers, recruiting 100 new trainee legal advisers each year for the next three years to support magistrates courts.
Session: Magistrate Numbers 2026-06-30
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Since the Supreme Court judgment—and even more so since the code of practice was published—my constituents who identify as trans are contacting me daily. One has told me that he feels entirely pushed out of public life, and has had to leave his job due to customer harassment. He says finding a new job is nearly impossible. Does the Minister perceive this to be an intended or unintended consequence of the draft guidance, and will the Government give Parliament the opportunity to vote on it?
Context
The question is prompted by the concerns of constituents contacting their MP since the Supreme Court judgment and the draft guidance on equality for transgender individuals.
Olivia Bailey
I have said how greatly I recognise the significant anxiety felt by some in the trans community at the moment. The Supreme Court was extremely clear that trans people's rights and protections against discrimination and harassment are protected in law, and the Government will defend and extend trans people's rights. The draft code of practice is before the House for scrutiny, and Members can apply for additional debates on the subject if they wish.
Session: Discrimination against Trans People
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Over three months, the conflict has made people rich and Russian revenue from oil and petroleum has risen by 39%. Given this, does the Foreign Secretary share my concern that these actions are harming our special relationship?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the impact of US actions on Russia, citing a potential benefit for Russia from increased oil revenue during the Iran-US conflict.
Yvette Cooper
Prime Minister is discussing support for Ukraine at G7, and G7 met with President Zelensky on maintaining economic pressure. The risk that Russia benefits from conflict in Iran is highlighted.
Session: UK-US Relationship
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I am concerned about the effectiveness of the UK's relationship with the US. What recent assessment has been made?
Context
The question follows the state visit of the King to mark 250 years since US independence. The MP references Jo Cox, a fellow West Yorkshire MP who was an internationalist.
Yvette Cooper
We think of Jo Cox's sister Kim who is keeping her legacy alive. The US is our deepest security ally, biggest trading partner, and top export market. I saw the strength of people-to-people relations during the state visit.
Session: UK-US Relationship
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Jeremy contacted me after his funds were stolen by a management company. No route to redress exists. Will the Minister develop the draft Bill to cover such issues, working with Treasury?
Context
A constituent's experience with fraudulent theft from a management company highlights the need for regulation.
Matthew Pennycook
The Government is considering recommendations on regulating property agents. If the hon. Lady writes more details, I will look into it.
Session: Leasehold Reform
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I thank the Minister for his comments about Forston, which some of my residents use. Evidence suggests that half of mental health conditions are established by age 14, and three quarters by age 24. In Dorset, our rates of hospitalisation for self-harm are almost twice the national average for 15 to 19-year-olds. I recently met Anya, a student at Lytchett school and deputy Member of Youth Parliament for Dorset. She has launched her “Health in Mind” campaign to ease young people back into school following periods of mental or physical health issues. It is so inspiring to see the work that she is doing, but will the Minister meet me and Anya to hear more about her campaign and to see how we can reintegrate children more successfully back into school after ill health, particularly mental ill health?
Context
The question is prompted by the high rates of hospitalisation for self-harm among young people in Dorset, with evidence suggesting early onset of mental health conditions.
Stephen Kinnock
I pay tribute to Anya for the outstanding work she is doing. We are providing early intervention for children's mental health and wellbeing by rolling out mental health support teams to every school by 2029. We are also investing £13 million to pilot enhanced training for staff so that they can offer more support to young people with complex needs such as trauma, neurodivergence and disordered eating. If the hon. Lady writes to me with further details of Anya's work, I am sure that we can continue that conversation.
Session: Mental Health Facilities Dorset
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What is the Government doing to stop jet fuel shortages happening again after yesterday's disruptions at Scottish airports due to driver shortage issues?
Context
Fuel shortages caused delays at Scottish airports. Loss of 2,822 jobs from Grangemouth oil refinery closure contributed to transport problems.
Michael Shanks
Flights are carrying on as normal now that driver disruption is resolved. There is not an issue with jet fuel in the UK, but past Governments failed to plan for Grangemouth's closure leading to job losses and transport problems.
Session: Transition from Fossil Fuels Progress
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What assessment has been made of progress transitioning from fossil fuels? Development for Dorset's green energy initiatives is delayed. Given that net zero industries deliver higher wages and productivity, is it an environmental and economic missed opportunity to delay development? Will the Minister review this personally and consider appointing a ministerial advocate?
Context
Dorset's Clean Energy Super Cluster development is likely a decade away despite significant potential.
Michael Shanks
The hon. Member is right to champion her local community, and I am happy to meet with those involved in the Dorset super cluster again because we see huge potential for clean energy transition across the country.
Session: Transition from Fossil Fuels Progress
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An often under-appreciated element of the criminal justice system is the impact that it has on fathers' ability to stay part of their family. My hon. Friend the Member for Henley and Thame ( (Freddie van Mierlo) shared research conducted by the University of Plymouth about fathers separated from their children, and the impact of that on family life. If we are to rehabilitate people in prison, we must help them maintain their family relationships. Will the Secretary of State take steps to tackle communication barriers for those with young children, and improve the way in which children can integrate with parents in prison?
Context
Research shows that separation from family due to incarceration has a significant impact on families. The speaker is concerned about communication barriers between incarcerated parents and their children.
David Lammy
A few years ago, I set up the all-party parliamentary group for fatherhood. The hon. Lady is right: the role of fathers in all children's lives is vital. There is nothing more affecting than programmes in prison, for example, where fathers who are illiterate and unable to write are helped to do so in order to stay in communication with their children. I will look closely.
Session: Criminal Justice System Support for Men and Boys
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I am glad that the call answering has speeded up, but, like those of many other Members, my office is constantly dealing with very long delays on the part of the DWP. Back in September 2024, my constituent Jackie appealed against a personal independence payment assessment for her husband, who died a couple of months later. In January, she received a letter saying that she had been overpaid by £7,000. I became involved in the middle of last year, when it was established that the figure was £75. The DWP confirmed that in January, but in April—so we are now nearly two years on—my constituent received a letter saying that she now owed £4,086. Given the radical plans to cut civil service numbers, what steps will the Secretary of State and his team take to deliver a better service in order to ensure that constituents such as Jackie do not suffer emotional or financial distress?
Context
The MP noted her office faces long delays dealing with the DWP. In September 2024, a constituent appealed against a personal independence payment assessment for her husband who passed away two months later. She received a letter in January saying she was overpaid by £7,000 and another in April stating an owed amount of £4,086.
Andrew Western
I would be happy to look into that case if the hon. Lady writes to me. I am sorry if she feels that her constituent has been let down. We are taking additional steps—beyond those relating to call handling—to look at responsiveness more broadly. I apologise: it was not clear from the wording of her original question that she was referring to correspondence as well as telephony.
Session: Departmental Response Times
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What steps he is taking to improve his Department's response times.
Andrew Western
Our annual report and accounts 2024-25 states that, in that year, we answered some 43 million calls—up from 37 million in the previous year. Our call-answering rate increased to 86%, and the average answering time improved by one minute and 12 seconds. However, we do of course want to make further improvements where we can. We have continued to prioritise the service by focusing extra resources, and are currently making a systematic effort to clear agent work queues to free up capacity. We hope to see that progress lead to further improvements very soon.
Session: Departmental Response Times
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The difficulty of ships passing through the strait is leading to fears across all sectors, including food production, so the price of food is at risk as well as the price of oil. Increasingly offensive and bizarre social media posts by President Trump are making diplomatic efforts more difficult. What steps is the Foreign Secretary taking to ensure that all parties are coming to the table in good faith?
Context
Increasing tensions and social media posts by President Trump are causing concerns about the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts. There is a risk to food prices due to shipping difficulties in the strait.
Yvette Cooper
I met Pakistan's Foreign Minister recently as part of this effort. I have spoken frequently to the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, and we have been engaging with a whole series of countries. Over the last few days, I have met more than a dozen Foreign Ministers and counterparts to ensure that everyone is pressing the same messages for a ceasefire extension, strait opening without tolls, and swift resolution.
Session: Gulf Conflict
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You will be aware, Mr Speaker, that Lib Dems are great at fixing the church roof. In Sturminster Marshall, the community is going further with Project Welcome, which will repair and modernise the space, creating a warm, safe and accessible church that is integral to the community. However, the closure of the listed places of worship grant scheme means that costs have gone through the roof. The community has raised £275,000 of a £360,000 target, which, without the VAT, they would have achieved. Can the hon. Lady confirm whether projects already under way will be eligible for the renewal scheme?
Context
The community in Sturminster Marshall is raising funds to repair and modernise their church space under Project Welcome, which aims to create a warm, safe, and accessible church. The closure of the listed places of worship grant scheme has led to increased costs.
Marsha de Cordova
I will just put it on the record that we are all, across the House, keen advocates for our local churches; we recognise that they are the cornerstones of our community, so we are all hugely supportive of efforts to fix roofs, or whatever needs to be done to them. The hon. Lady highlights an important point about the scheme, and I will be happy to write to her about it.
Session: Places of Worship Renewal Fund
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How will the Government tailor the questions for younger children and older children so that we get a true understanding of the problem?
Context
The questioner visited Lytchett Minster school and Queen Elizabeth's school, holding a session to ask young people about their views on social media ban. The sixth form students supported the ban while younger children did not.
Liz Kendall
I would love it if the hon. Lady sent me a report or a note on that, because alongside the consultation, which is specifically designed for children and young people, many of us in this House are talking to schools.
Session: Social Media Children and Young People
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Will the Secretary of State look at finding a way to help professional drivers, particularly those in the music sector, keep the show on the road?
Context
Vikki Slade discusses the 90/180-day rule which has led to cancelled events and job losses in the road haulage sector, particularly in the music sector.
Peter Kyle
We are aware of those issues and they are part of our negotiations. We will see what we can do for the sector into the future.
Session: Trade with Europe
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MYTIME Young Carers in Dorset works to identify and support young people with caring responsibilities. A survey found that one in three young carers aged 16 to 18 are not in education, employment, or training. What steps is the Department taking to level the playing field for young carers alongside their peers, so that they can fulfil their potential?
Context
MYTIME Young Carers in Dorset identifies and supports young people with caring responsibilities. A recent survey found that one in three young carers aged 16 to 18 are not in education, employment, or training.
Pat McFadden
The hon. Lady makes a good point. When we look at the total number of NEETs, within that is what we might regard as standard unemployment cases, a lot of health, sickness and disability cases and a significant number of young carers. One of the things we are doing is expanding childcare support through free breakfast clubs and extending the number of free hours so that we can support young parents to get into work after they have had a child.
Session: Support for NEET Young People
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Last week, the BBC reported the death of Palestinian child Jad Jadallah, shot in a west bank refugee camp while Israeli soldiers watched him bleed to death. Violence against children is increasing around the world, including in Ukraine, Sudan and now Iran. What diplomatic action is the Foreign Secretary taking to prevent child death and protect surviving children from the lifelong trauma of war?
Context
Violence against children is increasing globally, including in conflict zones such as the West Bank and Ukraine.
Hamish Falconer
We have spoken many times about the risks to children in the west bank and Gaza. It is a priority for this Government. We raise it regularly with our Israeli counterparts, and I am familiar with the report the hon. Lady references.
Session: Topical Questions
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Unlike maintained schools, independent special educational needs settings are not required to respond to consultation requests from local authorities, leading to long delays, children being out of school for extended periods, and conflict when parents believe that their children are not in the right setting. What assurance can the Secretary of State give parents in Mid Dorset and North Poole and elsewhere that any school receiving public money will be required to work with local authorities?
Context
Independent special educational needs settings are not required to respond to consultation requests from local authorities, leading to long delays, children being out of school for extended periods, and conflict when parents believe their children are not in the right setting.
Bridget Phillipson
We will set much clearer overall expectations of local authorities, not least given the huge grant funding investment to bring down their deficits. With that money must come better outcomes for children. That is also true of the independent specialist sector. Although it offers much fantastic provision and caters well for children with complex needs, I am afraid that we cannot continue along this path of allowing money meant for education to be sucked into fuelling the profits of private equity.
Session: School SEND Provision
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What will the Minister do to help landlords such as the National Trust resolve this problem?
Context
A National Trust village cottage was sold as it could not meet minimum energy efficiency standards due to high costs.
Martin McCluskey
We are working closely with heritage organisations to tackle precisely that problem. The hon. Lady will see in the warm homes plan that there is specific advise about retrofitting historic buildings.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will she please agree to meet us so that we can give those women visibility in holding men to account?
Context
The MP highlights the misuse of the child maintenance system to abuse women after leaving relationships, citing a specific constituent's case.
Jess Phillips
The hon. Lady's constituent's experience is not unfamiliar to any MP dealing with the Child Maintenance Agency. The Government have included child maintenance in the VAWG strategy, ensuring abuse through this system can no longer happen and are open to meetings with MPs to address such issues.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls Strategy
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There is only one rebar mill in the UK—in Cardiff—and it can make enough to meet only a small portion of our needs, which means that we are reliant on imports. Even if we open a new facility, we will not have enough capacity for things like the rail projects and the 1.5 million new homes. The ending of the roll-over tariffs is leading to unused quotas. Companies such as Hy-Ten in my constituency cannot risk making an order when, by the time it arrives in this country, the quota has been used up and it cannot be imported. Will the Minister meet me to look at the impact of these changes on the ground before they strangle economic growth?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the limited capacity of UK’s only rebar mill in Cardiff to meet domestic needs, leading to reliance on imports. She highlights the potential impact of ending roll-over tariffs.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Blair McDougall)
The hon. Lady is right to raise industry worries about the turbulent international trade environment. That is why it is so important that the Government are out in the world engaging—because businesses, including the one that she mentioned, need stability. I would be very happy to arrange that meeting with her.
Session: Modern Industrial Strategy
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My constituent Becky relies on Access to Work, but her application was denied and it has taken eight months just to receive an acknowledgement of her complaint to the Independent Case Examiner. We cannot progress an ombudsman claim until that is dealt with. What is the Department for Work and Pensions doing to arrange for complaints to be dealt with more quickly so that people can get back into work?
Context
A constituent named Becky has been denied Access to Work support despite relying on it. It took eight months just to receive an acknowledgement of her complaint.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
I would be grateful if the hon. Lady would let me have a note on the hold-up with that particular complaint. There are delays with Access to Work, reflecting the big surge in demand for it, and that is why we have proposed reform. We have consulted on reform, and we will come back with our proposals quite soon.
Session: Access to Work People with Disabilities
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Samee is a charity working in Dorset to support disabled young adults into self-employment. It has celebrated 10 years and supported 2,700 people, and it has what it tells me is the world’s only supported self-employed internship. Young people who have learning disabilities have great skills for self-employment. However, they cannot access the work because they cannot get a unique tax reference because they take more than 12 months to get to the relevant earnings levels. What is the Minister doing to help young people into self-employment so that they can fulfil their destiny?
Context
The Liberal Democrat MP highlighted Samee, a charity working to support disabled young adults into self-employment. She noted the charity's achievements over 10 years and mentioned a unique tax issue affecting young people with learning disabilities.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Andrew Western)
The hon. Member raises an important point. Can I begin by commending that charity in her constituency? There is an acknowledgment among the ministerial team that we need to look particularly at the support available for people looking to move into self-employment, and I would be happy to meet her to discuss the work of the charity further.
Session: Post-16 Education
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The irony is that we already have a board of peace, and it is called the UN, but President Trump is undermining it at every step. Five days ago, a group of 22 UN experts deemed the ban on international NGOs to be part of a systematic assault on humanitarian operations... Twenty-one children have died of extreme cold in recent days, and 7,000 tents have been swept away due to the weather conditions. We need to do more directly, and if these NGOs cannot do it, what are the Government doing to get tents, shelter and heating into Gaza?
Context
A group of UN experts deemed the ban on international NGOs to be a systematic assault on humanitarian operations. This has led to 21 children dying due to extreme cold, with 7,000 tents swept away by weather conditions.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Yvette Cooper)
Let us be clear that nothing can replace the UN or its charter. The UN is the bedrock of multilateral co-operation and international law... I have also discussed with Tom Fletcher, of the Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, what more we can do to ensure that support gets into Gaza, which has to be a priority for phase 2 of the peace process.
Session: Gaza and the West Bank Humanitarian Situation
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Given that standard NHS antenatal classes have not returned since the start of the pandemic leading to a lack of necessary information for informed choices, how will the Secretary of State ensure there is a universal offer for antenatal care covering all areas?
Context
Standard NHS antenatal classes have stopped since the covid pandemic, leaving women uninformed about making decisions regarding their childbirth.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
I will make certain that my Department and the NHS look into what has happened to provision in the hon. Lady’s area, and I will write to her about it. She is quite right about the need to ensure that parents are given high-quality information from the time of conception so that they can make informed decisions about everything from whether to breastfeed through to the steps that they can take in those formative first 1,001 days to secure the best possible outcomes.
Session: Maternity and Neonatal Care
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My constituents welcome the £150 saving on energy bills, particularly as it is now snowing, but Andrew from Arrow Energy Solutions is worried. Some 35% of his heat pump and solar installations were through the energy company obligation. Although he says it needed reform, he is worried about what comes next. I welcome the forthcoming warm homes plan, but what can the Secretary of State say to Andrew and to H2ecO, another wonderful company, about the risk to jobs in that sector as we transition?
Context
Andrew from Arrow Energy Solutions is concerned about the reform of the energy company obligation, which contributed to a significant portion of his heat pump and solar installations. The forthcoming warm homes plan aims to address energy efficiency.
Ed Miliband
I want to briefly make one point. In the warm homes plan, which will come soon, we will be making £15 billion of public investment to help people cut their bills. The Conservatives can oppose that if they like, but I think it will be supported across the country, because they were an absolute failure on energy efficiency and all of that, and we are going to succeed.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am disappointed to hear that the Minister is not looking at a common certificate of sponsorship. Has he made a decision, with his colleagues, on whether care workers will be considered in the same group as NHS workers in relation to the faster route? Otherwise, we are going to end up with a massive hole in our services, with social care yet again being the Cinderella service to the NHS.
Context
Concerns over the decision to end overseas recruitment for social care visas.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mike Tapp)
We must remember that hundreds of thousands came into the country to fill just tens of thousands of jobs, so this is the right approach here. There are no plans at this time, but the mechanism of delivery is currently at consultation, and that closes on 12 February.
Session: Care Companies Exploitation of Migrant Workers
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Last week I met my constituent Kevin, the programme lead for TESTBED Dorset. He told me that although life sciences is one of the key sectors in the modern industrial strategy, none of the seven projects is in the south-west, and there is not a single reference to Dorset. The living science park will create a vast area for academic research based in our landscapes, supported by landowners, universities from Bournemouth, Bristol and Southampton, the National Trust and Natural England, focused on a “one health” approach. Will the Secretary of State meet me and those lead organisations to hear more about the programme and consider it for the future?
Context
The MP met her constituent Kevin, who leads a project called TESTBED Dorset. She noted that life sciences is one of the key sectors in the modern industrial strategy but highlighted the absence of projects in the south-west.
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Liz Kendall)
I also wish the hon. Lady a happy birthday. I am happy for either me or Patrick Vallance—the life sciences Minister in the other place—to meet her and her colleagues. Later today, UKRI will set out future funding for the eight areas of our industrial strategy, which it—and I—will want to ensure is spread fairly across the country. I am more than happy to discuss that with her further.
Session: Modern Industrial Strategy
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When this Government came into office in July 2024, magistrates were dealing with cases that had a potential sentence of up to six months, but that has now gone up to 12 months and by next year it could be two years. There is already a backlog of 361,000 cases in the magistrates courts. In my meeting with the Law Society today, representatives expressed deep concerns about whether magistrates would be able to take on longer, more emotionally draining cases, and that some magistrates may decide that they are not comfortable about depriving people of their liberty for that long. What assessment has been done of the ability of magistrates to cope emotionally, and of the magistrates courts to cope with those increases?
Context
Magistrates are now dealing with cases that could lead to sentences of up to two years, leading to a backlog of 361,000 cases. The question addresses the emotional impact on magistrates and their ability to handle these cases.
The Minister for Courts and Legal Services (Sarah Sackman)
I think the hon. Lady is referring to the sentencing powers and the proposal to increase them, rather than the wait time. The fact is that our magistrates court is an efficient jurisdiction, dealing with 1.3 million cases a year. The Magistrates Association and the Magistrates’ Leadership Executive have endorsed the Government’s plans, which are a vote of confidence in our magistrates’ ability to deal with the caseload, and cases of this nature, swiftly, robustly and fairly, but she is right that our magistrates deserve support in dealing with emotionally charged matters. We will ensure that that support and training is provided.
Session: Court Backlogs
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Earlier this year, I attended an amazing event at the Dorset Museum called “In My Shoes” for care-experienced young people, who explained the importance of making care experience a protected characteristic, as we have done in many councils, including mine in Mid Dorset and North Poole. Will the Minister take the same step with Cabinet colleagues, and consider making care experience a protected characteristic?
Context
The MP attended an event at the Dorset Museum discussing care-experience as a protected characteristic in local councils. She asks if it can be extended nationally.
The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)
The hon. Lady raises an important issue, and we are doing lots of work across Government to make sure we have better outcomes for care-experienced young people, who are sadly more likely than other young people to experience mental health difficulties or even end up in prison. I lead that work together with the Deputy Prime Minister to make sure that the voices of care leavers are heard. It is why, for example, with the introduction of new targeted maintenance grants and the wider reforms that we are bringing to the higher education system, we are working right across Government to make sure that all Departments are pulling together.
Session: “Break Down Barriers to Opportunity” Mission
View All Questions -->
I have been assisting several constituents who are deaf and need the support of British Sign Language interpreters and face-to-face appointments. There are only five BSL interpreters available to cover the whole of Dorset, and as a result people are waiting extremely long periods not only to get appointments but to get access to help them get to work. Can the Minister explain what is being done to provide more such services?
Context
The MP mentions constituents needing British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters for appointments, highlighting the scarcity of such services in their area.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
I am sure that the hon. Lady will be interested in the recent report published by the BSL Advisory Board, which works with the Government specifically on BSL. I met members of the board last week. They produced a report recently on access to health and care support, specifically highlighting some of these issues. For example, how do BSL users make GP appointments? The other steps that I have outlined today will also be important for deaf and disabled people, and we will continue to work closely with BSL Advisory Board on these issues.
Session: Support into Work Health Conditions
View All Questions -->
What steps is her Department taking to make school classrooms more accessible to children with SEND? Over the last 16 months, I have visited most of my 42 schools—some more than once—so I have seen some really effective use of occupational therapy principles, such as removing sensory triggers and updating lighting and layouts. At Colehill first school, the staff have simplified and rectified the décor throughout the school, and are looking to invest in wooden and natural materials to create a calming environment. However, schools in Mid Dorset and North Poole receive over £2,000 per pupil per year less than those in other parts of the country, so there is little left for this sort of project. Given the focus on inclusion, what can the Minister offer in terms of smaller capital grants to fund this work?
Context
The MP noted that schools in her constituency receive over £2,000 per pupil less annually compared to other parts of the country. She cited effective use of occupational therapy principles in some local schools and highlighted a specific example at Colehill First School.
The Minister for School Standards (Georgia Gould)
I have seen the difference that fully accessible schools make for young people. Pupils have proudly shown me the sensory spaces that they use to self-regulate, and schools have helped create inclusion hubs, supporting young people to thrive. The Department has invested £740 million in high needs capital to support children and young people with SEND, including through adapting classrooms to improve accessibility. I thank the hon. Member for sharing those wonderful examples of best practice. That is the work we want to do to ensure that all our schools are inclusive, and there is obviously a lot to learn from her constituency. The Under-Secretary of State for Education, my hon. Friend the Member for Whitehaven and Workington (Josh MacAlister), will bring forward an estate strategy, and we will continue to invest in specialist places within mainstream schools.
Session: SEND Classroom Accessibility
View All Questions -->
What protections exist for the residents who are having to pay for a public site managed by a private developer?
Context
Residents of Canford Paddock have been contacted about ongoing unregulated estate fees related to a suitable alternative natural greenspace near a site of special scientific interest, managed by a private developer.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
In my opening answer, I referenced the consultation we intend to launch soon relating to protections for residential freeholders from that type of charge, where it is unreasonable. Those provisions in the 2024 Act provide for greater transparency. They allow homeowners on freehold estates to take the estate manager to the first-tier tribunal if unreasonable rent charges are being levied.
Session: Estate Management Companies
View All Questions -->
What steps are being taken to provide adequate funding for the courts system, particularly addressing the shortage of legal advisers which would allow for the progression of 500 cases a year? The court staff explained that they cannot retain these advisers due to lack of funding.
Context
The MP visited Poole Magistrates Court and observed a shortage of legal advisers rather than magistrates or court space. She noted that additional funding for one extra legal adviser could progress 500 cases annually but retention is an issue.
The Minister for Courts and Legal Services (Sarah Sackman)
Legal advisers are critical to the functioning of the magistrates court, and we are investing an additional £5.2 million in addressing retention challenges to retain these staff members who facilitate 500 cases annually.
Session: Courts System Funding
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Education and Skills Reform
09 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...
Online Safety
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Palestine
08 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...
Dover and Portsmouth: Protests
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Building Homes and Renewing Communities
03 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Rewiring the State
02 September 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister has set out priorities to address 40 years of overly centralised decision making and over-privatisation, which have stripped power and resources away from communities. The Governmen...
Criminal Justice Reform
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Direction of Government
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Safety of Wimborne Road
15 July 2026
The petition addresses the lack of road safety measures in Walford Mill, a busy area near multiple schools, a nursery, a GP surgery, and elderly residents’ flats, where pedestrians face risks due to i...
View Full Petition -->
Antisocial Behaviour in Holton Heath
19 May 2026
The petition addresses the issue of unacceptable antisocial
driving behaviour, including joyriding, racing, and excessive speeds, affecting residents in Holton Heath Park.
View Full Petition -->
Upton Heath
16 April 2026
The petitioners are concerned about the potential mineral extraction at Upton Heath, a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest
and Special Area of Conservation in Mid Dorset and North Poole, wh...
View Full Petition -->
Sale of Disposable Barbecues
09 December 2025
The petition highlights the growing threat of wildfires in Dorset and the UK, attributing many of these incidents to disposable barbecues. Petitioners call for a ban on the sale of disposable barbecue...
View Full Petition -->
Sale of Disposable Barbecues
24 November 2025
The petitioners are concerned about the increasing threat of wildfires in Dorset and across the UK, with disposable barbecues being identified as a primary cause. They request a ban on the sale of the...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
76.5%
75 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
55
56.1% of votes
No Votes
20
20.4% of votes
Abstentions
23
23.5% 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
DID NOT VOTE
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
VOTED NO
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
VOTED NO
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
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
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
3
PMQs Asked
80
Ministerial Questions Asked
137
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
5
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
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+497% above average
This MP:
80
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2719% above average
This MP:
137
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
+104% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+11% above average
This MP:
76.5
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 Vikki Slade's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.