Will Forster
MP for Woking
Lib Dem
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
We have all enjoyed watching England's success in the world cup in the last few weeks. As his last act as Prime Minister before leaving office, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree to grant us a bank holiday so that we can celebrate England's win?
Context
England has had recent success in the World Cup.
Keir Starmer
I have been careful not to tempt fate and jinx the result. I am a passionate Arsenal and England supporter and have watched many games with agonising moments; on the question of a bank holiday, the hon. Gentleman should ask again on Sunday.
Assessment
The MP asked for a specific bank holiday to celebrate England's World Cup success but received an evasive response regarding fate and future timing.
Hedging
Session: PMQs 2026-07-15
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I visited Woking high school where I saw classrooms built in the 1960s being held together by gaffer tape. A music classroom was condemned due to a hole in the roof and mold. Will the Prime Minister come to Woking high school to see the conditions and ensure the school receives urgent financial support?
Context
Will Forster visited Woking high school and observed classrooms built in the 1960s that are still in use despite being meant to last 20 years. A music classroom was condemned due to structural issues and mold.
Keir Starmer
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising this case, which will be a real concern for his constituents. I am sure the Conservatives will have heard the reality of what they did over 14 years, destroying everything in this country. We are fixing that and I will ensure that he gets a meeting with the relevant Minister to discuss this further.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not commit to a visit to Woking High School but promised a meeting with a relevant Minister.
Promising A Meeting With A Minister Instead Of A Visit To The School
Session: PMQs
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The Times has reported that local elections across the country will be delayed for a second year in a row. The leader of my local authority, Surrey county council, has had to go on the record to say that he has not called for elections to be cancelled, but other Conservatives clearly have. Can the Prime Minister give me a cast-iron guarantee that my constituents in Woking and others across the country will not lose their democratic right to vote?
Context
The Liberal Democrats have raised concerns about the delay of local elections due to funding and administrative issues.
The Prime Minister
The hon. Gentleman knows that we inherited a situation where there were issues with funding and administrative capacity for holding timely elections. We are working to address these challenges to ensure that local residents can exercise their democratic rights as intended by law.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not provide a definitive assurance but indicated the government's efforts to address the issues.
Session: PMQs
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I want Sara's legacy to be one in which she is the last vulnerable child to be killed by people who should have looked after her. Will the Prime Minister ensure that an independent inquest and review of Sara's death is held at the start of the new year, so that we can learn why public authorities failed and ensure that it never happens again?
Context
Sara Sharif, a constituent of Will Forster, was brutally tortured and murdered by her father and stepmother. Public authorities are under scrutiny for failing to protect her.
Keir Starmer
The hon. Gentleman is right to raise that absolutely harrowing case. It is important that all the lessons are learnt. An independent process is taking place, but we must be clear about the need to overhaul children's social care to keep young people safe, and to look again at the framework for home schooling, among other things.
Assessment
Did not confirm specific inquest and review dates or details
Session: PMQs
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As we saw during the world cup, football is fundamental to our national identity. Football fans are having to pay almost £700 to follow their club in this season's premier league, so does the Secretary of State agree that we need to have more free-to-air sport, not less?
Context
Football fans are facing high costs to follow their club in the premier league, with some paying nearly £700. The issue of access to sports on free-to-air channels is becoming increasingly important.
Lisa Nandy
The hon. Member will know from previous discussions we have had in this place that there is a balance to be struck between making sure we get the right level of investment in sport and making sure those sports are opened up to the widest possible audience. That is a conversation that we continue to have. There is another element to this, which is the cost of tickets, and this Government are taking action on secondary ticket touts, which I know the hon. Member's party strongly supports. Later today, we will have the pleasure of introducing the Sporting Events Bill to this place. Through that Bill, we are taking action to make sure ticket prices remain affordable and that those practices are stamped out when it comes to sporting events.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-03
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Four of my constituents—Ethan, Harrison, Jude and Lukas—who train at the Martial X Academy in Woking have been selected to represent their country in next month's martial arts world championships. As well as wishing them well, I hope that the Minister will take steps to ensure that the costs that they are having to pay to compete—over £1,000 each—is reduced in future to enable young athletes to represent their country.
Context
The MP highlighted the achievements of four constituents selected to represent their country in martial arts and expressed concern about the high costs they incur.
Stephanie Peacock
I congratulate Ethan, Harrison, Jude and Lukas on their selection to represent England at the martial arts world championships. I am sure that the whole House will want to wish them good luck next month. The Government are committed to ensuring that people, whatever their postcode, can access quality facilities and enjoy the sports that they love. On international representation specifically, the Government directly support Olympic and Paralympic pathways. For other international opportunities, parents should contact the relevant governing bodies or SportsAid for support and advice. Via Sport England, we provide over £60 million of funding to SportsAid, whose backing the best programme helps talented young athletes overcome financial barriers.
Session: Access to Sport Poorer Families 2026-09-03
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What steps she is taking to help make sports more accessible for poorer families.
Context
The MP noted concerns about the accessibility of sports for poorer families and the need for targeted investment to address this issue.
Stephanie Peacock
Everyone, regardless of background, should have access to quality sporting opportunities. Sport England targets investment towards deprived communities and places with the greatest need. For example, 50% of the awards from its £160 million movement fund have gone to areas ranked in the top 25% for greatest need.
Session: Access to Sport Poorer Families 2026-09-03
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Last night this House debated the extended producer responsibility, which is seeing breweries, pubs and other businesses pay twice to recycle glass bottles. What meetings has the Department for Business and Trade had with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to raise the economically damaging nature of this tax? If it has not raised concerns, will it?
Context
The House debated extended producer responsibility, which sees breweries, pubs, and other businesses pay twice to recycle glass bottles.
Peter Kyle
I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we are having conversations with DEFRA over these issues. We want to ensure that regulation is right. We need to incentivise the right behaviour and the circular economy, but we need to do so in a responsible way. We are always engaged with the sectors that are impacted, not just because of regulatory measures but because of external measures facing our economy.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-02
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What are the Secretary of State and his Department doing to work with the US to lower trade barriers for high-quality advanced manufacturing jobs in Woking?
Context
The car manufacturer McLaren in Woking faces trade barriers with the US since Donald Trump took office, affecting its business and employment. The government's actions to lower these barriers are sought.
Peter Kyle
I met the chief executive of McLaren last week. Tariffs have been reduced to 10% for 100,000 cars. I have spoken to my counterpart at the Commerce Secretary about fantastic cars produced in our country. We have a deal with America that does those businesses proud.
Session: Advanced Manufacturing 2026-07-02
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What measures is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that when a child with SEND follows their parent due to military service they are not adversely impacted? Will she commit to ensuring these families receive adequate support in navigating special educational needs?
Context
The question is raised during Armed Forces Week, reflecting on the pride felt by families due to service but also highlighting issues faced by families with SEND children.
Georgia Gould
We are working closely on this matter, particularly through the SEND reforms. We are introducing national inclusion standards, national specialist provision packages and digital individual support plans and EHCPs to make it easier for families to move with special educational needs provision.
Session: Children of Military Families Educational Support
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What assessment has been made of the adequacy of educational support provided to the children of military families? In this Armed Forces Week, will the Government look at what further support they can give, including by increasing the service pupil premium which has gone up by just £20 in two years?
Context
The question arises in context of the additional pressures on education and family life due to military service. It highlights a specific case with Brookwood primary school educating many military children.
Georgia Gould
I am visiting a garrison in North Yorkshire in similar circumstances soon to talk to families and schools about particular pressures they face. We are working closely on this matter through the SEND reforms, including national inclusion standards, national specialist provision packages, and digital individual support plans and EHCPs.
Session: Children of Military Families Educational Support
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My local authority, Woking borough council, is doing exactly as the Minister asks: it is creating a local plan, which is where our democratically elected councillors decide where we will build the homes that local people need. Is there any point in local authorities pursuing local plans if planning reforms will render them toothless?
Context
Local planning authorities are expected to create up-to-date local plans. However, some councils struggle with this task.
Matthew Pennycook
I am afraid I refute the assertion the hon. Gentleman makes about what the NPPF will do to local plans. We do need local plans in place, and as I have said, the plan-led approach is the cornerstone of the system. The NPPF kicks in where in certain instances authorities do not have an up-to-date local plan in place, which is the case for far too many.
Session: Local Plans
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What steps he is taking to support local authorities in creating local plans. My local authority, Woking borough council, is doing exactly as the Minister asks: it is creating a local plan, which is where our democratically elected councillors decide where we will build the homes that local people need. Is there any point in local authorities pursuing local plans if planning reforms will render them toothless?
Context
Local planning authorities are expected to create up-to-date local plans. However, some councils struggle with this task.
Matthew Pennycook
The plan-led approach is and must remain the cornerstone of our planning system, and we have been very clear that we expect all local planning authorities to make every possible effort to get up-to-date local plans in place as soon as possible. To support LPAs seeking to protect their communities from piecemeal and speculative development by getting up-to-date plans in place, we distributed £19.8 million following the publication of the revised NPPF in December 2024. We recently supplemented that funding with a further £15.7 million through our local plan implementation fund to support nearly 200 local planning authorities to progress plan development. I am afraid I refute the assertion the hon. Gentleman makes about what the NPPF will do to local plans. We do need local plans in place, and as I have said, the plan-led approach is the cornerstone of the system.
Session: Local Plans
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Delays and cancellations on the South Western Railway network are horrendous. Nationalisation has not gone to plan. Last week I asked the Leader of the House why that is the case, and he said that we do not need a debate on it because he expects things to improve. Please can the Secretary of State tell the House what key performance indicators the Government are using to measure success?
Context
Delays and cancellations on the South Western Railway network are significant, with nationalisation not going to plan. Last week's inquiry revealed that key performance indicators were lacking.
Heidi Alexander
I speak regularly with the new integrated managing director of South Western, Lawrence Bowman, to ensure that he is doing absolutely everything that he can, from both a train operations and an infrastructure management perspective, to bear down on the disruption that the hon. Gentleman's constituents have had to experience. I accept that over the last year, performance at South Western Railway has not been up to scratch, but I assure him that we will leave no stone unturned in making sure that his constituents have a better travel experience in future.
Session: Topical Questions
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When diesel trains are replaced with electric trains to decarbonise the South Western Railway network, can it be assured that there will be no reduction in service for commuting constituents in Woking? The issue involves service improvements and efficiency gains from electric rolling stock.
Context
The transition to electric trains aims to decarbonise the railway network but concerns have been raised about potential service reductions for commuters in Woking.
Keir Mather
We believe that having electric rolling stock for train services can improve efficiency on the railway. We hope these improvements can be realised for Woking constituents.
Session: Transport Decarbonisation
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Byfleet, in my constituency, lost its doctor's surgery in 2005, leaving residents having to struggle via the A2245 to access basic health facilities, which are set to get busier due to a likely housing development. Will the Minister agree to meet me to ensure that we can bring health facilities back to Byfleet?
Context
Byfleet lost its doctor's surgery in 2005, leaving residents having to struggle via the A2245 to access basic health facilities.
Stephen Kinnock
Importantly, we have the £102 million utilisation and modernisation fund to enable more GP primary care estate. We have also committed to delivering 120 more neighbourhood health centres by the end of this Parliament, so I hope that the hon. Gentleman's integrated care board has put in an expression of interest for that scheme. I am, of course, prepared to discuss that with him further.
Session: Topical Questions
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Many constituents are concerned about Netanyahu's actions in Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank. Will this country join the EU in taking a tougher line against Israel?
Context
The EU is meant to be taking a tougher line on Israel following Viktor Orbán's defeat in Hungary.
Hamish Falconer
The Government have not ignored events in Lebanon or Israel-Palestine. I was in Beirut last week and met with the Palestinian Prime Minister. The EU's actions are a matter for itself.
Session: Topical Questions
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I regularly meet church leaders in my constituency of Woking, and they often raise the plight of Christians abroad. Please can the hon. Member assure me that one of the Church's top priorities is to tackle extremism and the persecution of Christians abroad?
Context
Church leaders in Woking have raised concerns about the persecution faced by Christians overseas, prompting this supplementary question.
Marsha de Cordova
The issue of the persecution of Christians abroad has come up before, and the Church obviously takes it seriously. Last year, a working group was established to provide support for bishops and senior clergy, with relevant experience and reflection, and time for discussion. The group is also assessing the impact of the misuse of Christian language and imagery in political campaigning.
Session: Extremism
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What steps is the Church taking to help protect Christian communities from extremism?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the growth of various forms of extremism affecting religious groups, particularly Christians.
Marsha de Cordova
The Church is concerned about the growth of extremism, including Christian nationalism, and bishops have established a working group to promote unity and support parishes with theological, practical and pastoral resources to counter extremism locally.
Session: Extremism
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Housing, including damp and mould, is a top issue in my inbox as MP for Woking. One of the key problems is the Conservatives’ unlawful removal of more than £4 million from the housing revenue account, which has resulted in a huge backlog of issues. What steps are this Government and this Minister taking to ensure that that does not happen again to add further woes to our social housing stock?
Matthew Pennycook
We are taking a number of steps to assist local authorities whose HRAs are under pressure, including the rent convergence introduction, which I know the hon. Gentleman is aware of, and all the other regulatory certainty and stability that allows local authorities, as well as housing associations, to plan for the future and invest in their existing stock, as well as building new social and affordable homes.
Session: Social Housing Standards
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The Justice Secretary will no doubt be aware of the tragic case of Sara Sharif from my constituency. Her father, who went on to murder her, was given custody of Sara by the family court, after her Polish mother was unable to give evidence because she did not have an interpreter and could not follow proceedings. Please will the Justice Secretary agree to implement the Sara Sharif safeguarding report in full, and ensure that everyone can take part fully in family court proceedings, to protect the vulnerable going forward?
Context
Sara Sharif's case highlights issues with family court proceedings where a father received custody despite the mother's inability to participate due to lack of an interpreter.
Sarah Sackman
I thank the hon. Member for his question and his tireless advocacy, which is a way of honouring Sara, who was brutally murdered at the hands of the very people who should have been protecting her. We make over 200,000 interpreter bookings every year to ensure that people can understand proceedings, but I look forward to working with him to see what more we can do to implement that review.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituents cannot use tap-in, tap-out technology to commute despite the proximity to London. Will the Transport Secretary agree to back a Liberal Democrat amendment to roll out this infrastructure across the country?
Context
Despite being close to London, Woking residents cannot use tap-in, tap-out technology for commuting.
Heidi Alexander
We are expanding the pay-as-you-go system with tap-in, tap-out technology at further stations. I am happy to talk about a further tranche beyond that.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am pleased to hear from the Minister how the Government are supporting magistrates and that she visited a recently reopened magistrates court. The biggest single thing that the Government could do in my constituency in my county of Surrey is reopen Woking magistrates court, which was closed by the former Conservative Government. Will the Government consider reopening Woking magistrates court?
Context
The previous Conservative government closed the Woking magistrates court, and Mr Forster seeks its reopening.
The Minister for Courts and Legal Services (Sarah Sackman)
We keep our court estate and the assessment of need under constant review. I would be very happy for the hon. Gentleman to write to me so that we can look into the provision in his area.
Session: Magistrates
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Ashford and St Peter’s hospital, which serves my constituency, has an £80 million repair backlog. When will the Government allocate sufficient funding to fix our crumbling hospitals, including Ashford and St Peter’s?
Context
The MP mentioned Ashford and St Peter's hospital, which has an £80 million repair backlog. He requested sufficient funding to fix the crumbling hospitals.
James Murray (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
As the hon. Gentleman will know, the coalition Government, of which his party was a part, slashed capital investment in our health service. We have restored capital investment in our health service, which is critical to getting it back on its feet. If he is requesting greater investment in the NHS, I hope that he will change his mind, correct the record and support the tax changes that we have made in order to make that possible.
Session: Support for NHS Patients
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A constituent of mine wants to replace his gas boiler with renewable energy, which will cost him around £400. I am concerned by the prohibitive costs, which massively undermine our net zero ambitions. Can the Minister confirm what he and his Government are doing to remove those prohibitive costs?
Context
A constituent of the MP is considering replacing a gas boiler with renewable energy but is concerned about high costs. This raises broader concerns about the affordability and accessibility of such transitions.
The Minister for Energy (Michael Shanks)
We are working to reduce those costs. In fact, it has been announced just today that the boiler upgrade scheme will be made more accessible so that people can take advantage of renewable technologies. We want people to be able to bring down their own household bills. Of course, that also helps us as a country to move towards a clean energy system, which we know is what will bring down bills in the long run.
Session: Great British Energy Public Services and Renewable Energy
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Today has seen the publication of the safeguarding review into the murder of my 10-year-old constituent Sara Sharif. The findings of that inquiry are what I feared—that the state, especially Surrey county council, could have protected her and saved her life, but did not. Will the Solicitor General please meet me to ensure we can urgently implement the 15 recommendations of that report in order to protect children and girls in future?
Context
The publication of the safeguarding review into Sara Sharif's murder highlights issues with state protection for children.
The Solicitor General
I thank the hon. Member for raising an extremely serious and tragic case. It is important that it has been raised in the House. I will certainly look at those recommendations closely and ensure that he gets a meeting with me or the relevant Minister.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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As well as congratulating McLaren for winning the Formula 1 constructors’ title for the second season in a row, will the Minister also agree to ask the Chancellor to change the tax on sustainable fuel so that this country can continue to have a leading place in the motoring industry?
Context
The question comes after the Government published an advanced manufacturing sector plan, aiming to nearly double annual business investment in automotive to £39 billion by 2035. The MP references McLaren's recent success in Formula 1.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)
I would of course like to congratulate McLaren on back-to-back Formula 1 constructors’ championship victories, and I am sure the support it receives in Woking is no small part of that. Alongside the Secretary of State, I attended the British grand prix in the summer and witnessed McLaren and Britain’s own Lando Norris claim victory. My Department will continue to stay in close contact with Formula 1, and I will reflect his comments to the Chancellor.
Session: Motorsport
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What steps are being taken by the Department to support breweries like Woking-based Asahi to reduce carbon emissions further? Does the Minister agree that this kind of innovation is crucial for decarbonisation?
Context
The MP references a brewery, Asahi, based in his constituency which has significantly reduced its carbon footprint through investment in renewable energy. The company's Cornish Orchards brand recently achieved a 94% reduction in emissions.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Chris McDonald)
I commend Asahi, an important employer in Woking, for its work on decarbonisation. The Department is working on a forthcoming carbon budget and growth delivery plan as well as a refreshed industrial decarbonisation strategy to provide further clarity and support for businesses like breweries.
Session: Breweries Carbon Emissions
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How will this country and our allies support Ukraine to defend its airspace from Russian aggression? For instance, will we lend it our Typhoons or participate in the cross-national F-16 fighter programme?
Context
Russia’s air attacks on Ukraine have intensified, leading to concerns about the country's ability to defend its airspace.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
We have worked closely with Ukraine to develop new weapons systems to supply the air defence missiles it requires. While-ever Ukraine is fighting Putin’s invasion, we will stand alongside it and we will provide whatever military aid we can. Beyond that, for when we can reach a negotiated peace, we have been leading work to prepare a multinational force willing to stand with Ukraine in the peace and to secure that peace for the long term so that Russia never again invades that country.
Session: Ukraine Military Support
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The Solicitor General confirms the horrendous backlog in the Crown court. In one case in my constituency, one victim, Dani, will have to wait more than six years to get justice. Dani is just 21 and has been a victim of grooming and sexual abuse. Does the Solicitor General agree that for Dani and many others, justice delayed is justice denied? What further urgent steps will the Government take to tackle the backlog?
Context
There is a significant backlog of court cases inherited by the government, impacting victims like Dani who has been waiting over six years for justice due to grooming and sexual abuse.
The Solicitor General
I am extremely sorry to hear about Dani’s case. The previous Government closed over 260 court buildings, and the human cost of the delays as a result of the backlog is really considerable. Victims are waiting years for justice, and attrition in rape cases in particular has more than doubled in the last five years. As I said, on taking office we took immediate action, and not only in relation to sitting days. We have also committed to investing up to £92 million more a year in criminal legal aid, and we are taking action to ensure that there are more specialist counsel available.
Session: Court Backlog
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Following the harrowing example of Sara Sharif's murder, what steps is this Government taking to ensure local authority social services can protect vulnerable children and prevent such tragedies?
Context
The murder of 10-year-old Sara Sharif in Woking highlighted inadequacies in social services support for vulnerable children. Social services have been reported as overwhelmed and under-resourced.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Jess Phillips)
Ministers across Government meet regularly through the violence against women and girls ministerial group to drive progress. The work with my office, the Ministry of Justice, and the Secretary of State for Education ensures that handling social care issues in the strategy is at the top of the agenda.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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What discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of the classification of the Oxford to Cambridge rail line as an England and Wales transport project on Wales. The Government have claimed that listing the Oxford to Cambridge rail line as “England-only” on past documents was just an accounting error by the Conservative Government, but four separate Government documents list it as “England-only”, and over £1 million in Barnett consequentials were already paid to Wales on that basis.
Context
The classification of the Oxford to Cambridge rail line as an England and Wales transport project has raised concerns about its potential impact on Welsh funding.
The Secretary of State for Wales (Jo Stevens)
As I have just explained, an error was made by the previous Conservative Government. Heavy rail was and always is reserved in Wales. The Welsh Government will not be required to re-pay any Barnett consequentials provided to them as a result of any error that took place under the Conservative Government.
Session: Oxford to Cambridge Rail Line
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My constituents, including those of Indian and Pakistani descent, welcome the ceasefire but urge acceptance that the solution to Kashmir is self-determination, not further violence.
Context
Residents in Woking with Indian and Pakistani heritage welcome the ceasefire. The MP seeks assurance on support for self-determination as a solution.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)
It is for India and Pakistan to find a resolution in Kashmir taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people. But all must condemn terrorism wherever it occurs.
Session: Kashmir
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In my constituency I am in touch with a family of a child who has complex needs and severe mental health issues, who has not been able to go to school for a whole year. The child’s deteriorating mental health needs are not being met, because they have not been given a school that fits their child and adolescent mental health services assessment. Has the Minister made an assessment of how the Department might best avoid situations such as that, which leave children without the services they need?
Context
A family in Woking is dealing with a child who has complex needs and severe mental health issues, unable to attend school due to lack of appropriate services.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Stephen Morgan)
We will deliver on our commitment on mental health to make sure that it reaches every child. I am very happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss the specific case that he raises.
Session: School Students Mental Health and Wellbeing
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With 2,100 jobs set to go at the Cabinet Office by 2028, please can the Minister confirm what impact those cuts will have on his Department? What responsibilities might be transferred out of it?
Context
The Cabinet Office is set to reduce its headcount by 2,100 jobs by 2028. Mr Forster seeks clarity on the impact of these cuts and any potential transfer of responsibilities.
Pat McFadden (The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster)
The Cabinet Office has tripled in size in the past decade or so. I think it is right, after growth like that, that we look at productivity and how to get the best outcomes for the public. We have introduced a mutually agreed exit scheme. Some of the headcount reduction will be by transferring functions to other places, but I believe that the Cabinet Office can absorb a headcount reduction after, as I said, tripling in size over the past decade or so.
Session: Public Service Reform
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Earlier this year, I visited the west bank with colleagues in the Chamber as part of a parliamentary delegation, where I saw the awful Israeli illegal violence in Hebron and Susya. We ran into two Israeli settlers who clearly wanted us off the area that they had burned down. Will the Foreign Secretary go further than he has in condemning that violence by agreeing to full sanctions and an embargo on all Israeli illegal settlements? Owing to the position of the City of London, that could have a profound impact and stop the violence.
Context
The speaker describes a recent visit to the West Bank where he observed illegal violence by Israeli settlers. He asks for full sanctions and an embargo on all Israeli illegal settlements.
David Lammy
I should make it clear that settlement goods do not benefit from any free trade arrangements that we have with Israel. Obviously, on 15 October, I announced new sanctions targeting three illegal settler outposts and four organisations that have supported the sponsored violence against communities in the West Bank.
Session: Israeli Settlements West Bank
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Fly-tipping is a real concern in my constituency of Woking, but I understand that the previous Government introduced new powers that enabled Woking borough council and other local authorities to strengthen their actions against people who fly-tip. What impact have those measures had?
Context
Will Forster noted that Woking borough council and other local authorities introduced new powers to strengthen their actions against fly-tippers. He asked about the impact of these measures.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mary Creagh)
We have not assessed the impact, but I can tell the hon. Gentleman the latest statistics for his own council. There were more than 1,100 fly-tipping incidents, but just three fixed-penalty notices and no prosecutions.
Session: Fly-tipping
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I know that the Justice Secretary is aware of the tragic case of my constituent Sara Sharif. Will she consider reforming family courts and ending the presumption in favour of parental contact despite the fact that there were safeguarding concerns?
Context
The Sara Sharif case highlights the need for a review of the presumption in favour of parental contact despite safeguarding concerns.
Sarah Sackman
That case of that little girl, Sara Sharif, is one of the most tragic of recent times, and I know that that view is shared right across the House. That is why a safeguarding review is under way to look at all the agencies that were involved and should have been protecting that little girl from those who ended up killing her. We are looking at the presumption: there is a review, and we will consider the findings of that review and publish our response in due course.
Session: Topical Questions
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Several key roads in my constituency are either closed or partially closed for roadworks. Will the Minister look into that to ensure that utility companies use emergency powers only when absolutely necessary?
Context
Several key roads in Woking are either closed or partially closed for roadworks, which utility companies declare as emergencies to bypass road permits.
Lilian Greenwood
The hon. Member raises a really important point about the disruption of roadworks. We are absolutely committed to ensuring that we mitigate those problems and deal with them exactly as he said.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister or the Chancellor agree that targeted support for low-income families and households should be included in tomorrow's Budget or warm home plan, so that no one has to decide between eating and heating this winter?
Context
Many constituents in Woking live in fuel poverty and fear losing their winter fuel allowance. The question is about targeted support for low-income families.
James Murray
The Government are committed to supporting vulnerable households with an extension of the household support fund, which will allow local authorities to help low-income families with food and energy costs.
Session: Energy Bills Support for Households
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What fiscal steps are being taken to help households with energy bills? Given that constituents live in fuel poverty and fear losing their winter fuel allowance, should targeted support for low-income families be included in tomorrow's Budget or warm home plan?
Context
Household energy bills have fallen since their peak, but many constituents remain concerned about fuel poverty and the need for targeted support.
James Murray
The Government are committed to supporting vulnerable households with the cost of energy through an extension of the household support fund, which will allow local authorities to help low-income families with food and energy costs.
Session: Energy Bills Support for Households
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As the Minister knows—his concern is reflected across the country. Local communities recognise that their council is being forced to choose vital neighbourhood services against targets for adult social care, children's services and homelessness services. Will the Government review which services are classed as statutory and non-statutory?
Context
The local authority in Woking borough has effectively gone bankrupt last year, leading to cuts in essential services.
Jim McMahon
His concern is reflected across the country. Local communities recognise that their council is being forced to choose vital neighbourhood services against targets for adult social care, children's services and homelessness services. In the end, we need to rebuild the foundation from scratch, and that is exactly what we are committed to doing.
Session: Local Authority Funding
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Will the Minister formalise the council of Ministers so that the Governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, along with regional leaders in England, can meet regularly to shape their communities?
Context
There is a need for regular meetings between the Governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, along with regional leaders in England to shape their communities.
Pat McFadden
The Council of the Nations and Regions will meet twice a year; however, these relationships are about more than formal meetings. It is important to establish as good and normal a working relationship as possible.
Session: The Union and the Devolved Administrations
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I am sure that the Minister is aware of the tragic case of Sara Sharif, which occurred in my constituency, but he may not be aware that when Sara's family fled from Woking to Pakistan, they took Sara's two siblings, and when the parents returned to stand trial, those siblings did not return with them. Will he write to the Pakistani Government informing them that unless they vouch for the siblings' safety, those children should be returned to the UK?
Context
Sara Sharif's case in Woking, where siblings fled to Pakistan and did not return with parents standing trial.
Hamish Falconer
I can assure the House that the safety and wellbeing of British children overseas, which appears to be relevant in this case, is of the utmost concern to the Government as a whole, and to me as the Minister responsible for consular affairs. I will write, and will meet the hon. Member, if that will be useful in helping us to understand the case and what we can best do to support those children.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Local Authority Children’s Services
28 January 2026
Responding: Josh MacAlister
Main Concerns
["Mr Will Forster highlighted the death of a 10-year-old girl, Sara, who was abused and tortured. He cited numerous cases where Surrey county council failed to protect children with special educational needs or those in dangerous domestic situations. The MP also mentioned that despite the tragic circumstances surrounding Sara's murder, the senior officer responsible for children’s services received a pay rise of £8,700."]
Specific Asks
["Forster called on the Government to recognise and address different funding challenges faced by rural constituencies like his own and ensure adequate resourcing for vulnerable children. He stressed the need to end the postcode lottery affecting children's safety and welfare."]
Beer Duty
15 July 2025
Responding: Torsten Bell
Main Concerns
['The beer and pub sector in Woking supports over 1,800 jobs and contributes £100 million to the local economy. The extended producer responsibility scheme will cost brewers around 3p a bottle unless they raise prices or the Government step in. This will seriously threaten the brewing and bottling industry.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should reduce beer duty by 50p, which would offset the cost of EPR for producers, the supply chain, and consumers.']
Full name of the bill being debated - Which clause or amendment is being debated
10 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The reasoned amendment tabled by the official Opposition has been selected. The amendment aims to introduce significant changes to the bill to address issues related to [specific issue], highlighting ...
National Energy System Operator: Blackout Risk
15 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Police Leadership Commission Report
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Rochdale Grooming Gang: Offender Deportation
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Security Service Act - Clause 2
06 July 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment aims to strengthen the Government’s ability to disrupt hostile intelligence services and their proxies by adapting counter-terrorism tools to tackle state-based security threats. The Bil...
Asylum Accommodation
29 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Children’s Social Care: Enduring Relationships Strategy
04 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
National Security
14 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government and Regeneration Bill - Lords amendments engaging Commons financial privilege and other Lords amendments to be discussed
21 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to disagree with Lords amendment 2. Proposes several Government motions to disagree with multiple Lords amendments and offers alternatives in lieu of others.
Immigration Policy
09 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Road Safety in Old Woking
14 April 2026
The petition highlights serious concerns about the speed and volume of traffic on Old Woking High Street, near St Peter’s Church, where there have been several incidents including a recent car collisi...
View Full Petition -->
The humanitarian situation in Bangladesh
02 September 2025
The petition highlights the severe human rights abuses, including violence, persecution, and repression in Bangladesh under its unelected interim government, expressing grave concern about potential f...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
76.8%
73 of 95 votes
Aye Votes
54
56.8% of votes
No Votes
19
20.0% of votes
Abstentions
22
23.2% of votes
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 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: 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 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
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
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
VOTED AYE
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
03 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
4
PMQs Asked
42
Ministerial Questions Asked
61
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
2
Petitions Presented
95
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
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+213% above average
This MP:
42
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1155% above average
This MP:
61
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-18% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+11% above average
This MP:
76.8
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 Will Forster's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.