Ben Lake Portrait

Ben Lake

Plaid Cymru - Ceredigion Preseli

14,789 (31.9%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 8th June 2017


Shadow PC Spokesperson (Treasury)
21st Jul 2020 - 30th May 2024
Shadow PC Spokesperson (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
21st Jul 2020 - 30th May 2024
Shadow PC Spokesperson (Education)
21st Jul 2020 - 30th May 2024
Shadow PC Spokesperson (Digital, Culture, Media & Sport)
21st Jul 2020 - 30th May 2024
Shadow PC Spokesperson (Health and Social Care)
21st Jul 2020 - 30th May 2024
Shadow PC Spokesperson (Housing, Communities & Local Government)
21st Jul 2020 - 30th May 2024
Shadow PC Spokesperson (The Constitution and Welsh Affairs)
21st Jul 2020 - 30th May 2024
Welsh Affairs Committee
2nd Mar 2020 - 30th May 2024
Paternity Leave (Bereavement) Bill (Formerly known as Shared Parental Leave and Pay (Bereavement) Bill)
13th Mar 2024 - 30th May 2024
Welsh Grand Committee
18th Jan 2022 - 30th May 2024
Public Accounts Committee
26th Jun 2023 - 30th May 2024
Community and Suspended Sentences (Notification of Details) Bill
8th May 2024 - 15th May 2024
Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation Bill
1st May 2024 - 8th May 2024
Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Bill
1st May 2024 - 8th May 2024
Pensions (Special Rules for End of Life) Bill
17th Apr 2024 - 24th Apr 2024
Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill
17th Apr 2024 - 24th Apr 2024
Down Syndrome Bill
19th Jan 2022 - 26th Jan 2022
Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill
3rd Nov 2021 - 18th Nov 2021
Welsh Affairs Committee
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Ben Lake has voted in 8 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Ben Lake Division Votes

Debates during the 2024 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Seema Malhotra (Labour (Co-op))
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
(3 debate interactions)
Rachel Reeves (Labour)
Chancellor of the Exchequer
(2 debate interactions)
David Lammy (Labour)
Foreign Secretary
(2 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Home Office
(3 debate contributions)
HM Treasury
(1 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Ben Lake has not made any spoken contributions to legislative debate
View all Ben Lake's debates

Latest EDMs signed by Ben Lake

11th September 2024
Ben Lake signed this EDM on Thursday 12th September 2024

Four day working week

Tabled by: John McDonnell (Independent - Hayes and Harlington)
That this House recognises that UK workers put in some of the longest full-time working hours across Europe, yet the longer hours worked are not translating into increased productivity; notes that since the covid-19 pandemic a four-day working week with no reduction in pay for employees has been successfully trialled …
11 signatures
(Most recent: 12 Sep 2024)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 6
Plaid Cymru: 4
Independent: 1
11th September 2024
Ben Lake signed this EDM on Thursday 12th September 2024

Saudi Arabia’s bid to join the UN Human Rights Council

Tabled by: Vikki Slade (Liberal Democrat - Mid Dorset and North Poole)
That this House expresses profound concern over Saudi Arabia's bid to secure a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council; notes with alarm the extensive record of human rights violations in Saudi Arabia, including but not limited to restrictions on freedom of expression, the use of capital punishment, and …
18 signatures
(Most recent: 12 Sep 2024)
Signatures by party:
Liberal Democrat: 13
Plaid Cymru: 4
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
View All Ben Lake's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Ben Lake, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


Ben Lake has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Ben Lake has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

2 Bills introduced by Ben Lake


A Bill to require the Secretary of State to report to Parliament on the merits of devolving management and administration of the money allocated to Wales via the Shared Prosperity Fund to the Welsh Government.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 6th May 2022

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision about access by customers, in particular those in rural areas, to banking services; to make provision for community banking hubs; to review access to banking services through the Post Office network; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Tuesday 27th February 2018
(Read Debate)

38 Bills co-sponsored by Ben Lake

Police (declaration) Bill 2023-24
Sponsor - Tonia Antoniazzi (Lab)

Mortgages (Switching) Bill 2023-24
Sponsor - Martin Docherty-Hughes (SNP)

Universal Jurisdiction (Extension) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Brendan O'Hara (SNP)

Tax Reform Commission Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Liz Saville Roberts (PC)

Markets and market traders (review of support) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Simon Baynes (Con)

Immigration and Nationality Fees (Exemption for NHS Clinical Staff) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Rob Roberts (Ind)

Elected Representatives (Prohibition of Deception) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Liz Saville Roberts (PC)

Clean Air Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Geraint Davies (Ind)

Banking and postal services (rural areas) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Drew Hendry (SNP)

Asbestos (national register) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Andrew Percy (Con)

Renewable Liquid Heating Fuel Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - George Eustice (Con)

Seals (Protection) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Tracey Crouch (Con)

Plastics (Wet Wipes) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Fleur Anderson (Lab)

Energy Pricing (Off Gas Grid Households) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Drew Hendry (SNP)

Co-operatives (Employee Company Ownership) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Christina Rees (LAB)

Trade Agreements (Exclusion of National Health Services) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Peter Grant (SNP)

Problem Drug Use Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Tommy Sheppard (SNP)

Essay Mills (Prohibition) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Chris Skidmore (Con)

Internet Access Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Darren Jones (Lab)

Driving Offences (Amendment) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Gerald Jones (Lab)

Jet Skis (Licensing) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Hywel Williams (PC)

Local Electricity Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Peter Aldous (Con)

Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies (Environmentally Sustainable Investment) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Anna McMorrin (Lab)

Public Expenditure and Taxation (Advisory Body) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Jonathan Edwards (Ind)

Plastic Pollution (No. 2) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Alistair Carmichael (LD)

Parental Leave (Premature and Sick Babies) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - David Linden (SNP)

Animals (Recognition of Sentience) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Kerry McCarthy (Lab)

Plastic Pollution Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Alistair Carmichael (LD)

Packaging (Extended Producer Responsibility) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Anna McMorrin (Lab)

Green Deal (Conduct of Home Energy and Lifestyle Management Ltd) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Alan Brown (SNP)

Automatic Travel Compensation Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Huw Merriman (Con)

European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 4) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Yvette Cooper (Lab)

European Union Withdrawal (Evaluation of Effects on Health and Social Care Sectors) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Brendan O'Hara (SNP)

Unsolicited Calls (Prevention) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Stephen Kerr (Con)

Banking and Post Office Services (Rural Areas and Small Communities) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Luke Graham (Con)

Cold Weather Payments Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Hywel Williams (PC)

Voyeurism (Offences) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Wera Hobhouse (LD)

Courts (Abuse of Process) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Liz Saville Roberts (PC)


Latest 15 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has had recent discussions with the Mineworkers Pension Scheme Trustees on potential reforms to the Mineworkers Pensions Scheme.

Details of Ministers’ meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to his Israeli counterpart on violence against Palestinian civilians.

We are clear that International Humanitarian Law and the rules-based order must be upheld, and civilians protected. From the Prime Minister down, we have repeatedly urged Israel to improve aid access, minimise civilian casualties and engage seriously with negotiations for a ceasefire deal.

Given the grave concerns about the conduct and consequences of the war in Gaza for civilians, on day one in office, the Foreign Secretary commissioned a thorough review into Israel's compliance with International Humanitarian Law. The review concluded that there is a clear risk that some items might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) as part of Israel's military operations in Gaza, and - in line with domestic legislation - suspended these exports. The Foreign Secretary set out this decision to the House on 2 September. The Foreign Secretary spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Katz on 2 September, and on 3 September spoke with Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely, to discuss the UK's review of export licenses.

The Government will continue to use every diplomatic lever to bring about a ceasefire. It is clear that a ceasefire would not only protect civilians in Gaza, but also pave the way for wider de-escalation and bring much needed stability for the Middle East.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
26th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his counterpart in Morocco on the trade of natural resources originating in Western Sahara.

We do not consider commercial activity to be illegal in Western Sahara, providing it respects the interests of the Sahrawi people. The UK continues to support the UN-led efforts and the work of Staffan de Mistura as Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Western Sahara, and we continue to encourage constructive engagement with the political process.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
26th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help prevent breaches of international law in Western Sahara.

The UK is committed to the promotion of respect for International Law worldwide. With regard to Western Sahara, we strongly support the work of Staffan de Mistura, Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Western Sahar, and we continue to encourage constructive engagement with the political process.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
26th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make representations to the UN Security Council on giving the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara the legal mandate to (a) monitor and (b) report on human rights in Western Sahara.

The UK supports UN-led efforts to reach a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, based on compromise, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. The UK continues to support the UN-led efforts and the work of Staffan de Mistura as Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Western Sahara. Officials regularly discuss Western Sahara with international partners, including the UN, and we continue to encourage constructive engagement with the political process.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
26th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make representations to the UN Security Council to send a fact finding mission to investigate the human rights of Saharawis in the (a) occupied territory of Western Sahara and (b) prisons in Morocco.

The UK is committed to the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide, including in Western Sahara and the Tindouf refugee camps. We have consistently supported language in relevant UN Security Council Resolutions that encourages the parties to continue their efforts to enhance the promotion and protection of human rights in Western Sahara, including the freedoms of expression and association. We strongly support the work of Staffan de Mistura, Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Western Sahara, and we continue to engage key partners to encourage constructive engagement with the political process.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
26th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he is taking steps to promote the right to self-government for the people of Western Sahara.

The UK supports UN-led efforts to reach a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution, based on compromise, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. The UK also supports the work of Staffan de Mistura, Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Western Sahara. Officials regularly discuss Western Sahara with international partners, the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, the UN and civil society. We will continue to encourage constructive engagement with the political process.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of the resumption of funding for UNRWA; and when he plans to reach a decision on the resumption of such funding.

As the Foreign Secretary announced in his speech on 19 July, UNRWA is absolutely central to humanitarian efforts in Gaza. It also plays a critical role in the wider region in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees, including healthcare and education. We are confident that UNRWA is taking robust action in response to Catherine Colonna's independent review. Britain is committed to supporting UNRWA's lifesaving work, and will resume funding, releasing £21 million for Gaza and the region.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
9th Sep 2024
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an estimate of the potential impact of abolishing the mileage allowance scheme reduced rate for over 10,000 miles of travel in the tax year on the travel costs of people working in the voluntary sector.

Approved Mileage Allowance Payments (AMAPs) are used by employers to reimburse an employee's expenses for business mileage in their private vehicle.  These rates are also used by self-employed drivers to claim tax relief on business mileage (simplified motoring expenses) and can be used by organisations to reimburse volunteers who use their own vehicle for voluntary purposes.

Voluntary organisations reimbursing volunteers can either use the AMAP rates or can reimburse the actual cost incurred where the volunteer drivers can evidence such costs without a tax liability arising. Any reimbursement above the AMAP rates would be subject to Income Tax unless the driver can show evidence of the expenditure. It is ultimately up to the voluntary organisation to determine the amount they reimburse to volunteers.

In estimating typical motoring costs per business mile HMRC use a variety of information. This includes information from the AA, the National Travel Survey, the Association of British Insurers and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (fuel prices). The AMAP rate is intended to reflect both running costs (such as fuel) and a proportion of standing costs (such as insurance, MOT and depreciation).

As with all taxes and allowances, the Government keeps the AMAP rate under review. Any changes to are announced by the Chancellor at fiscal events, taking into account the wider economic and fiscal context.

James Murray
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
9th Sep 2024
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment has she made of the potential impact of uprating mileage allowance scheme rates on the travel costs of people working in the voluntary sector.

Approved Mileage Allowance Payments (AMAPs) are used by employers to reimburse an employee's expenses for business mileage in their private vehicle.  These rates are also used by self-employed drivers to claim tax relief on business mileage (simplified motoring expenses) and can be used by organisations to reimburse volunteers who use their own vehicle for voluntary purposes.

Voluntary organisations reimbursing volunteers can either use the AMAP rates or can reimburse the actual cost incurred where the volunteer drivers can evidence such costs without a tax liability arising. Any reimbursement above the AMAP rates would be subject to Income Tax unless the driver can show evidence of the expenditure. It is ultimately up to the voluntary organisation to determine the amount they reimburse to volunteers.

In estimating typical motoring costs per business mile HMRC use a variety of information. This includes information from the AA, the National Travel Survey, the Association of British Insurers and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (fuel prices). The AMAP rate is intended to reflect both running costs (such as fuel) and a proportion of standing costs (such as insurance, MOT and depreciation).

As with all taxes and allowances, the Government keeps the AMAP rate under review. Any changes to are announced by the Chancellor at fiscal events, taking into account the wider economic and fiscal context.

James Murray
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to support the implementation of UN General Assembly resolution A /RES/78/230 on the Promotion of inclusive and effective international tax cooperation at the United Nations adopted on 22 December 2023.

The UK has been an active participant in negotiations at the UN, as we are committed to working with others to ensure inclusive and effective international tax cooperation.

We maintain the view that a UN Framework Convention will only be successful in delivering this objective if it is clear in its aims, seeks to build upon rather than reinvent existing initiatives, and seeks to secure the broad support and participation of members.

We will continue to engage constructively in support of those principles.

James Murray
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
3rd Sep 2024
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much the Welsh Government will receive in additional Barnett Formula consequential funding as a result of the most recent pay award for NHS staff in England.

The Barnett formula applies to all increases or decreases to Departmental Expenditure Limits (DEL). When UK Government departmental budgets change, the Barnett formula will apply in the usual way. Any Barnett consequentials in 2024-25 resulting from the recent pay award for NHS staff in England would be confirmed at Autumn Budget 2024 and Supplementary Estimates 2024-25.

The published Block Grant Transparency document provides a detailed breakdown of how the block grants are calculated. The most recent report was published in July 2023.

Darren Jones
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of the Crown Estate publishing the (a) asset value and (b) net revenue profit of the Crown Estate in Wales within its annual accounts.

To achieve efficiency in its operations, the Crown Estate runs many of its functions at a whole enterprise level. As a result, separate financial statements for Wales would not reflect the fact that expenditure is incurred for the benefit of the whole portfolio, and it is not possible to disaggregate net revenue profit attributable to Wales.

The Crown Estate published a Wales Review to supplement the annual report and highlight The Crown Estate’s work in Wales.

James Murray
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)