To match an exact phrase, use quotation marks around the search term. eg. "Parliamentary Estate". Use "OR" or "AND" as link words to form more complex queries.

Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest developments by exploring our subscription options to receive notifications direct to your inbox

Written Question
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Health Services
Wednesday 29th April 2026

Asked by: David Smith (Labour - North Northumberland)

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of progress on the establishment of a specialised NHS service for people with very severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, including timelines, funding arrangements and decision-making criteria.

Answered by Sharon Hodgson - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The action within July 2025’s final delivery plan on myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), to consider whether a specialised service should be prescribed by my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for very severe ME/CFS has been delayed until April 2027.

Officials in the Department and NHS England are currently considering, alongside ME/CFS stakeholders, interim measures to support patients with very severe ME/CFS.

Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 28 Apr 2026
Referral of Prime Minister to Committee of Privileges

"My constituency neighbour is giving a speech full of hyperbole. The motion is about a specific question, yet he treats this as if it were a referendum on the Prime Minister. Does he agree that that is simply not what we are voting on tonight?..."
David Smith - View Speech

View all David Smith (Lab - North Northumberland) contributions to the debate on: Referral of Prime Minister to Committee of Privileges
Division Vote (Commons)
28 Apr 2026 - Business without Debate - View Vote Context
David Smith (Lab) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 297 Labour Aye votes vs 6 Labour No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 304 Noes - 28
Division Vote (Commons)
28 Apr 2026 - Business without Debate - View Vote Context
David Smith (Lab) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 304 Labour Aye votes vs 0 Labour No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 308 Noes - 81
Division Vote (Commons)
28 Apr 2026 - Pension Schemes Bill - View Vote Context
David Smith (Lab) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 322 Labour Aye votes vs 0 Labour No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 335 Noes - 158
Division Vote (Commons)
28 Apr 2026 - Referral of Prime Minister to Committee of Privileges - View Vote Context
David Smith (Lab) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 333 Labour No votes vs 15 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 223 Noes - 335
Written Question
Bank Services: Financial Conduct Authority
Tuesday 28th April 2026

Asked by: David Smith (Labour - North Northumberland)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of the Treasury expanding the FCA’s remit to include in-person banking services.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government supports initiatives which give customers access to in-person banking, as well as digital access.

The Government is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 275 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 230 are already open.

The Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 provides the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with responsibilities and powers to seek to ensure reasonable provision of cash access services, including free withdrawal and deposit facilities for personal current accounts. Additionally, the FCA’s existing regulatory framework and guidance expect firms to consider the impact of changes to their services on customers, including those who rely on in‑person banking, and to put appropriate alternatives in place, where needed.

The Government keeps the effectiveness of current arrangements under review through regular engagement with industry and the FCA to ensure they meet the needs of local communities.

Division Vote (Commons)
27 Apr 2026 - Northern Ireland Troubles Bill (Carry-over) - View Vote Context
David Smith (Lab) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 269 Labour Aye votes vs 0 Labour No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 279 Noes - 176
Division Vote (Commons)
27 Apr 2026 - Pension Schemes Bill - View Vote Context
David Smith (Lab) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 269 Labour Aye votes vs 0 Labour No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 279 Noes - 164
Division Vote (Commons)
27 Apr 2026 - English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill - View Vote Context
David Smith (Lab) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 268 Labour Aye votes vs 0 Labour No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 271 Noes - 171