Mike Martin Portrait

Mike Martin

Liberal Democrat - Tunbridge Wells

8,687 (16.0%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 4th July 2024


1 APPG Officer Position (as of 9 Sep 2025)
Armed Forces Community
1 APPG Membership
Net Zero
Armed Forces Commissioner Bill
4th Dec 2024 - 12th Dec 2024


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Mike Martin has voted in 190 divisions, and 1 time against the majority of their Party.

10 Jun 2025 - Data (Use and Access) Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Mike Martin voted No - against a party majority - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 56 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 1 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 304 Noes - 189
View All Mike Martin 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
David Lammy (Labour)
Deputy Prime Minister
(10 debate interactions)
John Healey (Labour)
Secretary of State for Defence
(9 debate interactions)
Chris Bryant (Labour)
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
(8 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
HM Treasury
(17 debate contributions)
Ministry of Defence
(15 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(9 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Mike Martin's debates

Tunbridge Wells Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petition Debates Contributed

I believe joining the EU would boost the economy, increase global influence, improve collaboration and provide stability & freedom. I believe that Brexit hasn't brought any tangible benefit and there is no future prospect of any, that the UK has changed its mind and that this should be recognised.


Latest EDMs signed by Mike Martin

11th March 2025
Mike Martin signed this EDM on Monday 13th October 2025

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Tabled by: Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party - Strangford)
That this House notes that March is Prostate Cancer awareness month; highlights that prostate cancer has become the most common cancer in England, with a massive 25% increase in cases between 2019 and 2023 and a further 1,100 men being diagnosed each year in Northern Ireland; underlines the importance of …
39 signatures
(Most recent: 13 Oct 2025)
Signatures by party:
Liberal Democrat: 21
Independent: 4
Plaid Cymru: 4
Green Party: 3
Labour: 3
Democratic Unionist Party: 2
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 1
Conservative: 1
Scottish National Party: 1
13th October 2025
Mike Martin signed this EDM as a sponsor on Monday 13th October 2025

Safety of British nationals aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla

Tabled by: Susan Murray (Liberal Democrat - Mid Dunbartonshire)
That this House is deeply concerned for the safety of British nationals, including Margaret Pacetta and Malcolm Ducker, currently aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza; notes that previous aid flotillas have been boarded and passengers detained; is alarmed by reports of further threats against the current …
10 signatures
(Most recent: 15 Oct 2025)
Signatures by party:
Liberal Democrat: 9
Labour: 1
View All Mike Martin's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Mike Martin, 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.


Mike Martin has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Mike Martin has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

Mike Martin has not introduced any legislation before Parliament

Mike Martin has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting


Latest 50 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
9th Sep 2025
To ask the Solicitor General, what assessment the Crown Prosecution Service has made of the adequacy of National Investigation Service investigations.

The Department for Business and Trade has responsibility for the National Investigation Service, given it is overseen by the Insolvency Service. As a result, the Crown Prosecution has made no assessment of the adequacy of the National Investigation Service.

Ellie Reeves
Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)
16th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 15 September 2025 to Question 75814 on Coronavirus: Fraud, how many cases the National Investigation Service (a) has open and (b) expects to transfer to the Insolvency Service.

Since the commencement of Covid-related investigations, the National Investigation Service has opened 254 criminal cases into alleged Bounce Back Loan fraud, with 131 cases currently ongoing.

We remain committed to tackling fraud and are working closely with the National Investigation Service and the Insolvency Service to ensure that cases are managed effectively. The Department for Business and Trade is considering a range of options for the transfer of cases, and further decisions will be made, guided by the latest information and statistics on the current caseload and enforcement activity.

Blair McDougall
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
10th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many complaints his Department has received on the National Investigation Service.

The Department for Business and Trade does not maintain a central record of complaints specifically about the National Investigation Service (NATIS).

While no formal complaints have been received directly by the Department, NATIS has been the subject of various Parliamentary Questions and Freedom of Information requests, indicating a level of interest.

In July 2025, the Department supported a response to a written complaint submitted to the Insolvency Service which included concerns about NATIS.

All correspondence is handled in line with established procedures to ensure appropriate and consistent responses.

Blair McDougall
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
10th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many audits the Public Sector Fraud Authority has undertaken into the National Investigation Service; what the purpose of these audits was; what methods were used during these audits; what the risks identified during these audits were; and how long each of these audits took.

On 12 October 2023, the Public Sector Fraud Authority were requested to undertake a formal operational review of National Investigation Service, with a primary purpose to focus on performance. The review team included experts from the National Crime Agency, Serious Fraud Office, HM Revenue and Customs, Government Internal Audit Agency, and NHS Counter Fraud Authority.

The review report was provided to DBT on 17 November 2023 and made recommendations to prevent future risk of secondments lapsing and appropriate governance.

There have been no other formal audits or reviews undertaken by the Public Sector Fraud Authority into National Investigation Service.

Blair McDougall
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
10th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department took to undertake due diligence in relation to the National Investigation Service before its funding for that body to enhance counter-fraud work was announced in the Spring Statement 2022.

At the time of the Spring Statement 2022 the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) had commissioned and managed NATIS to undertake potentially fraudulent covid loan investigations.

Through the Machinery of Government changes accountability for NATIS passed to DBT in February 2023. Financial, Commercial and Security due diligence was completed by DBT in preparation for the contract that commenced April 2024.

Blair McDougall
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
9th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, on what dates the Government renewed the contract for the National Investigation Service to investigate COVID-19 Bounce Back Loan fraud nationwide.

NATIS was commissioned by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), subsequently The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in September 2020 to undertake investigations into potentially fraudulent activity by recipients of loans under the Covid-19 Bounce Back Loan Scheme. The contract was renewed effective from 1st April 2024.

Kate Dearden
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
9th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, on what date his Department was made aware of Mazars' report commissioned by Thurrock Council into the National Investigation Service; and what steps it took in response.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) became aware of the Mazars report commissioned by Thurrock Council into the NATIS in June 2024.

The report was independently commissioned by Thurrock Council to review NATIS activity internally. DBT was not consulted or interviewed during its preparation.

Although confidential, the recommendations of the report were published in Thurrock Council board meeting quarter 2 2024.

In response, DBT requested the report from NATIS, which was provided July 2024. There was one finding directly affecting DBT that had already been addressed ahead of DBT receiving the report.

Kate Dearden
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
9th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many cases of alleged covid-19 Bounce Back Loan Fraud the National Investigation Service investigated under its contract with the Government; and how many people were arrested because of these investigations but not charged.

The National Investigation Service have investigated 254 Bounce Back Loan Fraud cases in total (including both open and closed cases).

There have been 6 arrests resulting in no charge.

There have been 56 arrests where the cases are still ongoing, and the suspect has been released pending investigation, a number of these may result in no charge.

Blair McDougall
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
8th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many cases have been transferred from the National Investigation Service under Thurrock Council to the Insolvency Service.

No cases have yet been transferred from the National Investigation Service (NATIS) to the Insolvency Service. The Department for Business and Trade is working closely with both agencies to ensure a smooth and secure transition of ongoing investigations. This careful approach is designed to protect the integrity of the casework and the recovery of public funds lost to Covid-related fraud.

Kate Dearden
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
16th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the sale of Royal Mail on the protection of historic post boxes.

Royal Mail is an iconic part of the UK’s infrastructure, and the government has ensured that the takeover has been properly scrutinised. The government has secured a commitment from EP Group, the potential buyers, to ensure that Royal Mail retains control of assets necessary to deliver the universal service obligation and an additional commitment to ensure that Royal Mail continues to use the Royal Cypher in accordance with existing arrangements.

Specific operational arrangements and agreements for historic post boxes continue to be a matter for Royal Mail as an independent business.

10th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed sale of Royal Mail on its ability to fulfil its obligations as a universal service provider.

A reliable and affordable universal postal service that works for customers, workers and communities is crucial to the UK businesses that help drive growth across the country.

The universal service obligation is a legally binding commitment on the designated universal service provider and its ongoing provision is required irrespective of the ownership of the business.

26th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of mandating businesses occupying spaces in (a) retail and (b) industrial estates to install solar panels on their roofs.

The Government provides fiscal incentives to encourage businesses to install rooftop solar, such as through tax relief and business rate exemptions. Through permitted development rights, there is no limit to the capacity of a commercial solar installation, although prior approval is required for installations greater than 50kW.

The forthcoming Solar Roadmap will set out recommendations on how the Government and industry will work together to achieve the ambition to radically increase the UK’s solar capacity by 2030 including for non-domestic solar.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
25th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the switch-off of the Radio Teleswitch Service on households reliant on Economy 10 electricity tariffs.

Energy suppliers are best placed to advise on suitable tariffs for households affected by the switch-off of RTS, including those with Economy 10 electricity tariffs.

Ofgem is consulting on plans to introduce new RTS licence conditions for energy suppliers, one of which states that suppliers must take all reasonable steps to provide a tariff that leaves their customers ‘no worse off’ than previously once their RTS meter is replaced.

Energy suppliers are contacting all households with RTS meters and Ofgem is encouraging customers to book an appointment to ensure they are provided with a replacement meter ahead of the switch-off.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
27th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what his planned timetable is for implementing the reforms to the Electronic Communications Code through the Product Security and Telecommunications Act 2022.

Most reforms to the Electronic Communications Code through the Product Security and Telecommunications Act 2022 have already been implemented. Government is committed to implementing the remaining provisions as soon as possible.

A technical consultation on provisions from the Act that - when commenced - make changes to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 and the Business Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 is open until 2 July. We expect to publish a response to this consultation later this year. The exact timeframe depends on the responses to the consultation and issues raised.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
17th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) requiring online gaming platforms to join recognised age-rating frameworks and (b) allowing Ofcom to investigate serious individual complaints about gameplay.

While there is no legal requirement for online games to display ratings, most major storefronts require the display of PEGI ratings. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport works closely with the Games Rating Authority in the UK to promote and encourage the display of age ratings online.

We expect all platforms, including user-to-user games services in scope of the Online Safety Act, to comply with the law. This currently requires all user-to-user and search services to have systems and processes in place to remove illegal content, and in the coming months, to protect children from harmful content.

The government keeps all legislation under review and will act where necessary to keep people safe online.

17th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of requiring social media platforms to (a) implement advanced virtual private network (VPN) detection technology to identify users accessing platforms through VPNs and (b) block VPN users' access, in the context of the risk of anonymous (i) exploitation and (ii) grooming of children online.

The Online Safety Act will place strict ‘illegal content’ duties on online platforms to protect children from being groomed by online predators, and to tackle child sexual exploitation and abuse content on their services.

Ofcom sets out steps providers can take for these duties in draft codes of practice. It can assess the merits of any proposed measures for its codes, including those that relate to VPNs. The first codes for the ‘illegal content duties’ came into force in March 2025 and Ofcom has said it will develop these iteratively.

25th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with (a) Google and (b) Apple on in-app purchase fees; and whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to regulate in-app fees.

The Competition and Markets Authority launched a Strategic Market Status designation investigation in January on both Apple and Google’s position in mobile ecosystems. This investigation is independent to Government and will also include the consideration of in-app purchase fees and conditions. The CMA have consulted on the scope of this investigation and is gathering evidence before publishing a provisional Strategic Market Status designation decision in July.

11th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with BT on the speed of the Digital Voice rollout; and what steps he is taking to ensure (a) elderly people, (b) vulnerable people and (c) people reliant on medical alarm systems are given support.

This is an issue the Government takes very seriously. The Government is determined to ensure that any risks arising from the industry-led migration from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) are mitigated, for all customers across the UK.

I chaired two roundtables with communication providers on this issue in September and November 2024, which included BT. Major communication providers and network operators signed voluntary charters in December 2023 and March 2024, and the Government secured further commitments to protect vulnerable customers during the PSTN migration in November 2024. DSIT officials regularly meet, with signatories of the PSTN charters, including BT, to monitor how they are meeting the safeguards. This includes discussions on the speed of the rollout.

The Department has acknowledged that customers who may be considered vulnerable in the context of the digital switchover may require additional support. A definition of vulnerable customers was published in November 2024. It includes those who are telecare and other social or medical alarm users. Any customer, including the elderly, can also self-identify as requiring additional support.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
8th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of requiring music streaming platforms to obtain a broadcasting licence to help ensure that artists are fairly remunerated for their work.

In February 2024, the Intellectual Property Office published independent research examining the potential economic impact of equitable remuneration on performers and the music market in the UK. The research found that applying the ‘broadcast model’ of equitable remuneration to music streaming would likely be disruptive for the music industry with a high likelihood of damaging unintended consequences, which could impact some creators. This Government does not intend to make a further assessment of the merits of the ‘broadcast model’.

This Government recognises the importance of ensuring that music creators are fairly compensated for their work. We are engaging with stakeholders from across the music industry, including streaming platforms, music creators and record labels, through a creator remuneration working group. The working group aims to drive industry-led action on music streaming remuneration and will meet for the fifth time in the coming weeks.



Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
11th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) protecting consumers from planned obsolescence in (i) video games and (ii) other digital software and (b) requiring publishers to make game content available for offline use upon server shutdown.

The Government is aware of issues relating to the life-span of digital content, including video games, and we appreciate the concerns of players of some games that have been discontinued. We have no plans to amend existing consumer law on digital obsolescence, but we will monitor this issue and consider the relevant work of the Competition and Market Authority (CMA) on consumer rights and consumer detriment.

Video games sellers must comply with existing consumer law, including the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA) and Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (CPRs). However, there is no requirement in UK law for software companies to support older versions of their products. Decision-making is for those companies, taking account of commercial and regulatory factors and complying with existing consumer law.

There may be occasions where companies make decisions based on the high running costs of maintaining older servers for games with declining user bases. If software is offered for sale that is not supported by the provider, then this should be made clear, for example on product webpages and physical packaging.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
3rd Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on introducing a TV License for people who only use streaming services.

The Government is keeping an open mind about the future of the licence fee, and firmly believes that the unique obligations placed on the BBC demand continued, sustainable public funding to support its vital work.

There are a range of alternatives and we are thinking creatively about options for the future, to ensure we future-proof our national broadcaster for many years to come. The Government will be taking forward the question of how the BBC is funded as part of the Charter Review process.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
3rd Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure that the contracted suppliers for the Disabled Students' Allowance are transparent with students on pricing.

Non-medical help hourly rates, together with any awards for travel, accommodation, or other costs, are supplied in the student’s entitlement letter, which outlines approved support. Additionally, the full breakdown of equipment costs is detailed in the needs assessment report, and students are entitled to request a copy of this report at any time. This means that students can see the costs associated with each element of their Disabled Students' Allowance support.

Josh MacAlister
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
28th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent discussions she has had with Student Finance England on the (a) ease of access to and (a) adequacy its customer services.

Student Finance England (SFE) is part of the Student Loans Company (SLC). The SLC is a wholly owned government company which delivers student finance services to students on behalf of the four UK Governments (the shareholders).

The department is responsible for oversight of the SLC, and my noble Friend, the Minister for Skills meets regularly with the SLC chair and chief executive. Alongside the other shareholders, the department sets key performance targets in the SLC Annual Performance and Resource Agreement. These targets include measures for customer service and satisfaction and are monitored at the SLC Board and through Board committees. The department and the shareholders scrutinise data relating to the quality of customer experience, including call response times and contact resolution.

Since the 2022/23 financial year the SLC has invested in improving its digital platforms for students and customers. Customers now have a variety of options to contact the SLC, including online account interactions, virtual assistants, live chat, social media and by telephone or in writing.

The SLC reports on customer satisfaction targets for applicants, students, sponsors, and customers in its Annual Report and Accounts. The most recent publication can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/slc-annual-report-and-accounts-2023-to-2024/slc-annual-report-and-accounts-2023-2024.

24th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the rule change preventing nurseries and preschools from charging for additional hours on the financial viability of early years providers; and what steps she is taking to support childcare providers with operational costs.

It is the government’s ambition that all families have access to high-quality, affordable and flexible early education and care, giving every child the best start in life and delivering on our Plan for Change.

The department does not prevent early education and childcare providers from charging parents for hours that are additional to any government funded early education place to which they are entitled. These are a private transaction between parents and their provider.

However, where providers agree to offer early education entitlements places that are funded by the taxpayer, it is a statutory requirement that those places must be available free of charge to parents. This means that mandatory charges associated with entitlements places are not permitted, and this was confirmed by the High Court in February this year. However, as departmental statutory guidance sets out, providers may offer and charge parents for food and extras, such as nappies, on an optional basis.

Next year alone, the department plans to provide over £8 billion for the early years entitlements. This is a more than 30% increase compared to 2024/25.

The government is delivering the largest ever uplift to the early years pupil premium, increasing the rate by over 45% to up to £570 per eligible child per year.

The department has confirmed funding rates for 2025/26 and announced a new £75 million expansion grant to support providers to deliver the additional staff and places required for next September.

A further £37 million of capital funding has been allocated to create or expand 300 school-based nurseries.

Stephen Morgan
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
17th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will take steps to review the rules for Ofsted-registered childminders claiming Government funding for children to whom they are related.

It is the government’s ambition that all families have access to high quality, affordable and flexible early education and care, giving every child the best start in life and delivering on our Plan for Change.

Parents are free to choose the childcare that is right for them and their children, and childminders are not prevented from caring for related children. Funding made available for the entitlements to early education for children aged 9 months to 4 years-old, however, cannot be claimed by, or spent on, childminders providing childcare for related children.

This restriction for local authority funding relatives is set out in the Childcare Act (2006). Section 18(4) of the 2006 Act specifically excludes care provided for a child by a parent or other relative, and section 18(8)(c) of the 2006 Act states that a relative, in relation to a child, means “a grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother or sister, whether of the full blood or half blood or by marriage or civil partnership”.

Successive governments have taken this same approach to avoid creating an incentive for adults to register to become childminders and being paid to look after related children that they are already looking after on an informal basis. Allowing childminders to receive funding for looking after related children would not be an effective use of public money and may have a negative impact on the viability of existing childcare businesses. For this reason, we have no plans to change this long-standing position at this time.

Although childminders cannot receive entitlements funding for related children, flexibilities within staff to child ratios can be used to allow childminders who are caring for related children to avoid limiting the income they can earn.

Stephen Morgan
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
17th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions she has had with (a) the University of Kent and (b) Canterbury Christ Church University on the potential impact of redundancies of teaching staff on (i) the effectiveness of (1) teaching and (2) research and (ii) student recruitment.

The government is aware of the financial challenges currently affecting the higher education (HE) sector. The department is aware that some providers, including the University of Kent and the Canterbury Christ Church University, are making difficult decisions around staffing in order to safeguard their financial sustainability. As independent entities, universities are responsible for pay and provision of staff, and the government does not have a role in intervening. However, we expect providers to work with staff, using their knowledge and experience to help identify how best to operate efficiently. All efficiency measures taken by the sector should provide a better long-term future for staff, students and the country.

This government is determined to build a HE system fit for the future. Ministers and departmental officials remain dedicated to engaging with the Office for Students, HE unions, the employer body and the wider sector. Regular discussions are being held to gain a deeper understanding of the issues impacting HE providers, students and staff, and to develop our plans for HE reform, which will be announced in summer 2025.

6th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of applying VAT to private school fees on children attending extracurricular activities at private schools, despite not attending them.

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, has made no assessment of the impact of applying VAT to school fees on children who do not attend private schools but may utilise their facilities.

The 20% standard rate of VAT applies to all education services, vocational training and boarding services provided by private schools for a charge. The VAT treatment of services delivered by third-party providers at private schools, for instance, self-employed music teachers or organisations that rent out private schools’ facilities, are unaffected by this policy. These services will always have been subject to VAT, if the provider is VAT-registered, unless it is private tutoring of a subject ordinarily taught in schools, which is exempt from VAT.

However, any before or after school childcare, or childcare-based holiday clubs, that consists solely of childcare and does not fall within the definition of education will remain exempt from VAT by virtue of the fact that welfare services are exempt from VAT.

HM Revenue and Customs have published guidance on charging and/or reclaiming VAT on good and services related to private school fees, which can be accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/charging-and-reclaiming-vat-on-goods-and-services-related-to-private-school-fees.

Stephen Morgan
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
3rd Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 29 November 2024 to Question 16106 on Overseas Students: Ukraine, whether Ukrainian students who gain an 18-month extension on their visa through the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme will be eligible for home fees status for the full duration of their degree; and whether she is taking steps with Cabinet colleagues to allow Ukrainian students to extend their visa once the 18-month extension has expired.

The department has amended the Student Support regulations so that those who have been granted leave under the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme may qualify for higher education student support in England and home fee status without the requirement to meet the normal three-year ordinary residence requirement.

Where a person's Ukraine Scheme permission expires during their course of study and they are granted further permission to remain under one of the standard immigration routes, they will continue to be eligible to access student support and home fee status while they complete their studies. This is in line with those granted leave under the other Ukraine Schemes.

We will continue to keep the Ukraine Schemes under consistent review in line with developments in the ongoing war.

20th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will take steps to publish a timetable for the introduction of a Natural History GCSE.

I refer the hon. Member for Tunbridge Wells to the answer of 17 December 2024 to Question 18517.

16th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of section 23 of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill on schools' ability to participate in team sports.

School uniforms play a valuable role in creating a sense of common identity among pupils and reducing visible inequalities, however, too many schools require high numbers of branded uniform items which creates a significant cost burden for families. This is why the department has introduced legislation to limit the number of branded items of uniform and physical education (PE) kit that schools can require, to bring down costs for parents and remove barriers from children accessing sport and other school activities. This will give parents more choice in where to purchase uniform and allow them greater flexibility to make the spending decisions that suit their circumstances.

​The department expects schools to ensure that all pupils can participate in all aspects of school life, including PE and sport. No pupil should be discouraged from participating in any aspect of school life, such as team sports or interschool competitions, because of the cost of additional uniform requirements. This limit allows school leaders to prioritise branding the uniform and PE kit items which best reflect the needs of their school, whilst reducing costs for parents.

​Our statutory guidance on the ‘Cost of School Uniform’ already requires schools to avoid being overly specific in their kit requirements for different sports and keep the number of items, particularly the number of branded items, to a minimum. Research also tells us that the more choice that girls in particular have over what to wear for PE, the more comfortable they are and the greater the likelihood of their long term participation in sport. The research is available at the following link: https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/43602/documents/216689/default/.

Schools will still be free to loan out specific competition kit where appropriate, however, the cost of PE and sports kit should never be a barrier to participation in PE and sport, and that is why this measure is needed.

16th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of section 23 of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill on small businesses that provide school uniforms.

School uniforms play a valuable role in creating a sense of common identity among pupils and reducing visible inequalities, however, too many schools require high numbers of branded uniform items which creates cost pressures for too many families. This is why the department has introduced legislation to limit the number of branded items of uniform and physical education (PE) kit that schools can require, to bring down costs for parents and remove barriers from children accessing sport and other school activities. This will give parents more choice in where to purchase non-branded items of uniform and allow them greater flexibility to make the spending decisions that suit their circumstances.

The department has considered the impact on small businesses, including by talking to partners in the sector, and recognises that it is likely that this measure will reduce demand for branded items offered by small businesses.

We know that these businesses have a valuable place in the uniform sector, bringing benefits such as providing year-round guaranteed supply, a diversity of sizes and specialist advice to schools and parents. For these reasons, we expect many parents will continue to buy non-branded uniform from such businesses. Specialist suppliers will still be able to offer optional branded items alongside generic options.

School uniforms should be designed to make children smarter not families poorer. Our data suggests that where parents can buy items from a range of suppliers the average cost of uniform is significantly lower.

13th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) fast-tracking higher-level teaching assistants to become teachers and (b) introducing teaching apprenticeships.

Teaching assistants (TAs) play a vital role in children’s education. They are crucial to ensuring we give children the best possible life chances.

The ‘use of teaching assistants in schools’ departmental survey from 2023 found that 23% of TAs with a higher level teaching assistant (HLTA) qualification were ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ interested in undertaking training to become a teacher.

TAs who are interested in gaining qualified teacher status (QTS) can do so through a range of existing routes.

TAs can gain QTS through both fee-funded and salaried Initial Teacher Training (ITT). Salaried routes allow TAs to continue to earn an income and may provide the opportunity to remain employed by their current school.

Salaried ITT includes School Direct (salaried) routes and the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship (PGTA) for TAs with an undergraduate degree, and the Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (TDA) for those without an undergraduate degree.

Teaching apprenticeships already exist and expand opportunities for people to become excellent teachers and allow successful candidates to earn and learn whilst obtaining QTS. In spring 2024, the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education approved the new TDA standard. Candidate recruitment to the TDA began in autumn 2024 and training will commence in autumn 2025. The PGTA will continue to be available in the 2025/26 academic year.

Some TAs with an undergraduate degree and significant teaching experience may be eligible for the assessment only route to QTS. This route allows experienced teachers to gain QTS without undertaking additional training. To be eligible, currently, candidates must be able to demonstrate that they meet the Teachers' Standards without further training and have evidence of teaching experience (i) in at least two schools (ii) for at least two years.

25th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent guidance her Department has issued on whether students who have extended their visas under the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme are eligible for home fees status for university fees in England.

The department laid the Education (Student Support) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 on 22 May which ensures that students who have been granted leave under the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme will qualify for student support in England and home fee status from the 2024/25 academic year, without requiring them to meet the normal three year ordinary residence requirement. This is in line with those granted leave under the other Ukraine schemes.

The Student Loans Company will make the necessary amendments to guidance in time for when the scheme opens.

28th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will require water companies to re-evaluate wastewater management plans in the context of increased housing targets.

The Government secured a record £104 billion of private investment into the water sector that will provide infrastructure including 9 new reservoirs and waste water treatment works across the country. This will support the building of 1.5 million new homes and new businesses including data centres and giga factories that will power economic growth, new jobs and higher wages. Our new Water Delivery Taskforce will ensure this vital infrastructure is delivered on schedule.

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
17th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department plans to take to support English and Welsh farmers when the Fruit and Vegetable Aid scheme ends on the 31st December 2025.

Responsibility for horticulture is a devolved matter and, as such, is a matter for the Welsh Government to consider in Wales.

We recognise the importance of our domestic growers who play a vital role in our food security, economy and rural communities. In England our approach to future funding for horticulture will be considered alongside Defra’s work to simplify and rationalise agricultural grant funding, ensuring that grants deliver the most benefit for food security and nature.

Horticulture will also be considered within our new food strategy, which will make our food system one we can be proud of, that protects our strong British traditions, helps to grow the economy and improves people’s health.

Underlining this commitment to our growers, we have provided a five-year extension to the Seasonal Worker visa route, giving farms certainty to grow their businesses. In the last month, we have also announced new grants within the Farming Innovation Programme, worth a combined £45.6 million, to support projects across the research and development (R&D) lifecycle. Horticulture has been in scope of this Programme with over £40 million awarded to the sector to date.

4th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to ensure that households on private water networks have access to the same (a) provision for leak allowances and (b) other protections as households supplied directly by water companies.

Local authorities are the regulators for private water supplies. The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) has information about private water supplies on their website, some of which covers private supply networks.

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
6th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of funding (a) water meadows and (b) other natural water management strategies.

Nature and catchment-based solutions in the water sector have an important role to play. Natural flood management (NFM) is a key part of our approach to mitigating flood risk, and can involve floodplain meadows when designed and located appropriately

Natural England support the role of nature-based solutions (NBS), like water meadows in resolving multiple pressures on the water environment. NBS are a core pillar of Natural England’s five-year aims.

The Environment Agency is increasingly looking to nature to enhance ecosystem services, reduce risks, and build resilience in rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters. Using NBS involves protecting existing natural functions, restoring ecosystems, and recreating landscapes. NBS benefit wildlife, food security, and resilience to floods and droughts. Restoring floodplains and water meadows reduces pollution from intensive agriculture while improving aquifer recharge, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity (CIEEM, 2022). Projects like Mires for Moors show how peatland restoration and upland reforestation reduce runoff, prevent sewer overflows, and mitigate flooding, as seen in the Ullswater Catchment.

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
6th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the Independent Water Commission will have powers to approve natural water management approaches.

On 23 October, the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the Welsh Government, launched an Independent Commission on the water sector regulatory system, to fundamentally transform how our water system works and clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.

The scope of the commission is detailed in its terms of reference, available on GOV.UK. It includes specific mention of enabling the greater use of nature-based solutions where these represent good value for money.

The commission will provide a report to the Government by Q2 2025 with recommendations to the Secretary of State and Welsh ministers. Once the commission has made recommendations, both Governments will respond and consult on proposals, including potential legislation.

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
12th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the Minister for Rail plans to respond to the correspondence of 11 August 2025 from the hon. Member for Tunbridge Wells on accessibility at High Brooms Station.

On behalf of the Rail Minister, I apologise to the hon. Member for Tunbridge Wells for the delay in responding to his correspondence regarding accessibility at High Brooms Station. A full response to the hon. Member was issued on 16 September.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
27th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment she has made of the potential merits of reopening closed passenger rail lines.

This Spending Review shows the government’s commitment to investment in the railways and in schemes that support economic growth. The settlement represents an increase in funding on what has been spent on rail enhancements in recent years. While some key schemes have already been referenced by the Chancellor, my officials are now working to confirm our wider portfolio of rail enhancements, which will be published as part of the government’s commitment to set out its overall infrastructure pipeline.

The Restoring Your Railway programme was closed by the government as announced by the Chancellor in July 2024 and currently has no plans to revisit this decision. Most of the Restoring Your Railway schemes that were announced by the previous government were unfunded, which is why the programme was closed.

It is possible that Local Transport Authorities may wish to press ahead with developing individual local rail enhancement projects for funding in the future as this government believes that local authorities are best placed to advocate for projects that will most benefit their local areas.

The aim is to encourage strong business cases that effectively identify the optimal transport solution supporting growth, more homes and increased job opportunities.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
25th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of mandating new cars sold to have speed limiters.

We currently have no plans to introduce mandatory speed limiters for new vehicles.

Lilian Greenwood
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
17th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a railcard for (a) civilian police staff and (b) civil servants.

The Railways Act 1993 requires all train operators to participate in approved discount card schemes for young travellers, disabled passengers and those over 60. These groups are offered discounted travel because it is broadly assumed that, because of age or circumstances, they are likely to be earning less than adults of typical working age. Our intention is that, once established, Great British Railways (GBR) should be required by legislation to retain these discounts. Further voluntary discount cards have been introduced by the Rail Delivery Group.

There are no current plans to review railcards in advance of the transition to GBR, but it will have the opportunity to take a fresh look at the justification of the eligibility and restrictions of some railcards. Any long-term changes or concessions made to rail fares policy will require balancing against the potential impacts on passengers, taxpayers and the railway.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
18th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) extending and (b) removing the 30-day time limit for completing a blue badge application.

While there is no time limit for completion of a Blue Badge application in legislation, in order to comply with UK data handling regulations personal data relating to an application on the Blue Badge online application system is deleted after thirty days. In that thirty-day period applicants are able to save and return to their online application.

Lilian Greenwood
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
10th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which body has responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the cycle path between Pembury Hospital and Tonbridge.

Local highway authorities have a duty under Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980 to maintain the highways network in their area, including cycle paths. Kent County Council is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the non-motorised user route that runs from Pembury Hospital to Vauxhall Lane, Tonbridge.

This Government takes the condition of our country’s roads very seriously and is committed to supporting local authorities in maintaining and renewing the local highway network and tackling the maintenance backlog. The Government has already announced a funding uplift of £500 million for the 2025/26 financial year compared to 2024/25, with Kent County Council receiving an additional £14.2 million for highway maintenance.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
10th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many people were killed in road traffic collisions on the A21 in Tunbridge Wells constituency in each year since 2019.

The number of people killed in reported road collisions on the A21 in the Tunbridge Wells constituency in each year since 2019 are shown in the table. The latest year for which data is available is 2023.

Year

Number of fatalities

2019

2

2020

2

2021

1

2022

0

2023

1

Lilian Greenwood
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
10th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which body is responsible for clearing litter alongside the A21 in Tunbridge Wells constituency.

The responsibility for litter clearing on the A21 near Tunbridge Wells, falls to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

Lilian Greenwood
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury