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

Speech in Commons Chamber - Wed 02 Sep 2026
Rewiring the State

"For my Torbay constituents, and indeed all constituents in Devon and Cornwall, No. 10 North is actually two hours further away than No. 10 Downing Street. Although we Liberal Democrats genuinely welcome devolution that brings power closer to people, I represent a constituency that has high levels of deprivation. Can …..."
Steve Darling - View Speech

View all Steve Darling (LD - Torbay) contributions to the debate on: Rewiring the State
Division Vote (Commons)
2 Sep 2026 - Representation of the People Bill - View Vote Context
Steve Darling (LD) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 61 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 411 Noes - 102
Division Vote (Commons)
2 Sep 2026 - Representation of the People Bill - View Vote Context
Steve Darling (LD) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 61 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 85 Noes - 427
Division Vote (Commons)
2 Sep 2026 - Representation of the People Bill - View Vote Context
Steve Darling (LD) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 63 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 105 Noes - 410
Division Vote (Commons)
2 Sep 2026 - Representation of the People Bill - View Vote Context
Steve Darling (LD) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 62 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 166 Noes - 346
Early Day Motion
50th anniversary of Torbay Civic Society (11 Signatures)
2 Sep 2026
Tabled by: Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat - Torbay)
That this House congratulates Torbay Civic Society on its 50th anniversary in 2026, marking half a century of dedicated voluntary service to the communities of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham; recognises that, since its foundation in 1976, the Society has worked tirelessly to promote public interest in the history, heritage, character …
Written Question
Members: Correspondence
Wednesday 2nd September 2026

Asked by: Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat - Torbay)

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Torbay sent on 22 and 27 April, reference SD16253.

Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)

I responded to the hon. Member’s correspondence on 15 July 2026 (our reference MC2026/11359) and to his further correspondence of 15 July 2026, in relation to the same case, on 12 August 2026 (our reference MC2026/15006).

Written Question
Schools: Lead
Tuesday 1st September 2026

Asked by: Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat - Torbay)

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, who is the responsible body for ensuring lead testing happens in school buildings.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

Responsibility for the safety and maintenance of school buildings, including ensuring the quality of drinking water, rests with the responsible body for the school. For maintained schools this is usually the local authority or governing body, and for academies it is the academy trust.

Responsible bodies are expected to comply with relevant legal requirements and take appropriate action, including testing for lead in drinking water where there is a potential risk. The School Premises (England) Regulations 2012 require schools to have suitable drinking water facilities.

Written Question
Free School Meals
Tuesday 4th August 2026

Asked by: Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat - Torbay)

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate they have made of the number of children eligible for free school meals who are not registered to receive them.

Answered by Paul Waugh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The department only collects data on pupils who are both eligible for and claiming free school meals. Children not claiming free school meals could be eligible or ineligible to claim them. As a result, no recent estimate has been made of the number of children eligible for but not registered to receive free school meals.

Written Question
Universal Credit
Wednesday 22nd July 2026

Asked by: Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat - Torbay)

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent progress his Department has made in the completion of the Universal Credit split payment impact assessment; and whether they plan to use split payments as the default mechanism for all joint claims.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government) (Equalities)

The Department is currently considering the policy design specification provided by the Scottish Government for its proposal to make split payments the default option for Universal Credit customers in Scotland.

The Department has no plans to make split payments the default arrangement for all joint Universal Credit claims.