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Early Day Motion
50th anniversary of Central Church Torquay (10 Signatures)
18 Dec 2025
Tabled by: Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat - Torbay)
That this House celebrates the 50th anniversary of Central Church in Torquay; notes that the foundation stone was laid in June 1975 and the building opened in September of that year; recognises the church’s distinctive white structure and its three crosses, a well-known and much-discussed feature of Torbay’s skyline; further …
Early Day Motion
UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons (41 Signatures)
18 Dec 2025
Tabled by: Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat - Torbay)
That this House supports the protection of the rights of older people in the UK and globally; recognises that a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons is an important step for establishing a global minimum standard of legal protection for older people everywhere; acknowledges the strong track record …
Speech in Commons Chamber - Wed 17 Dec 2025
Local Government Finance

"I am sure that the Minister will join me in congratulating Anna Coles, the director of adult and community services at Torbay council, and her team on achieving a “good” rating from the Care Quality Commission this week. The fly in the ointment is that despite Torbay being the most …..."
Steve Darling - View Speech

View all Steve Darling (LD - Torbay) contributions to the debate on: Local Government Finance
Speech in Commons Chamber - Wed 17 Dec 2025
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill

"What we see here is the tune remaining the same from the Budget, but perhaps the words changing a little. We see short-term gain for the taxman and long-term pain for the taxpayer, and particularly for those who wish to save for their pensions.

The Minister was right to highlight …..."
Steve Darling - View Speech

View all Steve Darling (LD - Torbay) contributions to the debate on: National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill
Speech in Commons Chamber - Wed 17 Dec 2025
UK-EU Common Understanding Negotiations

"The news about the reinstatement of the Erasmus scheme is brilliant for our young people. I have heard from language schools in Torbay, particularly International House Torquay, who have taken advantage of the group travel scheme for German students to be able to use just their ID cards to study …..."
Steve Darling - View Speech

View all Steve Darling (LD - Torbay) contributions to the debate on: UK-EU Common Understanding Negotiations
Division Vote (Commons)
17 Dec 2025 - National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill - View Vote Context
Steve Darling (LD) voted No - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 60 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 312 Noes - 165
Written Question
Government Departments: Migrants
Wednesday 17th December 2025

Asked by: Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat - Torbay)

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, which Departments and schemes will include families with No Recourse to Public Funds within their eligibility criteria following the introduction of new guidance; and what steps she will take to monitor and enforce consistency of support.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The new guidance being produced by the Home Office is designed to assist local authorities in supporting families with NRPF, as set out in the Child Poverty Strategy. The guidance will provide clarity around statutory duties and key safeguards for local authorities, ensuring a clear and consistent approach. The guidance does not alter the eligibility criteria for any current schemes or benefits.

Children whose families are subject to the ‘no recourse to public funds’ condition (NRPF) can currently access schemes and benefits such as free school meals, 15 hours of free childcare for disadvantaged two-year-olds and 15 hours free childcare for three- to four-year-old.

The Home Office will continue to work across government where relevant to ensure that migrant children with NRPF are specifically considered when reviewing or deciding on eligibility for schemes and benefits.

Division Vote (Commons)
16 Dec 2025 - Finance (No. 2) Bill - View Vote Context
Steve Darling (LD) voted No - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 66 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 341 Noes - 195
Speech in Commons Chamber - Wed 10 Dec 2025
Seasonal Work

"In the west country, we have seen an icy chilling effect from the NICs hike on our hospitality and tourism industry, particularly in Torbay. The Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust, which looks after some of our beautiful natural spaces, has faced a £100,000 cost from the NICs hike, which has …..."
Steve Darling - View Speech

View all Steve Darling (LD - Torbay) contributions to the debate on: Seasonal Work
Written Question
Members: Correspondence
Wednesday 10th December 2025

Asked by: Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat - Torbay)

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to respond to the urgent correspondence from the hon. Member for Torbay dated 12 November 2025 on the potential closure of the custody suite in Torbay.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

A response to this letter has been sent.