Information between 31st October 2025 - 10th November 2025
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| Division Votes |
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5 Nov 2025 - Employment Rights Bill - View Vote Context Steve Darling voted No - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 63 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat Aye votes Tally: Ayes - 308 Noes - 153 |
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5 Nov 2025 - Employment Rights Bill - View Vote Context Steve Darling voted No - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 63 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat Aye votes Tally: Ayes - 310 Noes - 155 |
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5 Nov 2025 - Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill - View Vote Context Steve Darling voted No - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 61 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat Aye votes Tally: Ayes - 268 Noes - 80 |
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5 Nov 2025 - Employment Rights Bill - View Vote Context Steve Darling voted No - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 62 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat Aye votes Tally: Ayes - 312 Noes - 151 |
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5 Nov 2025 - Employment Rights Bill - View Vote Context Steve Darling voted No - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 62 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat Aye votes Tally: Ayes - 311 Noes - 152 |
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5 Nov 2025 - Employment Rights Bill - View Vote Context Steve Darling voted No - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 61 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat Aye votes Tally: Ayes - 310 Noes - 150 |
| Speeches |
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Steve Darling speeches from: Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill
Steve Darling contributed 1 speech (423 words) Consideration of Lords amendments Wednesday 5th November 2025 - Commons Chamber Department for Work and Pensions |
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Steve Darling speeches from: Welfare Spending
Steve Darling contributed 2 speeches (756 words) Tuesday 4th November 2025 - Commons Chamber Department for Work and Pensions |
| Written Answers |
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Resettlement: Afghanistan
Asked by: Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat - Torbay) Wednesday 5th November 2025 Question to the Home Office: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department is taking steps to expedite delayed biometric processing in Islamabad, Pakistan, for family members of people who assisted UK military operations in Afghanistan; and whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential risk of family members being deported to Afghanistan and identified by the Taliban. Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office) The Home Office does not hold this information. |
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Telecommunications: South West
Asked by: Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat - Torbay) Friday 31st October 2025 Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions she has had with Ofcom on ensuring that there is adequate telecommunications coverage across the South West region. Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) Ofcom publishes figures on mobile and fixed broadband coverage across the UK twice a year in their Connected Nations report. The full report for 2025 is expected to be published by the end of this year. Ofcom does not publish aggregate coverage figures at a regional level in their Connected Nations reports but does do so at a Local Authority and Westminster constituency level. There have already been mobile coverage uplifts across the South West from the Shared Rural Network programme, with further improvements to come in the region from the publicly funded element of the programme in Dartmoor and Exmoor. Additionally, to improve gigabit broadband coverage, Openreach, Wildanet, Gigaclear and Wessex Internet are delivering a number of Project Gigabit contracts across the South West. |
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Digital Technology: Standards
Asked by: Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat - Torbay) Friday 31st October 2025 Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what quality assurance is in place to ensure that when a licence is issued for small-scale digital deployment, the coverage delivered aligns with the planned coverage; and how her Department works with operators to ensure an appropriate level of service is maintained. Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) Localised networks, such as private mobile networks, are delivered by a wide range of providers to support connectivity for particular users, for example, for business and organisations in sectors such as manufacturing and healthcare. This is different from the coverage provided by the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) through their national networks, for which we have set the national ambition. For these localised networks, coverage and service levels are typically agreed between the service provider and its customers, and this will vary significantly between different uses. As such, coverage and service levels are not routinely monitored. |
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Foster Care
Asked by: Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat - Torbay) Friday 31st October 2025 Question to the Department for Education: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure that independent fostering agencies receive adequate support to provide high-quality fostering services. Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education) The department’s priority is to recruit and retain more foster carers so there is a choice of stable, loving foster homes for children in care. The government is committed to ensuring a fostering system that meets the needs of children and young people and works for everyone involved. We have clear regulations and rigorous inspection frameworks to ensure these high standards are achieved. All private independent fostering agencies must meet the legal requirements set out in the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011. These regulations, alongside the fostering services: national minimum standards, are used by Ofsted when inspecting fostering agencies to ensure that they are offering the right support to children and foster families. The department encourages local authorities and independent fostering agencies to collaborate and welcome sector efforts such as the National Fostering Model Contract, which was co-produced by local authorities and independent fostering agencies, which aim to improve commissioning processes. |
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Pathways to Work
Asked by: Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat - Torbay) Monday 3rd November 2025 Question to the Department for Work and Pensions: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 20 May 2025 to Question 51603, if he will provide an update on when the Pathways to Work White Paper will be published. Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions) We have already put in place the equivalent of over 1000 full-time Pathways to Work advisers across Britain to support disabled people into work.
We have also launched the Timms Review to ensure PIP is fair and fit for the future and are increasing the number of health assessments that are being conducted in person. We will be bringing forward other policy updates in due course. |
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Animal Experiments
Asked by: Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat - Torbay) Tuesday 4th November 2025 Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 24 October 2025 to Question 82424 on Animal Experiments, which experiments does the alternative methods strategy include timelines for phasing out. Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) The Labour Manifesto commits to “partner with scientists, industry, and civil society as we work towards the phasing out of animal testing”, which is a long-term goal. The government will publish a strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods later this year and will outline targets and timelines for the phasing out of some specific applications of animal testing.
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Heart Diseases: Screening
Asked by: Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat - Torbay) Tuesday 4th November 2025 Question to the Department of Health and Social Care: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will consider extending access to cardiac screening to people aged 14 to 35 who participate in sport. Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care) In the United Kingdom, national screening programmes are introduced based on the recommendations of the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), an independent scientific advisory committee which advises ministers and the National Health Service in all four countries on all aspects of population and targeted screening and which supports implementation. The UK NSC last reviewed screening for sudden cardiac death (SCD) in people under the age of 39 years old in 2019 and concluded that population screening should not be offered. Further information is available at the following link: https://view-health-screening-recommendations.service.gov.uk/sudden-cardiac-death/ The UK NSC is currently examining the evidence for SCD screening and will open a public consultation to seek comments from members of the public and stakeholders on this in due course. |
| MP Financial Interests |
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3rd November 2025
Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat - Torbay) 2. Donations and other support (including loans) for activities as an MP Jerome Betts - £2,000.00 Source |
| Early Day Motions Signed |
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Tuesday 18th November Steve Darling signed this EDM as a sponsor on Wednesday 19th November 2025 Kaleidoscopic UK and the King's Award for Voluntary Service 5 signatures (Most recent: 19 Nov 2025)Tabled by: Clive Jones (Liberal Democrat - Wokingham) That this House congratulates Wokingham-based charity Kaleidoscopic UK, and its founder Vickie Robertson BEM, on receiving the King's Award for Voluntary Service; recognises the essential nature of Kaleidoscopic UK's work supporting survivors of domestic abuse and especially post-separation abuse; recognises with sadness that for too many victims the end of … |
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Tuesday 18th November Steve Darling signed this EDM on Wednesday 19th November 2025 110 years of the Women's Institute 20 signatures (Most recent: 21 Nov 2025)Tabled by: Zöe Franklin (Liberal Democrat - Guildford) That this House congratulates the Women’s Institute on 110 years since its formation in 1915; recognises its position as one of the oldest and largest women's organisations and the important role it plays in inspiring women from all over England, Wales and The Islands to be active citizens who care … |
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Wednesday 12th November Steve Darling signed this EDM as a sponsor on Monday 17th November 2025 13 signatures (Most recent: 19 Nov 2025) Tabled by: Brian Mathew (Liberal Democrat - Melksham and Devizes) That this House congratulates the Holt Crafters, a group of volunteers from the village of Holt, Wiltshire for their work knitting and crocheting poppies to be made into a cascade at St Katharine's Church tower and displayed around the village; recognises the skill and commitment it took to do this; … |
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Wednesday 12th November Steve Darling signed this EDM as a sponsor on Monday 17th November 2025 13 signatures (Most recent: 18 Nov 2025) Tabled by: Rachel Gilmour (Liberal Democrat - Tiverton and Minehead) That this House congratulates the Exmoor Forest Inn on the fantastic achievement of being named one of the top 100 Best British Pubs this year; recognises the fantastic contribution given to local communities by pubs; celebrates the many fantastic rural pubs which make the Tiverton and Minehead constituency a wonderful … |
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Wednesday 12th November Steve Darling signed this EDM on Monday 17th November 2025 As You Like It Club for the blind and partially sighted 15 signatures (Most recent: 20 Nov 2025)Tabled by: Manuela Perteghella (Liberal Democrat - Stratford-on-Avon) That this House pays warm tribute to the late Jenny Cobley for her decades of dedication to the As You Like It Club for the blind and partially sighted in Stratford-upon-Avon; notes that since the 1970s Jenny ran the club with boundless kindness, energy and humour, providing entertainment, companionship and … |
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Thursday 13th November Steve Darling signed this EDM as a sponsor on Monday 17th November 2025 Support for the Shakespeare Curriculum Project 14 signatures (Most recent: 20 Nov 2025)Tabled by: Manuela Perteghella (Liberal Democrat - Stratford-on-Avon) That this House welcomes the launch of the Shakespeare Curriculum project, a not-for-profit initiative providing free, high-quality teaching resources to help every child access and enjoy the works of William Shakespeare; notes that the project brings together teachers, academics and theatre practitioners to ensure that Shakespeare’s plays are taught in … |
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Tuesday 11th November Steve Darling signed this EDM as a sponsor on Wednesday 12th November 2025 Support for the UK-Ukraine Trauma and Recovery Collaborative 23 signatures (Most recent: 20 Nov 2025)Tabled by: Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat - Epsom and Ewell) That this House recognises the importance of the Trauma and Recovery Collaborative in strengthening Ukraine’s health system while enhancing the UK’s own resilience and preparedness for conflict-related health challenges; notes that this initiative, developed under the framework of the UK-Ukraine 100-Year Partnership Agreement, will deliver vital clinical support, training and … |
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Wednesday 12th November Steve Darling signed this EDM as a sponsor on Wednesday 12th November 2025 38 signatures (Most recent: 20 Nov 2025) Tabled by: Wendy Chamberlain (Liberal Democrat - North East Fife) That this House notes that in November 2024 there were 1,984,510 households receiving Housing Benefit, 1,608,502 households receiving the Universal Credit housing element for private housing, and 2,158,694 receiving the same for social housing; further notes that housing allowance is designed to meet rental costs for the lowest one third … |
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Tuesday 11th November Steve Darling signed this EDM as a sponsor on Wednesday 12th November 2025 Friends of Campsie Community Work 15 signatures (Most recent: 18 Nov 2025)Tabled by: Susan Murray (Liberal Democrat - Mid Dunbartonshire) That this House congratulates Friends of Campsie High Kirk in Lennoxtown on becoming the first community organisation in the UK to take ownership of an A-listed heritage building through the King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer’s Ownerless Property Transfer Scheme; recognises their commitment and courage in taking on the challenge of … |
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Tuesday 11th November Steve Darling signed this EDM as a sponsor on Wednesday 12th November 2025 18 signatures (Most recent: 20 Nov 2025) Tabled by: Brian Mathew (Liberal Democrat - Melksham and Devizes) That this House recognises the ongoing scientific and academic research into the Jordan Codices, a collection of sealed books discovered in Jordan, which some scholars suggest may date back to the early Christian era; commends the extensive efforts over the past eighteen years by David Elkington, Jennifer Solignanc, and others … |
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Tuesday 11th November Steve Darling signed this EDM as a sponsor on Wednesday 12th November 2025 36 signatures (Most recent: 20 Nov 2025) Tabled by: Sarah Gibson (Liberal Democrat - Chippenham) That this House supports Family Business Week 2025, a week-long celebration led by Family Business UK of family businesses across the UK; supports the theme of Family Business Week 2025 in encouraging family businesses to export internationally; recognises that family-owned business are the backbone of the UK economy, employing millions … |
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Tuesday 11th November Steve Darling signed this EDM as a sponsor on Wednesday 12th November 2025 Conduct of Sir Robbie Gibb and the independence of the BBC Board 40 signatures (Most recent: 20 Nov 2025)Tabled by: Ed Davey (Liberal Democrat - Kingston and Surbiton) That this House notes with concern reports regarding the conduct of Sir Robbie Gibb in his capacity as a member of the BBC Board; recognises the importance of maintaining the Corporation's independence and the confidence of the public in its governance and editorial processes; observes that there have been claims … |
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Tuesday 11th November Steve Darling signed this EDM on Wednesday 12th November 2025 Release of Alaa Abd El-Fattah and the plight of British nationals arbitrarily detained abroad 46 signatures (Most recent: 20 Nov 2025)Tabled by: Calum Miller (Liberal Democrat - Bicester and Woodstock) That this House is relieved and delighted by the release of Alaa Abd El-Fattah, following six years of his unjust and arbitrary detention in Egypt; warmly welcomes Alaa being reunited with his family; emphatically commends the courage of Alaa's mother, Laila Soueif for her activism, including hunger striking, to help … |
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Tuesday 11th November Steve Darling signed this EDM as a sponsor on Wednesday 12th November 2025 14 signatures (Most recent: 18 Nov 2025) Tabled by: Vikki Slade (Liberal Democrat - Mid Dorset and North Poole) That this House celebrates the awarding of Tobias Gutteridge, constituent of Mid Dorset and North Poole, with an Honorary Degree from Bournemouth University; commends in this week of remembrance Mr Gutteridge’s exemplary service as part of the Royal Marines and Special Boat Service; recognises the sacrifice Mr Gutteridge made as … |
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Tuesday 11th November Steve Darling signed this EDM as a sponsor on Wednesday 12th November 2025 RAF Photographic Reconnaissance Units 23 signatures (Most recent: 20 Nov 2025)Tabled by: Manuela Perteghella (Liberal Democrat - Stratford-on-Avon) That this House supports calls for a national memorial to commemorate the service and sacrifice of the Royal Air Force’s Photographic Reconnaissance Units (PRU); notes that the PRU, formed on 24 September 1939, undertook highly dangerous, unarmed intelligence missions across all theatres of the Second World War, capturing more than … |
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Wednesday 25th June Steve Darling signed this EDM on Tuesday 11th November 2025 70 signatures (Most recent: 18 Nov 2025) Tabled by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil) That this House recognises the importance of naloxone as a lifesaving medication that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose; expresses alarm at the broad rise of deaths involving opioids in recent years; acknowledges that an addiction to drugs is not a lifestyle choice, nor a moral flaw, but … |
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Monday 3rd November Steve Darling signed this EDM on Wednesday 5th November 2025 Ukrainian Permission Extension Scheme 35 signatures (Most recent: 18 Nov 2025)Tabled by: Wendy Chamberlain (Liberal Democrat - North East Fife) That this House expresses concern about the continuing uncertainty faced by Ukrainians living in the United Kingdom under the Ukraine Schemes; notes that while the introduction of the Ukrainian Permission Extension Scheme in February 2025 provided an additional 18 months’ leave to remain for those already in the UK, it … |
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Monday 3rd November Steve Darling signed this EDM on Wednesday 5th November 2025 Local government and social care 46 signatures (Most recent: 18 Nov 2025)Tabled by: Zöe Franklin (Liberal Democrat - Guildford) That this House recognises that adult social care is the largest area of council spending after SEND provision; notes that in 2024-25 the gross current expenditure for local authorities in England on adult social care totalled £29.4 billion which was a 9% increase on the previous year in cash terms; … |
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Tuesday 4th November Steve Darling signed this EDM on Wednesday 5th November 2025 Protections for animals and people 34 signatures (Most recent: 21 Nov 2025)Tabled by: Danny Chambers (Liberal Democrat - Winchester) That this House expresses concern over the gaps in legislation that allow perpetrators of animal abuse to evade scrutiny before the judicial system; believes that this is of grave concern, due to the link between child sexual abuse and animal sexual abuse as offenders who harm animals are five times … |
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Tuesday 4th November Steve Darling signed this EDM as a sponsor on Wednesday 5th November 2025 The Retreat at Elcot Park and the Three Peaks Challenge 8 signatures (Most recent: 18 Nov 2025)Tabled by: Lee Dillon (Liberal Democrat - Newbury) That this House congratulates the team from The Retreat at Elcot Park in Newbury on completing the Three Peaks Challenge in aid of Thatcham-based charity Swings and Smiles, including Corina Carolea who individually raised over £600; commends their ongoing charity efforts that have raised over £7,000 for Swings and Smiles; … |
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Tuesday 4th November Steve Darling signed this EDM on Wednesday 5th November 2025 Taxi accessibility for disabled people 26 signatures (Most recent: 18 Nov 2025)Tabled by: Tom Gordon (Liberal Democrat - Harrogate and Knaresborough) That this House recognises the need for improved access to taxi services for wheelchair users; expresses concern that many local authorities fail to ensure that Hackney Carriage fleets include sufficient fully accessible vehicles, leaving some wheelchair users unable to travel independently to work, medical appointments, education or social activities; supports … |
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Thursday 30th October Steve Darling signed this EDM on Monday 3rd November 2025 38 signatures (Most recent: 19 Nov 2025) Tabled by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) That this House recognises the urgent need to address the climate and ecological crisis; notes that oil and gas companies have made record profits while contributing significantly to climate breakdown; further notes that millions of people in the UK and globally are already paying the price through extreme weather, flooding, … |
| Live Transcript |
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Note: Cited speaker in live transcript data may not always be accurate. Check video link to confirm. |
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5 Nov 2025, 6:17 p.m. - House of Commons ">> Liberal Democrat spokesperson Steve Darling. >> Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, " Neil Duncan-Jordan MP (Poole, Independent) - View Video - View Transcript |
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5 Nov 2025, 7:04 p.m. - House of Commons "Taiwo Owatemi David Pinto-Duschinsky, Chris Vince, Rebecca Smith and Steve Darling be members of the Committee, that " Division - View Video - View Transcript |
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5 Nov 2025, 7:05 p.m. - House of Commons "Pinto-Duschinsky, Chris Vince, Rebecca Smith, and Steve Darling be members of the Committee for Andrew " Division - View Video - View Transcript |
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4 Nov 2025, 5:48 p.m. - House of Commons "spokesperson Steve Darling. >> Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. And I think it's important that the " Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP (East Ham, Labour) - View Video - View Transcript |
| Parliamentary Debates |
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Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill
24 speeches (8,653 words) Consideration of Lords amendments Wednesday 5th November 2025 - Commons Chamber Department for Work and Pensions Mentions: 1: Andrew Western (Lab - Stretford and Urmston) Member for Torbay (Steve Darling).First, I think we need to be clear about where we have already acted - Link to Speech 2: None Andrew Western, Josh Simons, Taiwo Owatemi, David Pinto-Duschinsky, Chris Vince, Rebecca Smith and Steve Darling - Link to Speech |
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Welfare Spending
104 speeches (16,493 words) Tuesday 4th November 2025 - Commons Chamber Department for Work and Pensions Mentions: 1: Judith Cummins (Lab - Bradford South) I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson, Steve Darling. - Link to Speech 2: Andrew Western (Lab - Stretford and Urmston) Member for Torbay (Steve Darling), who is not in his place. - Link to Speech |
| Calendar |
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Wednesday 12th November 2025 9 a.m. Work and Pensions Committee - Oral evidence Subject: Employment support for disabled people At 9:30am: Oral evidence Michelle De Oude - Co-Chair at Greater Manchester Disabled People's Panel Conor D'Arcy - Deputy Chief Executive at Money and Mental Health Policy Institute Evan John - Policy and Public Affairs Advisor at Sense Geoff Fimister - Head of Policy, and a spokesperson for the Campaign for Disability Justice at Inclusion Barnet At 10:30am: Oral evidence Kate Nicholls OBE - Chair at UKHospitality Jamie Cater - Senior Policy Manager at Make UK Patrick Milnes - Head of Policy – People and Work at British Chambers of Commerce View calendar - Add to calendar |
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Wednesday 19th November 2025 8:45 a.m. Work and Pensions Committee - Oral evidence Subject: The work of the Department for Work and Pensions At 9:15am: Oral evidence Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP - Secretary of State at Department for Work and Pensions Sir Peter Schofield - Permanent Secretary at Department for Work and Pensions View calendar - Add to calendar |
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Wednesday 26th November 2025 9 a.m. Work and Pensions Committee - Oral evidence Subject: Young people who are NEET and the transfer of Skills to DWP At 9:15am: Oral evidence Louise Murphy - Senior Economist at Resolution Foundation Barry Fletcher - CEO at Youth Futures Foundation Professor Neil Harrison - Professor of Education and Social Justice at School of Education, University of Exeter Professor David Taylor-Robinson - Professor of Public Health and Policy and W.H. Duncan Chair in Health Inequalities at University of Liverpool At 10:30am: Oral evidence Emily Rock - CEO Association of Apprentices and Engagement Director at The St Martin’s Group Ben Rowland - CEO at Association of Employment and Learning Providers Fiona Aldridge - Chief Executive at Skills Federation Sam Avanzo Windett - Deputy Director at Learning and Work Institute View calendar - Add to calendar |
| Select Committee Inquiry |
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10 Nov 2025
Transition to State Pension age Work and Pensions Committee (Select) Not accepting submissions The last time the State Pension age went up there was a jump in the number of pre-pensioners (people aged 60+ but below pension age) in poverty. This group are the joint poorest among working age adults. We are launching this inquiry to consider the case for providing additional support for people in the pre-pensioner age group to bridge the income gap as the State Pension age starts to rise from 66 to 67 in April. Read the call for evidence for more detail about the inquiry |