Information between 29th January 2026 - 18th February 2026
Note: This sample does not contain the most recent 2 weeks of information. Up to date samples can only be viewed by Subscribers.
Click here to view Subscription options.
| Division Votes |
|---|
|
3 Feb 2026 - Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill - View Vote Context Freddie van Mierlo 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 Tally: Ayes - 458 Noes - 104 |
|
4 Feb 2026 - Climate Change - View Vote Context Freddie van Mierlo voted Aye - in line with the party majority and in line with the House One of 51 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 392 Noes - 116 |
| Speeches |
|---|
|
Freddie van Mierlo speeches from: Pharmacy First: Withholding Payments
Freddie van Mierlo contributed 1 speech (106 words) Thursday 12th February 2026 - Commons Chamber Department of Health and Social Care |
|
Freddie van Mierlo speeches from: Healthy Relationships
Freddie van Mierlo contributed 1 speech (932 words) Thursday 12th February 2026 - Westminster Hall |
|
Freddie van Mierlo speeches from: Lord Mandelson
Freddie van Mierlo contributed 1 speech (57 words) Wednesday 4th February 2026 - Commons Chamber Cabinet Office |
|
Freddie van Mierlo speeches from: Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (First sitting)
Freddie van Mierlo contributed 3 speeches (1,557 words) Committee stage:Commitee Debate: 1st sitting Tuesday 3rd February 2026 - Public Bill Committees Department for Science, Innovation & Technology |
|
Freddie van Mierlo speeches from: Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (Second sitting)
Freddie van Mierlo contributed 1 speech (208 words) Committee stage: 2nd sitting Tuesday 3rd February 2026 - Public Bill Committees Department for Science, Innovation & Technology |
| Written Answers |
|---|
|
Overseas Students: Fees and Charges
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Monday 2nd February 2026 Question to the Department for Education: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the proposed international student levy on the financial sustainability of UK universities; and what estimate her Department has made of the number of universities at risk of closure as a result of the combined effect of frozen tuition fees, inflationary pressures, and the proposed levy on international students. Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education) Higher education (HE) providers are independent from government and as such are responsible for managing their own finances. Tuition fees are not frozen - the department has announced increases to tuition fee limits in line with forecast inflation for 2025/26, 2026/27, and 2027/28. We will also legislate, when parliamentary time allows, to increase tuition fee caps automatically for future academic years. Over the next five years, tuition fee limit uplifts could generate an additional £6 billion for HE providers, significantly outweighing the currently projected less than £1 billion cost of the International Student Levy. This approach ensures the sector benefits from compounding annual increases, delivering growing resources to support quality education and innovation. The Office for Students (OfS) is responsible for monitoring and reporting on the financial sustainability of registered HE providers. The department will continue to work closely with the OfS to understand the financial implications of policy changes on HE providers.
|
|
Housing: Water
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Wednesday 4th February 2026 Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to her Department's White Paper entitled A New Vision for Water, published on 20 January 2026, what assessments he has made of the potential impact of the proposed joined‑up local planning measures on the prevention of surface‑to‑foul water misconnections in new housing developments. Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) In the White Paper Defra has committed to delivering an enhanced, better joined up regional water planning function.
This will enable a more holistic, coordinated approach to water environment and supply planning which supports delivery of national strategic objectives such as the economic growth mission, housing building targets and nature recovery, whilst enabling regional and local priorities to be realised.
Defra is engaging a range of stakeholders to understand what works well, and where there are challenges with water sector planning, within the current river basin planning system. This engagement is helping us test emerging thinking, identifying opportunities to strengthen planning and delivery and ensure policy development is informed by practical experience as well as evidence and analysis.
Property owners are legally responsible for resolving misconnected pipework on their property; public misconnections are the responsibility of water companies.
Should misconnections not be resolved, the responsible party can be prosecuted; in some cases, local authorities and water companies can access private property to fix misconnections and then recover their costs from the owner. |
|
Housing Associations: Freedom of Information
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Wednesday 4th February 2026 Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to cover housing associations in England. Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) This government is committed to increasing transparency and accountability in the social rented sector. In September 2025, we directed the Regulator of Social Housing to introduce new Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRs) for private registered providers (PRPs) of social housing, including housing associations, to enable residents to request information about their housing management. From October 2026, PRPs will be required to proactively publish information relating to the management of their social housing. From April 2027, they will also be required to respond to information requests from tenants. We carefully considered the case for bringing PRPs of social housing within the scope of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 but ultimately decided that a bespoke scheme would be the most effective and proportionate way of ensuring that all social tenants can access information about the management of their homes. The divergences from FOI, such as specifying that only tenants and their representatives can access information and that information requests must relate to issues relevant to the management of social housing, are proportionate for PRPs in their capacity as private businesses. |
|
NHS: Negligence
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Friday 13th February 2026 Question to the Department of Health and Social Care: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the length of time medical malpractice legal proceedings take to complete on (a) families and (b) staff. Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care) NHS Resolution handles claims for compensation against National Health Service providers of healthcare and has a strategic priority to keep patients and healthcare staff out of litigation to minimise distress. To achieve this, NHS Resolution deploys a range of dispute resolution techniques including mediation, resolution meetings, and early neutral evaluation, and aims to resolve claims promptly and fairly. As a result, the percentage of cases resolving without litigation has continued to increase, reaching 83% of clinical claims in 2024/25. Each case must be, however, considered on its own merits in line with the prevailing law with appropriate investigation into legal liability and the amount of compensation due. Court involvement remains necessary for those who lack capacity and may also be required to determine points of law or where there is conflicting evidence. |
|
Crown Court and Juries
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Friday 13th February 2026 Question to the Ministry of Justice: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, which (a) professional bodies and (b) legal organisations his Department consulted prior to the publication of proposals to restrict jury trials; and what alternative measures his Department has considered to reduce the Crown Court backlog. Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice) In developing his recommendations, Sir Brian Leveson and his expert advisers, including Professor David Ormerod, engaged with many external bodies and organisations with invaluable expertise of our Criminal Justice System including criminal legal organisations, charities, academics, and members of the judiciary. A full list is at Annex C of Part 1 of his report.
When considering Sir Brian’s recommendations and developing our proposals, I have engaged regularly with stakeholders and relevant sectors including but not limited to representatives from the legal sector (Law Society, Bar Council, Criminal Bar Association), victims and victims representatives (the Victims Commissioner, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Rape Crisis), judiciary (Circuit leaders, Judicial leadership), magistracy (Magistrates’ Association, Magistrates’ Leadership Executive), non-governmental organisations (Appeal, JUSTICE, Transform Justice), court staff in criminal courts around the country (Wood Green, Snaresbrook, Kingston, Southwark, Telford, Birmingham etc) and similar international jurisdictions. For example, I met judges and visited courts in Canada, which uses types of judge-only trial.
We welcome the recommendations made in Part 1 of Sir Brian’s Review, which provided the blueprint for reform. Sir Brian’s recommendations were ambitious, but he also recognised that the Government might need to take his recommendations further to address the scale of the challenge we are facing. We have three levers for restoring stability and confidence in the criminal courts system – investment, modernisation, and structural reform. Pursuing any one of these levers in isolation would not be enough to meet projected demand into the courts, let alone address the rising caseload. The Government has already invested heavily in the system – in record sitting days, court buildings and technology, and in legal professionals. On 4 February 2026, Sir Brian published Part 2 of his Independent Review of the Criminal Courts, which makes recommendations to improve the efficiency of the criminal courts. We will urgently consider the proposals set out, alongside Sir Brian’s remaining recommendations from Part 1, and respond to them in due course. |
|
Crown Court
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Friday 13th February 2026 Question to the Ministry of Justice: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of trends in the number of court sitting days on the Crown Court backlog. Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice) We have funded 112,250 Crown Court sitting days this financial year – 5,000 more than the previous Government and a record number. The Deputy Prime Minister has made clear that sitting days will continue to increase in both the Crown and magistrates’ courts.
As our latest published projections show, demand by 2030 is forecast to be 7% higher in the Crown Court than current levels. This means the courts would need to sit 139,000 days just to keep up with demand and even that would not enable us to reduce the backlog. The system is not able to deliver that number – there are insufficient prosecutors, defence barristers and judges to keep up with the demand. As a benchmark, the Lady Chief Justice has said that the maximum the judiciary could presently sit is around 113,000 sitting days.
Therefore, even with record-breaking investment in sitting days, the Crown Court backlog will continue to grow, leaving people waiting for longer and longer for justice. That is why we are pulling every lever we have – investment, reform and efficiency – to turn the tide on the backlog and begin to deliver justice for victims. |
|
Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Friday 13th February 2026 Question to the Ministry of Justice: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he plans to reform powers in relation to Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation cases. Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice) The Government implemented the Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) measures in the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) in June 2025, which provides protection against SLAPPs relating to economic crime. While this was a positive first step, we are considering all options for reform to ensure that all types of SLAPPs are addressed comprehensively. |
|
Dementia: Research
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Tuesday 10th February 2026 Question to the Department of Health and Social Care: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much funding was allocated to dementia research by (a) the National Institute for Health and Care Research and (b) UK Research and Innovation in each of the last five years. Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care) Government responsibility for delivering dementia research is shared between the Department of Health and Social Care, with research delivered via the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, with research delivered via UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The table in the document attached shows the NIHR and UKRI’s spend data for dementia research across the five financial years from 2020/21 to 2024/25 Spend for dementia research is calculated retrospectively, with a time lag due to annual reporting cycles, therefore 2024/25 is the most recent year we have data for. The Department does not centrally hold data on dementia research funding from other public bodies, and 2024/25 data from UKRI is still being confirmed. The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health and care, including dementia. These applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money and scientific quality. Welcoming applications on dementia to all NIHR programmes enables maximum flexibility both in terms of the amount of research funding a particular area can be awarded, and the type of research which can be funded. |
|
Children's Play: Curriculum
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Tuesday 10th February 2026 Question to the Department for Education: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the role of play‑based pedagogy in levels of attainment and supporting pupil wellbeing across the primary curriculum. Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education) The ‘Early years foundation stage’ statutory framework is clear that play is essential for children’s development, health and wellbeing. Play builds confidence and enthusiasm for learning, helps children to learn to set goals and solve problems, and develop key self-awareness, self-regulation and social skills.
The Curriculum and Assessment Review considered whether the curriculum met the needs of pupils. No assessment has been made of the role of play-based pedagogy in levels of attainment and supporting pupil wellbeing across the primary curriculum. The national curriculum provides a broad framework which gives schools flexibility to organise the content and delivery of the curriculum to meet the needs of their pupils.
The department is working to make sure that all children and young people have access to a variety of enrichment opportunities at school, as an important part of our mission to break down barriers to opportunity. For some schools, these opportunities may be used to encourage play. We recognise the value of these experiences in supporting children’s wellbeing and development, helping to build their confidence and communication skills.
A new Enrichment Framework will be published in the coming months. The framework will support schools in developing their enrichment offer by identifying and reflecting effective practice, and will provide advice on how to plan a high quality enrichment offer more intentionally and strategically.
|
|
Places of Worship Renewal Fund
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Tuesday 17th February 2026 Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to prevent funding gaps during the transition from the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme to the new Places of Worship Renewal Fund. Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) The Places of Worship Renewal Fund will provide an equivalent overall level of financial support to that provided by the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, £23 million per annum.
The new Places of Worship Renewal Fund is a capital fund providing grants upfront, which in some cases, may award a greater proportion of the project costs than what would have previously been received through the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme.
We are aware of concerns regarding the transition between the two schemes. Guidance, including eligibility criteria and application process on the new Places of Worship Renewal Fund, will be published in due course.
|
|
Places of Worship Renewal Fund
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Tuesday 17th February 2026 Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether the Places of Worship Renewal Fund will provide (a) equivalent to and (b) greater financial support than the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme; and what steps she is taking to ensure transitional funding for places of worship. Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) The Places of Worship Renewal Fund will provide an equivalent overall level of financial support to that provided by the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, £23 million per annum.
The new Places of Worship Renewal Fund is a capital fund providing grants upfront, which in some cases, may award a greater proportion of the project costs than what would have previously been received through the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme.
We are aware of concerns regarding the transition between the two schemes. Guidance, including eligibility criteria and application process on the new Places of Worship Renewal Fund, will be published in due course.
|
| Early Day Motions Signed |
|---|
|
Monday 2nd February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 2nd March 2026 90th anniversary of the Spitfire 54 signatures (Most recent: 4 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Liz Jarvis (Liberal Democrat - Eastleigh) That this House commemorates the 90th anniversary of the maiden flight of the Spitfire, which first took to the skies from Eastleigh Airfield on 5 March 1936; notes that the K5054, a Supermarine Type 300, the prototype of the Spitfire, piloted on that day by Captain Joseph Mutt Summers, marked … |
|
Wednesday 25th February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 2nd March 2026 Recognition of Ukrainian driving licences 21 signatures (Most recent: 3 Mar 2026)Tabled by: David Chadwick (Liberal Democrat - Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe) That this House notes that, under the agreement in force since 20 May 2021, Ukrainian driving licences may be exchanged for Great Britain licences; further notes that because tests taken before 28 December 2021 did not record whether they were completed in a manual or automatic vehicle, the Driver and … |
|
Wednesday 25th February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM as a sponsor on Monday 2nd March 2026 Ellen Roome and the Jools’ Law campaign 9 signatures (Most recent: 3 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Max Wilkinson (Liberal Democrat - Cheltenham) That this House notes the tireless campaigning of Ellen Roome MBE in her pursuit of legislation to preserve the social media data of deceased children; offers thanks to Ellen for her work to bring about positive change in the area of online safety; and welcomes the Government’s decision to adopt … |
|
Tuesday 24th February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 2nd March 2026 Business rates reform and revaluation 14 signatures (Most recent: 3 Mar 2026)Tabled by: David Chadwick (Liberal Democrat - Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe) That this House calls on the Government to postpone the implementation of new business rates valuations until it has published data on the impact of recent revaluations; believes that proceeding without this information risks unfair outcomes for businesses, especially hospitality businesses; and urges the Government to undertake further work to … |
|
Monday 23rd February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 2nd March 2026 21 signatures (Most recent: 2 Mar 2026) Tabled by: Cameron Thomas (Liberal Democrat - Tewkesbury) That this House registers its concern that Lloyds Banking Group plans to close 95 local branches this year, including in Tewkesbury; acknowledges the value of high street banks to local communities, particularly the elderly and those without easy access to public transport; recognises the harm bank closures have on rural … |
|
Monday 23rd February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 2nd March 2026 Securing the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme 39 signatures (Most recent: 4 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot) That this House notes that, as the fourth anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches, many Ukrainians living in the United Kingdom continue to face uncertainty regarding their status and future security; recognises that Ukrainian families have become valued members of communities across the country, including in Newton … |
|
Monday 23rd February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 2nd March 2026 Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund 2026-27 16 signatures (Most recent: 3 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Tom Gordon (Liberal Democrat - Harrogate and Knaresborough) That this House welcomes the decision to continue the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund until March 2028, providing longer-term certainty to adoptive and kinship families; notes, however, with concern that the fair access limit remains at £3,000 per child per year, reduced from £5,000 in 2024-25, representing a significant … |
|
Monday 23rd February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM as a sponsor on Monday 2nd March 2026 West Berkshire Community Champion Awards 2026 7 signatures (Most recent: 2 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Lee Dillon (Liberal Democrat - Newbury) That this House warmly congratulates the winners and highly commended nominees of the 2026 Community Champion Awards in West Berkshire; recognises Mike Karasinski, Volunteer of the Year, for founding and running NaDDS, a neurodivergent men’s support group providing vital mental health support; praises Cold Ash Countryside Volunteers, Community Group of … |
|
Thursday 12th February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 2nd March 2026 National Lottery Funding for Digital Kindness 8 signatures (Most recent: 2 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Christine Jardine (Liberal Democrat - Edinburgh West) That this House congratulates Digital Kindness on receiving £17,150 from the National Lottery Community Fund to support small and volunteer-led charities to strengthen their digital confidence, skills and visibility; notes the challenges many smaller organisations face in digital engagement; and recognises the importance of digital inclusion in ensuring charities can … |
|
Thursday 12th February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 2nd March 2026 Child protection from illicit vapes 20 signatures (Most recent: 2 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Wera Hobhouse (Liberal Democrat - Bath) That this House recognises the growing problem of illegal drug-laced vapes, including those containing the dangerous synthetic cannabinoid Spice, being sold to children via social media platforms; notes with serious concern research conducted by the University of Bath which found that 16.6 percent of vapes confiscated in schools contained Spice; … |
|
Wednesday 11th February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 2nd March 2026 International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026 46 signatures (Most recent: 2 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) That this House celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on Wednesday 11 February 2026; recognises the vital contributions of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics throughout history, including those whose achievements have been overlooked; acknowledges that stereotypes in education, a lack of female role models … |
|
Wednesday 11th February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 2nd March 2026 25 signatures (Most recent: 2 Mar 2026) Tabled by: Alex Brewer (Liberal Democrat - North East Hampshire) That this House celebrates the value of local community spaces, such as clubhouses, village halls and community centres for residents; recognises their vital role as safe hubs to foster healthy living, community relationships and wellbeing; notes that such spaces must be prioritised and protected where development proposals arise; acknowledges the … |
|
Wednesday 11th February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 2nd March 2026 Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank 50 signatures (Most recent: 4 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Calum Miller (Liberal Democrat - Bicester and Woodstock) That this House notes with grave concern reports that the Israeli security cabinet has approved measures which would facilitate the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and further erode the basis of the Palestinian state; condemns statements by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich asserting that the Israeli government … |
|
Wednesday 11th February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 2nd March 2026 Community sport spaces and Sport England 16 signatures (Most recent: 2 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil) That this House recognises the significant benefits that sport, recreation and physical activity provide to people across the UK; acknowledges the £107 billion contribution they make to the wider economy through improved health and wellbeing as well as reduced costs to public services and the NHS; expresses concern at the … |
|
Monday 9th February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 2nd March 2026 Refugee homelessness and the asylum move-on period 25 signatures (Most recent: 3 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Max Wilkinson (Liberal Democrat - Cheltenham) That this House notes with concern reports that the number of refugee households in England who are homeless or at risk of homelessness has increased fivefold in four years, rising from 3,560 in 2021-22 to 19,310 in 2024-25; further notes evidence from charities and local authorities that this rise is … |
|
Thursday 5th February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 2nd March 2026 Grey belt policy and the impact on villages and rural communities 21 signatures (Most recent: 2 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) That this House notes that the December 2024 National Planning Policy Framework, and the December 2025 consultation version, defines the term grey belt planning applications as those on Green Belt land that does not strongly contribute to three Green Belt purposes which all relate to towns and large built-up areas, … |
|
Tuesday 3rd February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 2nd March 2026 Financial Support for the Music and Dance Scheme 18 signatures (Most recent: 2 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Charlotte Cane (Liberal Democrat - Ely and East Cambridgeshire) That this House notes the vital contribution of the Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) in enabling talented young people from all backgrounds to access world-class specialist training in music and dance; further notes that MDS providers have historically operated under multi-year funding settlements, enabling them to plan staffing, outreach programmes … |
|
Monday 2nd February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 2nd March 2026 16 signatures (Most recent: 2 Mar 2026) Tabled by: Sarah Gibson (Liberal Democrat - Chippenham) That this House supports the Protect Where We Play campaign; notes the concerns raised by the Wiltshire Football Association and grassroots sports organisations across Wiltshire, including in Chippenham, regarding the Government’s proposals to weaken planning protections for playing fields; further notes that the proposed removal of Sport England as a … |
|
Wednesday 25th February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Thursday 26th February 2026 Dual nationals without British passports 29 signatures (Most recent: 4 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Will Forster (Liberal Democrat - Woking) That this House notes with concern the impact of the new immigration requirements effective from 25 February 2026 on dual British nationals, who will be required to present either a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement attached to their non-UK passport to avoid delays at the UK border; … |
|
Tuesday 3rd February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Thursday 26th February 2026 70 signatures (Most recent: 3 Mar 2026) Tabled by: Steve Witherden (Labour - Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr) That this House expresses grave concern at the executive order signed on 29 January 2026 by US President Donald Trump, which unjustifiably declares Cuba as an “extraordinary threat” to the national security of the United States and authorises new sanctions against any country supplying oil to Cuba; notes that Cuba … |
|
Tuesday 20th January Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Wednesday 25th February 2026 UK digital sovereignty strategy 43 signatures (Most recent: 3 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Siân Berry (Green Party - Brighton Pavilion) That this House notes that government services, democratic functions and critical infrastructure increasingly depend on a small number of external digital suppliers; further notes that excessive concentration and inadequate exit or substitution planning expose the public sector to risks including service withdrawal, sanctions, commercial failure, geopolitical disruption and unilateral changes … |
|
Monday 26th January Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 23rd February 2026 Dolphin hunting in the Faroe Islands 52 signatures (Most recent: 4 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Adrian Ramsay (Green Party - Waveney Valley) That this House condemns the grindadráp (Grind) in the Faroe Islands, where pods of dolphins are driven into bays by small boats and slaughtered by hand; notes with concern that more than 1,000 cetaceans were killed in 2025, including juveniles and pregnant females; further notes that this practice is largely … |
|
Tuesday 10th February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 23rd February 2026 Relationship between Jeffrey Epstein and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor 33 signatures (Most recent: 3 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Siân Berry (Green Party - Brighton Pavilion) That this House believes that Buckingham Palace should publish all papers and electronic communications that contain reference to the relationship between Jeffrey Epstein and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. |
|
Thursday 12th February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 23rd February 2026 Review of the student loan system 45 signatures (Most recent: 3 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Tom Gordon (Liberal Democrat - Harrogate and Knaresborough) That this House notes with concern the cumulative impact of successive changes to the terms and conditions of student loans in England including the decision to freeze loan repayment thresholds and the introduction of new loans with different repayment thresholds and write off periods; further notes that successive Governments have … |
|
Monday 9th February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Wednesday 11th February 2026 Radiotherapy in the National Cancer Plan 43 signatures (Most recent: 2 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat - Westmorland and Lonsdale) That this House welcomes the publication of the National Cancer Plan and its ambition to meet all cancer targets by 2029; notes with concern the lack of a comprehensive plan for radiotherapy; recognises that while references to Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy are positive, they fall far short of the investment and … |
|
Thursday 5th February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 9th February 2026 Public inquiry into Epstein links 89 signatures (Most recent: 27 Feb 2026)Tabled by: Nadia Whittome (Labour - Nottingham East) That this House stands with Jeffrey Epstein’s victims whose relentless courage and pursuit of justice has led to the publication of the Epstein files; notes with concern the number of British public figures included in these files; recognises that child sexual abuse on this scale is likely to have involved … |
|
Tuesday 3rd February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Thursday 5th February 2026 Stamp Duty liability for periodic tenancies 19 signatures (Most recent: 2 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Gideon Amos (Liberal Democrat - Taunton and Wellington) That this House notes that periodic tenancies under the Renters' Rights Act could become liable for stamp duty; notes with concern that this will mean hundreds of thousands of tenants have to pay stamp duty over the next few years; recognises that renters were neglected by the former Government who … |
|
Wednesday 4th February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Thursday 5th February 2026 World Cancer Day and breast cancer 39 signatures (Most recent: 2 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Wera Hobhouse (Liberal Democrat - Bath) That this House marks World Cancer Day by recognising the urgent need to improve the early detection of breast cancer in younger women; notes with concern that breast cancer accounts for 43 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in women aged 25 to 49 years; further notes that breast cancer … |
|
Tuesday 3rd February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Thursday 5th February 2026 Artificial Intelligence chatbots 38 signatures (Most recent: 2 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Danny Chambers (Liberal Democrat - Winchester) That this House notes the rapid advancement and accelerated adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots by both adults and children; further notes that many AI chatbots provide human-like responses and are designed to encourage emotional connection, friendship and intimacy; expresses concern that such chatbots are not required to clearly and … |
|
Monday 2nd February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Thursday 5th February 2026 35 signatures (Most recent: 2 Mar 2026) Tabled by: Vikki Slade (Liberal Democrat - Mid Dorset and North Poole) That this House notes with concern the drop in the number of public toilets, which the British Toilet Association estimates as a decrease of 40% in the last 25 years; recognises, that when mapped onto an increasing population, that equates to roughly one public toilet for every 17,200 people, with … |
|
Monday 2nd February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Thursday 5th February 2026 46 signatures (Most recent: 2 Mar 2026) Tabled by: Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat - Epsom and Ewell) That this House marks World Cancer Day; recognises the almost 3.5 million people living with cancer in the UK; further recognises that cancer remains the biggest overall cause of death for people in the UK; highlights the previous Conservative Government broke its promise on a 10 year cancer plan that … |
|
Monday 2nd February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Thursday 5th February 2026 15 signatures (Most recent: 3 Mar 2026) Tabled by: Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat - Westmorland and Lonsdale) That this House is concerned by the unannounced changes introduced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in December 2025 to Bird Gathering Licences; regrets that these amendments prohibit sales and exchanges at licensed bird events, prevent Psittaciformes from being exhibited alongside canaries and finches, and require licences … |
|
Monday 2nd February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Thursday 5th February 2026 Signing of the Hamburg Declaration 27 signatures (Most recent: 2 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Pippa Heylings (Liberal Democrat - South Cambridgeshire) That this House marks the signing of the Hamburg Declaration, a clean energy pact with Germany, Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands, which offers the opportunity for the development of the North Sea as a regional, shared, clean energy hub, and an opportunity to addressing energy affordability; recognises that the UK … |
|
Monday 2nd February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Thursday 5th February 2026 President Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement 30 signatures (Most recent: 2 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Pippa Heylings (Liberal Democrat - South Cambridgeshire) That this House condemns President Trump’s formal withdrawal from the Paris Agreement; criticises this reckless decision to ignore the climate crisis and continue the extraction of fossil fuels; further condemns the breakdown of climate consensus that this has given rise to in the UK; notes the devastating impacts of America … |
|
Monday 2nd February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Thursday 5th February 2026 41 signatures (Most recent: 2 Mar 2026) Tabled by: Alison Bennett (Liberal Democrat - Mid Sussex) That this House recognises the work of hospices and their dedicated staff and volunteers in caring for people and their families at the end of life; notes with concern that the current funding model for hospices is failing patients and is not fit for purpose and that the rise in … |
|
Monday 2nd February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Thursday 5th February 2026 Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 34 signatures (Most recent: 2 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat - Epsom and Ewell) That this House commemorates Cervical Cancer Awareness Month; celebrates the NHS HPV vaccination programme; praises the success of the HPV vaccine which stops 90% of cervical cancer cases and can reduce incidence in low socioeconomic groups; recognises that each year more than 3,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in … |
|
Monday 2nd February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Thursday 5th February 2026 Role of the House of Lords in scrutinising legislation 54 signatures (Most recent: 2 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Andrew George (Liberal Democrat - St Ives) That this House believes that the use of filibuster tactics in the House of Lords to frustrate the majority will of the democratically elected House of Commons is unacceptable, including where the elected Commons has given its majority support to a Private Members’ Bill; further believes that the case for … |
|
Monday 26th January Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Thursday 5th February 2026 St David’s Day (Dydd Gwyl Dewi) 25 signatures (Most recent: 10 Feb 2026)Tabled by: David Chadwick (Liberal Democrat - Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe) That this House recognises St David’s Day (Dydd Gwyl Dewi), celebrated on 1 March, as the national day of Wales and a celebration of Welsh culture and identity, and of the life and legacy of Saint David (Dewi Sant), the patron saint of Wales; notes that St David’s Day should … |
|
Thursday 22nd January Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Thursday 5th February 2026 38 signatures (Most recent: 23 Feb 2026) Tabled by: Wendy Chamberlain (Liberal Democrat - North East Fife) That this House notes the crisis caused by gambling harms, with approximately 2.5% of the adult British population suffering from problem gambling and a further 11.5% experiencing a lower level of harm or elevated risk; further notes with deep concern that an estimated 1.2% of 11 to 17 year olds … |
| Parliamentary Debates |
|---|
|
Healthy Relationships
34 speeches (11,273 words) Thursday 12th February 2026 - Westminster Hall Mentions: 1: Munira Wilson (LD - Twickenham) Friend the Member for Henley and Thame (Freddie van Mierlo) both talked about parental rights. - Link to Speech |
|
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (Second sitting)
125 speeches (27,382 words) Committee stage: 2nd sitting Tuesday 3rd February 2026 - Public Bill Committees Department for Science, Innovation & Technology |
|
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (First sitting)
62 speeches (17,167 words) Committee stage:Commitee Debate: 1st sitting Tuesday 3rd February 2026 - Public Bill Committees Department for Science, Innovation & Technology Mentions: 1: None I call Freddie van Mierlo for the last question. - Link to Speech |
| Select Committee Documents |
|---|
|
Tuesday 10th February 2026
Oral Evidence - Cabinet Office, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Home Office, and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Data security across government - Science, Innovation and Technology Committee Found: Members present: Dame Chi Onwurah (Chair); Kit Malthouse; Dr Lauren Sullivan; Adam Thompson; Freddie van Mierlo |
|
Tuesday 10th February 2026
Oral Evidence - HR Wallingford Innovation showcase - Science, Innovation and Technology Committee Found: Members present: Dame Chi Onwurah (Chair); Kit Malthouse; Dr Lauren Sullivan; Adam Thompson; Freddie van Mierlo |
|
Tuesday 27th January 2026
Oral Evidence - Seraphim Space Investment Trust Science diplomacy - Science, Innovation and Technology Committee Found: Q212 Freddie van Mierlo: I will follow on from some of the questions my colleague asked. |
|
Tuesday 27th January 2026
Oral Evidence - UKspace, and UK Space Agency Science diplomacy - Science, Innovation and Technology Committee Found: Q212 Freddie van Mierlo: I will follow on from some of the questions my colleague asked. |
|
Tuesday 27th January 2026
Oral Evidence - UKspace, and UK Space Agency Science diplomacy - Science, Innovation and Technology Committee Found: Q212 Freddie van Mierlo: I will follow on from some of the questions my colleague asked. |
|
Tuesday 27th January 2026
Oral Evidence - Gavi Science diplomacy - Science, Innovation and Technology Committee Found: Q212 Freddie van Mierlo: I will follow on from some of the questions my colleague asked. |
|
Tuesday 27th January 2026
Oral Evidence - University of Dundee Innovation showcase - Science, Innovation and Technology Committee Found: Chair); Emily Darlington; George Freeman; Kit Malthouse; Samantha Niblett; Dr Lauren Sullivan; Freddie van Mierlo |
| Calendar |
|---|
|
Tuesday 10th February 2026 9 a.m. Science, Innovation and Technology Committee - Oral evidence Subject: Innovation showcase At 9:30am: Oral evidence Ridha Bentiba - Joint Chief Executive Officer at HR Wallingford At 9:45am: Oral evidence Dan Jarvis MP - Minister for Security at Home Office Rt Hon Ian Murray MP - Minister for Digital Government and Data at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Aimee Smith - Government Chief Data Officer at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Vincent Devine - Government Chief Security Officer at Cabinet Office View calendar - Add to calendar |
|
Tuesday 10th February 2026 9:25 a.m. Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill - Debate Subject: Further to consider the Bill View calendar - Add to calendar |
|
Tuesday 10th February 2026 2 p.m. Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill - Debate Subject: Further to consider the Bill View calendar - Add to calendar |
|
Wednesday 25th February 2026 9 a.m. Science, Innovation and Technology Committee - Private Meeting View calendar - Add to calendar |
|
Wednesday 4th March 2026 9 a.m. Science, Innovation and Technology Committee - Oral evidence Subject: Innovation showcase At 9:30am: Oral evidence Dr Hendrik Runge - CEO at Cambridge Nucleomics At 9:45am: Oral evidence Professor Jon Butterworth - Professor of Physics at University College London Professor Catherine Heymans - Astronomer Royal for Scotland and Professor of Astrophysics at University of Edinburgh Dr Simon Williams - Postdoctoral Research Associate at Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology, University of Durham At 10:30am: Oral evidence Professor Michele Dougherty - Executive Chair at Science and Technology Facilities Council View calendar - Add to calendar |
|
Wednesday 11th March 2026 9 a.m. Science, Innovation and Technology Committee - Oral evidence Subject: Social media age restrictions At 9:30am: Oral evidence Dr Rebecca Fuljambe - Founder at Health Professionals for Safer Screens and GP Partner Frank Young - Chief Executive at Parentkind At 10:15am: Oral evidence Professor Lorna Woods OBE - Professor Emerita School of Law at University of Essex and advisor to the Online Safety Act Network (OSN) Dr Kim Sylwander - Research Manager and researcher at Digital Futures for Children centre, London School of Economics and Political Science The Baroness Kidron OBE - Crossbench Peer at House of Lords and Founder and Chair of 5Rights At 10:45am: Oral evidence Julie Inman Grant - eSafety Commissioner at Australia Professor Amy Orben - Research Professor and Programme Leader at MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge and Fellow at St. John's College, University of Cambridge Professor Jeff Hancock - Founding Director at Stanford Social Media Lab, Director, Stanford Cyber Policy Centre and Harry and Norman Chandler Professor of Communication View calendar - Add to calendar |