Information between 24th February 2026 - 6th March 2026
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24 Feb 2026 - Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (Seventh sitting) - View Vote Context Freddie van Mierlo voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 2 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 2 Noes - 9 |
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24 Feb 2026 - Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (Seventh sitting) - View Vote Context Freddie van Mierlo voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 2 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 2 Noes - 9 |
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24 Feb 2026 - Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (Seventh sitting) - View Vote Context Freddie van Mierlo voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 2 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 2 Noes - 9 |
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24 Feb 2026 - Online Harm: Child Protection - View Vote Context Freddie van Mierlo voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 56 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 69 Noes - 279 |
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24 Feb 2026 - Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (Seventh sitting) - View Vote Context Freddie van Mierlo voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 2 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 6 Noes - 9 |
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24 Feb 2026 - Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (Seventh sitting) - View Vote Context Freddie van Mierlo voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 2 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 6 Noes - 9 |
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24 Feb 2026 - Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (Seventh sitting) - View Vote Context Freddie van Mierlo voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 2 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 2 Noes - 9 |
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24 Feb 2026 - Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (Seventh sitting) - View Vote Context Freddie van Mierlo voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 2 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 2 Noes - 9 |
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24 Feb 2026 - Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (Seventh sitting) - View Vote Context Freddie van Mierlo voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 2 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 2 Noes - 9 |
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24 Feb 2026 - Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (Seventh sitting) - View Vote Context Freddie van Mierlo voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 2 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 6 Noes - 9 |
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24 Feb 2026 - Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (Seventh sitting) - View Vote Context Freddie van Mierlo voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 2 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 6 Noes - 9 |
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24 Feb 2026 - Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (Seventh sitting) - View Vote Context Freddie van Mierlo voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 2 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 6 Noes - 8 |
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Workplace Pensions
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Tuesday 24th February 2026 Question to the Department for Work and Pensions: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when his Department plans to publish draft regulations relating to surplus extraction under the Pension Schemes Bill; and whether he plans to publish these before the Bill completes its passage through Parliament. Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury) The Pension Schemes Bill will enable more trustees of well-funded defined benefit pension schemes to share surplus with employers and deliver better outcomes for members. Trustees, working with the sponsoring employer, will be responsible for determining how members may benefit from any release of surplus.
The choice to release surplus is underpinned by strict safeguards, including the requirement for a prudent funding threshold, actuarial certification and member notification. Employers will not have direct access to surplus funds, with any surplus release having to be agreed by trustees.
The surplus release provisions, introduced by the Pension Schemes Bill, will rely on trustees exercising their powers appropriately and in accordance with their trust law duties. If trustees breach these requirements, the Pensions Regulator has powers to take action.
We will consult on the surplus release draft regulations once the Pension Schemes Bill has received Royal Assent. We look forward to receiving the responses on the proposals. |
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Workplace Pensions
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Tuesday 24th February 2026 Question to the Department for Work and Pensions: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for her policies of the role of (a) trustees and (b) sponsoring employers in decision‑making on surplus extraction in defined benefit pension schemes. Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury) The Pension Schemes Bill will enable more trustees of well-funded defined benefit pension schemes to share surplus with employers and deliver better outcomes for members. Trustees, working with the sponsoring employer, will be responsible for determining how members may benefit from any release of surplus.
The choice to release surplus is underpinned by strict safeguards, including the requirement for a prudent funding threshold, actuarial certification and member notification. Employers will not have direct access to surplus funds, with any surplus release having to be agreed by trustees.
The surplus release provisions, introduced by the Pension Schemes Bill, will rely on trustees exercising their powers appropriately and in accordance with their trust law duties. If trustees breach these requirements, the Pensions Regulator has powers to take action.
We will consult on the surplus release draft regulations once the Pension Schemes Bill has received Royal Assent. We look forward to receiving the responses on the proposals. |
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Workplace Pensions
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Tuesday 24th February 2026 Question to the Department for Work and Pensions: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will implement safeguards to ensure that release of surplus from defined benefit schemes does not adversely impact the security of accrued benefits. Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury) The Pension Schemes Bill will enable more trustees of well-funded defined benefit pension schemes to share surplus with employers and deliver better outcomes for members. Trustees, working with the sponsoring employer, will be responsible for determining how members may benefit from any release of surplus.
The choice to release surplus is underpinned by strict safeguards, including the requirement for a prudent funding threshold, actuarial certification and member notification. Employers will not have direct access to surplus funds, with any surplus release having to be agreed by trustees.
The surplus release provisions, introduced by the Pension Schemes Bill, will rely on trustees exercising their powers appropriately and in accordance with their trust law duties. If trustees breach these requirements, the Pensions Regulator has powers to take action.
We will consult on the surplus release draft regulations once the Pension Schemes Bill has received Royal Assent. We look forward to receiving the responses on the proposals. |
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Social Cohesion and Resilience Independent Review
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Tuesday 3rd March 2026 Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he has made an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the recommendations on improving community cohesion in the Khan Review - Threats To Social Cohesion And Democratic Resilience: A New Strategic Approach, published in March 2024. Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) MHCLG is co-ordinating cross-Government efforts to develop a longer-term, more strategic approach to social cohesion - working in partnership with local government, communities and local stakeholders to rebuild, renew and address the deep-seated issues. As part of this work officials have considered a wide range of evidence including from reviews such as the Khan Review. |
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Schools: ICT
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Tuesday 3rd March 2026 Question to the Department for Education: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what eligibility criteria will be applied to the recently announced additional £300 million of funding for upgrading IT infrastructure in schools through the Connect the Classroom programme. Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education) We will invest £325 million by 2029/30 to support digital connectivity. This includes expanding Connect the Classroom to thousands more schools in need, supporting schools and responsible bodies to build on the technology underpinning infrastructure and resilience, with the expectation that all schools and colleges should meet core technology standards by 2030. Connect the Classroom will continue to support schools on the regional improvement for standards and excellence programme, ensuring that poor connectivity is not a barrier to school improvement, with additional selection criteria to be announced in the summer. |
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Tankers: English Channel
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Thursday 26th February 2026 Question to the Department for Transport: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of ageing tankers, such as the 21 year old Kusto, transiting through the Channel on the environment. Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) The Department for Transport is clear about the risks that ageing shadow fleet vessels pose to the safety of mariners, the marine environment and the UK’s national security. The Government remains committed to deterring and disrupting the shadow fleet.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has sanctioned over 500 vessels, including the Kusto in May 2025, which prohibits these vessels from entering into a UK port, and signals to the global maritime community that these vessels are dangerous and should not be interacted with. DfT has operated the Voluntary Insurance Reporting Mechanism since October 2024, which increases scrutiny on shadow fleet vessels by challenging them for proof of their insurance as they transit the Channel. Since October 2024, over 600 vessels have been challenged. |
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Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Friday 27th February 2026 Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme on community services hosted by places of worship, including (a) food banks, (b) youth groups and (c) after school clubs. Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) DCMS conducted an evaluation of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, which included an extensive survey of current and past scheme users and is published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evaluation-of-the-listed-places-of-worship-scheme-final-report. The evaluation did not specifically assess the impact of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme on community services hosted by places of worship, including (a) food banks, (b) youth groups and (c) after school clubs. However, we are aware that grants from the scheme will have enabled many recipients to continue to provide these vital community services. Our evaluation showed that while it had many benefits, 80% of respondents said that they would still have carried out the work without the rebate. As we look towards a new fiscal period and the evolving needs of our community, it is essential that government support is deployed to the areas where it can have the greatest impact and where it is needed most. That is why over the next four years, the Places of Worship Renewal Fund will invest £92 million capital funding into listed places of worship, some of which host these community services. |
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Places of Worship Renewal Fund: Energy
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Friday 27th 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 support energy efficiency improvements such as low carbon heating and lighting systems. Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) Further details regarding the eligibility criteria and application process for the new Places of Worship Renewal Fund will be published in due course. |
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Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Friday 27th February 2026 Question to the Ministry of Justice: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what plans his department has to address the potential misuse of legal proceedings for purposes associated with Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation. Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice) I refer the honourable Member to the answer I gave on Friday 13 February to Question 111038. |
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Oil: Russia
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Friday 27th February 2026 Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate he has made of the volume of Russian oil transported through the English Channel by UK‑sanctioned tankers in the last 12 months. Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) Deterring and disrupting the Russian shadow fleet is a priority for the UK, and the UK Government will continue to proactively monitor tanker activity to ensure the safety of seafarers, protect the marine environment, and for national security purposes. The volume of Russian oil transiting the English Channel is not data the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero owns.
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Oil: Russia
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Friday 27th February 2026 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of sanctions on Russian oil exports. Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 28 January in response to Question 106998. |
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Juries
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Monday 2nd March 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 restricting access to trial by jury in England and Wales on public confidence in the judicial system. Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice) The Courts and Tribunals Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 25 February 2026. Alongside the Bill, an impact assessment of our proposed justice reforms was published: Courts and Tribunals Bill - GOV.UK. This includes an assessment of the proposed changes in the threshold for who can access a jury trial. |
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Water: Standards
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Monday 2nd March 2026 Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 9th December 2025 to question 97007 on Bathing water (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2025, when she will publish the detail on Bathing water status reforms included in the Water White Paper. Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) The Water White Paper sets out wide-ranging reforms to the water system, intended to clean up our rivers, lakes and coastal waters. The Bathing Water (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2025 do not feature in the white paper, but form part of this wider reform, as an early step towards these same objectives.
In our response to the consultation on amending the bathing water regulations, the Government noted the support for expanding the definition of a bather to include other recreational water users. Work has begun on an evidence review to consider the environmental and public health implications of any change.
Link to 97007: Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament |
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Project Gigabit: Oxfordshire
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Wednesday 4th March 2026 Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has had conversations with broadband providers on the suitability of deadlines for new applications to the gigabit broadband voucher scheme in Oxfordshire. Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) Officials from Building Digital UK (BDUK) are currently in discussions with broadband suppliers in Oxfordshire on potential voucher project opportunities. Suppliers are aware of the deadline for project applications and are developing project proposals taking this into account. |
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Radicalism
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Thursday 5th March 2026 Question to the Home Office: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent progress the Commission for Countering Extremism has made on tackling extremism. Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) The Commission is a non-statutory expert committee of the Home Office, set up to help the Government to understand the scale of extremism in the UK and the wider harms associated with it, beyond radicalisation into terrorism. The Commission for Countering Extremism has played a key role in the Government’s approach to counter-extremism by providing external challenge and plays a vital role in providing advice to the Government on how to address the challenge posed by extremism and harness innovative thinking around critical issues. It is vital that the Government hears from a range of independent voices that can advise, criticise, and review work on such a crucial issue. Robin Simcox was appointed as Interim Commissioner for the Commission for Countering Extremism in March 2021. He was appointed as the substantive Commissioner for Countering Extremism in July 2022, for a three-year term. As is usual when public appointments come to an end, Ministers are considering next steps and will update in due course. |
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Thames Water: FTI Consulting
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Thursday 5th March 2026 Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will provide an update on her Department's work with FTI consultancy on contingency planning for potential collapse of Thames Water, including (a) spend so far (b) planned spending, (c) number of hours billed to date, (d) number of consultants who have worked on the account and (e) the date the contract was agreed. Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) We work closely with FTI Consulting in their role as the Government’s advisor on Special Administration Regime contingency planning and continue to monitor the situation. |
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Compulsory Purchase
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame) Thursday 5th March 2026 Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, (a) when his Department plans to publish the guidance associated with the Compulsory Purchase Order provisions in the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, and (b) whether that guidance will include all eligibility criteria for stalled development sites, including any size thresholds, that local authorities will be expected to apply when considering the use of compulsory purchase in the public interest. Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) My Department plans to publish updated compulsory purchase guidance to reflect the reforms introduced by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 this Spring.
The existing guidance, which can be found on gov.uk here, already contains general advice on the circumstances where local planning authorities can use their compulsory purchase powers. This includes how to demonstrate a compelling case in the public interest which is applicable in all cases, including in relation to stalled sites. It is for local planning authorities themselves to decide when it is appropriate to use their compulsory purchase powers. |
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Wednesday 18th March Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Thursday 19th March 2026 20 signatures (Most recent: 19 Mar 2026) Tabled by: Calum Miller (Liberal Democrat - Bicester and Woodstock) That this House notes with grave concern Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu’s unilateral military action against Iran; expresses its horror at how Iran’s reckless response has engulfed the wider Middle East in this war; believes that multilateralism, diplomacy, and the use of economic levers are the only legitimate and sustainable … |
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Thursday 12th March Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 16th March 2026 Endometriosis Awareness Month 2026 25 signatures (Most recent: 19 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Josh Babarinde (Liberal Democrat - Eastbourne) That this House recognises March 2026 as Endometriosis Awareness Month; notes that around 1 in 10 women are affected by endometriosis, yet diagnosis times remain prolonged, with many patients waiting 3–9 years before receiving a confirmed diagnosis; acknowledges that endometriosis can have a profound impact on physical and mental health, … |
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Wednesday 11th March Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 16th March 2026 Energy prices for households and businesses 33 signatures (Most recent: 19 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Pippa Heylings (Liberal Democrat - South Cambridgeshire) That this House notes the recent surge in global gas prices following the 2026 Iran War and disruption to liquefied natural gas supply; expresses deep concern that families could see their energy bills rise by £500 a year as a result of instability in global energy markets; recognises the millions … |
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Wednesday 11th March Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 16th March 2026 28 signatures (Most recent: 19 Mar 2026) Tabled by: Olly Glover (Liberal Democrat - Didcot and Wantage) That this House notes the recent wave of above-inflation increases in airport drop-off charges across the country; is concerned that this is another hidden cost for passengers already facing record travel costs; further notes that many passengers have little option but to absorb these costs; also notes the disproportionate impact … |
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Wednesday 11th March Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 16th March 2026 Creative industries and the use of AI 20 signatures (Most recent: 19 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Sarah Gibson (Liberal Democrat - Chippenham) That this House recognises that artificial intelligence presents significant opportunities for innovation and economic growth but also poses substantial risks to the United Kingdom’s world-leading creative industries; notes with concern proposals to introduce a broad text and data mining copyright exception which would permit the use of creative works to … |
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Wednesday 11th March Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 16th March 2026 28 signatures (Most recent: 19 Mar 2026) Tabled by: Olly Glover (Liberal Democrat - Didcot and Wantage) That this House affirms its commitment to the current Delay Repay scheme; urges the Government to take steps toward automatic delay repay compensation; believes it is right that customers are compensated when railway services are delayed by over 15 minutes; is concerned by the frequency of delays and cancellations affecting … |
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Wednesday 11th March Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 16th March 2026 UNESCO World Heritage status for chalk streams in England 24 signatures (Most recent: 19 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Pippa Heylings (Liberal Democrat - South Cambridgeshire) That this House recognises that chalk streams are among the rarest freshwater habitats on Earth, with around 200 known globally and approximately 85% found in England; notes that these unique rivers support exceptional biodiversity, including Atlantic salmon, water vole, brown trout, southern damselfly and white-clawed crayfish; further notes the internationally … |
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Wednesday 11th March Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 16th March 2026 32 signatures (Most recent: 19 Mar 2026) Tabled by: Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat - Westmorland and Lonsdale) That this House celebrates the place of the great outdoors in a child's education; recognises the contributions of the outdoor learning sector leaders highlighting equity of access, links to mental health, and youth-led adventure initiatives; welcomes continued collaboration across education, health and community organisations; and calls for Parliament's sustained attention … |
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Monday 9th March Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 16th March 2026 27 signatures (Most recent: 19 Mar 2026) Tabled by: Andrew George (Liberal Democrat - St Ives) That this House is aware of worsening failures in Royal Mail’s delivery services, which is adversely affecting residents and businesses, with consequent missed medical appointments which arrive after the appointment date, fines for non-payment of bills and numerous other significant impacts; that Royal Mail recently warned that more than 100 … |
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Monday 9th March Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 16th March 2026 Recognition of armed forces personnel wounded in terrorist attacks outside of operational deployment 20 signatures (Most recent: 19 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Paul Kohler (Liberal Democrat - Wimbledon) That this House recognises the courage and sacrifice of members of His Majesty’s armed forces who have been wounded or injured in terrorist attacks outside of official operational deployment; pays tribute to the resilience and lifelong impact borne by those service personnel and their families; notes that such attacks were … |
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Monday 9th March Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 16th March 2026 14 signatures (Most recent: 19 Mar 2026) Tabled by: Helen Morgan (Liberal Democrat - North Shropshire) That this House recognises the significant pressures faced by ambulance services as a result of handover delays; expresses concern at the fact that this January was the worst January ever recorded for the West Midlands Ambulance Service, with 50,070 hours lost waiting to hand patients over outside hospitals, the equivalent … |
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Thursday 5th March Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 16th March 2026 International Women's Day 2026 and women’s inclusion in placemaking 31 signatures (Most recent: 19 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Anna Sabine (Liberal Democrat - Frome and East Somerset) That this House celebrates International Women’s Day 2026 and recognises the challenges faced by women over the past year; expresses concern that violence against women and girls continues to result in approximately 100 to 200 deaths annually in the UK; emphasises the importance of involving women in placemaking to help … |
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Wednesday 4th March Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 16th March 2026 Temporary accommodation and its impact on neurodivergent children 19 signatures (Most recent: 18 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Sarah Gibson (Liberal Democrat - Chippenham) That this House notes with grave concern the findings of the report entitled ‘It’s Like Torture’: Life in Temporary Accommodation for Neurodivergent Children and their Families, published in 2026 by King’s College London and partners; further notes evidence presented in the report that temporary accommodation can expose neurodivergent children to … |
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Thursday 5th March Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 16th March 2026 27 signatures (Most recent: 19 Mar 2026) Tabled by: Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat - Epsom and Ewell) That this House notes the shocking state of NHS dentistry across the country; raises once again the all too common cases of DIY tooth extractions and patients forced to attend A&E due to dental pain; highlights the worrying rates of access for children, with over 5 million children not seeing … |
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Wednesday 4th March Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 16th March 2026 22 signatures (Most recent: 19 Mar 2026) Tabled by: Danny Chambers (Liberal Democrat - Winchester) That this House expresses alarm at ongoing cuts to eating disorder services across the country; notes with concern the announcement that the Richardson Eating Disorder Service at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle is due to close, particularly given the next closest specialist inpatient facility is over 50 miles away … |
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Monday 2nd March Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 16th March 2026 42 signatures (Most recent: 18 Mar 2026) Tabled by: Danny Chambers (Liberal Democrat - Winchester) That this House commends the invaluable and life-saving work being carried out by both Clarissa’s Campaign and Cardiac Risk in the Young; welcomes the major research paper produced by researchers based City St George's, University of London and St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; notes their call for repeat … |
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Monday 2nd March Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 16th March 2026 35 signatures (Most recent: 18 Mar 2026) Tabled by: Josh Babarinde (Liberal Democrat - Eastbourne) That this House recognises Sunday 8 March 2026 as the Covid-19 Day of Reflection as a time to remember those who lost their lives since the pandemic began and to acknowledge the profound impact the pandemic had on our country during an unprecedented time; pays tribute to those who worked … |
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Monday 2nd March Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 16th March 2026 National Keep Britain Tidy Campaign 20 signatures (Most recent: 18 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Joshua Reynolds (Liberal Democrat - Maidenhead) That this House recognises the growing problem of litter in public spaces across the United Kingdom and the burden it places on local communities, councils, and the environment; notes the valuable work being carried out by community groups and parish councils, including Bray Parish Council in Maidenhead, which has invested … |
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Monday 2nd March Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 16th March 2026 Funding for rural fire and rescue services 34 signatures (Most recent: 19 Mar 2026)Tabled by: Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat - West Dorset) That this House recognises the outstanding and lifesaving work by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and fire services across the United Kingdom; notes with concern the proposed closure of Charmouth and Maiden Newton Fire Stations in West Dorset; further notes that the proposals are driven by sustained central … |
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Monday 2nd March Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 16th March 2026 31 signatures (Most recent: 18 Mar 2026) Tabled by: Claire Young (Liberal Democrat - Thornbury and Yate) That this House notes that 3 March is World Hearing Day; further notes that approximately 12 million people in the UK live with hearing loss, making it one of the most prevalent long-term conditions in the country; recognises that, left untreated, hearing loss significantly increases the risk of social isolation, … |
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Wednesday 11th March Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Thursday 12th March 2026 56 signatures (Most recent: 19 Mar 2026) Tabled by: Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat - Westmorland and Lonsdale) That this House notes with concern the sudden and severe rise in heating oil prices as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with prices almost trebling in a week; recognises that around a third of rural households rely on oil-fired heating and already face higher levels … |
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Monday 2nd February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 2nd March 2026 90th anniversary of the Spitfire 58 signatures (Most recent: 11 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 … |
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Wednesday 25th February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 2nd March 2026 Recognition of Ukrainian driving licences 24 signatures (Most recent: 11 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 … |
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Wednesday 25th February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM as a sponsor on Monday 2nd March 2026 Ellen Roome and the Jools’ Law campaign 10 signatures (Most recent: 17 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 … |
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Tuesday 24th February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 2nd March 2026 Business rates reform and revaluation 15 signatures (Most recent: 5 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 … |
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Monday 23rd February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 2nd March 2026 23 signatures (Most recent: 12 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 … |
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Monday 23rd February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 2nd March 2026 Securing the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme 43 signatures (Most recent: 17 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 … |
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Monday 23rd February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 2nd March 2026 Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund 2026-27 20 signatures (Most recent: 17 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 … |
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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 … |
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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 … |
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Thursday 12th February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 2nd March 2026 Child protection from illicit vapes 21 signatures (Most recent: 17 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; … |
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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 … |
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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 … |
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Wednesday 11th February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 2nd March 2026 Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank 57 signatures (Most recent: 17 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 … |
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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 … |
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Monday 9th February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Monday 2nd March 2026 Refugee homelessness and the asylum move-on period 28 signatures (Most recent: 16 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 … |
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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, … |
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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 … |
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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 … |
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Tuesday 3rd February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Thursday 26th February 2026 87 signatures (Most recent: 18 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 … |
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Wednesday 25th February Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Thursday 26th February 2026 Dual nationals without British passports 31 signatures (Most recent: 19 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; … |
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Tuesday 20th January Freddie van Mierlo signed this EDM on Wednesday 25th February 2026 UK digital sovereignty strategy 46 signatures (Most recent: 11 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 … |
| Parliamentary Debates |
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Local Transport: Planning Developments
51 speeches (14,438 words) Tuesday 24th February 2026 - Westminster Hall Department for Transport Mentions: 1: Roz Savage (LD - South Cotswolds) Friend the Member for Henley and Thame (Freddie van Mierlo), about having not only developer-led housing - Link to Speech 2: Steff Aquarone (LD - North Norfolk) Friend the Member for Henley and Thame (Freddie van Mierlo) spoke about getting the balance right between - Link to Speech |
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Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (Seventh sitting)
90 speeches (12,671 words) Committee stage: 7th sitting Tuesday 24th February 2026 - Public Bill Committees Department for Science, Innovation & Technology Mentions: 1: None —(Freddie van Mierlo.) - Link to Speech 2: None —(Freddie van Mierlo.) - Link to Speech 3: None —(Freddie van Mierlo.) - Link to Speech 4: None —(Freddie van Mierlo.) - Link to Speech |
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Wednesday 4th March 2026
Oral Evidence - Science and Technology Facilities Council Science, Innovation and Technology Committee Found: the meeting Members present: Dame Chi Onwurah (Chair); Dr Allison Gardner; Kit Malthouse; Freddie van Mierlo |
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Wednesday 4th March 2026
Oral Evidence - University College London, University of Edinburgh, and Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology, University of Durham Science, Innovation and Technology Committee Found: the meeting Members present: Dame Chi Onwurah (Chair); Dr Allison Gardner; Kit Malthouse; Freddie van Mierlo |
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Wednesday 4th March 2026
Oral Evidence - Cambridge Nucleomics Innovation showcase - Science, Innovation and Technology Committee Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Dame Chi Onwurah (Chair); Dr Allison Gardner; Freddie van Mierlo; |
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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 |
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Wednesday 11th March 2026 9 a.m. Science, Innovation and Technology Committee - Oral evidence Subject: Social media age restrictions At 9:30am: Oral evidence Frank Young - Chief Executive at Parentkind Dr Rebecca Foljambe - Founder at Health Professionals for Safer Screens and GP Partner At 10:10am: 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 10:50am: 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 |
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Wednesday 18th March 2026 9 a.m. Science, Innovation and Technology Committee - Private Meeting View calendar - Add to calendar |
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Tuesday 17th March 2026 1 p.m. Science, Innovation and Technology Committee - Oral evidence Subject: Science diplomacy At 1:30pm: Oral evidence The Lord Vallance of Balham KCB - Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Seema Malhotra MP - Minister for Indo-Pacific at Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Rhys Bowen - Director for International and Economic Security at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Nathanael Bevan - Deputy Director of the What Works Research and Evidence at Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office View calendar - Add to calendar |
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Tuesday 24th March 2026 9 a.m. Science, Innovation and Technology Committee - Oral evidence Subject: Follow-up on Social media, misinformation and harmful algorithms inquiry At 9:30am: Oral evidence Wifredo Fernández - Director, Global Government Affairs at X (formerly known as Twitter) Alistair Law - Director of Public Policy, Northern Europe at TikTok Rebecca Stimson - UK Public Policy Director at Meta Zoe Darme - Director for Trust, Knowledge and Information Products at Google View calendar - Add to calendar |