Information between 11th June 2025 - 21st June 2025
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 |
---|
11 Jun 2025 - Electricity - View Vote Context Victoria Collins voted No - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 56 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat Aye votes Tally: Ayes - 350 Noes - 176 |
13 Jun 2025 - Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - View Vote Context Victoria Collins voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House One of 27 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 34 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 259 Noes - 216 |
13 Jun 2025 - Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - View Vote Context Victoria Collins voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House One of 13 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 47 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 230 Noes - 256 |
13 Jun 2025 - Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - View Vote Context Victoria Collins voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House One of 48 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 14 Liberal Democrat Aye votes Tally: Ayes - 233 Noes - 254 |
17 Jun 2025 - Crime and Policing Bill - View Vote Context Victoria Collins voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House One of 59 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 4 Liberal Democrat Aye votes Tally: Ayes - 117 Noes - 379 |
17 Jun 2025 - Crime and Policing Bill - View Vote Context Victoria Collins voted Aye - in line with the party majority and in line with the House One of 63 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 2 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 379 Noes - 137 |
17 Jun 2025 - Crime and Policing Bill - View Vote Context Victoria Collins voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 68 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 184 Noes - 336 |
17 Jun 2025 - Crime and Policing Bill - View Vote Context Victoria Collins voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 66 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 89 Noes - 428 |
17 Jun 2025 - Crime and Policing Bill - View Vote Context Victoria Collins voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 68 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 189 Noes - 328 |
17 Jun 2025 - Crime and Policing Bill - View Vote Context Victoria Collins voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 68 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 194 Noes - 335 |
18 Jun 2025 - Crime and Policing Bill - View Vote Context Victoria Collins voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 60 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 178 Noes - 313 |
18 Jun 2025 - Crime and Policing Bill - View Vote Context Victoria Collins voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 60 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 1 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 178 Noes - 313 |
18 Jun 2025 - Crime and Policing Bill - View Vote Context Victoria Collins voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House One of 64 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat Aye votes Tally: Ayes - 102 Noes - 390 |
18 Jun 2025 - Crime and Policing Bill - View Vote Context Victoria Collins voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House One of 63 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 147 Noes - 305 |
20 Jun 2025 - Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - View Vote Context Victoria Collins voted Aye - in line with the party majority and in line with the House One of 56 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 15 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 314 Noes - 291 |
20 Jun 2025 - Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - View Vote Context Victoria Collins voted Aye - in line with the party majority and in line with the House One of 51 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 12 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 274 Noes - 224 |
20 Jun 2025 - Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - View Vote Context Victoria Collins voted Aye - in line with the party majority and in line with the House One of 53 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 11 Liberal Democrat No votes Tally: Ayes - 275 Noes - 209 |
20 Jun 2025 - Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - View Vote Context Victoria Collins voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House One of 51 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 11 Liberal Democrat Aye votes Tally: Ayes - 213 Noes - 266 |
20 Jun 2025 - Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - View Vote Context Victoria Collins voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House One of 50 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 12 Liberal Democrat Aye votes Tally: Ayes - 208 Noes - 261 |
20 Jun 2025 - Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - View Vote Context Victoria Collins voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House One of 52 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 12 Liberal Democrat Aye votes Tally: Ayes - 223 Noes - 269 |
Speeches |
---|
Victoria Collins speeches from: Businesses in Rural Areas
Victoria Collins contributed 1 speech (354 words) Wednesday 18th June 2025 - Westminster Hall Department for Business and Trade |
Victoria Collins speeches from: Oral Answers to Questions
Victoria Collins contributed 1 speech (87 words) Thursday 12th June 2025 - Commons Chamber Department for Business and Trade |
Victoria Collins speeches from: Business of the House
Victoria Collins contributed 1 speech (117 words) Thursday 12th June 2025 - Commons Chamber Leader of the House |
Victoria Collins speeches from: SEND Funding
Victoria Collins contributed 1 speech (762 words) Thursday 12th June 2025 - Commons Chamber Department for Education |
Victoria Collins speeches from: Covid: Fifth Anniversary
Victoria Collins contributed 1 speech (64 words) Thursday 12th June 2025 - Commons Chamber Department of Health and Social Care |
Victoria Collins speeches from: Space Industry
Victoria Collins contributed 1 speech (1,080 words) Wednesday 11th June 2025 - Westminster Hall Department for Business and Trade |
Written Answers |
---|
Midwives: Vacancies
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) Thursday 12th June 2025 Question to the Department of Health and Social Care: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to (a) help tackle midwifery shortages and (b) improve recruitment and retention in the NHS in (i) Harpenden and Berkhamsted constituency, (ii) Hertfordshire and (c) England. Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) The Government is committed to tackling the issues facing the maternity workforce, to make sure we have the right people in the right place at the right time. NHS England is leading a range of initiatives to boost retention of existing staff and to ensure that the National Health Service remains an attractive career choice for new recruits. This includes building a compassionate and inclusive culture, supporting staff wellbeing, and promoting flexible working opportunities. NHS England has invested in a range of measures, such as unit-based retention leads, a midwifery and nursing retention self-assessment tool, mentoring schemes, and investment in workforce capacity. This has resulted in an increase in retention and a reduction in vacancy, leaver, and turnover rates. As of March 2025, there are a record 25,000 full time equivalent midwives in post, which is over 1,400, or 6.1%, more full-time equivalent midwives in the maternity. |
Chinook Helicopters: Accidents
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) Thursday 12th June 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department plans to hold an independent judge-led public inquiry into the 1994 RAF Chinook Helicopter crash. Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans) In 2010, the Mull of Kintyre independent judge-led review was carried out by Lord Philips and the findings were fully accepted by the Ministry of Defence. The review found that the evidence did not make it possible to reach conclusions on potential technical causes for the crash.
We have carefully considered calls for a public inquiry and we have now received legal representations from the Chinook Justice Campaign and we are considering our response to the points they have raised.
|
Motor Insurance
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) Thursday 12th June 2025 Question to the HM Treasury: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Financial Conduct Authority plans to review the methods used by car insurers to determine vehicle valuations in write-off settlements. Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury) I refer the hon member to the answer contained in PQ UIN 56497. |
Public Transport: Women
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) Thursday 12th June 2025 Question to the Department for Transport: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that (a) school-aged girls and (b) young women can access help on public transport if they are concerned for their safety. Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) The Department is committed to ensuring everyone, including women and girls, is safe on the transport network. As part of our aim to reduce Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) by half over the next decade, we have an ambitious, evidence-based programme to help tackle VAWG on transport. This includes proposals in the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill, such as staff training on how to recognise and respond to incidents of criminal and anti-social behaviour.
The Department is also working across government and with partners, including the British Transport Police (BTP), the transport industry and local authorities, to ensure that everyone feels and is safe when travelling.
For example, in line with their zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment and sexual offences on the railway, the BTP deploy a range of policing techniques to pursue offenders on the rail network to ensure it remains a safe environment and encourage reporting of incidents via the 61016-text number or 999 in an emergency. They also have a range of innovative awareness campaigns to encourage reporting and bystander intervention in response to sexual offences. This includes the successful ‘Speak Up Interrupt’, encouraging bystanders to support or intervene to help victims. |
Orchestras: Tax Allowances
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) Friday 13th June 2025 Question to the HM Treasury: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of changes to orchestral tax relief on touring orchestras’ ability to fund UK charity concerts and community programmes. Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury) The UK provides world-leading support for orchestras: at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government confirmed that from 1 April 2025, the rate of Orchestra Tax Relief (OTR) will be set at the generous rate of 45%.
From April 2024, qualifying expenditure is expenditure incurred on goods or services that are ‘used or consumed in the UK’, replacing the previous rule that qualifying costs were those incurred on goods and services provided from the UK or EEA. To ease the transition to the new rule, orchestras with concerts in train on 1 April 2024 were permitted to continue claiming relief on goods and services provided from within the EEA until 31 March 2025.
It is appropriate to refocus orchestra tax relief on UK expenditure now that the UK has left the EU. Under the new rule, the relief incentivises activity within the UK, rather than the UK and the EEA. This does not prevent qualifying productions from touring in the EEA (nor elsewhere).
As with all tax policy changes, a Tax Information and Impact Note was published in 2023 which can be found here: Administrative changes to the creative industry tax reliefs - GOV.UK. |
Artificial Intelligence: Disinformation
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) Friday 13th June 2025 Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to protect girls and young women from the impact of sexualised AI deepfakes. Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) Sharing or threatening to share a deepfake intimate image without consent is illegal. Synthetically created content is regulated by the Online Safety Act where it is shared on an in-scope service and is illegal content or content harmful to children. Government is also legislating to ban the non-consensual creation of sexualised deepfakes in the Data (Use and Access) Bill. Where a sexualised deepfake is of a child this is child sexual abuse material and is illegal, and Government has introduced an offence in the Crime and Policing Bill to criminalise AI models optimised to create this content. |
Voice over Internet Protocol: Impact Assessments
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) Friday 13th June 2025 Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether his Department conducted a Disability Impact Assessment of the Public Switched Telephone Network migration. Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport) The Department has not conducted a Disability Impact Assessment. The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) migration is an industry-led programme and does not result from a government decision. The Government is committed to ensuring that any risks arising from the industry-led migration of the PSTN to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) are mitigated for all customers across the UK. In November 2024, at Government’s behest, all major communication providers agreed additional safeguards to protect vulnerable customers, including for people living with disabilities. |
Apprentices
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) Friday 13th June 2025 Question to the Department for Education: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of preserving full funding for Level Seven apprenticeships for (a) people from disadvantaged backgrounds, (b) career changers and (c) people returning to work after career breaks. Answered by Janet Daby - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education) This government has a driving mission to break down barriers to opportunity. From January 2026, the government will no longer fund level 7 apprenticeships, equivalent to master’s degree level, except for young apprentices under the age of 22, or those aged 22 to 24 who have an education, health and care plan or have been in local authority care. This will enable apprenticeship opportunities to be rebalanced towards young people and create more opportunities for those entering the labour market, who need skills and training to get on in their careers. This decision was informed by a wide range of evidence, including Skills England’s analysis of official apprenticeship statistics and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. Skills England’s analysis found that level 7 apprenticeships have a higher proportion of older learners than other apprenticeships, a higher proportion of learners who already hold higher level qualifications, and a significant proportion are less likely to be deprived than those in apprenticeships at lower levels. It also suggested there was unlikely to be a significant or unavoidable fall in the supply of these skills in the long term, post-defunding. We are encouraging more employers to invest in upskilling their staff over 22 to level 7 where it delivers a benefit to the business and the individual. It will be for employers to determine the most appropriate training. There are alternative training options available to employers at level 7, including non-apprenticeship routes. |
Apprentices: Finance
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) Friday 13th June 2025 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 removing funding for Level Seven apprenticeships for people aged 22 and above on (a) gender equality and (b) social mobility. Answered by Janet Daby - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education) This government has a driving mission to break down barriers to opportunity. That is why we are moving funding away from level 7 apprenticeships for learners aged 22 and over, to ensure that funding is prioritised for learners at lower levels, who need the skills and training to progress in their careers. This decision was informed by a wide range of evidence, including Skills England’s analysis of official apprenticeship statistics and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. Skills England’s evidence suggested there was unlikely to be a significant or unavoidable fall in the supply of these skills in the long term, post-defunding, and alternative routes are well supplied. A significant proportion of level 7 apprentices are from non-deprived backgrounds and are significantly less likely to be deprived than apprentices at lower levels. Women are slightly less likely to be represented in the 16 to 21-year-old cohort of level 7 apprenticeships starts than those aged 22 and over. This is likely to be due to the recruitment norms in the standards that have a higher proportion of starts in the 16-21 age group, such as accountancy. The department will monitor trends over time and consider how this gap could be narrowed. |
Energy Performance Certificates: Business Premises
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) Friday 13th June 2025 Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that commercial properties have reached the minimum requirement of EPC Grade B by 2030. Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) The Government consulted on strengthening the non-domestic, which includes commercial properties, Private Rented Sector Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards to EPC C by 1 April 2027, and EPC B by 1 April 2030. We are currently reviewing the policy design, including the timelines for introduction, to ensure that it remains fair and proportionate for landlords and tenants. Until the response is published, and the Government position on any future standards confirmed, only the EPC E Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard applies. |
Artificial Intelligence: Disinformation
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) Friday 13th June 2025 Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent discussions his Department has had with the Home Office on protecting (a) elderly and (b) vulnerable people against AI-generated scams in the form of deepfake content. Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) DSIT regularly engages with Home Office on ongoing efforts to protect users from online harms, including AI-Generated scams. AI generated content is regulated by the Online Safety Act where it is shared on an in-scope service and constitutes either illegal content or content which is harmful to children. In March this year the Act’s illegal harms duties came into force, with fraud captured as a priority offence. User-to-user services must take preventative measures to stop fraudulent content from appearing and swiftly remove it where it does. Search services must minimise fraudulent content from appearing in results. This includes AI generated deepfake scams. |
Parkinson's Disease
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) Tuesday 17th June 2025 Question to the Department of Health and Social Care: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when his Department plans to include Parkinson’s disease in the Quality and Outcomes Framework. Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) There are currently no plans to include Parkinson’s disease in the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF). The indicators included in QOF are developed in accordance with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, and are underpinned by a robust evidence base. The QOF is reviewed annually to ensure it remains aligned with NICE guidelines. For the 2025/26 contract year, 32 out of 76 QOF indicators were retired to streamline the scheme and reduce the administrative burden on general practice. |
Special Educational Needs: Transport
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) Friday 20th June 2025 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 increases in employer National Insurance contributions on the viability of SEND transport provision in Hertfordshire. Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education) I refer the hon. Member for Harpenden and Berkhamsted to the answer of 29 January 2025 to Question 26397. |
Special Educational Needs: Schools
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) Friday 20th June 2025 Question to the Department for Education: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what information her Department holds on the number of special schools that have shortened school (a) days and (b) weeks for funding reasons; and what steps her Department is taking to ensure that children with special educational needs and disabilities receive a full education. Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education) This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life. The department does not hold data on reasons why special schools have changed their school day or week. To support children with SEND in special schools, the department is providing an increase of £1 billion for high needs budgets in England in the 2025/26 financial year. Total high needs funding for children and young people with complex SEND is over £12 billion in 2025/26. Of this total, Hertfordshire County Council is being allocated over £207 million through the high needs funding block of the dedicated schools grant (DSG), to support SEND provision in Hertfordshire. This is an increase of £17.6 million on their 2024/25 DSG high needs block, calculated using the high needs national funding formula (NFF), and a 9.8% increase per head of their 2 to 18 year-old population, on their equivalent 2024/25 NFF allocation.
|
Special Educational Needs: Hertfordshire
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) Friday 20th June 2025 Question to the Department for Education: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of providing additional funding to support SEND provision in Hertfordshire. Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education) This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life. The department does not hold data on reasons why special schools have changed their school day or week. To support children with SEND in special schools, the department is providing an increase of £1 billion for high needs budgets in England in the 2025/26 financial year. Total high needs funding for children and young people with complex SEND is over £12 billion in 2025/26. Of this total, Hertfordshire County Council is being allocated over £207 million through the high needs funding block of the dedicated schools grant (DSG), to support SEND provision in Hertfordshire. This is an increase of £17.6 million on their 2024/25 DSG high needs block, calculated using the high needs national funding formula (NFF), and a 9.8% increase per head of their 2 to 18 year-old population, on their equivalent 2024/25 NFF allocation.
|
Further Education: Visual Impairment
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) Friday 20th June 2025 Question to the Department for Education: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of providing ringfenced funding for statutory vision impairment services in further education. Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education) The government’s approach to supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in further education (FE) aims to ensure that all students with SEND receive appropriate support tailored to their needs. All education and training providers have a duty under Section 20 of the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people, including those with visual impairments, so they are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled students. Section 20 of the Equality Act 2010 can be read in full here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/20. Local authorities receive high needs funding which they distribute to FE colleges to support students with SEND. However, the allocation and use of this funding is flexible, allowing colleges to address the diverse needs of their student population, rather than being restricted to specific disability types. Providers should keep both funding levels and methodologies under consideration to ensure value for money. To support children with SEND in special schools, the department is providing an increase of £1 billion for high needs budgets in England in the 2025/26 financial year. Total high needs funding for children and young people with complex SEND is over £12 billion in 2025/26. |
Immigration Controls: British National (Overseas)
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) Friday 20th June 2025 Question to the Home Office: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will take steps to ensure that British National (Overseas) passport holders are afforded (a) access to the UK’s digital eGates at border control and (b) equal treatment to British passport holders in all other respects. Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities) The Immigration White Paper, published in May 2025, sets out new measures on a wide range of immigration and border issues, including our vision to revolutionise the UK border by using technology to make visible change to security, flow and the passenger experience. This includes investigating options to expand eGate eligibility and the use of automation to more cohorts, including British National (Overseas) passport holders. |
Artificial Intelligence: Fraud
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) Friday 20th June 2025 Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Home Affairs on protecting (a) elderly and (b) vulnerable people against AI scams using deepfake content; and what steps he is taking to tackle such scams. Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) DSIT regularly engages with Home Office on ongoing efforts to protect users from online harms, including AI-generated scams. AI generated content is regulated by the Online Safety Act where it is shared on an in-scope service and constitutes either illegal content or content which is harmful to children. In March this year the Act’s illegal harms duties came into force, with fraud captured as a priority offence. User-to-user services must take preventative measures to stop fraudulent content from appearing and swiftly remove it where it does. Search services must minimise fraudulent content from appearing in results. This includes AI generated deepfake scams. |
Employment Schemes: Mental Illness
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) Wednesday 18th June 2025 Question to the Department for Work and Pensions: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of providing financial incentives to employers to support the employment of people with severe mental illnesses. Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions) There is a strong evidence base showing that work is generally good for physical and mental health and well-being. The right type of joined-up work and health support can prevent people falling out of work and support people to return, ensuring they gain the physical and mental benefits of employment. Therefore, we actively engage in collaborative action with a range of stakeholders, including employers, welfare systems and health services, to open opportunities for individuals to engage in good work, fostering a healthier, more inclusive nation.
We announced our Get Britain Working White Paper in November. Alongside funding for trailblazers and NHS ‘Health and Growth Accelerator’ in local areas to bring together and streamline work, health, and skills support for disabled people and people with long term health conditions, the Secretaries of State for Work and Pensions and Business and Trade asked Sir Charlie Mayfield to lead an independent review, considering how best to support and enable employers to recruit and retain more people with health conditions and disabilities, promote healthy workplaces, and support more people to stay in or return to work from periods of sickness absence. Sir Charlie will deliver his final report in the autumn. Employers are crucial in enhancing employment opportunities and supporting disabled people and those with health conditions to thrive in the workforce.
The Department has also developed a digital information service for employers which provides tailored guidance to businesses to support employees to remain in work. This includes guidance on health disclosures and having conversations about health, and continues to oversee the Disability Confident Scheme which provides practical support to encourage employers to recruit, retain and develop disabled people and people with health conditions. This fosters inclusive workplaces, benefitting people’s health and wealth, as well as the UK economy through increased productivity and reduced economic inactivity.
|
Neurological Diseases: Primary Care
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) Thursday 19th June 2025 Question to the Department of Health and Social Care: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to ensure that total triage systems in primary care do not compromise the continuity of care for patients with (a) Parkinson’s disease and (b) other chronic neurological conditions. Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) The triage process is designed to direct patients to the most appropriate healthcare professional based on their individual needs. This includes those who request or require continuity of care with the same general practitioner (GP), such as patients with Parkinson’s or other neurological conditions, as well as those who may be more appropriately supported by accident and emergency or pharmacy services. The system aims to accommodate a wide range of patient needs and enhance access across the broader healthcare network. To prevent digital exclusion, the GP contract clearly states that patients must always have the option to telephone or visit their practice in person. Online tools that are utilised to support ‘total triage’ should complement, not replace, traditional methods of access. Practice receptions must remain open to ensure that patients without access to telephone or digital services are not disadvantaged, especially those with conditions that require in-person support. |
Chronic Illnesses: Health Services
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) Thursday 19th June 2025 Question to the Department of Health and Social Care: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the difference in patient care outcomes between (a) assigning a named GP for accountability and (b) ensuring continuity of care through an own doctor system for patients with long-term conditions. Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) The Government is bringing back the family general practitioner (GP) because we know that continuity of care is essential to person-centred healthcare. While all patients have the legal right to choose their GP practice and must be assigned a named GP, the current system does not guarantee that they will see the same doctor at each visit. Although practices must make reasonable efforts to accommodate patient preferences, there is currently no formal assessment of the impact of assigning a named GP on outcomes. That is why we are going further, by improving continuity of care, we aim to make it easier for patients to see the same doctor at each appointment, which is key to managing and supporting patients with long-term conditions. |
Armed Conflict: Reconstruction
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) Thursday 19th June 2025 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a dedicated strategy to support co-operative models in post-conflict recovery programmes. Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) Collaboration with international partners and civil society organisations is central to the UK's efforts to prevent and reduce conflict. The UK regards cooperatives as important actors within the development and humanitarian sectors, and they can play a role as part of an inclusive approach to peacebuilding, in post-conflict situations and conflict prevention. We recognise that each conflict context is different. We therefore support cooperatives where appropriate to the context and country partnership, and where they can help further the principles of local ownership and inclusivity. |
Unfair Practices: Compensation
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) Friday 20th June 2025 Question to the Ministry of Justice: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what legal redress is available to victims of rogue traders where alleged misconduct spans multiple jurisdictions in (a) England and (b) Northern Ireland. Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice) A range of legal redress options are available to those who consider they have fallen victim to rogue traders, including both civil and criminal justice remedies. Citizens Advice provide help and information on consumer rights in England and Wales (and equivalent agencies in Northern Ireland) as well as being able to refer individuals to partner consumer organisations for additional help or enforcement, such as Trading Standards. Civil claims for the recovery of assets or compensation may be pursued under consumer rights legislation, much of which applies across the United Kingdom. Claims are generally brought in whichever jurisdiction the defendant is domiciled, although the court will determine whether it, or the courts of another jurisdiction, is the more appropriate forum to hear the dispute between the parties. Consumers have rights to redress for misleading actions under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers (DMCC) Act 2024. Redress includes the right to unwind the contract, claim a discount and claim damages. Further, the DMCC Act makes provisions for enforcers and courts to include enhanced consumer measures in undertakings and enforcement orders. This includes compensation or other redress to consumers who have suffered loss as a result of certain breaches of consumer law. Criminal justice remedies may also be applicable, such as offences under the Fraud Act 2006 (for example fraud by false representation) and should be reported to the police. |
Housing: Public Appointments
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) Friday 20th June 2025 Question to the Department for Business and Trade: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department plans to establish a statutory regulator for domestic renovation contractors to improve (a) consumer protections and (b) accountability. Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) This Government is working to ensure we have a high-quality and professional construction industry, with consumer protection at the heart of this. TrustMark, sponsored by the Department and licenced by the Government, is the Government Endorsed Quality Scheme that covers work a consumer chooses to have carried out in or around their home. In addition, the Building Safety Act 2022 has introduced competence requirements for both individuals and businesses working in the built environment. Any action that the Government takes on licensing to protect customers and standards needs to be robust, proportionate and evidence based. |
Companies House: Identification
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted) Friday 20th June 2025 Question to the Department for Business and Trade: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department plans to accelerate the implementation of mandatory identity verification for (a) company directors and (b) beneficial owners at Companies House. Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) Companies House plan to implement identity verification requirements under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 for all directors and people with significant control (PSCs) from Autumn 2025. Existing directors and PSCs will have a 12-month transition period to verify their identity with Companies House. Companies House has already launched the service that allows people to verify their identity directly or via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider in advance of the requirement coming into force. |
Early Day Motions Signed |
---|
Thursday 12th June Victoria Collins signed this EDM on Tuesday 24th June 2025 UK Government recognition of the state of Palestine 109 signatures (Most recent: 26 Jun 2025)Tabled by: Andy McDonald (Labour - Middlesbrough and Thornaby East) That this House notes the high-level international conference for the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-state solution of 17-20 June 2025; welcomes the Prime Minister’s remarks that Palestinian statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people; reaffirms the position of the House … |
Tuesday 10th June Victoria Collins signed this EDM on Tuesday 24th June 2025 38 signatures (Most recent: 24 Jun 2025) Tabled by: Alison Bennett (Liberal Democrat - Mid Sussex) That this House commends the second report of the Health and Social Care Committee of Session 2024–25 on Adult Social Care: the Cost of Inaction, published on 5 May 2025; agrees with their conclusion that unpaid carers are bearing the highest cost from successive governments’ failures to reform adult social … |
Thursday 30th January Victoria Collins signed this EDM on Tuesday 24th June 2025 36 signatures (Most recent: 24 Jun 2025) Tabled by: Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat - Epsom and Ewell) That this House notes with deep concern the Government’s decision to reduce women’s health targets in NHS guidance, including the removal of the commitment to roll out women’s health hubs across all integrated care boards; recognises that these hubs provide vital services, including faster diagnosis for conditions such as endometriosis … |
Friday 20th June Victoria Collins signed this EDM as a sponsor on Monday 23rd June 2025 Press ownership by foreign states 58 signatures (Most recent: 3 Jul 2025)Tabled by: Max Wilkinson (Liberal Democrat - Cheltenham) That this House recognises that a free press is the cornerstone of our democracy; understands that holding power to account relies on journalistic independence and editorial freedom; notes with concern that foreign state ownership of national newspapers risks allowing foreign states to undermine the independence and integrity of British journalism; … |
Wednesday 18th June Victoria Collins signed this EDM on Friday 20th June 2025 Methanol poisoning, UK traveller safety and education in schools 27 signatures (Most recent: 26 Jun 2025)Tabled by: Tom Morrison (Liberal Democrat - Cheadle) That this House is deeply concerned by ongoing deaths and serious injuries among UK nationals overseas caused by methanol poisoning, where industrial alcohol is unknowingly consumed in counterfeit or contaminated spirits; notes that methanol poisoning has occurred in countries including Indonesia, Laos, India, Brazil, Greece and within Europe; further notes … |
Wednesday 18th June Victoria Collins signed this EDM on Friday 20th June 2025 29 signatures (Most recent: 2 Jul 2025) Tabled by: Calum Miller (Liberal Democrat - Bicester and Woodstock) That this House believes this country has a proud record of standing up for Hong Kongers; condemns the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)’s interference in Hong Kong’s democracy, including through the 2020 National Security Law; further condemns the CCP’s efforts to intimidate Hong Kongers living abroad who are critical of the … |
Thursday 5th June Victoria Collins signed this EDM on Friday 20th June 2025 53 signatures (Most recent: 24 Jun 2025) Tabled by: Calum Miller (Liberal Democrat - Bicester and Woodstock) That this House expresses deep concern about the proposed construction of a Chinese mega-Embassy in London; notes with alarm the potential national security risks which would result from the proposed Embassy, including an increased capacity for surveillance by the Chinese Communist Party; acknowledges the grave concerns raised by pro-democracy Chinese … |
Tuesday 17th June Victoria Collins signed this EDM on Wednesday 18th June 2025 Harmful chemicals in period products 40 signatures (Most recent: 2 Jul 2025)Tabled by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot) That this House notes that recent testing by PAN UK and the Women’s Environmental Network found glyphosate, a probable carcinogen, in period projects; further notes that tests on period products over the last 20 years have also found them to include a range of potentially harmful chemicals, heavy metals and … |
Friday 13th June Victoria Collins signed this EDM on Monday 16th June 2025 47 signatures (Most recent: 3 Jul 2025) Tabled by: Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat - Westmorland and Lonsdale) That this House recognises with deep concern the Chancellor’s Spending Review decision to cut the DEFRA budget in real terms by 2.3% annually, with a real terms cut to the farming budget of around £100m; understands budget cuts will have potentially devastating consequences for the environment, the rural economy, farming … |
Monday 17th March Victoria Collins signed this EDM on Monday 16th June 2025 Chronic urinary tract infections and women's health 37 signatures (Most recent: 3 Jul 2025)Tabled by: Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat - Epsom and Ewell) That this House recognises the urgent need for improved care and support for those suffering from chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs), a debilitating condition that significantly impacts quality of life; notes with concern the lack of awareness, research, and effective treatment options available to patients; acknowledges that women's health as … |
Monday 2nd June Victoria Collins signed this EDM on Thursday 12th June 2025 34 signatures (Most recent: 1 Jul 2025) Tabled by: Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat - Westmorland and Lonsdale) That this House recognises the tireless work of police officers around the UK; praises the selfless service of police officers’ to their communities and their country in daily acts of unseen work, often in dangerous situations; notes in particular the fantastic work of Cumbria Constabulary in rural, remote communities, despite … |
Wednesday 15th January Victoria Collins signed this EDM on Thursday 12th June 2025 27 signatures (Most recent: 30 Jun 2025) Tabled by: Gregory Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party - East Londonderry) That this House notes the launch of the Open Doors World Watch List 2025 on Wednesday 15 January 2025, which assists in helping to highlight areas worldwide where Christians continue to be persecuted and where many face the most extreme oppression, threats and on many occasions death; and calls on … |
Parliamentary Debates |
---|
SEND Funding
101 speeches (18,716 words) Thursday 12th June 2025 - Commons Chamber Department for Education Mentions: 1: David Taylor (Lab - Hemel Hempstead) Members for Harpenden and Berkhamsted (Victoria Collins) and for South West Hertfordshire (Mr Mohindra - Link to Speech 2: Gagan Mohindra (Con - South West Hertfordshire) Members for Hemel Hempstead (David Taylor) and for Harpenden and Berkhamsted (Victoria Collins)—are in - Link to Speech 3: Janet Daby (Lab - Lewisham East) Member for Harpenden and Berkhamsted (Victoria Collins) quoted Hermione, who said that SEND needs to - Link to Speech |
Space Industry
32 speeches (13,154 words) Wednesday 11th June 2025 - Westminster Hall Department for Business and Trade Mentions: 1: Clive Betts (Lab - Sheffield South East) I call Victoria Collins, for the Liberal Democrats. - Link to Speech 2: Sarah Jones (Lab - Croydon West) Member for Harpenden and Berkhamsted (Victoria Collins), talked about how we navigate the legal future - Link to Speech 3: Mark Garnier (Con - Wyre Forest) Member for Harpenden and Berkhamsted (Victoria Collins) and my hon. - Link to Speech |
Bill Documents |
---|
Jun. 20 2025
All proceedings up to 20 June 2025 at Report Stage Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-26 Bill proceedings: Commons Found: Juliet Campbell Lewis Cocking Sarah Olney Rebecca Paul Mr Angus MacDonald Sarah Smith Victoria Collins |
Jun. 20 2025
Consideration of Bill Amendments as at 20 June 2025 - large print Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-26 Amendment Paper Found: Dillon Graham Stringer Zöe Franklin Susan Murray Alice Macdonald Anna Dixon Nick Timothy Victoria Collins |
Jun. 20 2025
Consideration of Bill Amendments as at 20 June 2025 Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-26 Amendment Paper Found: Dillon Graham Stringer Zöe Franklin Susan Murray Alice Macdonald Anna Dixon Nick Timothy Victoria Collins |
Jun. 18 2025
Consideration of Bill Amendments as at 18 June 2025 Crime and Policing Bill 2024-26 Amendment Paper Found: Gibson Sam Rushworth Sarah Olney Vikki Slade Luke Taylor Steff Aquarone Mr Paul Kohler Victoria Collins |
Jun. 18 2025
Consideration of Bill Amendments as at 18 June 2025 - Large print Crime and Policing Bill 2024-26 Amendment Paper Found: Tessa Munt Steff Aquarone Alison Bennett Chris Coghlan Mr Paul Kohler Steve Darling Sarah Dyke Victoria Collins |
Jun. 17 2025
Consideration of Bill Amendments as at 17 June 2025 - Large print Crime and Policing Bill 2024-26 Amendment Paper Found: Amanda Martin Will Stone Munira Wilson Steve Yemm Marie Goldman Lauren Edwards Lloyd Hatton Victoria Collins |
Jun. 17 2025
Consideration of Bill Amendments as at 17 June 2025 Crime and Policing Bill 2024-26 Amendment Paper Found: Snell Apsana Begum Freddie van Mierlo Sarah Green Josh Babarinde Will Stone Marie Goldman Victoria Collins |
Jun. 16 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 16 June 2025 Crime and Policing Bill 2024-26 Amendment Paper Found: Newbury Mike Martin Ian Sollom Dr Marie Tidball Natalie Fleet Calum Miller Luke Murphy Victoria Collins |
Jun. 16 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 16 June 2025 Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-26 Amendment Paper Found: Dillon Graham Stringer Zöe Franklin Susan Murray Alice Macdonald Anna Dixon Nick Timothy Victoria Collins |
Jun. 13 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 13 June 2025 Crime and Policing Bill 2024-26 Amendment Paper Found: Amanda Hack Pam Cox Sam Carling Jeremy Corbyn Natalie Fleet Calum Miller Luke Murphy Victoria Collins |
Jun. 13 2025
Consideration of Bill Amendments as at 13 June 2025 - large print Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-26 Amendment Paper Found: Juliet Campbell Lewis Cocking Sarah Olney Rebecca Paul Mr Angus MacDonald Sarah Smith Victoria Collins |
Jun. 13 2025
Consideration of Bill Amendments as at 13 June 2025 Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-26 Amendment Paper Found: Juliet Campbell Lewis Cocking Sarah Olney Rebecca Paul Mr Angus MacDonald Sarah Smith Victoria Collins |
Jun. 13 2025
All proceedings up to 13 June 2025 at Report Stage Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-26 Bill proceedings: Commons Found: Juliet Campbell Lewis Cocking Sarah Olney Rebecca Paul Mr Angus MacDonald Sarah Smith Victoria Collins |
Jun. 12 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 12 June 2025 Crime and Policing Bill 2024-26 Amendment Paper Found: Joe Powell Rosie Wrighting Amanda Hack Pam Cox Natalie Fleet Calum Miller Luke Murphy Victoria Collins |
Jun. 12 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 12 June 2025 Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-26 Amendment Paper Found: Juliet Campbell Lewis Cocking Sarah Olney Rebecca Paul Mr Angus MacDonald Sarah Smith Victoria Collins |
APPG Publications |
---|
University APPG Document: APPUG weekly update 26 - 30 May 2025.pdf Found: Grouped Questions: 52350, 52351 APP UG WEEKLY UPDATE 10 Research: Higher Education Victoria Collins |
University APPG Document: APPUG weekly update 12 - 16 May 2025.pdf Found: Source Teachers: Mental Health Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrats): To ask the Secretary of State |