Wendy Chamberlain
Liberal Democrat - North East Fife
First elected: 12th December 2019
Liberal Democrat Chief Whip
(since September 2020)Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Work and Pensions)
(since September 2020)3 APPG memberships (as of 8 Apr 2024)
Afghan Women and Girls, Carers, Scotch Whisky17 Former APPG memberships
Antibiotics, Compassionate Politics, Deliberative Democracy, Electoral Reform, Food Banks, Frozen British Pensions, Golf, Hospitality and Tourism, Malawi, PANS and PANDAS, Portugal, Sport, Universal Credit, Vaccinations for All, Veterans, Votes at 16, Women and WorkDivision Voting information
Debates during the 2019 Parliament
Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
Sparring Partners
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
(24 debate interactions)
(20 debate interactions)
Department Debates
(89 debate contributions)
(85 debate contributions)
(83 debate contributions)
(55 debate contributions)
Legislation Debates
(11,012 words contributed)
(2,668 words contributed)
(2,592 words contributed)
(2,582 words contributed)
North East Fife Petitions
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
of 203,239 signatures (0.22%)
of 75,454 signatures (0.17%)
of 103,519 signatures (0.11%)
of 203,239 signatures (0.22%)
of 75,454 signatures (0.17%)
of 103,519 signatures (0.11%)
of 8,471 signatures (1.11%)
of 57,070 signatures (0.13%)
Petition Closed
End reviews of PIP and ESA awards for people with lifelong illnesses
Gov Responded - 10 Sep 2021 Debated on - 4 Sep 2023 View Wendy Chamberlain's petition debate contributionsclosed 2 years, 2 months ago
People with a lifelong illness should not be subject to regular reviews for eligibility for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). People suffering lifelong conditions should not have to prove they are still ill every couple of years.
Petition Closed
End assessments and consider disability benefit claims on medical advice alone
Gov Responded - 21 Dec 2022 Debated on - 4 Sep 2023 View Wendy Chamberlain's petition debate contributionsclosed 1 year, 3 months ago
The Government should remove the requirement for people claiming disability benefits, such as the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), to have to go through an assessment process. Claims should be based solely on evidence from medical professionals, such as a letter from a GP or consultant.
Petition Closed
Full review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) application process
Gov Responded - 1 Nov 2022 Debated on - 4 Sep 2023 View Wendy Chamberlain's petition debate contributionsclosed 1 year, 2 months ago
We want the Government to conduct a full review of the PIP process. This should look at DWP policy and the performance of ATOS and Capita, which conduct the health assessments for applicants. We believe the current process is inherently unethical and biased, and needs a complete overhaul.
Petition Closed
Create statutory legal duty of care for students in Higher Education
Gov Responded - 20 Jan 2023 Debated on - 5 Jun 2023 View Wendy Chamberlain's petition debate contributionsclosed 1 year, 1 month ago
No general statutory duty of care exists in HE. Yet, a duty of care is owed to students, and the Government should legislate for this. HE providers should know what their duty is. Students must know what they can expect. Parents expect their children to be safe at university.
Petition Closed
Increase Number of Guests Permitted at Weddings, according to Venue Capacity
Gov Responded - 11 Sep 2020 Debated on - 9 Nov 2020 View Wendy Chamberlain's petition debate contributionsclosed 3 years, 2 months ago
Weddings take months and even years of intricate planning. Myself and many others believe the maximum number of guests authorised at wedding ceremonies should be increased. The number of guests permitted at weddings should be calculated according to venue capacity.
Petition Closed
Let Us Dance - Support nightclubs, dance music events and festivals
Gov Responded - 14 Oct 2020 Debated on - 9 Nov 2020 View Wendy Chamberlain's petition debate contributionsclosed 3 years, 2 months ago
Extend funding to nightclubs, dance music events and festivals as part of the £1.57bn support package announced by the government for Britain's arts and culture sector to survive the hit from the pandemic. #LetUSDance
Latest EDMs signed by Wendy Chamberlain
Remembering Fergie MacDonald
Tabled by: Angus Brendan MacNeil (Independent - Na h-Eileanan an Iar)That this House notes with sadness the passing of the great Fergie MacDonald, the legendary Scottish Ceilidh King and bandleader, who died aged 86 on 23 April 2024; pays tribute to his life and the joy and delight he brought to so many throughout the Highlands, Scotland, the pan-Celtic nations …
(Most recent: 24 Apr 2024)
Signatures by party:
Scottish National Party: 3
Liberal Democrat: 2
Independent: 1
Multiple sclerosis (MS) Awareness Week
Tabled by: Charlotte Nichols (Labour - Warrington North)That this House supports MS Awareness Week, which takes place between 22 and 28 April 2024; recognises that the MS Society, MS Trust, MS Together, MS-UK, the Neuro Therapy Network, Shift.ms and Overcoming MS are working together to speak up about the realities of life with MS, a neurological condition …
(Most recent: 24 Apr 2024)
Signatures by party:
Scottish National Party: 4
Liberal Democrat: 4
Labour: 3
Plaid Cymru: 3
Independent: 1
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Alba Party: 1
Commons initiatives
These initiatives were driven by Wendy Chamberlain, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.
MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.
3 Urgent Questions tabled by Wendy Chamberlain
5 Adjournment Debates led by Wendy Chamberlain
8 Bills introduced by Wendy Chamberlain
A Bill to make provision about unpaid leave for employees with caring responsibilities.
This Bill received Royal Assent on 24th May 2023 and was enacted into law.
A Bill to require the Government to have regard to the desirability of boards of public bodies including at least one person with relevant experience in at least one of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Friday 6th May 2022
A Bill to require the Secretary of State to undertake and publish a review of the merits of raising the income threshold for the High Income Child Benefit Charge and of reforming the process for declaring income above that threshold; to require the Secretary of State to publish an assessment of the impact of the High Income Child Benefit Charge on single parents and on full-time caregivers for children; and for connected purposes.
Wednesday 28th February 2024
Friday 21st June 2024
Order Paper number: 17
(Unlikely to be Debated - would require unanimous consent to progress)
A Bill to require the Government to have regard to the desirability of boards of public bodies including at least one person with relevant experience in at least one of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Monday 20th June 2022
Parallel Parliament Note:
Subsequent to the Bill being tabled, the Government extended the deadline for voluntary Class 2 and 3 National Insurance contributions to 5 April 2025 for the tax years 2016-17 and 2017-18
A Bill to require the Secretary of State to report to Parliament on the merits of extending to 5 April 2025 the period for which voluntary Class 2 and 3 National Insurance contributions may be paid in respect of one or more of the tax years 2006-07 to 2016-17; to require the Secretary of State to publish certain information about the performance of the Future Pension Centre in providing advice about voluntary Class 2 and 3 contributions in relation to the state pension; to require the Secretary of State to publish a strategy for increasing public awareness of voluntary Class 2 and 3 contributions; and for connected purposes.
Wednesday 1st March 2023
A Bill to require Ministers of the Crown to undertake annual training in matters relating to propriety, ethics and standards; and for connected purposes.
Wednesday 24th May 2023
A Bill to require a Minister to move a motion in the House of Commons seeking to establish a select committee to monitor Overseas Development Assistance expenditure by government departments.
Wednesday 16th September 2020
A Bill to require the Secretary of State to report on the use of official development assistance to increase the availability of women’s sanitary products; and for connected purposes.
Wednesday 4th March 2020
13 Bills co-sponsored by Wendy Chamberlain
State Pension Age (Compensation) Bill 2023-24
Sponsor - Alan Brown (SNP)
Scottish Law Officers (Devolution) Bill 2023-24
Sponsor - Joanna Cherry (SNP)
Spiking Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Richard Graham (Con)
National Minimum Wage Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Paula Barker (Lab)
Elected Representatives (Prohibition of Deception) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Liz Saville Roberts (PC)
Fire and Building Safety (Public Inquiry) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Daisy Cooper (LD)
Shared Prosperity Fund (Wales) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Ben Lake (PC)
School Toilets (Access During Lessons) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Layla Moran (LD)
Problem Drug Use Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Tommy Sheppard (SNP)
Environment (Regulation) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Tim Farron (LD)
Ministerial Interests (Emergency Powers) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Owen Thompson (SNP)
Hong Kong Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Alistair Carmichael (LD)
Immigration (Health and Social Care Staff) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Christine Jardine (LD)
Latest 50 Written Questions
(View all written questions)5 Other Department Questions
The Committee has had recent discussions with the Commission on this issue. The Commission regularly discusses its independence and accountability arrangements, which underpin public confidence in its work and decisions, during its regular meetings with the Committee.
The Commission and the Committee have both noted concerns about the introduction of a Strategy and Policy Statement, including its inconsistency with the role that an independent electoral commission plays in a democratic system.
However, now that a statement has been passed by the UK parliament, the Commission will meet its legal duty to have regard to it. It will continue to act independently and impartially to help maintain public confidence in elections and political finance regulation.
In common with all businesses and providers of services, licensed premises are required to comply with the provisions of the Equality Act 2010. This includes making reasonable adjustments for disabled customers and this duty is anticipatory, meaning that service providers must anticipate the adjustments that disabled customers may reasonably need, rather than await requests for such adjustments before acting.
In line with civil law principles, it is for individuals who feel that they have experienced discrimination - for example by a licensed premises for failing to make a reasonable adjustment - to take advice and if necessary legal action under the 2010 Act, to remedy the situation.
The Equality Hub expects all sectors, including hospitality, to comply with their legal duties and does not routinely consider the performance of individual sectors. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has powers to investigate such matters but as a body is independent of Government and makes its own decisions on prioritising its work.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
The Speaker's Committee has not had discussions with the Electoral Commission on the matter referred to.
The Commission has consistently highlighted to the UK Government that any changes to legislation should be in place six months before being implemented or complied with, so that Electoral Registration Officers, Returning Officers and voters have enough time to prepare.
The Commission is working to develop guidance for electoral administrators to help them understand and deliver the forthcoming changes to the overseas voter franchise. It will also expand its public awareness work targeting the overseas voter audience in the lead-up to UK parliamentary elections.
Over the last thirty years the UK has reduced its emissions by over 40% whilst GDP has gone up over 80%.
In recent years, we have decarbonised our economy faster than any other G7 nation.
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
Over nine thousand employers reported their gender pay gap data for 2020/21, having been given an additional six months before enforcement action began in October, to reflect the impact of the pandemic on businesses. Many took the additional step of producing an action plan detailing how they intend to close their gap.
As there is no mandatory requirement to publish an action plan, not every employer who has one will have noted this on the Government reporting portal, making it difficult to establish an accurate estimate of how many have a plan to tackle their pay gap.
The reporting regulations have helped to motivate employers to take action, and the UK’s gender pay gap currently stands at a record low of 15.5%.
President of the Board of Trade
For now, the focus is on bringing together the information we hold about the Government estate into one place. This work is being coordinated by the Office for Government Property.
Survey work is underway.
Minister of State (Minister for Illegal Migration)
This information is not centrally collated and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. Ministers will regularly seek to engage with hon. Members, whilst balancing wider Ministerial and Parliamentary responsibilities.
Minister of State (Minister for Illegal Migration)
The Attorney General's Office (AGO) is managed by government property services provided by the Government Property Agency. This includes wastewater management and therefore the AGO does not hold this information.
Minister of State (Minister for Illegal Migration)
The Attorney’s General Office spent £7,000 in the 2020/21 financial year and £4,450 in the 2021/22 financial year on consultancy services. The figures for the last five years are available in the table below.
2017-18 | 2018-19 | 2019-20 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 |
£0 | £0 | £0 | £7,000 | £4,450 |
Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice
The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.
A response to the Hon Members Parliamentary Question of 18th December is attached.
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
A list of Parliamentary Private Secretaries is published on gov.uk. The Government plans to publish an updated list shortly, taking into account recent changes within Government.
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
I thank the honourable Member for her question. I would like to reassure her that I am meeting with colleagues across Whitehall, including Treasury Ministers, to discuss the Infected Blood Inquiry recommendations, and the Government’s response, and will update the House as soon as I can.
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
This Government is committed to supporting all households, including veterans, with the cost of living.
Veterans who are particularly vulnerable to increased living costs are likely to be eligible for targeted cost of living support payments, including the £150 disability cost of living payment, in addition to accessing targeted welfare and cost of living support, including the Energy Price Guarantee.
For the first time, a veteran marker has been included in the national Census which will transform our understanding of employment, finance, housing and other related priorities among veterans and their families.
We are also taking action to further support veterans, their families and communities across the UK. This includes Op FORTITUDE, the dedicated referral scheme for veterans facing homelessness and rough sleeping, which is part of a broader £8.55 million of funding for specialist help and wrap-around support for veterans in more than 900 supported housing units; the £20 million Veterans Capital Housing Fund, supporting projects which contribute towards extra housing for veterans through new builds and refurbishment of existing social and charitable housing; the £700,000 Veterans Career Development Fund, supporting projects which enable access for veterans and their families to qualifications and training to secure, sustainable, valuable employment; and an Independent Review of HMG Welfare Services for Veterans.
Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Minister for Veterans' Affairs)
Survey work is underway. For now, the focus is on bringing together the information we hold about the Government estate into one place. This work is being coordinated by the Office for Government Property.
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
The Government Property Agency currently operates in c.230 different sites across the UK. There have been 4 small scale sewage leaks within the Agency’s estate within the last 12 months. 2 in York and 2 in London due to exceptionally heavy rainfall.
These were also referenced in PQs 186466/186468.
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
This relates to Ministerial air travel, on government business. Such costs are standard practice under multiple administrations, both Conservative and Labour.
The Cabinet Office currently operates in 32 different sites across the UK. There have been 4 small scale sewage leaks within the Department’s office estate within the last 12 months. 2 in York and 2 in London due to exceptionally heavy rainfall.
Estate management of the Prime Minister’s Office falls under the Cabinet Office. No sewage leaks occurred within the PMO estate in the last twelve months.
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
The Cabinet Office currently operates in 32 different sites across the UK. There have been 4 small scale sewage leaks within the Department’s office estate within the last 12 months. 2 in York and 2 in London due to exceptionally heavy rainfall.
Estate management of the Prime Minister’s Office falls under the Cabinet Office. No sewage leaks occurred within the PMO estate in the last twelve months.
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
I refer the Hon Member to PQ 173102 and 111722. As set out in my previous answers, the Government has previously committed to setting out the final costs of the total legal support in relation to the Privileges Committee in due course after the conclusion of this matter.
Information about the contract between the Cabinet Office and Peters & Peters can be found on ContractsFinder at the following link: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/26bfbb02-7e5b-4500-9746-6513393bfd27
In line with the usual process, costs will be accounted for in the Cabinet Office Annual Report and Accounts. Mr Adam Tolley KC is undertaking his investigation and his findings will be made public.
In line with the usual process, costs will be accounted for in the Cabinet Office Annual Report and Accounts. Mr Adam Tolley KC is undertaking his investigation and his findings will be made public.
I tabled an answer to Question 152308 on 9 March.
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
My Rt Hon Friend, the Minister for Security and Member for Tonbridge and Malling, leads within Government on the work on the current Anti-Corruption Strategy and its update.
My noble Friend, Baroness Neville-Rolfe, leads within the Cabinet Office on Transparency and Freedom of Information.
On ministerial standards, the Prime Minister is the arbiter of the Ministerial Code, supported by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in relation to oversight of Government Propriety and Ethics.
All Ministers, and indeed, Parliamentarians, are guided by the Seven Principles of Public Life, which help ensure and maintain public trust.
An announcement on a new Anti-Corruption Champion will be made in due course.
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
As the Committee’s inquiry remains ongoing, the contract for the provision of legal support to the former Prime Minister is being extended. Updates to the contract can be found at the following link: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/26bfbb02-7e5b-4500-9746-6513393bfd27.
The Government has previously committed to setting out the final costs of the total legal support in relation to the Privileges Committee in due course after the conclusion of this matter.
As the Committee’s inquiry remains ongoing, the contract for the provision of legal support to the former Prime Minister is being extended. Updates to the contract can be found at the following link: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/26bfbb02-7e5b-4500-9746-6513393bfd27.
The Government has previously committed to setting out the final costs of the total legal support in relation to the Privileges Committee in due course after the conclusion of this matter.
As the Committee’s inquiry remains ongoing, the contract for the provision of legal support to the former Prime Minister is being extended. Updates to the contract can be found at the following link: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/26bfbb02-7e5b-4500-9746-6513393bfd27.
The Government has previously committed to setting out the final costs of the total legal support in relation to the Privileges Committee in due course after the conclusion of this matter.
For management and staffing purposes the Prime Minister’s Office is an integral part of the Cabinet Office. Spend on consultancy is published in the Annual Report and Accounts. Figures for the last five years are:
Year | £000s |
2021/22 | 28,997 |
2020/21 | 79,799 |
2019/20 | 35,380 |
2018/19 | 36,893 |
2017/18 | 23,988 |
Note - currently 2020/21 remains provisional until our annual audit is finalised.
For management and staffing purposes the Prime Minister’s Office is an integral part of the Cabinet Office. Spend on consultancy is published in the Annual Report and Accounts. Figures for the last five years are:
Year | £000s |
2021/22 | 28,997 |
2020/21 | 79,799 |
2019/20 | 35,380 |
2018/19 | 36,893 |
2017/18 | 23,988 |
Note - currently 2020/21 remains provisional until our annual audit is finalised.
The Government published a summary of responses to its Call for Evidence in February 2021, and will make any further announcements in the usual way. Findings from the consultation helped government develop the UK’s first public sector Vulnerability Toolkit to identify and support vulnerable people. The Debt Functional Standard has also been strengthened, which sets expectations for government debt management.
Details of official receptions are published in quarterly transparency returns on gov.uk. Political receptions are not a Government matter. Notwithstanding, over the last two years, the planning and organisation of formal receptions have followed and reflected the prevailing covid restrictions and guidance.
I refer the Hon. Member to the published Cabinet Office transparency returns available on the gov.uk website. Cabinet Office: ministers' transparency publications - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
It has been the case under successive governments that civil servants and special advisers provide assistance on communications. We are now in a digital age, where social media and digital communications are an essential part of government. It is already in the public domain that there is a cross-Government resource, who document the work of government in this regard. Some information can be found in the Annual report on Special Advisers published on gov.uk. The salary of a non-Senior Civil Service member is their personal information and would not be appropriate to release under data protection provisions.
In relation to the Chief of Staff, I would refer the Hon. Member back to the reply I gave to her on 7 February 2022 (Hansard volume 708, from column 695).
In relation to the Director of Communications, pursuant to the Constitution Reform and Governance Act 2010, a report is published annually containing information about the number and cost of special advisers. Salaries of individuals above £70,000 are detailed in bands of £5,000.
Across the working buildings of 70 Whitehall, 35 Great Smith Street, Downing Street and Admiralty House, the Cabinet Office employs seven cleaners, all at grade AO. Our Facilities Management contractor, Mitie, provides a number of cleaners at a salary of their discretion.
This information is not centrally held and could only be provided at disproportionate cost
Ministers regularly meet departmental officials and external stakeholders. Details of ministerial meetings with external organisations are published quarterly and can be found on GOV.UK.
Ministers regularly meet departmental officials and external stakeholders. Details of ministerial meetings with external organisations are published quarterly and can be found on GOV.UK.
The Cabinet Office is committed to ensuring high standards of conduct in all that it does. Ministers and civil servants share this commitment. If individuals suspect wrongdoing, they have a responsibility to speak up. The Cabinet Office also makes clear to staff that they should not make the assumption that someone else will come forward to report wrongdoing.
In December 2019, the Cabinet Office enhanced its ‘Raising a Concern’ policy (previously Whistleblowing) to align with recent changes introduced by Civil Service HR. These changes were introduced as a result of some confusion in navigating the process and from staff feedback suggesting the term ‘whistleblowing’ has negative connotations. The Cabinet Office will review the existing policy and procedures in line with recently updated cross-government guidance.
The associated guidance is attached.
The Government intends to legislate to extend the franchise for UK Parliamentary General Elections to all British citizens living overseas who have been previously registered or previously resident in the UK.
These measures will be included in the Elections Bill, and we will shortly be publishing further information on the impact on the overseas franchise as part of this process.
I refer the Hon. Member to my answer of 3 June 2020 to Questions 52440, 52441, 52442, 52443, and my answers of 3 June 2020, Official Report, Col 843 and of 17 June 2020, Official Report, Col 802.
Neither I nor No10 officials have had contact with the applicant or his representatives in relation to this planning application or appeal.
I refer the Hon. Member to my answer of 3 June 2020 to Questions 52440, 52441, 52442, 52443, and my answers of 3 June 2020, Official Report, Col 843 and of 17 June 2020, Official Report, Col 802.
Neither I nor No10 officials have had contact with the applicant or his representatives in relation to this planning application or appeal.
It is a long-established precedent that information about the discussions that have taken place in Cabinet and its Committees, and how often they have met, is not normally shared publicly.
The May local elections were postponed until 2021 due to Covid-19.
In that context, the UK Government can confirm that resident EU citizens will remain able to vote and stand in the rescheduled May 2021 local elections in England (including London Assembly elections) and the May 2021 Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales. Those elected to office will be able to serve their full term and this will also apply to those elected before 2021.
The franchise for local elections are devolved in Scotland and Wales.
As I noted to the Hon. Member in previous answers, the UK Government has been clear that the issue of local voting rights of EU citizens living in the UK needs to be considered alongside the rights and interests of British expats living abroad.
The Government has signed bilateral voting rights agreements with Spain, Portugal and Luxembourg in 2019, and with Poland in May 2020. We continue to work on further bilateral voting rights agreements with other EU member states.