A selection of Lord Soames of Fletching’s votes

See full list of topics voted on

• Generally voted for reducing housing benefit for social tenants deemed to have excess bedrooms (which Labour describe as the "bedroom tax") Show votes 11 votes for, 0 votes against, 7 absences, between 2012–2018.
• Voted for raising England’s undergraduate tuition fee cap to £9,000 per year Show votes 1 vote for, 0 votes against, in 2010.
• Almost always voted against a wholly elected House of Lords Show votes 2 votes for, 11 votes against, 1 absence, between 2003–2016.
• Consistently voted against paying higher benefits over longer periods for those unable to work due to illness or disability Show votes 0 votes for, 14 votes against, 1 absence, between 2011–2016.
• Voted a mixture of for and against university tuition fees Show votes 5 votes for, 9 votes against, 2 absences, between 1997–2017.
• Consistently voted for greater restrictions on campaigning by third parties, such as charities, during elections Show votes 11 votes for, 0 votes against, 1 absence, between 2013–2016.

We have lots more plain English analysis of Lord Soames of Fletching’s voting record on issues like health, welfare, taxation and more. Visit Lord Soames of Fletching’s full vote analysis page for more.

Recent appearances

• Ukraine - Commons Urgent Question 28 Nov 2023

  My Lords, would my noble friend pay tribute to the extraordinary skills of the British service men and women who are training these brave Ukrainian warriors? Would he further agree that now that general winter has a grip of the battle line, we are in for a period where there will be not much movement on either side, and therefore it is essential that Ukraine understands our unswerving...

• Armed Forces - Motion to Take Note 7 Sep 2023

  My Lords, I think we can safely say that this House has taken note of the role of the Armed Forces and the UK’s defence policy, in what has been an exceptional debate. We have heard some very informative and important speeches from many people whose interests and experience do not, in my view, get enough hearing in these defence debates. I would like to endorse my noble friend Lord...

• Armed Forces - Motion to Take Note 7 Sep 2023

  My Lords, I am very honoured to be entrusted to introduce this debate on our Armed Forces and the United Kingdom’s defence policy, at a time when we and our allies find ourselves in a very grave, unstable and uncertain period. I declare my interest as honorary colonel of C Squadron, The Royal Yeomanry—the Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry. Members of the regiment are currently deployed on...

More of Lord Soames of Fletching’s recent appearances

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Profile

Conservative Peer

Entered the House of Lords on 28 October 2022

Previously MP for Mid Sussex until 6 November 2019 — Dissolved for election

Entered the House of Commons on 9 June 1983 — General election

Party was Conservative until 3 Sep 2019; Independent until 6 Nov 2019

Also represented Mid Sussex; Crawley

• Personal website
• Wikipedia page
• BBC News profile
• Early Day Motions signed by this MP

Social Media

• @nsoamesmp

Expenses

• Expenses from 2004 to 2009
• Expenses from 2010 onwards

Topics of interest

Lord Soames of Fletching campaigned to remain in the European Union Source: BBC

• Defence
• Ministry of Defence
• Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
• Department of Health
• Home Department
• Nato
• Warships
• Iraq
• Afghanistan
• Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

Currently held offices

• Member, International Relations and Defence Committee (since 31 Jan 2023)

Other offices held in the past

• Member, Administration Committee (25 Mar 2013 to 10 Mar 2014)
• Member, Standards and Privileges Committee (31 Jan 2006 to 6 May 2010)
• Shadow Secretary of State for Defence ( 8 Nov 2003 to 5 May 2005)
• Member, Consolidation etc. Bills (Joint Committee) (12 Dec 2001 to 5 May 2005)
• Member, Public Administration Committee ( 2 Jul 1999 to 18 Jan 2000)
• Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) (Armed Services) (20 Jul 1994 to 1 May 1997)
• Parliamentary Secretary (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food) (14 Apr 1992 to 20 Jul 1994)
• Member, European Legislation Committee ( 2 Feb 1984 to 15 Jul 1985)

Public bill committees (Sittings attended)

• Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill Committee (2 out of 2)
• Immigration Bill Committee (5 out of 11)
• Hunting Bill Committee (17 out of 31)
• Hunting (Re-committed) Bill Committee (2 out of 2)
• Hunting Bill Committee (13 out of 16)