Rural in Parliament
This page brings together parliamentary activity relevant to rural areas and rural services across England. It includes selected debates, questions, committee work and published reports where rural issues have been raised or discussed. Compiled by the Rural Services Network, this page provides a rolling record of how rural matters are being discussed across Parliament, with links to official transcripts and sources.
01 Jun 2026
Rural in Parliament – June 2026
Short Term Lets: Licensing MPs raised concerns about the impact of short-term holiday lets and second homes on housing availability and affordability, particularly in rural and coastal communities. During questioning,...
Read more
01 May 2026
Rural in Parliament – May 2026
The King’s Speech – Debate On The Address A wide-ranging debate on the King’s Speech focused on the Government’s legislative priorities for the new parliamentary session, alongside broader discussion on...
Read more
01 Apr 2026
Rural in Parliament – April 2026
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill Consideration of Lords amendments to the Bill focused on the scope of powers for new strategic authorities and the balance between central direction and...
Read more
01 Mar 2026
Rural in Parliament – March 2026
Written Statement: Local Government Reorganisation In a written statement, the Government set out the next steps in its programme of local government reorganisation, including decisions to replace two-tier systems with...
Read more
01 Feb 2026
Rural in Parliament – February 2026
Health And Social Care In Rural Communities MPs raised questions about the provision of health and social care services in rural communities during Health and Social Care oral questions. Torcuil...
Read more
01 Jan 2026
Rural in Parliament – January 2026
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill Ahead of Committee stage, peers debated the Bill in the House of Lords, focusing on its overall purpose and the scope of powers proposed...
Read more