Parliamentary Career

Theresa Villiers asking a PMQ

Theresa Villiers started out as a Member of the European Parliament in 1999 and joined the Westminster ranks in 2005, holding a number of positions in opposition and in Government. Here's an overview of her career so far:

  • MEP for London, 1999 - 2005
  • Deputy Leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament, 2001 - 2002
  • MP for Chipping Barnet 2025 - 2024 (re-elected 2010, 2015, 2017 & 2019)
  • Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, 2005 - 2007
  • Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, 2007 - 2010
  • Minister for Transport, 2010 - 2012
  • Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, 2012 - 2016
  • Secretary of State for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs - 2019 - 2020
  • Member of the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament - 2020 - 2024

You can read Theresa's final contributions in Parliament below.

Leaving the EU: Animal Welfare Standards in Farming | Backbench Business | Westminster Hall debates

One of our goals should be to end zero-grazing for dairy cows. Research by Compassion in World Farming indicates that as many as 20% of UK dairy cows rarely or never graze outside. I fear that industrial systems that keep cattle indoors all year round simply are not capable of delivering high welfare standards, no matter how well managed they are. Evidence suggests that it is essential for cows to be able to access pasture to engage in normal behaviour, including the exercise needed for bone and muscle development. A review of the scientific literature by the European Food Safety Authority concluded that cows that are not kept on pasture for at least part of the year were at increased risk of lameness and disease.

Holocaust Memorial Day | Kashmir | Commons debates

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that we are immensely lucky that there are brave individuals—including my constituent, Mala Tribich—who survived the horrific experiences he is talking about and are prepared to speak out about the horror they experienced? If we hear at first hand what happened, we can learn the lessons so that we can all work to make sure that nothing like that ever happens again.

Northern Ireland: Political Developments | Commons debates

Does the Secretary of State agree that, although an election looks highly likely, it should be possible to come up with a rigorous, transparent and comprehensive way to investigate the overspend of the RHI that does not have to involve the break-up of the coalition, an early election or the First Minister standing down?

Christmas Adjournment | Leasehold and Commonhold Reform | Commons debates

I want to detain the House briefly to talk about HMRC’s Making Tax Digital programme, an important issue I think we should reflect on over the Christmas period. Before doing so, I draw the attention of the House to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests as a recipient of rental income from property.