George Freeman
Conservative · Mid Norfolk
FULL PROFILEGeorge Freeman is the Conservative MP for Mid Norfolk, first elected in 2010. He is 58 years old. As an opposition MP, they are expected to vote against the government on most whipped divisions.
Ideology
Voting Behaviour
Key Interests
Life sciences and biotechnology · Space technology and Earth observation · Agricultural innovation and gene-editing · AI regulation and deepfakes · Rural healthcare and dental services
Positions
Gene-editing and precision breeding — Strong supporter of UK leadership in genetic technology
strong
Space technology and Earth observation — Advocate for expanded UK space capabilities and data utilization
strong
AI regulation — Supports criminalizing malicious AI deepfakes
moderate
Rural healthcare — Advocates for improved dental services in rural areas
moderate
Agricultural policy — Supports farmer protections and sustainable agriculture
moderate
Climate and net zero — Supports renewable energy investment and emissions monitoring
moderate
Immigration — Supports stricter immigration and asylum systems
weak
EU relations — Pragmatic approach balancing cooperation with sovereignty
weak
Notable Rebellions
2020-11-04 — Rebelled to support protections for farmers against lower-standard food imports in post-Brexit trade deals
2021-02-09 — Voted against government to maintain parliamentary oversight of trade agreements
2020-07-20 — Supported measures requiring trade deals to maintain UK food and environmental standards
Reasoning Style
Evidence-based and expertise-driven, drawing heavily on his scientific and ministerial background. Approaches policy through a technocratic lens, focusing on practical implementation and long-term strategic implications rather than ideological purity. Shows willingness to rebel when constituency interests or expert knowledge conflicts with party line.
Background
Freeman has a background in life sciences and technology, having served as Minister for Life Sciences (2014-2016) and Minister for Science, Research and Innovation (2021-2023), bringing expertise in biotechnology, research policy, and innovation to his parliamentary work.