Emily Darlington
MP for Milton Keynes Central
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
If reports are correct that Elon Musk has climbed down today under pressure from this Government, let’s be clear: stripping women naked without consent is abusive. Will the Prime Minister join me in demanding no tolerance for abuse of men, women or children by any app or AI company in this country?
Context
Reports suggest Elon Musk's company, X, may be under pressure from the UK government to comply with laws following concerns over content moderation and abuse on its platforms.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
Actions of Grok and X are disgusting; decision to turn it into a premium service is horrific. We are determined to take action, making clear that X must comply with UK law or face Ofcom’s investigation and legislation.
Session: PMQs 2026-01-14
View Full Session -->
Ms Darlington congratulated Mr Speaker on his commitment to make this House the first national White Ribbon Parliament in the world. She asked if the Prime Minister would join her and others in making the White Ribbon promise to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women.
Context
Yesterday was the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, known as White Ribbon Day.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
Mr Speaker, I am really proud of what you have done with this Parliament on the White Ribbon campaign. We must turn that from a ribbon into action. This Government are fully committed to tackling violence against women and girls; it is a political commitment, and a personal commitment from me.
Session: PMQs 2025-11-26
View Full Session -->
I thank the Minister and the Ministry of Justice ministerial team for repealing the £318 charge for the person at risk of violence order a couple of weeks ago—that will make a huge difference. However, I want to raise the strategy and the fact that online abuse is on the rise. Does she agree that any party that says it wants to repeal the Online Safety Act 2023 is not a party that cares about tackling violence against women and girls?
Context
Emily Darlington thanks the Minister for repealing a charge for person at risk of violence order. She raises concern about online abuse which is on the rise.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)
Hear, hear. I thank my hon. Friend for the brilliant work she has been doing in championing this issue recently. The Online Safety Act ensures that online platforms are required to remove illegal content such as harassing or abusive material as soon as they are made aware of it. That is a fundamental feature in order to protect children in our country, and any party seeking to repeal that is not on the side of protecting children.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls 2025-11-11
View All Questions -->
As the Minister may know, Milton Keynes used to be called “tent city”. We reduced the number of rough sleepers down to 16 when I was deputy leader at the council. We were able to do that because we understood that rough sleeping was more than just a housing issue; it was a whole-person issue. Is she willing to meet me and the other officers of the all-party parliamentary group on rough sleeping, as well as Back-Bench Members who have experience in this area, while shaping and delivering the rough sleeping strategy?
Context
Emily Darlington referenced the work done by Milton Keynes council to reduce the number of rough sleepers down to 16 when she was deputy leader. She highlighted the need for a whole-person approach in tackling rough sleeping.
The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)
I am aware of my hon. Friend’s work, and the work of Milton Keynes council and others in the city, to bring down the number of rough sleepers. We will take that whole-person approach in the homelessness strategy. I never knowingly avoid a meeting with an APPG, so I am sure that we will get that arranged shortly.
Session: Homelessness 2025-10-13
View All Questions -->
Given the devastation of the United States Agency for International Development, the temporary cuts in official development assistance and the growing desperate situation in areas of Africa, is the Foreign Secretary willing to meet me and colleagues who have worked in and care about the region, to understand our long-term strategy, particularly against China and Russia, which are moving in to fill that void?
Context
There are concerns about the impact of US Agency for International Development cuts on Africa, with China and Russia moving in to fill that void.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)
I am grateful for the leadership that my hon. Friend showed on these issues before coming to this place; she continues to champion them now. On the Africa approach, and changes to development aid across the continent, whether they are made by us or by partners, either I or my colleague who leads on development will be very happy to meet my hon. Friend.
Session: Sudan 2025-09-02
View All Questions -->
Does the Minister agree that Northern Ireland’s tech sector can play a huge part in making the UK an AI superpower? However, as highlighted by the Northern Ireland Committee, chaired by my hon. Friend the Member for Gower (Tonia Antoniazzi), there is a link between online safety and rates of domestic abuse in Northern Ireland. How does the Government plan to support tech companies while ensuring women's safety?
Context
Potential for Northern Ireland's tech sector to contribute to becoming an AI superpower while addressing online safety concerns.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Fleur Anderson)
We recognise the epidemic of violence against women and girls, including online safety issues. There are opportunities for AI companies to work on technology ensuring perpetrators are caught and justice is done while promoting AI growth zones as part of the industrial strategy.
Session: Investment Technology Businesses 2025-07-02
View All Questions -->
As the Minister will know, Gavi and the Global Fund not only provide a global vaccine programme and programmes on saving lives from malaria and HIV but also provide us with biosecurity and jobs in the UK. What assessment has he made of whether the UK is to reduce our efforts in that regard?
Context
Discussion about UK's commitment to Gavi and its impact on global health and biosecurity.
The Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms (Chris Bryant)
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance is absolutely essential, not only for other countries in the world, where we have managed to save many lives by introducing vaccines, but for UK innovation. We are fully committed to Gavi. We will be producing our life sciences sector plan soon, and we want to celebrate the sector, which represents 6,800 business and £100 billion of turnover every year.
Session: Health Science and Innovation 2025-06-25
View All Questions -->
What assessment has he made of the potential impact of funding for health science and innovation on the UK’s global influence?
Context
Discussion about the impact of UK funding on global medical innovation and influence.
The Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms (Chris Bryant)
From the development of vaccines to the discovery of the structure of DNA, British medical innovation has played a fundamental role in changing the lives of people globally and extending the UK’s global influence. Our industrial strategy and forthcoming life sciences sector plan will put the UK at the very centre of global efforts.
Session: Health Science and Innovation 2025-06-25
View All Questions -->
Gavi was created very much with the UK as a driving force. It is one of the proudest achievements of the previous Labour Government. It has immunised almost 2 billion people in the world, and not only is it saving lives but it is important for jobs and work here in the UK in our fantastic life sciences sector. Will the Minister give a commitment that we will continue to be a leading force in Gavi at the replenishment in June?
Context
The MP highlights the UK's historical and current contributions to Gavi, emphasizing its positive impact on global health.
Stephen Doughty (Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Foreign Secretary has been discussing these important issues with the Health and Social Care Secretary. My hon. Friend is right to point out the important role of Gavi, as well as our role in that. The decisions will be set out in due course, but I hear what she and, indeed, other hon. and right hon. Members are saying on this important issue.
Session: Official Development Assistance Infectious Diseases 2025-04-01
View All Questions -->
Rape victims were failed under the previous Government, and too few actually got to see the inside of a courtroom. Among those victims were the victims of Andrew Tate here in the UK, who suffered rape and other violence against them. While I know that the Home Secretary cannot comment on the current extradition notice with Romania, what message can she send to those victims, whom I have met and who will be meeting a Minister as well, about their day in court and getting justice?
Context
Rape victims under the previous government faced difficulties in securing justice.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Yvette Cooper)
My hon. Friend will know that there is a court case under way in Romania and that issues around prosecution and extradition decisions are matters for the police and the Crown Prosecution Service. I know that she has worked with victims, including in her constituency, and it is hugely important that victims of appalling crimes have a route to justice, wherever they are in the world.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls 2025-03-31
View All Questions -->
Does she agree that to reduce the number of asylum claimants in the UK, the Government should increase the spend on building peace and security abroad?
Context
The UK spends 27% of its official development assistance on housing asylum claimants, which is almost double the OECD average. The overseas spend was cut by the previous government.
The Minister for Border Security and Asylum (Dame Angela Eagle)
My hon. Friend is right to say that asylum costs make up the bulk of Home Office spend classified as ODA spending and that we are committed to reducing them, including by ending the use of hotels, which will mean that we can return that ODA resource so that it can be used upstream to prevent migratory flows from happening in the first place.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-02-24
View All Questions -->
I am concerned about wars around the world, more than at any time since World War Two. I have asked the Minister to review the fiscal formula that he and the Chancellor voted against when proposed by the previous government. Will they put the ODA budget on a long-term settlement and meet me to discuss how we can improve UK safety through the ODA budget?
Context
The government is reviewing ODA spending in light of fiscal constraints and the need to address global crises.
Darren Jones (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
The Minister thanked his hon. Friend for her expertise on the topic and acknowledged that aligning spending across Departments is crucial for ODA spending. He stated that the multi-year spending review was underway, and budgets would be confirmed in June. The fiscal tests relating to 0.7% of GNI on ODA will be reviewed annually.
Session: Official Development Assistance 2025-01-21
View All Questions -->
Given the regulated service charge regime for social housing, will the Minister consider implementing similar regulations to prevent profiteering in the private sector?
Context
Social housing providers and councils operate within a regulated service charge regime that forbids profit-making. The Housing Ombudsman Service handles complaints.
Matthew Pennycook
The Minister is willing to discuss further with the hon. Member on what additional protection leaseholders in the private sector might need.
Session: Social Housing Service Charges 2024-12-02
View All Questions -->
How are the Government ensuring that more brave women who report their rapes see quick and effective justice through the court service?
Context
The low rate of reported rape cases reaching trial under previous governments prompts this question.
Alex Davies-Jones
The Government are committed to introducing independent legal advocates for adult rape victims. They will work with the judiciary to fast-track RASSO cases through courts and support victim-survivors every step of the way.
Session: Domestic Abuse and Violence against Women 2024-11-05
View All Questions -->
How is the Cabinet Office bringing together all those Departments so that we can achieve our housing mission?
Context
The question highlights the importance of linking various departments to ensure public support for house building and infrastructure.
Ellie Reeves
I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting the importance of housing, which is central to what we are doing in government. Each of our five national missions is ambitious and will require input and action from a number of Government Departments. That is precisely why we are running them as missions, and not in the traditional departmental silos. As would be expected, the Cabinet Office is key to supporting that; the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, who is deputy chair on all mission boards, and myself are playing active roles in facilitating that cross-Government working, supported by a specialist mission delivery unit in the Cabinet office.
Session: Government’s Five Missions 2024-10-24
View All Questions -->
What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to implement the Government's five missions?
Context
No specific background or context provided. The question focuses on the steps being taken to implement the Government's five missions.
Ellie Reeves
We were elected on a manifesto with five missions to rebuild Britain and turn the page on 14 years of decline under the Conservative party. Those five missions offer real and tangible benefits to people living in every part of our country: higher living standards, cleaner energy, safer streets, longer and healthier lives, and a renewed confidence that the future will be better for our children. I am delighted to report to the House that we have already begun the change that we set out in our national missions, making our economy stable, launching a new border security command, setting up Great British Energy and setting out ambitious plans for housing.
Session: Government’s Five Missions 2024-10-24
View All Questions -->
As Departments prepare for the spending review, will the Chancellor consider allowing the international development budget to be on the same footing as R&D, looked at over 10 years? Will she meet me to discuss this?
Context
Departments are preparing spending review submissions.
Darren Jones
The spending review is ongoing. All decisions on ODA spending will be taken in the round as part of this process.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-09-03
View All Questions -->
I congratulate my right hon. Friend on his position, and I hope that he will be able to rebuild those relations that were strained through the Brexit process. Small and medium-sized business in Milton Keynes Central have gone under because of the additional paperwork and restrictions caused by our strained relations with the EU. Will he confirm that he is talking to the Irish Government and others about how to reduce those barriers to trade?
Context
The question concerns the reduction of barriers to trade for small and medium-sized businesses in Milton Keynes following Brexit.
Hilary Benn
There is no doubt that the change in our trading relationship with the European Union has brought additional costs and paperwork for businesses, whether they are selling to the EU or into Northern Ireland. The Windsor framework is the means by which we are trying to manage that.
Session: Relations with Ireland 2024-07-24
View All Questions -->
Whether he has had discussions with the Irish Government on UK-Ireland relations. A fortnight ago, I met the Tánaiste Micheál Martin in Hillsborough, where we discussed strengthening relations between our two Governments, given the importance of our relationship with Ireland. The Prime Minister and the Taoiseach also held a bilateral meeting ahead of the European Political Community meeting last week.
Context
The question arises from the need to strengthen UK-Ireland relations following Brexit and its impacts.
Hilary Benn
A fortnight ago, the Minister and I met the Tánaiste Micheál Martin in Hillsborough, where we discussed strengthening relations between our two Governments, given the importance of our relationship with Ireland. The Prime Minister and the Taoiseach also held a bilateral meeting ahead of the European Political Community meeting last week.
Session: Relations with Ireland 2024-07-24
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Gavi and the Global Fund
15 May 2025
Responding: Stephen Doughty
Main Concerns
['The organisations highlighted in the debate—Gavi, the Global Fund, among others—have saved over 18 million lives by reducing avoidable deaths and lowering childhood mortality rates. However, proposed funding cuts could result in between 4.4 million to 10.8 million additional HIV cases, with up to 2.9 million HIV-related deaths predicted by 2030.']
Specific Asks
['The UK needs to continue its support for Gavi and the Global Fund to maintain immunisation funding priorities and protect global health security.']
Jimmy Lai: Prison Sentence
09 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (Second sitting) 2026-02-03
03 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (First sitting) 2026-02-03
03 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Social Media Non-consensual Sexual Deepfakes 2026-01-12
12 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Bletchley Railway Station Eastern Entrance 2026-01-07
07 January 2026
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
Good things come to those who wait, Madam Deputy Speaker. Despite the late hour, I am grateful for the opportunity to champion an issue of strategic importance to Bletchley—namely, the case for a new ...
Ukraine and Wider Operational Update 2026-01-07
07 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Northern Ireland Troubles Bill Armed Forces Recruitment and Retention 2026-01-05
05 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the impact of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill on armed forces recruitment and retention? The MP is concerned that the new bill will negatively affect morale, recruitment, ...
Rights of Women and Girls Afghanistan 2026-01-05
05 January 2026
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
I am pleased to bring forward this debate on Government support for the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan because, put simply, the situation for women and girls there is catastrophic. Since com...
Middle East and North Africa 2026-01-05
05 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary provided an update on the situation in Gaza, Iran, Yemen, Syria, and the case of Alaa Abd el-Fattah. He highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasising that ...
HMP Leyhill Offender Abscondments 2026-01-05
05 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the implications for public safety following the admission that two dangerous offenders, including a convicted murderer, absconded from HMP Leyhill on New Year's Day?
Attendance
100.0%
22 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
9
40.9% of votes
No Votes
13
59.1% of votes
Abstentions
0
0.0% of votes
03 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 63 Stand part
Ayes: 348
Noes: 167
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 26
Ayes: 172
Noes: 334
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 9
Ayes: 181
Noes: 335
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 86 stand part
Ayes: 344
Noes: 173
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 25
Ayes: 187
Noes: 351
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 24
Ayes: 184
Noes: 331
Failed
12 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 7
Ayes: 188
Noes: 341
Failed
12 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 185
Noes: 344
Failed
2
PMQs Asked
17
Ministerial Questions Asked
65
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
22
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 649 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+3% above average
This MP:
2
Average:
1.9
Ministerial Questions
+114% above average
This MP:
17
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-35% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2649% above average
This MP:
65
Average:
2.4
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
5.1
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.2
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+32% above average
This MP:
100.0
Average:
75.6
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Emily Darlington's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.