Alex Easton
MP for North Down
Ind
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
Does the Minister agree that there is a clear need for a stronger role for Northern Ireland firms in the UK defence supply chain?
Context
Northern Ireland firms need more inclusion in UK defence supply chain.
Matthew Patrick
I absolutely accept that we can do even more to support such companies. The companies I have been meeting in relation to the defence growth deal have said that the opportunity to showcase the talent and expertise that exists in Northern Ireland is really important, and I want to support them in doing that.
Session: Defence Industrial Strategy 2025 2026-02-11
View All Questions -->
Can the Government do more to ensure proactive detection of this vile material, such as by using artificial intelligence tools and human moderators with specialist training in animal cruelty, so that such content is swiftly identified and removed, and put robust measures in place to prevent it from reappearing online?
Context
An ongoing issue with the use of artificial intelligence and human moderators to identify and remove harmful content.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Kanishka Narayan)
I thank the hon. Member for an apt question on this theme. As I mentioned, animal cruelty is a priority offence under the law. Platforms must take proactive steps, including to assess risk before it pertains and to remove content where it clearly falls foul of the law. The Government will keep making sure that enforcement through the regulator and via platforms continues at pace.
Session: Torture of Animals Online Content 2025-12-17
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister consider introducing minimum design and safety standards for e-bike batteries to reduce the risk of overcharging, overheating, and short-circuiting?
Context
E-bike users face risks from overcharging, overheating, and short-circuiting of batteries.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Kate Dearden)
Our product safety laws require products supplied in the UK to be safe, whether they are sold online or on the high street. The Product Regulation and Metrology Act received Royal Assent earlier this year, giving us powers to update product safety laws where necessary to adapt to new technologies and emerging product risks.
Session: e-Bike Batteries 2025-12-11
View All Questions -->
Is it not the reality that this legislation has failed to win the confidence of many who served, and that we now need clear, robust protections against repeated investigations so that we honour our veterans in practice and not just in rhetoric?
Context
The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill was introduced to replace the failed legacy act. However, it has not yet won confidence among veterans.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
Those protections, including against repeated investigations, are clearly set out in the Bill that the House gave a Second Reading to yesterday. I hope that, as people come to understand that they are there and how they work, they will offer the reassurance that the hon. Gentleman is looking for.
Session: Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 2025-11-19
View All Questions -->
What is the Government’s assessment of the current protocols regarding the comprehensive risk assessments, and can the public be assured that the existing policies on IPP sentences are safeguarding the community effectively?
Context
The question follows discussions about the challenges faced by those serving Imprisonment for Public Protection sentences and seeks assurance on the effectiveness of current protocols regarding comprehensive risk assessments.
David Lammy (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
That is why we have to put public protection first and there has to be a robust risk assessment. We require the Parole Board in particular to make very sensitive assessments. People cannot leave prison unless we are confident that they will not go on to commit further crimes. That is the assessment we ask the Parole Board and others in the prison system to make.
Session: Imprisonment for Public Protection 2025-11-11
View All Questions -->
What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that Intertrade UK operates independently and transparently? What indicators is he using to measure growth in trade within the UK internal market? Will he commit to publicising an independent assessment of the barriers the Northern Ireland protocol has on trade within the UK?
Context
The establishment of Intertrade UK under the 'Safeguarding the Union' initiative to advise on trade and investment within the UK.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
A range of organisations, including Intertrade UK, are assessing the impact of the Windsor framework. The Government is committed to publishing Lord Murphy’s report on this issue. Intertrade UK operates independently and submits advice as it sees fit.
Session: Intertrade UK 2025-10-15
View All Questions -->
In assessing the impact of the 10-year plan on perinatal health for England, can the Minister assure us that the lessons learned will be shared across the rest of the United Kingdom to enhance care quality and reduce regional disparities, especially in Northern Ireland?
Context
The question is about sharing the learning from the perinatal health initiatives in England with other parts of the United Kingdom, particularly Northern Ireland.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
The hon. Gentleman makes an excellent point about the important need to share the learning across the United Kingdom, and I will make sure that we do indeed make efforts to do that.
Session: 10-Year Health Plan Perinatal Mental Health 2025-07-22
View All Questions -->
In the light of the tragic loss of young mother Sarah Montgomery, who was seven months pregnant, due to violence, which has left two young girls without a mother and impacted the entire community of Donaghadee in my constituency, do the Government agree that early interventions, particularly through early education, are essential? Furthermore, can we look at intensifying our efforts to prevent domestic violence against women and young girls and at increasing sentences to deter that type of crime?
Context
The Member raises the tragic case of Sarah Montgomery, a young mother who died due to violence while pregnant.
Alex Davies-Jones
I thank the hon. Member for raising this case, which will have hit all of us incredibly hard. It is horrific and just goes to show that violence against women and girls is at epidemic levels in every corner of the United Kingdom, not just in England and Wales. I am due to meet my counterparts across the devolved nations shortly to figure out exactly how we can best join up to tackle this issue as a whole, because it will take a societal response. If the hon. Member wants to meet me to discuss this further, I would be happy to do so.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-07-08
View All Questions -->
How do the Government assess the implementation of a flat rate in terms of improving fairness and simplification for all involved, reducing administrative costs and encouraging compliance?
Context
Easton asked about the fairness, simplification, reduction in administrative costs, and encouragement of compliance with a flat rate system.
James Murray (The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury)
One of the principles behind the reforms is to tackle issues of compliance by simplifying the system. The consultation is currently open for anyone interested in contributing towards these reforms to make their views known.
Session: Betting and Gaming Duty Horseracing 2025-07-01
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister set up a meeting with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to consider creating a trade fair focusing on trade between Northern Ireland businesses and Scottish businesses? That would create networks, would possibly create jobs, and would be great for the economy in both Northern Ireland and Scotland. It would certainly go down well with businesses in North Down and right across the UK.
Context
The MP seeks a trade fair to promote economic co-operation, focusing on trade between businesses in the two regions.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Kirsty McNeill)
I would be delighted to see more trade between Scotland and Northern Ireland. I will happily meet colleagues in the Northern Ireland Office to explore that.
Session: Economic Co-operation Scotland and Northern Ireland 2025-06-04
View All Questions -->
Does the Minister agree that probation services in North Down and across the UK often exceed their duties, providing extensive support to individuals in need? Furthermore, does he agree that it is essential to allocate resources for substance abuse treatment, so that young offenders have access to personalised services?
Context
The Minister was asked about the extent of duties performed by probation services in North Down and across the UK, with a focus on providing support for substance abuse treatment.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Sir Nicholas Dakin)
I agree wholeheartedly. It is very important that substance abuse is properly tackled. Probation services and youth offending teams do a lot of work in that space.
Session: Reoffending Young Offenders 2025-06-03
View All Questions -->
Given the significance of trade relationships between Northern Ireland and Wales, particularly in agriculture and textiles, can we ensure that any economic prosperity for Wales is beneficial for Northern Ireland as well?
Context
The MP inquired about ensuring economic prosperity for both Wales and Northern Ireland, particularly focusing on trade relationships between the two regions.
The Secretary of State for Wales (Jo Stevens)
As I said, the Government are determined to see growth right across the United Kingdom, in all four nations. The relationship between Wales and Northern Ireland is very strong, and long may that continue.
Session: Economic Growth 2025-01-29
View All Questions -->
Will he give a commitment that he will speak with ministers about ensuring construction of the police college at Kinnegar?
Context
Police recruitment issues and the lack of a new police college are pressing concerns.
Hilary Benn
That is an issue for the Executive. The position on funding has improved; more money from the Budget is given to the PSNI and UK Government increased security funding.
Session: Budget 2024-11-27
View All Questions -->
Does he agree that the police service in Northern Ireland needs more funding? Has he had discussions with the Justice Minister to resolve this issue?
Context
The budget resources for the Justice Minister are short, preventing sufficient recruitment of PSNI officers. This is a concern given recent disorder.
Hilary Benn
As the hon. Member will be aware, decisions about the allocation of the Northern Ireland budget rest with the Northern Ireland Executive. Funds go to the Justice Minister, who then decides principally how much to pass on to the policing board for policing costs and how much to deal with the justice system and the prisons.
Session: Budget Sustainability Plan 2024-10-23
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
1994 RAF Chinook Crash
26 November 2025
Responding: Louise Sandher-Jones
Main Concerns
['The crash on 2 June 1994 killed nine military officers, ten RUC special branch officers, five MI5 officers, a senior civil servant and four RAF members. The investigations have raised concerns over gaps in evidence, missing documents, incomplete briefings and withheld information.']
Specific Asks
['The hon. Member demands a full public inquiry with statutory powers to compel witnesses and access all relevant material including sealed documentation for clarity and justice.']
Police Funding — [Sir Roger Gale in the Chair]
05 November 2024
Responding: Fleur Anderson
Main Concerns
['The hon. Member is deeply concerned about the underfunding of the Police Service of Northern Ireland since 2010, noting that while other budgets have increased significantly, policing has faced cuts. He highlights a £166 million funding gap for 2025-26 and further gaps in subsequent years. The hon. Member also mentions diminishing neighbourhood policing, prolonged response times, reduced crime investigation capacity, closing inquiry offices, and compromised support for partner organisations.']
Specific Asks
['The hon. Member asks the Government to address the £37 million funding gap through the monitoring round, increase the budget baseline for sustainable funding, and approve the business case to enable police headcounts to recover to previous levels. He challenges the Government to conduct a comprehensive review of policing budgets.']
NHS Dentists 2026-02-05
05 February 2026
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
I am grateful for the opportunity to draw attention to the severe strain on NHS dentistry, which affects millions of British people. The issue is that fewer practices are offering NHS appointments, le...
Northern Ireland Troubles Legacy and Reconciliation 2026-01-21
21 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Nigeria Freedom of Religion or Belief 2026-01-13
13 January 2026
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
It is a great pleasure to lead this debate on Government support for freedom of religion or belief in Nigeria; I hope that we have some good debate. Recent events have thrown a spotlight on Nigeria in...
Northern Ireland Troubles Legacy and Reconciliation 2025-12-17
17 December 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that they will not push their remedial order to a vote until the Supreme Court has finally ruled, considering the potential legal implications of proceeding without full dete...
Illegal Migrants Unknown Whereabouts 2025-12-09
09 December 2025
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
The scale of illegal immigration and its impact on our country is simply not understood in this Parliament. British people are genuinely scared—women fear going into their towns alone, parents worry a...
Northern Ireland Troubles Bill 2025-11-18
18 November 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Northern Ireland Troubles 2025-10-14
14 October 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Access to GPs 2025-06-23
23 June 2025
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
The ability to access GPs and maintain face-to-face appointments is a pressing issue that affects not just my constituency of North Down but constituencies across the UK. Across England, Scotland, Wal...
Irish Republican Alleged Incitement 2025-04-29
29 April 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that the Government will take immediate action regarding the alleged incitement to murder Members of Parliament by the Irish republican group Kneecap? The MP raises concerns ...
St Patrick’s Day UK Bank Holiday 2025-03-18
18 March 2025
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
I am here to speak about the potential merits of making St Patrick’s day a UK bank holiday, highlighting the unifying elements of St Patrick and his gospel message. I have kept my shamrock from last w...
Attendance
68.2%
15 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
7
31.8% of votes
No Votes
8
36.4% of votes
Abstentions
7
31.8% 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
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 63 Stand part
Ayes: 348
Noes: 167
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 26
Ayes: 172
Noes: 334
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 9
Ayes: 181
Noes: 335
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 86 stand part
Ayes: 344
Noes: 173
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 25
Ayes: 187
Noes: 351
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 24
Ayes: 184
Noes: 331
Failed
12 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 7
Ayes: 188
Noes: 341
Failed
12 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 185
Noes: 344
Failed
0
PMQs Asked
14
Ministerial Questions Asked
13
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
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
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
1.9
Ministerial Questions
+76% above average
This MP:
14
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+30% above average
This MP:
2
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+450% above average
This MP:
13
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 (%)
-10% below average
This MP:
68.2
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 Alex Easton's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.