Florence Eshalomi
MP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Labour (Co-op)
12 Dec 2019 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I wish you a belated happy new year, Mr Speaker. However, for the 4.8 million leaseholders across England, it is not a happy new year; they will receive large bills in a matter of weeks. They have been waiting patiently for us, a new Government who said we would deliver change, to bring forward legislation on leasehold and commonhold. When will we see that legislation, so that we can put those leaseholders out of their misery?
Context
4.8 million leaseholders in England are facing large bills due to a lack of legislative change on leasehold and commonhold issues.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that important issue. We will bring forward proposals very shortly.
Assessment
No specific timeline or concrete details on the legislation were provided
Session: PMQs 2026-01-14
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I welcome the written statement from the Minister for Digital Government and Data on the plan to use artificial intelligence to boost productivity in public services. I am concerned about gender and racial bias in artificial intelligence, which many studies have shown, particularly as regards health outcomes. A King’s College London study showed racial bias in AI when it comes to heart scans, indicating worse health outcomes for black and minority ethnic people. My concern is that these biases could leave certain communities behind if not addressed. What steps are being taken to identify and resolve such biases?
Context
The question is prompted by the Government's recent initiatives to improve technology use in public services, including a written statement on using AI to boost productivity.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Darren Jones)
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that important question. These AI solutions are only as good as their ability to serve the public fairly; equality should be built in at the start. The AI Safety Institute and officials at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology work across Government to ensure that those values and ethics are built into programmes as they are developed by the Government.
Session: Government Use of Technology 2026-01-22
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I thank the Minister for his answer. I know that he has been taking a lot of time to debate and look at the issue of leasehold, and he can see the cross-party concern on behalf of many constituents up and down the country on this big issue, as well as the support for tackling it. We on the Select Committee are ready to help him by making sure that the legislation is right, fit and proper. I just want to tease out a further answer from the Minister. Can he confirm for the House that he is still on track to ensure that we end the issue of leasehold and commonhold by the end of this Parliament?
Context
The Select Committee on Housing, Communities and Local Government is concerned about the feudal leasehold system and its impact on home ownership. The Minister has been discussing reforms to address this issue.
Matthew Pennycook (The Minister for Housing and Planning)
I thank my hon. Friend, the Chair of the Select Committee for that question. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the promises in our manifesto to bring the feudal leasehold system to an end. Despite the noises off from the usual naysayers, the imminent publication of our ambitious draft commonhold and leasehold reform Bill will be the beginning of the end for that system, which has tainted the dream of home ownership for so many households across the country.
Session: Leasehold Reform 2026-01-12
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Florence Eshalomi highlighted that councils across the UK are facing financial pressures due to overspending on temporary accommodation. She noted specific cases like Slough's £22 million overspend, Woking’s £330,000, Waverley’s £165,000, and Waltham Forest's £31 million overspend. Eshalomi requested that the Minister engage with Treasury colleagues to address issues such as the increase in Local Housing Allowance which does not allow people to live locally.
Context
Councils across the UK are experiencing financial pressures due to overspending on temporary accommodation. This includes large costs like £500,000 for Epsom and Ewell borough council, rising to £800,000 by next year.
The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)
In response to Florence Eshalomi's concerns, Alison McGovern acknowledged that this situation is financially unsustainable for both councils and taxpayers. She highlighted the need for a strategy focusing on proper housing for all children while also addressing financial pressures faced by local authorities.
Session: Families in Temporary Accommodation 2025-11-24
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As we come to the end of celebrating Black History Month, it is vital that we continue to promote diversity in all workplaces. Does the Minister agree that DEI practices are fundamental for equality, fairness and transparency and preventing discrimination?
Context
The context is the celebration of Black History Month, highlighting the need to continue promoting diversity beyond this month.
The Minister for Equalities (Olivia Bailey)
I thank my hon. Friend for her great campaigning work. I agree with her that we must do absolutely everything possible to break down all barriers to opportunity in our country.
Session: Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Public Sector 2025-11-05
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What discussions has she had with colleagues in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to ensure that the private rented sector database will contain information on EPC ratings, so that all residents can live in warm, secure and safe homes?
Context
The question arises from a meeting Florence Eshalomi chaired with the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee on decent home standards. The issue of emissions from homes is highlighted as a key area for improvement.
Katie White
Homes and home standards are absolutely key to decarbonisation for a variety of reasons, including the health benefits for residents. We will consult on the warm homes plan, and the Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, my hon. Friend the Member for Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West (Martin McCluskey), spoke about the warm home discount earlier. We are working with MHCLG on bringing forward the future home standard.
Session: Emission Reductions Progress Report 2025-10-14
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What assessment has been made of the potential implications for policies of the Climate Change Committee’s 2025 report entitled “Progress in reducing emissions”?
Context
The Climate Change Committee released a report in 2025 titled 'Progress in reducing emissions', assessing the progress of emission reductions. Florence Eshalomi is concerned about the potential implications for government policies.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Katie White)
I thank my hon. Friend for repeatedly raising these issues in the House—I know that climate change is of huge concern to her and her constituents. I am proud that Britain has led the way with our independent Committee on Climate Change, established under the Climate Change Act 2008, which has worked effectively for nearly two decades, under leadership from Labour and the Conservatives—I sincerely hope that we can re-establish that consensus. We are grateful to the Committee for its scientific recommendations to the Department. Obviously, it is for the Department now to consider them, and we will report back on our decisions at the end of the month.
Session: Emission Reductions Progress Report 2025-10-14
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The Minister highlighted the inter-ministerial group, which the former Secretary of State chaired and saw as being very important. The issue cuts across all departmental groups. It is important, because within two months, as we go into the next year, and in the next financial year, we will see over 170,000 young children in temporary accommodation—in homelessness. That should worry all of us. The inter-ministerial group has met four times. Can the Minister confirm that the group will continue to be convened—and if it will, who will chair it?
Context
Florence Eshalomi welcomed the Minister to his position and highlighted the work of the inter-ministerial group, which had met four times. She expressed concern about over 170,000 young children being in temporary accommodation within two months.
The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)
The Chair of the Select Committee makes the case extremely well. If anybody in this Chamber is not worried about temporary accommodation, they are not paying attention; that is how serious this is. It is terrible for our kids, and for the taxpayer, because it is so expensive. I will follow up with her. A lot of work has already been done on the homelessness strategy. We want to get it confirmed as soon as possible. I will engage fully with the Select Committee on the strategy to ensure that we get it right, and we will come back to her shortly with the details of how we will do that together.
Session: Homelessness 2025-10-13
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The Secretary of State will be aware that a coalition of 150 charities supporting young people are calling for a specific youth-focused section in the ending homelessness strategy; estimates show that would save £8.5 billion a year. Does the Minister agree that it is not only morally right but economically smart to have a youth-specific chapter in that new strategy?
Context
A coalition of 150 charities supporting young people are calling for a specific youth-focused section in the ending homelessness strategy, estimating it would save £8.5 billion a year.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Rushanara Ali)
I commend my hon. Friend for her work on this really important agenda. I met representatives from the youth homelessness sector at a recent roundtable. We are determined to ensure that the concerns and interests of young people experiencing homelessness are integrated into our report on ending homelessness, and we are working with the sector to tackle the root causes of youth homelessness.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-07-14
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Our most climate-friendly nations require investment to adapt to the effects of climate change, but sadly a number of them are facing a debt crisis and are spending a lot of money on paying sky-high interest rates to lenders. Given that 90% of the debt contracts are governed by English law, will the Government ensure that private lenders take part in debt relief schemes in order to tackle the climate emergency effectively?
Context
A number of climate-friendly nations are facing a debt crisis and spending a lot on paying sky-high interest rates to lenders.
Kerry McCarthy
This is the subject of ongoing discussions between our Department and, in particular, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: we want to ensure that we are not giving with one hand and taking away with the other. That is part of the remodelling that will enable us to supply international climate finance to the people who need it most.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-06-10
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I thank the Minister for his comments over the weekend—we really do need to ensure that we ban new leaseholds—but, as he knows, leaseholders have been promised this many a time before, and many will be going to sleep tonight with only a little sigh of relief because those bills will continue to come. The Minister mentioned the White Paper; can he tell us what the status of existing leaseholders will be when the measures to end leasehold are finally introduced?
Context
Existing leaseholders have been promised relief but are still facing financial strain.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
Let me explain, as simply as I can, what we want to do. As the White Paper makes clear, we will ban the sale of new leasehold flats so that commonhold becomes the default tenure, and we will ensure that the process of conversion is as simple as possible for those in existing leasehold blocks who wish to make this change.
Session: Leasehold Costs 2025-03-03
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I welcome the Secretary of State's announcement on deadlines. However, a majority of buildings affected by cladding are still unidentified after seven years. Will the Minister deliver a more joined-up approach to identify and remediate those properties as soon as possible?
Context
The National Audit Office report shows that most buildings affected by cladding have not been identified.
Alex Norris
I thank the Chair of the Select Committee for that question. It will probably not surprise her to hear that the first question I asked when I became Minister with responsibility for building safety was, “How many buildings need remediating?” I do not think that it will surprise her or colleagues to hear how astonished I was to find out that between 4,000 and 7,000 buildings were unidentified after seven years—which shows the previous Government's intent. We are going to identify them, work out what their risks are and get them remediated.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-12-02
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The Secretary of State will know the financial difficulties facing so many of our local authorities. A recent Local Government Association report shows that one in four local authorities will apply for additional funding. It is fair to say that, for a number of them, March will be too late. What discussions have been had with the Chancellor to ensure that our local authorities get emergency support?
Context
Local authorities are facing significant financial challenges, with a recent report from the Local Government Association indicating that one in four local authorities will seek additional funding. The question arises to prompt immediate action by the government to provide emergency support.
Jim McMahon
May I welcome the Chair of the Select Committee to her place? She will do an outstanding job for local government and housing. The Government absolutely understand how difficult it is for local authorities to make ends meet. We understand that the pressures in adult social care, children's social services and temporary accommodation are biting hard, and we are working through those issues with the sector.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-10-28
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I thank the Home Secretary for that reply on knife crime. I welcome the Government's commitment in the Young Futures programme to preventing young people from being drawn into crime. A number of gang-associated girls are drawn into crime, and although rape and sexual exploitation is such a traumatising experience, many of those young girls do not see themselves as victims. Fantastic organisations such as Abianda and Milk Honey Bees work to support women. Will the Department consider providing tailored support for young women through the Young Futures programme?
Context
The issue of gang-associated girls being drawn into crime, particularly through rape and sexual exploitation, highlights a need for targeted support within existing programmes. Organisations such as Abianda and Milk Honey Bees work to provide this support.
Yvette Cooper
My hon. Friend makes an important point. I know that she has championed that issue over many years. The Young Futures programme will include youth hubs to draw together services around young people—I used the concept of a teenage Sure Start to bring young people's services together. We also need youth prevention programmes across all areas. She is right to highlight that this must be about young girls as well as young boys to ensure that we tackle the threats to young people's safety from violent crime.
Session: Violent Crime Young People 2024-10-21
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What steps her Department is taking to help prevent young people from becoming involved in violent crime. Knife crime takes far too many young lives in this country, so the Government have set a mission—not just for the Government but for policing and local communities right across the country—to halve knife crime over the next decade.
Context
The question arises from the high incidence of knife crime, particularly affecting young individuals in urban areas. The government has set a mission to halve knife crime over the next decade.
Yvette Cooper
Knife crime takes far too many young lives in this country, so the Government have set a mission—not just for the Government but for policing and local communities right across the country—to halve knife crime over the next decade. As part of that, we have already implemented the ban on zombie knives and zombie-style machetes, and we will now act quickly to ban ninja swords following the campaigning by Pooja Kanda after the death of her son.
Session: Violent Crime Young People 2024-10-21
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I had the pleasure of visiting the Metropolitan police special operations unit in my constituency with the new Policing Minister on Saturday. We discussed a range of issues with the officers, from counter-terrorism to dealing with violent crime, protests and antisocial behaviour. Does the Home Secretary agree that we need additional resources for our police officers and urgent action to work with the Met to keep our streets safe in London?
Context
During a visit to the Metropolitan Police special operations unit, concerns were raised about the need for additional resources to address various issues such as counter-terrorism, violent crime, protests, and antisocial behaviour.
Diana R. Johnson
It was a great pleasure to be on that visit with the local constituency MP. We will consider funding around the police settlement in the weeks and months ahead.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-07-29
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Land Value Capture
30 October 2025
Main Concerns
['The cost of land is one of the biggest root causes of the housing crisis, with land value soaring when farmland is granted planning permission for housing. The current system relies on section 106 agreements and community infrastructure levy, but these processes can be unpredictable and complex. Only 52% of local authorities are currently charging the community infrastructure levy, partly due to stretched planning departments.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should look at reforming land value capture policies to support a rapid increase in house building, introduce template clauses for section 106 agreements, and extend access to degree-level planning apprenticeships. The Government must also push for greater coverage of CIL where financially viable and publish its impact assessment on reducing London’s affordable housing target.']
Social Rented Housing Sector
12 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Backbench Business
12 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate focuses on the importance of LGBT+ History Month, acknowledging the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights and the ongoing struggles faced by the community. Nadia Whittome emphasises her gratitude ...
Local Government Finance
11 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to approve the Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27, laying before the House on 9 February.
Occupied Palestinian Territories Genocide Risk Assessment 2026-02-05
05 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Calls for the UK Government to recognise a serious risk of genocide in Gaza based on overwhelming evidence. Criticises the government's failure to meet its legal obligation under the genocide conventi...
Commonhold and Leasehold Reform 2026-01-27
27 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Business Rates 2026-01-27
27 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government is taking steps to protect high street businesses from upward-only rent review clauses, introducing a strong new community right to buy to safeguard valued community assets. They are al...
Local Government Reorganisation 2026-01-22
22 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Water White Paper 2026-01-21
21 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Elections Cancellation 2026-01-19
19 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that the scheduled local government elections in May 2026 will not be cancelled, and explain why it is necessary to do so at this late stage despite the Government's previous...
New Towns 2026-01-15
15 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The New Towns Act of 1946 aimed to address severe housing shortages, overcrowding, and poor living conditions post-war by planning whole communities with homes alongside jobs, schools, services, and g...
Attendance
90.9%
20 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
9
40.9% of votes
No Votes
11
50.0% of votes
Abstentions
2
9.1% 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
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
1
PMQs Asked
15
Ministerial Questions Asked
97
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
-48% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.9
Ministerial Questions
+89% above average
This MP:
15
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-35% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+4002% above average
This MP:
97
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 (%)
+20% above average
This MP:
90.9
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 Florence Eshalomi's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.