Fabian Hamilton
MP for Leeds North East
Lab
1 May 1997 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I recently met bereaved constituents who lost their babies at Leeds teaching hospitals NHS trust. Understandably, their confidence in the system is at an all-time low. They want answers about the circumstances in which at least 56 babies and two mothers have died in recent years. Will the Prime Minister update the House on what steps he is taking to ensure that an inquiry uncovers the factors that led to these deaths, confirm Donna Ockenden as chair of that inquiry, and join me in paying tribute to the courageous families campaigning to ensure that nobody has to suffer the same tragedy again?
Context
The MP met bereaved constituents who lost babies at the trust, raising concerns about recent fatalities. The constituent stories highlight an urgent need for transparency regarding causes of deaths.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
Every mother and baby deserve safe, high-quality, compassionate care. I want to see the inquiry at Leeds start as soon as possible. We are working with bereaved families to shape our approach and to appoint a chair whom they can trust, as my hon. Friend knows. I have a huge amount of respect for Donna Ockenden, who is an outstanding advocate for families. We will ensure that we select a chair of the highest standard who has the independence and expertise needed to deliver the real change that is needed.
Assessment
Did not confirm Donna Ockenden as chair or provide a specific timeline for her appointment.
Session: PMQs 2026-01-07
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Will the Minister commit to sustainable funding guarantees for our soft power and continue to support these courageous journalists, who move countries and are threatened?
Context
Senior Russian journalists exiled due to Putin's clampdown on free media are still providing accurate reporting for those who need it most. They often face threats from rogue states.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Chris Elmore)
Support for the work of the BBC World Service is echoed. The Minister will visit Broadcasting House to see its innovative funding programs. Echoing support for journalists exposing global conflicts.
Session: BBC World Service 2025-10-28
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I thank the Foreign Secretary for that reply. The fall of Assad was rightly welcomed by all Members of this House, but reports of mass killings of Christians and Alawites, which have now resulted in more than 1,500 civilian deaths, show that Syria is still a very unstable country. Will the Secretary of State therefore outline what support is being given to the new Syrian Government to prevent further violence and another appalling refugee crisis?
Context
Reports indicate mass killings of Christians and Alawites in Syria, resulting in over 1,500 civilian deaths. This raises concerns about the stability of the country despite the fall of Assad being welcomed by all Members.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)
We are following steps closely. The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr Falconer), will be meeting civil society groups today. My hon. Friend the Member for Leeds North East (Fabian Hamilton) will know that we have allocated £160 million to support recovery and stability through lifesaving and other such assistance. Clearly, the recent violence was incredibly horrific and alarming. We will continue to work with the new Government as best we can to ensure that we get the inclusive political transition that we all want to see.
Session: Syrian Constitutional Declaration 2025-04-01
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Does the Minister agree that it would be detrimental to Britain's place on the world stage if the British Council was forced to close more offices, particularly where British values of freedom and democracy are needed most?
Context
The Chancellor recently announced additional funding for the BBC World Service, highlighting the Government's commitment to UK soft power. The British Council office in Moldova closed due to funding cuts.
Hamish Falconer
The Foreign Secretary supports Moldova's democratic choice to pursue a path of independence. The FCDO provided £511 million in grant aid funding for 2022 to 2025, and the British Council retains a physical presence in over 100 countries despite operating more online.
Session: UK Soft Power 2024-11-26
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What steps he is taking to help increase the UK's soft power. Last week, I met Moldovan MPs who valued the British Council's presence but it had to close due to funding cuts. Does the Minister agree that closing more offices would be detrimental to Britain's global influence?
Context
The question follows recent announcements on additional funding for the BBC World Service and concerns over closures of British Council offices.
Hamish Falconer
The Foreign Secretary is establishing a new soft power council and providing £511 million in grant aid funding for 2022 to 78 countries. In an increasingly digital age, the British Council's impact should be judged by operational presence rather than physical one. The council retains a physical presence in over 100 countries.
Session: UK Soft Power 2024-11-26
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It is estimated that more than 42 million tonnes of rubble could be contaminated by unexploded bombs and ordnance in Gaza. It is vital that such a serious threat to human life is dealt with effectively to ensure Gaza's post-conflict reconstruction. Will the Minister commit to redoubling our country's support for the work of organisations such as the HALO Trust?
Context
The MP is concerned about the contaminated rubble in Gaza and its impact on post-conflict reconstruction.
Anneliese Dodds
The amount of unexploded remnants of war throughout Gaza poses a serious threat to life and the provision of humanitarian assistance. The UK is working proactively with a number of key stakeholders. We very much recognise the expertise of the HALO Trust, and we will redouble the work done, particularly towards reconstruction.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-10-22
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Will the Minister join me in congratulating the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, on her plans to build a tram network in Leeds?
Context
Plans for mass transit networks to benefit jobs and the local economy. Leeds is the largest city without a rail-based public transport system.
Simon Lightwood
West Yorkshire combined authority received £200 million Government funding from 2022 to 2027, including £160 million from the city region sustainable transport settlement. I commend Tracy Brabin's determination to create a better connected region.
Session: Trams Leeds and West Yorkshire 2024-10-10
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What steps she is taking to support proposals for a tram system in Leeds and West Yorkshire?
Context
Proposals for a tram system to improve connectivity, economic growth, and housing in Leeds and West Yorkshire. The Secretary of State met the Mayor of West Yorkshire to discuss mass transit.
Simon Lightwood
The Secretary of State met Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, to discuss mass transit's role in sustainable economic growth. The Department is working with the combined authority to support the business case for a new mass transit system, including £200 million Government funding from 2022 to 2027.
Session: Trams Leeds and West Yorkshire 2024-10-10
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Lasting Power of Attorney
28 October 2025
Responding: Sarah Sackman
Main Concerns
["The vast majority of lasting powers of attorney have no issues; however, abuse by a small minority continues to occur. Since the campaign to end LPA abuse began, hundreds of testimonies from across the country have been received, detailing cases where vulnerable people's funds were stolen or misused. The Office of the Public Guardian reports that there has been a 6.5% increase in concerns about abuse and only 34.5% of such issues lead to full investigations."]
Specific Asks
['Implement Government-regulated safeguarding procedures for banks dealing with LPAs, including requirements to contact donors or GPs before LPA activation and monitoring spending both pre- and post-activation.']
Manchester Terrorism Attack 2025-10-13
13 October 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
International Human Rights Day
10 December 2024
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
Fabian Hamilton, chair of the all-party parliamentary human rights group and British group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, raised awareness about international Human Rights Day on December 10th. He ...
Powers of Attorney
12 November 2024
General Debate
Led by this MP
Moves a Bill to address procedural gaps in the system that allow for abuse through Lasting Powers of Attorney. Highlights instances where vulnerable individuals have been exploited, and calls for gove...
Attendance
45.5%
10 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
5
22.7% of votes
No Votes
5
22.7% of votes
Abstentions
12
54.5% 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
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 63 Stand part
Ayes: 348
Noes: 167
Passed
13 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 26
Ayes: 172
Noes: 334
Failed
13 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 9
Ayes: 181
Noes: 335
Failed
13 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 86 stand part
Ayes: 344
Noes: 173
Passed
13 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 25
Ayes: 187
Noes: 351
Failed
13 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
1
PMQs Asked
7
Ministerial Questions Asked
3
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
-12% below average
This MP:
7
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-35% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+27% above average
This MP:
3
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 (%)
-40% below average
This MP:
45.5
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 Fabian Hamilton's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.