Josh Babarinde
MP for Eastbourne
Lib Dem
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Lewis—not his real name—is an Eastbourne boy with special educational needs who was left traumatised after his passenger assistant relentlessly and brutally restrained him on his home-to-school transport. What happened on that day only became clear to Lewis’s mum, who is in the Gallery today, when he returned home visibly distressed and bruised, and that is because, shockingly, there is no statutory requirement to report incidents of physical restraint on school transport, nor national training standards. Will the Prime Minister address this loophole in his upcoming special educational needs and disabilities reforms to ensure that SEND children in Eastbourne and beyond can travel to school with the safety and dignity that they deserve?
Context
Case of a child with special educational needs who was traumatised after being restrained by his passenger assistant.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
Can I say to the hon. Member and to Lewis’s mum, who is with us today, that incidents like that should not be happening? I think he has met an Education Minister to discuss this matter. Every child should have tailored support, including on transport to school, and I can reassure him and Lewis’s mum that that principle will be central to our reforms.
Session: PMQs 2025-11-26
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Eastbourne resident Pam was given a cheque for £125,000 by her terminally ill partner, which she went on to cash in. However, an error by the bank, Barclays, meant that only £125 was deposited. Barclays admitted the error, and then said it would compensate her with £250 for the inconvenience caused. Will the Prime Minister work with me to ensure that Barclays bank pays Pam the compensation she needs and deserves? While we are here, will he commit to imposing a windfall tax on the excess profits of banks like Barclays to bring bills down for struggling residents?
Context
An error by Barclays bank led to a constituent receiving only £125 instead of the intended £125,000, with the bank offering only £250 in compensation. The MP also seeks a commitment for imposing a windfall tax on excess profits from banks.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
The case of the hon. Gentleman’s constituent Pam is staggeringly bad—absolutely terrible. If he could provide me with the full details, I will make sure that the Government join him in doing whatever we can in his constituent’s case.
Assessment
windfall tax on banks
Change Of Subject
Avoiding Commitment
Session: PMQs 2025-11-19
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Eastbourne war veteran Staff Sergeant Pauline Cole sustained injuries while serving our country. She was awarded military compensation, but because military compensation is currently considered income by this Government, her pension credit has been cut from £77 a week to just £11 a week. We have met the relevant Minister to try to address this to no avail. With the 80th anniversary of VE Day just next week, will the Prime Minister meet Pauline, who is in the Gallery, and I to address this injustice and ensure that no veteran is penalised for serving our country?
Context
The MP highlighted a case where a war veteran, Staff Sergeant Pauline Cole, saw her pension credit reduced due to military compensation being considered income by the Government.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I thank the hon. Member for raising this important issue with us. We will always stand up for those who served our country, and I pay tribute to Pauline for her service. I will ensure that she gets the appropriate meeting that she wants and needs to discuss her specific case.
Session: PMQs 2025-04-30
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What steps will the Government take to ensure that all those who aided and abetted the trafficking that Jeffrey Epstein perpetrated are also prosecuted by the British state?
Context
The recent revelations about Jeffrey Epstein, a paedophile with thousands of victims worldwide including many British survivors, have traumatised these individuals. There is a need to ensure that those who aided and abetted Epstein's trafficking are prosecuted.
The Solicitor General
The hon. Gentleman makes an important point. Tackling violence against women and girls is my No. 1 priority in government, just as it was when I was in opposition. I am in awe of the bravery of the victims who have come forward. I am absolutely disgusted and sickened by the revelations that have come out in recent days, and I stand in solidarity with the victims. I will ensure that I am speaking across Government to see what more can be done.
Session: Human Trafficking 2026-02-05
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The new judicial finding of domestic abuse in the Sentencing Act 2026 will help us better identify domestic abusers in the criminal justice system. Will the Minister explain when that element of the Act will commence? What additional training will be given to judges and magistrates to make sure that they can implement it effectively?
Context
The new judicial finding of domestic abuse in the Sentencing Act 2026 will help identify domestic abusers in the criminal justice system. There is a need for proper training and implementation to ensure effective use.
The Minister for Courts and Legal Services (Sarah Sackman)
We will update the House when that is ready for implementation. The hon. Gentleman is right to highlight the importance of training when it comes to domestic abuse cases. Judicial training is an independent function run by the Judicial College. Domestic abuse training, and particularly a trauma-informed approach to evidence, is a mandatory part of that training, as it must be.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-02-03
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East Sussex county council has launched a scheme to fine East Sussex Highways when its roadworks overrun and cause disruption to local businesses. A clear case is that of Victoria Place, where businesses such as Gianni’s, Qualisea, Gr/eat Greek Cuisine and many more were disrupted by overrunning works to pedestrianise the street. Does the Minister agree that the fund should be used to help compensate those businesses for the disruption, and can the Cabinet Office support East Sussex county council to do just that?
Context
The question focuses on a specific scheme in East Sussex county council to fine contractors when their roadworks cause disruption to local businesses. It mentions several examples of businesses disrupted, such as Gianni’s, Qualisea, and Gr/eat Greek Cuisine.
Chris Ward (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
As half of my constituency is in East Sussex, I am always happy to support East Sussex county council. I think we are slightly off beam with the broad thrust of the topic, but I get the hon. Member’s point about the frustration that constituents, including mine, have with overrunning works. We will follow up with him if there is anything further that the Cabinet Office can do.
Session: Local Authorities Business Investment 2026-01-22
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The severe weather emergency protocol has ended in East Sussex. Today, five individuals who were provided with accommodation under it came into my constituency office, not knowing where to turn. We have amazing local charities doing great work, but will the Minister offer advice to those folks who have come into the office in desperate need of support to get out of the situation they are in?
Context
Individuals in East Sussex are finding it difficult to secure accommodation despite the severe weather emergency protocol having ended.
Alison McGovern
I thank the hon. Member so much for raising that case on the Floor of the House in the way he did. It shows all the different reasons why people can find themselves without a roof over their head. The local authority should be in the lead in supporting them, but if he wants to contact me with further details, I will ensure that the local authority has the support it needs.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-01-12
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Happy new year to you, Mr Speaker, and to the Minister. Eastbournians without driveways—such as Laurain on Winchcombe Road—are committed to acquiring an electric vehicle in order to reduce their emissions, but they are being let down by Conservative-run East Sussex county council, which has failed to invest in pavement gulleys to allow safe cross-street electric vehicle charging. Will the Minister and her colleagues at MHCLG urge the council to follow the lead of Lib Dem-run Oxfordshire county council and pilot a cross-pavement electric vehicle charging scheme?
Context
MP raises concerns about the lack of infrastructure for electric vehicle charging in East Sussex, highlighting the need for cross-pavement charging schemes to support residents without driveways.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Katie White)
Local councils play a pivotal role. I work closely with the local net zero delivery group and with UK100, and I have been fortunate enough to visit the Labour-run councils in Leeds and Sheffield to see the excellent local work that they have been doing to support net zero. The hon. Gentleman has made an excellent point about the need to ensure that councils help local people to do what they want to do in this regard, and have the necessary EV infrastructure. It sounds as though there are some good leadership opportunities to learn from other councils.
Session: Net Zero Local Authorities 2026-01-06
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Josh Babarinde raised concerns about Meta’s slow response to hacking incidents, asking the Minister to advise how to expedite reconnection of affected business accounts.
Context
Many small businesses rely on Facebook advertising but face prolonged delays when hacked.
Blair McDougall
Blair McDougall acknowledged the importance of cyber-security and stated that the government is communicating with small businesses to ensure they up their security measures. He also offered to meet the hon. Gentleman on this issue.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-10-30
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My constituent Ross has neurodiversities and is in employment, working at a garden centre, but his income is supplemented by universal credit. After inadvertently missing a telephone appointment with a job coach, he was sanctioned, losing out on two months-worth of rent, and he risked being made homeless and losing his job if his parents had not been there to step in. Can the Minister assure folks such as Ross that they will be powered up by our benefits system, not punished when they make innocent mistakes?
Context
Ross, a neurodiverse individual working at a garden centre and receiving universal credit, was sanctioned after missing a telephone appointment with a job coach. This led to the loss of two months' rent, putting him at risk of homelessness and losing his job if not for family support.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
We certainly do want the system to support people such as Ross. If work-related requirements are missed, the reason for that should be asked for, with seven days allowed for an answer. There should also be a pre-referral check before a sanction referral takes place. If the hon. Gentleman would like to send me the details of what happened in that particular case, I will happily look into it.
Session: Benefit Sanctions Neurodiverse Claimants 2025-10-27
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The Cabinet Office co-chairs the flood resilience taskforce in order to deliver on its priority to bolster flood defences, but residents in Eastbourne at this very point in time on Wartling Road, Seaside and Whitley Road—and, earlier this week, on Macmillan Drive—have to wade through canals created by flooding brought about by adverse weather. The work being done to protect against flooding is not enough. Will the Minister meet with me and other stakeholders to figure out how we can best protect residents, businesses and schools such as Motcombe school from the flood risk?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of flooding in Eastbourne, specifically mentioning recent flooding events on Wartling Road, Seaside and Whitley Road.
Darren Jones (Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister)
I am sorry to hear about the situation in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency. He knows that the Government take flood risk very seriously, and it is a key risk in our national risk register. That is why the Government have increased spending on flood defences significantly in the recent Budget and spending review, but I absolutely recognise that there is more to do. I will ensure that we look at the specific circumstances in his constituency and help him to understand when funding will come to support his constituents.
Session: Delivery of Government Priorities 2025-10-23
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Will the hon. Lady recognise the awesomeness of the Rev. David Harrigan at St Elisabeth’s church in Eastbourne? Working with the food bank, he has pioneered a partnership that has been featured by the Trussell Trust as an example of best practice for a relationship between a church leader and a food bank. Will the hon. Lady meet Rev. David and me to discuss the Church Commissioners’ plans for the land next to St Elisabeth’s church, to ensure that it is used for community benefit?
Context
Rev. David Harrigan at St Elizabeth's Church in Eastbourne has pioneered a partnership with the local food bank, which is recognized as an example of best practice by the Trussell Trust.
Marsha De Cordova
I am always happy to meet hon. Members about any issue they wish to raise. I pay tribute to the hon. Gentleman’s church, which is working in partnership with the food bank. There are many such examples, including at St Mark’s church in my constituency. We all know the role that our churches play in our communities to provide that social action support. I am very happy to meet the hon. Gentleman.
Session: Community Relations Impact of Church Leaders 2025-10-16
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I welcome the new Justice Secretary and the Minister responsible for sentencing to their places. The Probation Service relies on an effective tagging system in order to keep our communities safe, but the £300 million contract that the last Government awarded to Serco has resulted in lots of failures. I saw some of them close up when I shadowed Serco over the summer, including, for example, wrong addresses being provided, which means multiple failed visits and a failure to tag the offenders who need to be tagged. Will the Secretary of State tell us how much Serco has been fined in its contract, and will he commit to strengthening penalties so that we ensure that private contractors are not rewarded for failure?
Context
The £300 million Serco contract for the tagging system has resulted in numerous issues such as wrong addresses being provided, leading to multiple failed visits.
David Lammy (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
The hon. Gentleman is right that Serco’s record was poor and unacceptable. We stepped in, and have fined it. I cannot say by how much, because it is commercially sensitive, but I can tell him that I intend to hold Serco to account. The job that it does is immensely important for public confidence.
Session: Probation Service 2025-09-16
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I would like to associate myself with the Deputy Prime Minister’s comments on the bravery of the Hillsborough families and pay tribute to them... Many of us across the House are deeply concerned that domestic abusers are weaponising the family court to perpetrate their abuse. Efforts to reform it have not yet been forthcoming from this Government, and we need change. Will the Deputy Prime Minister commit to legislating in the next King’s Speech for reform of the family court, so that it supports survivors and does not sabotage them any longer?
Context
The questioner expresses concern about how domestic abusers are using the family court to continue their abusive behavior.
David Lammy
We are determined to look at this lacuna for victims of domestic violence, and if necessary, we will come forward with further amendments or, indeed, legislation.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-09-16
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Eastbourne district general hospital, where I was born, and the Hastings Conquest hospital are quite far apart. On a good day, it takes 45 minutes to drive from one to the other, and two hours by bus. More and more services are moving to the Hastings hospital, but we need better transport links, such as a shuttle bus, to make things seamless for patients. Can the Minister meet me and local representatives to discuss how we could secure a shuttle bus service to Hastings hospital for our town?
Context
Patients face long travel times due to the distance between Eastbourne district general hospital and Hastings Conquest hospital, with a need for better transport options.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
This is why it is so important that the Government are handing local areas the power to design bus services around local needs. I encourage the hon. Gentleman to continue discussions with his local transport authority on doing just that.
Session: Bus Services 2025-09-11
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What steps his Department is taking to improve car parking provision at NHS hospitals, given the poor condition at Eastbourne DGH where car parks are often full and lower-banded staff now face increased charges?
Context
Parking provision at Eastbourne District General Hospital is inadequate, with full car parks forcing patients to park far away and crumbling facilities. Lower-banded NHS staff face a near doubling of car parking charges.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
The Department has published guidance that trusts are expected to follow to manage car-parking spaces. Responsibility lies with individual trusts and provision must be managed alongside existing policy, providing free parking for those in greatest need.
Session: NHS Hospitals Parking 2025-07-22
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Eastbourne's posties are legends, but there are issues with Royal Mail resulting in late letter deliveries for medical appointments. Will the Minister meet me to discuss these problems and urgent action?
Context
Issues with Royal Mail performance causing delays in mail delivery.
Justin Madders
I appreciate the hon. Member's tribute to posties and acknowledge performance issues at Royal Mail. I am happy to discuss this further with him to ensure everyone receives mail on time, working with Ofcom.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-07-17
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The Liberal Prime Minister William Gladstone was right when he said, “Justice delayed is justice denied”. He would look on the inheritance that this Government received from the Conservative Government as a matter for great shame. While creative solutions are required to tackle the backlog, the jury trial—which we hear may be at risk for some—is a critical safeguard on state power and key to a liberal and free society. Ahead of the Leveson report, which is coming out very soon, can the Government tell us how they will increase the overall capacity of the courts system to dispense justice as opposed to potentially undermining justice altogether?
Context
The Liberal Prime Minister William Gladstone once said, “Justice delayed is justice denied.” The hon. Member believes that the current backlog in court systems inherited from previous governments should be a matter for shame.
Shabana Mahmood
I thank the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for his question but would challenge him on two points. I do not think we are undermining justice in this country when he himself recognises that justice delayed is justice denied. We are trying to properly think through, “What is a good system for us to proceed with in this country?” As he knows, 90% of all criminal cases already go to the magistrates court.
Session: Crown Court Backlog 2025-07-08
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What steps can the Government take both to support survivors who are living through this kind of hell and to speed up legal proceedings preventing my constituent from being free once again?
Context
A constituent survived violent economic abuse, including occupation of her property without consent and vandalism, leading to delays in civil court proceedings.
Alex Davies-Jones
We are developing policy work, including co-habiting couples’ rights and working across Government with MHCLG, Treasury, and DWP to tackle all elements of violence against women and girls, including economic abuse. I will update him on these discussions in due course.
Session: Violence against Women Criminal Justice System 2025-07-08
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During our last session of Defence questions, I asked the Secretary of State to join me in wishing a happy forthcoming birthday to Eastbourne’s last surviving war veteran, Eric Deach, who was shortly to turn 100. Unfortunately, tomorrow I shall be a pallbearer at his funeral; he did not make it. Will the Secretary of State join me in paying tribute and sending condolences?
Context
Request for a tribute and condolences after the death of Eastbourne's last surviving war veteran, Eric Deach.
John Healey
[No response provided]
Session: Topical Questions 2025-06-30
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The Rapid Transition Alliance tells us that we can improve the quality of our roads if we support more people to use rail as a form of public transport. That is one reason why I am campaigning to restore the direct train between Eastbourne and London Bridge that was discontinued during the pandemic. Will the Minister back my campaign, with a view to helping to improve our roads and improve economic growth for Eastbourne too?
Context
The MP campaigned for the restoration of a train service between Eastbourne and London during the pandemic, suggesting it would help reduce traffic congestion.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)
That was a creative way of asking about railways in a question about roads. This Government are committed to improving all forms of transport, so that people have a real choice about the best mode to use for their journey. We are keen for people to have the choice of sustainable transport modes, including rail, walking and cycling, as well as driving and travelling on buses. As the hon. Member will see, the Government are investing huge amounts to support our rail industry, just as we are doing to support the state of our roads.
Session: Road Network Condition 2025-06-26
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What steps his Department is taking to improve the distribution of high-speed internet provision. Despite the stated aim of Project Gigabit to ensure no one is left behind, residents of Mulberry Close on my home estate in Eastbourne have not been connected to full fibre despite bearing the brunt of invasive works on their doorstep. Will the Minister meet me, residents of Mulberry Close and local internet providers to ensure that those residents are connected and not left behind?
Context
The question addresses concerns over the implementation of Project Gigabit, which aims to ensure everyone has access to high-speed internet. Residents in Mulberry Close, Eastbourne have not been connected despite work being done in their area.
The Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms (Chris Bryant)
Access to high-speed internet is essential and we are determined to take everyone with us into the digital age. The statistics in the hon. Member’s constituency are better than the national average—just very slightly, by a smidgen—but I am very happy to meet him. More importantly, he could come into the Department and meet Building Digital UK so that we can explain exactly what needs to happen in his constituency to secure the aims that he is seeking.
Session: High-speed Internet 2025-06-25
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Two of my constituents are currently in Tehran, but they say that fuel shortages, long queues and poor internet access, as well as closed airspace, have made it almost impossible for them to leave Iran. They urgently need clear guidance, they need a way to formally register their presence, and they need consular support, which they are struggling to access. Will the Minister urgently meet me to ensure that my constituents get the assistance they need from the Government to come home safely to Eastbourne?
Context
Two constituents are in Tehran and face challenges such as fuel shortages, long queues, poor internet access, and closed airspace which make it difficult to leave the country.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
I am, of course, very happy to meet the hon. Gentleman. The whole House knows that we have advised against all travel to Iran for some time, and we have been clear that our ability to provide consular assistance in Iran is very limited for those reasons, particularly given the temporary withdrawal of our embassy. We would encourage those in Iran to be in touch with the Foreign Office, and we will provide what advice and support we can.
Session: Middle East British Nationals 2025-06-24
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Leaseholders at South View on Upperton Road in Eastbourne face an extortionate bill of up to £40,000 each to repair unsafe balconies. The communication from Morgans and Stredder Pearce, who are both responsible for fixing that, has been woeful, and delays are leading to costs spiralling further. Will the Minister urge those organisations to improve the speed and responsiveness of their communications to protect South View’s leaseholders from further costs?
Context
Babarinde raised concerns about leaseholders facing extortionate bills for balcony repairs and poor communication from management companies.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising that case. I recognise the problem that he alludes to. We want to bring in as soon as possible measures to standardise service charges in particular and make them more transparent. I wonder if he might write to me and the Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham North and Kimberley (Alex Norris), who is responsible for building safety, with details of that case so that we can look into it further.
Session: Leasehold Reform 2025-06-09
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Scotland-born veteran Betty Gallagher joined the Army when she was 17 but was dishonourably discharged eight months later for what were referred to as “lesbian tendencies”. Today, Betty runs the thriving BourneOut LGBT hub in Eastbourne and founded Eastbourne Pride. Will the Minister thank Betty for her service to our country, and advise on how she and other veterans can seek justice for the discrimination that they were subjected to?
Context
MP Josh Babarinde mentions Betty Gallagher, a Scotland-born veteran who faced discrimination in the military due to her sexual orientation.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Kirsty McNeill)
I am delighted to join the hon. Gentleman in thanking Betty for all her efforts. He will know that, in the review, work has been undertaken on justice for LGBT people in our armed forces, and we are pleased to commend that to the House.
Session: Veterans 2025-06-04
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Between October 2023 and June 2024, the last Conservative Government released 10,083 offenders under their early release scheme, and refused to exempt domestic abusers from early release, to the horror of survivors and victims charities. The Government have made no such exclusion from their early release scheme so far, but they have the chance to put that right via the new domestic abuse identifier that they are introducing after lots of campaigning by the Liberal Democrats and others. Will the Minister today give survivors and victims charities a commitment that as soon as the identifier comes into force, it will be used to exempt domestic abusers from early release, in the way that the last Government failed to?
Context
MP Josh Babarinde highlights the previous government's refusal to exempt domestic abusers from their early release scheme and asks for a commitment regarding future identifiers.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)
I thank the hon. Member for pointing out the failures of the previous Government, and their refusal to exempt domestic abusers and offenders who have committed violence against women and girls from their early release scheme; this Government ensured that measures were in place to ensure that victims were kept safe.
Session: Violent Offenders Early Release 2025-06-03
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As Sussex police consider how to tackle knife crime in Eastbourne and invest in community policing, I have been urging them to prioritise investment in their Grove Road premises in the town centre, as opposed to their Hammonds Drive industrial estate premises. Does the Secretary of State agree that we should prioritise investment in town centres such in Eastbourne, so that we can better tackle knife crime there?
Context
The question is prompted by concerns over the prioritisation of police resources and facilities in Eastbourne to better address knife crime in town centres. It specifically highlights a need for investment in community policing infrastructure.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Yvette Cooper)
Obviously, police forces have to make their own operational decisions, but we do believe that town centres need to be a particular focus of neighbourhood policing, and when it comes to preventing youth crime, including knife crime. Sussex police are getting 64 additional neighbourhood police officers and police community support officers under the neighbourhood policing guarantee this year, but we are also focusing on hotspot policing, targeting the areas with the highest knife crime.
Session: Knife Crime 2025-06-02
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The amazing dancers at Eastbourne’s Shining Stars Dance Academy have qualified for the dance world cup in Spain this July. It will cost thousands of pounds to get them there, though, so they have launched a crowdfunding campaign. Will the Minister back their campaign to get to the world cup and congratulate them for their achievement?
Context
Amazing dancers from Eastbourne’s Shining Stars Dance Academy have qualified for the dance world cup in Spain but require funding to attend.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism (Chris Bryant)
Yes, and if the hon. Member sends me a link, I will contribute myself.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-05-22
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Will the Minister back its efforts to engage with the trust and ICB to help bring its charitable services to more people?
Context
East Sussex Hearing is a charity that supports people with hearing disabilities to break barriers to opportunity through provision of life-changing hearing equipment and support. It seeks to work with the local hospital trust and integrated care board.
The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)
That sounds like a sensible and constructive suggestion. I will ensure that the views of the hon. Gentleman’s constituents are shared with colleagues in the Department of Health and Social Care, so that they can provide further advice on how that might best be taken forward.
Session: Government Mission on Opportunity Equality 2025-05-07
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I asked the Government via a written parliamentary question how many domestic abusers there are in prison in Wales, and what their reoffending rate is. The response was: 'It is not possible to robustly calculate the number of domestic abusers in prison or their reoffending rate... because these crimes are recorded under the specific offences for which they are prosecuted'. There is no specific offence of domestic abuse in law, which means we are not recording this comprehensively, we are not rehabilitating comprehensively and we are not protecting victims comprehensively. If the Government do not create an offence, as I have proposed, what will they do to protect the victims and survivors and to better identify these abusers?
Context
The MP raised concerns about the lack of specific data on domestic abusers in prison and their reoffending rates, arguing that without a specific legal classification for domestic abuse, it is difficult to accurately track and address these issues.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Dame Nia Griffith)
I understand that the hon. Member is bringing forward a private Member’s Bill on domestic abuse. We recognise that being able to identify domestic abuse offenders is critical, but the Government are not convinced that the Bill provides a solution to that challenge. However, the Ministry of Justice will continue to consider how it can make improvements to how we identify offenders.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls 2025-04-30
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Active travel in Eastbourne is being undermined by the poor quality of our roads. We have potholes on Pacific Drive, Upperton Road, King’s Drive and Milfoil Drive, and poor investment in pedestrian crossings. Residents in the Hawthorns cannot cross the road safely on Carew Road or The Avenue. Will the Minister urge Conservative-run East Sussex county council to get a grip of our roads and crossings, and properly invest hard-earned taxpayers’ money to address those transport challenges?
Context
The MP pointed out poor road conditions and lack of pedestrian crossings in Eastbourne, which he believes undermines efforts to promote active travel.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
I will indeed join the hon. Gentleman in calling on the council to do just that. There has been a 40% uplift in the funding to tackle our highway backlog and potholes. Some of that money can be used on improving walkways and cycleways, which are part of the highway.
Session: Promoting Active Travel 2025-03-27
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According to King’s College London, one in ten of our armed forces personnel is a survivor of domestic abuse, but because there is no specific offence of domestic abuse in the law, the Ministry of Justice has confirmed that it cannot comprehensively identify perpetrators and therefore cannot comprehensively rehabilitate them or keep victims and survivors safe. Will the Minister join me and colleagues across the House in campaigning for a specific offence of domestic abuse in the law so that we can better protect our armed forces personnel from domestic abuse?
Context
According to King's College London, one in ten of the UK's armed forces personnel is a survivor of domestic abuse. The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that without a specific offence of domestic abuse in the law, it cannot comprehensively identify perpetrators, and thus cannot effectively rehabilitate them or keep victims safe.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Al Carns)
It is completely clear to me that any sort of domestic abuse in any way, shape or form in the armed forces is completely unacceptable. If we can help to address and track some of that through the armed forces, it will make it far easier to deal with and ensure rehabilitation.
Session: Domestic Abuse Defence Personnel 2025-03-24
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On behalf of the Liberal Democrats, I start by associating myself with the comments made at the beginning in relation to Joanne. So many victims and survivors rely on the victim contact scheme to know when their abuser is being released from prison or moved to an open prison and to have input into the kind of conditions that should exist when they are released. However, the system that we have inherited from the last Government is such that only survivors whose abusers have been convicted for more than 12 months qualify for the scheme. In the upcoming Victims, Courts and Public Protection Bill, will the Minister commit to scrapping that threshold so that all victims and survivors can qualify for the scheme?
Context
The system only qualifies survivors whose abusers have been convicted for more than 12 months, excluding many victims and survivors from the victim contact scheme.
Alex Davies-Jones
We are looking carefully at the victim notification scheme as part of any forthcoming legislation, to ensure that victims’ rights are taken into full consideration and that victims are aware of the situation if that is deemed appropriate. I look forward to working with them closely, and I have no doubts about how we should develop the best and strongest possible laws to support the victims of all crimes in our country.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls 2025-03-11
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The independent sentencing review and the Justice Secretary have been taking inspiration from Texas when it comes to reforming our criminal justice system. She might be aware that Texas has a dedicated set of domestic abuse aggravated offences to help protect and respect survivors. Will she support me and Liberal Democrat colleagues in introducing proposals to the Crime and Policing Bill in order to make similar changes to the law in England and Wales?
Context
The independent sentencing review and Justice Secretary have been inspired by Texas' criminal justice system reforms.
Shabana Mahmood (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
I have not yet seen the hon. Gentleman’s proposals, which may be on their way, but I will look at them carefully. He will know that the picture is complex. Even jurisdictions with a catch-all domestic abuse offence face issues ensuring that it keeps up with the type of behaviour that they are trying to stamp out, and that other offences do not fall off, so there are technical issues in how such law works in practice. I would be happy to have further such conversations with him. I know this matter is of great interest to him and to Members across the House.
Session: Independent Sentencing Review Interim Report 2025-03-11
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T3. Swim England has an opportunity to allocate an underspend in the swimming pool support fund to project-ready pools such as Eastbourne Sovereign Centre, where I learned to swim. However, it has said that the current policy of two interventions per site is preventing it from doing so. Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss changing this policy before the fund expires this year, so that the Sovereign Centre is in with a shot?
Context
The swimming pool support fund has a policy of two interventions per site, which prevents Swim England from allocating underspend to project-ready pools such as the Eastbourne Sovereign Centre.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
We would be happy to look at the hon. Gentleman’s specific case, if he wants to supply the Department with details. The maximum of two interventions is an important principle to ensure that the maximum number of communities feels the benefit of the funding we are able to award. He will know that the Sovereign Centre in Eastbourne has been awarded £91,000 in funding as part of phase 2 of our swimming pool support fund. If he sends me the details, I will ensure that we take that seriously.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-02-27
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One of the best ways of tackling retail crime and associated antisocial behaviour among young people is through targeted preventive work with at-risk pupils in schools. An example is the guidance and welfare unit at Cavendish school in Eastbourne. That unit was set up by my former headteacher, Mr Fitzpatrick, who is in the Public Gallery today, along with my former head of year, Mrs Fitzpatrick, who is also in the Gallery. Will the Minister join me in congratulating inspirational teachers such as them on their critical safeguarding and prevention work with young people across Eastbourne and beyond?
Diana Johnson
I do not want to get into trouble; I would like to congratulate Mr and Mrs Fitzpatrick on the work they have done—we know how important that early preventive work is. That is why this Government are also committed to our prevention partnerships, identifying young people who are on the cusp of getting involved in criminality and diverting them, and putting the resources in to make sure they make much better choices in their lives.
Session: Retail Crime 2025-02-24
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Will the Minister urgently meet Eastbourne borough council, Better, and me to discuss unlocking this national underspend to help fund solar panels and pool covers at Eastbourne Sovereign centre?
Context
The £80 million swimming pool support fund is facing a significant underspend before it expires. The question relates to the need for urgent action to unlock this underspend and help Eastbourne borough council fund solar panels and pool covers at Eastbourne Sovereign centre.
Ed Miliband
I am massively in favour of solar panels on swimming pools and lidos—I am an occasional lido user myself—so I am fully on board with the hon. Gentleman’s point. I will pass it on to colleagues in government.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-02-04
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Our precious high street in Eastbourne is blighted by the dilapidated Debenhams building on Terminus Road, whose owner has left it empty for years, attracting antisocial behaviour and crime. Will the Minister meet me or support me to meet his colleagues from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and Eastbourne borough council to discuss how we can use the new high street rental auction powers to force the owner to make that unit occupied again, so that we can regenerate our high street in the sunniest town in the UK?
Context
Dilapidated Debenhams building on Terminus Road in Eastbourne.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)
I have already met the hon. Gentleman to discuss some of the issues facing the high streets in his constituency. If he thinks I am the most appropriate Minister for that discussion, I am happy to make sure that it happens. He may actually want to discuss this particular issue with colleagues in MHCLG, whose attention I will draw to the question, because they and their officials are working much more closely on the implementation of the powers he mentions.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-01-30
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Confidence in the criminal justice system can be achieved only if support for victims and survivors is adequately funded, but charities such as Victim Support, whose services I have personally benefited from, have said that for them, the hike in employers’ national insurance contributions amounts to a real-terms budget cut of 7%. Victims need more support, not less. Will the Secretary of State fight to reverse that damaging cut and help restore victims’ confidence in the criminal justice system?
Context
Babarinde mentioned charities such as Victim Support facing a real-terms budget cut of 7% due to the hike in employers’ national insurance contributions.
Shabana Mahmood (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
The hon. Gentleman will be aware of the difficult fiscal inheritance for this Government, and that we have had to make some difficult choices. We received a good settlement from the Treasury at the last Budget, but it is not without its challenges, given the high demand in our system. He will know that we have protected funding for victims of violence against women and girls, including rape and sexual offences. We have sought to protect the most vulnerable victims when making decisions on our victims funding packages.
Session: Public Confidence in the Justice System 2025-01-28
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In a recent written parliamentary question, I asked how many domestic abusers are in prison and what their reoffending rate is. The Government said it is not possible to calculate this robustly. My Domestic Abuse (Aggravated Offences) Bill aims to correct this loophole by creating an offence of domestic abuse. When will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss my Bill and how we can better protect victims?
Context
The system inherited from the Conservatives does not robustly calculate the number of domestic abusers in prison or their reoffending rate.
Sarah Sackman (Minister of State, Ministry of Justice)
Tackling domestic abuse is a priority. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 sets out a statutory definition that improves understanding of abuse behaviours. While not an independent offence, it serves as an aggravating factor in the criminal justice system.
Session: Support for Domestic Abuse Survivors 2025-01-28
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A new hospital in Eastbourne would help to drive economic growth in my town and across rural Sussex, but years of Tory tumbleweed and, I am afraid, yesterday’s announcement mean that it will not be delivered and built until 2041. Will the Chancellor accelerate the release of funds to the Department of Health and Social Care to bring forward the building of our new hospital, to support patients in Eastbourne and beyond, and of course to support wider economic growth?
Context
A new hospital in Eastbourne would help drive economic growth but its delivery is delayed to 2041 due to lack of funds. Previous government left a £22 billion black hole.
Rachel Reeves
I recognise the strength of feeling about this issue. We were left a terrible situation by the previous Government, with a £22 billion black hole in the public finances and the promise of things for which absolutely no money had been put aside. We have now done the responsible thing by reviewing the programmes that we inherited from the previous Government. That means that the timetable for some projects has had to be pushed back, but it is because the previous Government made promises knowing that the cheque would bounce.
Session: Economic Growth 2025-01-21
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Will the Secretary of State ensure that swimming pools are included in the national youth strategy and support for young people when it comes to swimming? Will she meet me and Eastbourne borough council representatives to discuss how we can best protect our pool in Eastbourne?
Context
Swimming is an important skill, but many public swimming pools have closed since 2015.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
I would be delighted to offer the hon. Gentleman a meeting with the Department on this critical issue; I would be amazed if it did not come up in the national youth strategy. The strategy is led by young people, and it is for them to determine their priorities, but I hear this point made by young people in my constituency of Wigan and across the length and breadth of the country.
Session: National Youth Strategy 2025-01-16
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My family knows what domestic abuse looks like, but the law does not. That is because there is no specific offence of domestic abuse in the law, which means that many abusers are convicted of things like common assault or actual bodily harm. For victims and survivors, that does not reflect the full gravity of the offence, and it also means that abusers qualify for early release schemes. Women's Aid is backing my Bill, which would create a dedicated set of domestic abuse aggravated offences in the law. Will the Solicitor General meet me to discuss my Bill, so that we can better respect and protect survivors?
Context
The MP is concerned that the law does not reflect the full gravity of domestic abuse, with many abusers being convicted of minor offenses and qualifying for early release schemes. He supports creating specific aggravated offenses in the law to better protect survivors.
Lucy Rigby
The hon. Gentleman raises an important point. We are strengthening the law and the criminal justice system to improve prosecutions for violence against women and girls, and to better support victims.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls 2024-12-19
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Temporary Accommodation: Out of Area Placements
20 January 2026
Responding: Alison McGovern
Main Concerns
["The issue is that too often, 'out of area' placements become 'out of sight and out of mind', leading to significant disruptions for families with children, particularly those with special educational needs. The number of such placements in Eastbourne increased fourfold since the pandemic, reaching 209 by June 2025, with 46% being from Brighton and Hove city council. There are fatal consequences of this system failure, as evidenced by a 25-year-old man's death in January 2023 due to lack of welfare checks."]
Specific Asks
['The MP asks for more consistent notifications when individuals are moved into the borough, timely sharing of appropriate case details across local authority boundaries, and better support mechanisms to prevent such tragic outcomes.']
Commonhold and Leasehold Reform 2026-01-27
27 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Water White Paper 2026-01-21
21 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Holocaust Memorial Bill 2026-01-20
20 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government introduced the Holocaust Memorial Bill. She emphasised that the Bill aims to establish a national Holocaust mem...
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...
Venezuela 2026-01-05
05 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Violence against Women and Girls Strategy 2025-12-18
18 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government is declaring violence against women and girls as a national emergency. The strategy aims to halve these crimes within a decade through prevention, bearing down on perpetrators, and supp...
Local Government Reorganisation 2025-12-18
18 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Christmas Adjournment 2025-12-18
18 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Conservative MP for Harrow East highlighted improvements in local governance, including increased spending on roads and highways, introduction of free parking, and efforts to combat fly-tipping. H...
Violence against Women and Girls Strategy 2025-12-15
15 December 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that the violence against women and girls strategy will be published this Thursday, despite it being delayed three times this year? What steps are being taken to ensure the s...
Local Elections 2025-12-04
04 December 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that local elections will go ahead in May 2026 as previously stated by the Government? The MP raises concerns about uncertainty created by recent statements from ministers re...
Attendance
81.8%
18 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
11
50.0% of votes
No Votes
7
31.8% of votes
Abstentions
4
18.2% 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
VOTED NO
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
VOTED AYE
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 AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 7
Ayes: 188
Noes: 341
Failed
12 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 185
Noes: 344
Failed
3
PMQs Asked
61
Ministerial Questions Asked
60
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
+55% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
1.9
Ministerial Questions
+668% above average
This MP:
61
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-35% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2437% above average
This MP:
60
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 (%)
+8% above average
This MP:
81.8
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 Josh Babarinde's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.