Iqbal Mohamed
MP for Dewsbury and Batley
Ind
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
May I associate myself with the Prime Minister’s remarks about the ceasefire and the release of hostages? Let us all pray that the remaining hostages on both sides are released as soon as possible. Since the ceasefire in Gaza came into effect, Israeli forces have placed the whole of the west bank under strict military inspection as part of the Iron Wall operation. The Israel Defence Forces have launched a large-scale offensive operation in the city of Jenin, with numerous drone strikes on the infrastructure and a military raid by IDF troops and special forces in the occupied West Bank. At least nine people have been killed by Israeli forces and 40 have been injured, including several healthcare workers. What urgent steps are the Government taking to protect Palestinians—including healthcare workers—and to prevent atrocities in the west bank, and will the Prime Minister outline the UK’s response to the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on Israel’s unlawful occupation?
Context
Since the ceasefire in Gaza came into effect, Israeli forces have placed the whole of the west bank under strict military inspection as part of the Iron Wall operation. The Israel Defence Forces have launched a large-scale offensive operation in the city of Jenin, with numerous drone strikes on infrastructure and a military raid by IDF troops and special forces in the occupied West Bank. At least nine people have been killed by Israeli forces, and 40 injured, including several healthcare workers.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I am deeply concerned by what is happening in the west bank. We have raised it a number of times in the various exchanges that we have had, but I am deeply concerned about it, and we are doing everything we can to alleviate the situation.
Session: PMQs 2025-01-22
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What steps is DEFRA taking to raise public awareness of the impact of methane-reducing feed additives used in livestock farming, such as Bovaer? What steps is DEFRA taking to ensure that all chemicals and additives are tested and proven to be safe for humans, animals and nature before being approved for use in agriculture and food?
Context
There is concern over the impact of methane-reducing feed additives used in livestock farming, such as Bovaer.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mary Creagh)
We have a system. Methane-reducing food products, including seaweed, oils and synthetic products such as Bovaer, are a key tool in reducing emissions from agriculture by up to one third. Bovaer is approved for use in 70 countries, including those in the EU, Switzerland, the US, Canada and Australia. We are building the market for safe, effective options and helping farmers to adopt them. Such products are approved by the Food Standards Agency.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-02-05
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The ICJ has affirmed that states have a duty to act when they learn of a serious risk of genocide and must take immediate and effective proactive measures to protect vulnerable populations. Will the Solicitor General confirm what specific proactive measures the UK Government have taken to fulfil their obligations to prevent genocide under the genocide convention in Palestine and what more they need to do?
Context
On January 26, 2024, the International Court of Justice determined that it is plausible that Israel's actions could infringe on Palestinian rights under the genocide convention. Since then, thousands have been killed and Gaza has suffered significant destruction.
The Solicitor General
Since this Government have come to office, we have been very clear that Israel has an obligation under international humanitarian law to ensure the provision of aid in Gaza and that UNRWA has a critical role in delivering that response. The UK remains firmly committed to upholding international law. It is the UK Government’s long-standing position that any determination as to whether a genocide has occurred is a matter for a competent national or international court. That is consistent with our obligations under the genocide convention.
Session: Palestine Legal Obligations 2026-02-05
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Since revisiting the pause on arms export licences was linked to movement towards a sustainable peace, but Israel has continued its actions against Palestinians and hindered humanitarian aid, how can the Government justify resuming these licences instead of suspending them entirely?
Context
The previous assessment led to the suspension of arms export licences to Israel in September 2024 due to concerns about their use in military operations in Gaza. Since then, Israeli forces have killed over 481 Palestinians and suspended humanitarian aid from 37 international NGOs during a ceasefire.
Chris Bryant (The Minister of State, Department for Business and Trade)
While I agree that we need to see a proper lasting peace based on justice and cooperation, suggesting it is business as usual is incorrect. We have suspended licences where there is a threat to Gaza due to Israel’s failure to comply with international humanitarian law. Export licences are required only for military and dual-use equipment, which includes items used by NGOs like armour for journalists. A case-by-case approach is appropriate.
Session: Arms Export Licences Israel 2026-01-29
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Since the recent ceasefire came into effect, over 450 Palestinians have been killed by Israel. UNICEF reports that over 100 Palestinian children have been killed in Gaza since 10 October. Israeli airstrikes are ongoing, and the mental and physical torture and violence continue unabated. What action will the UK Government take to force Israel to comply with international law and allow essential humanitarian aid into Gaza, and make the ceasefire a real one?
Context
Since a recent ceasefire came into effect, over 450 Palestinians have been killed by Israel. UNICEF reports that over 100 Palestinian children have been killed in Gaza since October.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
I know how deeply so many of our constituents and, indeed, Members of this House feel about these issues, and how often they raise them. We will continue to take action in the way that the Foreign Secretary set out this morning. It is vital that the ceasefire holds, and that we make progress in the three areas set out already, and that is the priority for Ministers.
Session: Palestine International Humanitarian Law 2026-01-20
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The main cemetery in Dewsbury is approaching capacity following the increase in burials since the covid pandemic. The local authority has been aware of this issue for several years. However, there remains significant uncertainty and concerns are becoming increasingly urgent. The issue is of particular cultural and religious significance, with only two burial plots remaining for Muslim burials. What steps will the Secretary of State take to support local authorities in addressing burial capacity shortages in Kirklees?
Context
The Dewsbury main cemetery is approaching full capacity, with only two remaining plots for Muslim burials. The issue has been known about for several years but remains urgent.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
We are conscious of the pressure in parts of the country around cemeteries and burials, and we understand the urgency. I ask the hon. Member to write to me with the specifics of the issue in his patch, and we will respond in due course.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-01-12
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Pozitive Energy is a supplier to businesses in my constituency. It has provided inaccurate contracts and bills to customers, and has tried to bill them for premises that they do not occupy. It has disconnected customers from the electricity supply without notice, and fraudulently sent electricity bills for a meter that it disconnected. Now Pozitive Energy is demanding payment of the standing charge for a meter. Will the Secretary of State investigate rogue suppliers, and advise on how we will protect customers?
Context
Pozitive Energy, a supplier to businesses in Dewsbury and Batley constituency, has allegedly engaged in unfair practices against customers. It is accused of inaccurate billing, disconnection without notice, and demanding payment for disconnected meters.
Martin McCluskey
If the hon. Member sends me the details, I would be more than happy to look into it. That would be a matter for Ofgem, but there is also recourse available through the Energy Ombudsman.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-01-06
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Will the Home Secretary consider changes to the DBS filtering framework for petty minor offences committed by children to determine whether such offences should continue to appear on DBS certificates and later impact employment?
Context
A constituent who was in care as a child and arrested at age 11 for stealing has a minor petty crime on their DBS certificate which they believe impacts employment opportunities in the social care sector.
Jess Phillips
There is an independent system that oversees whether access to files from the DBS has been granted appropriately. If the hon. Gentleman would like to write to me on this specific case, I am more than happy to ensure that it is followed through.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-01-05
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Saeed and Sakil Dawood were abducted and murdered in Gujarat, India in February 2002. Their nephew, my constituent Imran Dawood, survived the attack. For over 23 years, the family have sought accountability and the return of the victims’ remains. The previous Labour and Tory Governments supported the family during the court trials, which ended earlier this year without justice. I wrote to the Foreign Secretary on 1 October regarding the Dawood Family Justice Campaign that seeks repatriation of the victims’ remains. We held a parliamentary event on 22 October, to which the FCDO leadership were invited. Will the Foreign Secretary meet the Dawood family and will she commit to providing urgent direct support to assist further in securing the remains of their family members, held by the Indian Government for over two decades, and help the family to achieve some level of closure?
Context
The brothers Sakil and Saeed Dawood were abducted and murdered in Gujarat, India in February 2002. Their nephew Imran Dawood survived the attack. The family has been seeking accountability and repatriation of their remains for over two decades.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
We will.
Session: Dawood Family Justice Campaign 2025-12-02
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My constituency sits in Kirklees, which continues to face some of the most severe pressures in the country in relation to high needs and SEND provision, including long waits for EHCP assessments and strained specialist support. What additional resources will the Department provide to ensure that children with special educational needs and disabilities in areas such as my constituency receive timely and proper support?
Context
Kirklees faces severe pressures in relation to high needs and SEND provision, including long waits for EHCP assessments and strained specialist support.
The Minister for School Standards (Georgia Gould)
In this financial year we have already put £1 billion into the high needs budget and £740 million into specialist places around the country. We are committed to helping schools to provide an inclusive service, and we will be setting out more plans in the schools White Paper.
Session: Speech and Language Therapies 2025-12-01
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Young people across the country face significant delays since the COVID pandemic, leading to months of extra lessons just to stay test-ready. Can the Minister tell the House what steps the Department is taking to tackle the severe backlog in practical driving tests, increase examiner capacity, and ensure that test centres such as Huddersfield and Heckmondwike are accessible within a reasonable timeframe?
Context
Rachel, a constituent of the MP's, reported severe delays in booking practical driving tests for her daughter at the Huddersfield test centre. No appointments are available until more than a year out.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
To address the backlog, DVSA has introduced measures to deliver 10,000 additional tests a month by recruiting 450 new driving examiners, introducing incentives for everyone delivering tests, encouraging qualified staff to return to frontline roles, doubling the number of trainers, and extending the cancellation notice period from three to ten working days. In addition, an extra examiner is conducting tests in Heckmondwike with another one due to complete training by December, while there is also an additional examiner in Wakefield.
Session: Practical Driving Tests 2025-11-20
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On 27 July, I wrote to the former Secretary of State regarding her support for the WASPI campaign after being contacted by more than 40 of my constituents, but I have yet to receive a response. With the Government still refusing to engage in civil mediation to deliver justice to the WASPI women, will the new Secretary of State reconsider meeting campaigners to find a just way forward?
Context
Last week, Iqbal Mohamed attended a drop-in for the Women Against State Pension Inequality Campaign where he learned that 4,320 women in Dewsbury and Batley are affected by the WASPI scandal. Some of these women have passed away without justice.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Torsten Bell)
The previous Minister for Pensions met representatives of the WASPI campaign in order to hear directly from them about their experiences. She was the first Minister to do so in eight years. I will look into the details of the letter the hon. Gentleman mentions.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-10-27
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Over the weekend, I dealt with a case in which a homeless pregnant woman, who was a victim of domestic abuse, was kicked out of her temporary accommodation by Kirklees council for no real reason and left on the street. Will the Minister explain or share with this House what steps will be taken to prevent councils from turfing out pregnant women who are victims of domestic abuse on to the street?
Context
A case over the weekend involved a pregnant woman, victim of domestic abuse, who was forced to leave her temporary accommodation by Kirklees council with no reason given.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Rushanara Ali)
I would be grateful if the hon. Member could write to me about that specific case. I will follow up with him.
Session: Victims of Domestic Abuse Accommodation 2025-04-07
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The Secretary of State is asked what steps are being taken to investigate and address unacceptable and biased pro-Israel anti-Palestinian reporting by the BBC since 7 October to regain trust from those in this House and licence fee payers.
Context
A letter from more than 100 BBC staff and over 200 media professionals criticized the BBC for biased coverage in its reporting of the Gaza war, citing a lack of accurate, evidence-based journalism. The letter highlighted systematic dehumanization of Palestinians through inadequate coverage.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
While expressing agreement on the need to address genuine inaccuracies and misrepresentations in reporting, the Secretary of State emphasizes that antisemitism has no place in the arts or broadcasting. She highlights ongoing efforts with the Jewish community to address concerns about unacceptable practices within broadcasting and the arts.
Session: Gaza BBC Coverage 2025-02-27
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What measures is the Minister taking to address the record backlog of court cases in the UK, which, as the chief inspector of the Crown Prosecution Service and Serious Fraud Office has warned, is on target to hit 100,000? In particular, can she comment on the call for changes to be made to the way that court cases are prioritised, which at present is resulting in victims of serious crimes, including sexual trafficking, exploitation and rape, facing years-long waits for trials, while less serious crimes are prioritised ahead in the queue?
Context
The chief inspector of the Crown Prosecution Service and Serious Fraud Office warned that the backlog of court cases is on target to hit 100,000. Victims of serious crimes like sexual trafficking, exploitation, and rape face years-long waits for trials while less serious crimes are prioritised.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Jess Phillips)
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question, and I recognise the parlous state of the criminal justice system that we inherited, which has led to some victims of rape and sexual violence waiting for years on end. I note that the shadow Justice Secretary has only just noticed that failing, now that he has the word “shadow” in front of his job title, and even though his Government presided over that failing for a decade. Part of the strategy to tackle violence against women and girls, which I work on in concert with the Ministry of Justice, is about ensuring that that issue is sorted.
Session: Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking 2025-02-24
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Will the Justice Secretary commit to expediting plans to re-sentence all prisoners on indefinite IPP sentences?
Context
Over 2,900 prisoners are still incarcerated under IPP sentences that were abolished over a decade ago.
Shabana Mahmood
I am determined to make progress in ensuring that, when safe to do so, more individuals can come out of prison. However, I will not conduct a re-sentencing exercise as it would release everyone immediately and compromise public protection.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-12-10
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Young women and girls in my constituency travel abroad to stay with relatives, sometimes for several weeks or months, and they get into difficulties or are impacted by safeguarding issues. Will the Secretary of State confirm what support is available to help repatriate such girls who have dual nationality and have, in many instances, had false allegations made against them by perpetrators who do not want them to leave the country?
Context
Young women and girls from the constituency travel abroad to stay with relatives but face difficulties or safeguarding issues.
Stephen Timms
That question is perhaps more relevant to the previous group of questions, but I am very happy to make sure that we write to the hon. Gentleman to set out the support that is available.
Session: Disabled People Discrimination 2024-11-13
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In my constituency, children are being unenrolled after 20 days of absence, even when there is a valid and compassionate reason for their leave. Will the Secretary of State commit herself to reviewing this harmful and punitive rule, which is leaving children in my constituency without a school for many months, and will she take steps to make the necessary changes to protect those children and their right to an education?
Context
Children are being unenrolled after 20 days of absence even with valid reasons, leaving many without a school for months.
Stephen Morgan
I am happy to meet the hon. Member to discuss the points that he has raised. Attendance and off-rolling are issues that the Government take very seriously, and we will set out more policies on them in due course.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-09-09
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
AI Safety
10 December 2025
Responding: Kanishka Narayan
Main Concerns
['The debate focuses on the potential risks and threats of AI systems, including autonomous weapons, cyber-attacks, biological threats, and loss of human control. It highlights documented cases such as a large-scale cyber-attack driven by AI and instances of mental health issues caused by chatbots. The issue of regulation for AI tools providing healthcare advice is also raised.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP calls for better regulation to ensure that automated systems comply with existing regulations, particularly in areas like mental health advice where the lack of oversight can be dangerous.']
Ministry of Defence: Palantir Contracts
10 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
UK-India Free Trade Agreement
09 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
This debate considers the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, which was a significant achievement in opening up new opportunities for trade with India. The agreement boosts GDP by £4.8 billion, increases w...
Standards in Public Life
09 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
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...
Warm Homes Plan 2026-01-21
21 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Water White Paper 2026-01-21
21 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Mobile Phones and Social Media Use by Children 2026-01-20
20 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Covid-19 Financial Support 2026-01-15
15 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Perteghella highlights a national scandal where millions of taxpayers were excluded from financial support during the pandemic, despite promises by the Government. She cites 3.8 million UK taxpayers b...
West Midlands Police 2026-01-14
14 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Social Media Non-consensual Sexual Deepfakes 2026-01-12
12 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
86.4%
19 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
11
50.0% of votes
No Votes
8
36.4% of votes
Abstentions
3
13.6% 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 AYE
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
VOTED AYE
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 NO
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 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 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 AYE
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 AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 185
Noes: 344
Failed
1
PMQs Asked
17
Ministerial Questions Asked
91
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
+114% above average
This MP:
17
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-35% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3748% above average
This MP:
91
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 (%)
+14% above average
This MP:
86.4
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 Iqbal Mohamed's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.