Afzal Khan
MP for Manchester Rusholme
Lab
8 Jun 2017 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I welcome the Prime Minister's recognition of Islamophobia Awareness Month, and his commitment to supporting Muslim communities. The definition of Islamophobia from the all-party parliamentary group on British Muslims is one of the most widely accepted definitions, and I have been discussing its adoption with the Deputy Prime Minister, the Faith Minister, and the Leader of the House. Given recent riots and a doubling of Islamophobic hate crimes over the past decade, will the Prime Minister outline the steps that this Government will take to tackle the issue, and commit to ensuring a clear and effective definition of Islamophobia?
Context
There has been a rise in Islamophobic hate crimes over the past decade, and recent riots have raised concerns.
Keir Starmer
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that important issue. Whatever the hatred, there has been a rise in the past 12 or so months, and the whole House will join me in saying that we must meet any rise in hatred in whatever form it is, including Islamophobia. We are working with others to take that forward, and I am happy to meet him further on that.
Assessment
specific steps or timeline for tackling Islamophobia were not provided
Working With Others
Session: PMQs
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Despite opposition from key figures, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is set to broaden the definition of extremism tomorrow. Should the Prime Minister focus on addressing extremism within his own party instead? Will he support a new definition?
Context
The Archbishop of Canterbury and former Home Secretaries oppose the government's plan to widen the definition of extremism. Three Government advisers also raised concerns about antisemitism, social cohesion, and political violence.
Rishi Sunak
Discrimination has no place in society. We must differentiate between political debate and acts of abuse, intimidation, and violence. The government is tackling rising extremism attempting to hijack democracy.
Assessment
Did not address the specific request for a new definition that includes Islamophobia.
Changed Subject
Session: PMQs
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Two weeks ago, the Prime Minister told the House: 'To the best of my knowledge, everybody is getting their passport within four to six weeks'. However, the Passport Office quotes a 10-week service time and many constituents wait much longer. Cancelled summer trips could cost families more than £1 billion due to this backlog. Given the cost of living crisis, does the Prime Minister accept that the Passport Office's backlog is placing additional pressure on these families?
Context
The Prime Minister previously stated that everybody is getting their passport within four to six weeks. However, many constituents are now waiting longer than ten weeks due to a backlog.
Boris Johnson
Actually, I can tell the hon. Gentleman that 91% of people are getting their passports within six weeks, and we are putting hundreds and hundreds more staff members into the Passport Office. The strength of demand is a sign of the robustness of the economy.
Assessment
Did not address financial burden on families
Providing Statistics
Session: PMQs
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Over 126,000 people have died due to the pandemic. Grieving families want a full public inquiry into the handling of the crisis as soon as current restrictions are lifted. Will the Prime Minister commit to this?
Context
More than 126,000 lives have been lost during the pandemic and grieving families want to understand what happened.
Boris Johnson
As soon as it is right and would not be an irresponsible diversion of key officials, we are committed to an inquiry.
Session: PMQs
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Does the Secretary of State recognise the UK's obligations to the ICJ, and will it comply?
Context
The ICJ directed third states not to enter into trade dealings with Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territories two years ago.
Seema Malhotra
The UK reiterates the call in the ICJ's advisory opinion that Israel should end its occupation of Palestine as rapidly as possible and in line with our goal of a two-state solution.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Health Secretary campaigned against Islamophobia and adopted a working definition. However, with statistics showing almost 40% of Muslim health professionals facing verbal abuse due to their faith, will he commit to conducting a rapid review specifically into this issue for both patients and staff?
Context
Following an earlier discussion, the MP seeks a commitment for a rapid review focusing specifically on anti-Muslim hostility in healthcare settings.
Wes Streeting
The Minister acknowledges the seriousness of Islamophobia but mentions awaiting Lord Mann's comprehensive review which will include recommendations for tackling all forms of racism, including Islamophobia. He also expresses willingness to meet with BIMA and discuss additional measures.
Session: Muslims NHS
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What discussions has the government had with regulators to tackle anti-Muslim hostility in the NHS? According to figures from the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA), Islamophobia is a persistent issue affecting over 39% of Muslim health professionals. Will the minister commit to a rapid review specifically looking into anti-Muslim hostility experienced by patients and staff?
Context
The MP mentions the issue of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred among healthcare professionals, citing that almost 4 40% of Muslim healthcare workers have been verbally abused by colleagues about their faith.
Wes Streeting
The Minister acknowledges that Islamophobia is a serious issue, noting the shocking statistics. He confirms ongoing efforts include reviewing definitions of anti-Muslim hostility and awaits Lord Mann's review for recommendations on tackling this prejudice across the NHS. The minister expresses willingness to meet with BIMA and discuss further measures.
Session: Muslims NHS
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In families with disabled children, 25% of those children are living in deep material poverty. The recent uprating of universal credit will be a great help for children growing up in such households, but equipment costs and other expenses, such as specialist childcare, remain significant pressures. What more is being done to address the inequalities felt by children growing up in households with at least one disabled child?
Context
Families with disabled children face financial strain due to equipment costs and other expenses such as specialist childcare. The recent uprating of universal credit helps, but additional pressures remain.
Bridget Phillipson
We recognise the disproportionate financial strain on families with disabled children, who often face significantly higher costs for essentials. We heard that during the development of the child poverty strategy, through many of the children's rights groups and other organisations that contributed to that work. Our child poverty strategy sets out a plan to lift over half a million children out of poverty by the end of this Parliament. Alongside that, we are taking specific steps to support children with additional needs, providing £200 million of investment to ensure that every Best Start family hub has a dedicated practitioner for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Session: Children in Poverty
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What steps are being taken to help reduce inequalities experienced by children in poverty? Tackling child poverty is a moral mission. What specific steps are being taken to address this issue?
Context
Child poverty remains a significant issue with barriers to opportunity. Inequality impacts the future prospects of children.
Bridget Phillipson
Tackling child poverty is the moral mission of this Labour Government. We are investing in our children's futures through a massive expansion of Best Start family hubs, childcare, breakfast clubs and free school meals, alongside the end to the two-child limit, and our child poverty strategy will deliver the biggest ever reduction in child poverty in a single Parliament.
Session: Children in Poverty
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What assessment has been made of the potential impact of the provisional local government finance settlement 2026-27 on Greater Manchester? Fourteen years of Tory austerity saw harsh cuts to local government finances, which left our public services on their knees. This latest funding settlement by the Labour Government goes a long way to right the wrongs of the Tories, and to help local authorities deliver quality services for our constituents once again. I thank the Secretary of State for giving Manchester city council a £331 million cash injection, but does the Minister recognise that the council still faces huge pressure to meet needs, including those related to social services and education?
Context
The provisional local government finance settlement for 2026-27 was announced, impacting Greater Manchester. The funding follows years of austerity cuts under the previous Conservative government.
The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)
We can provide substantial increases to councils, as we need to, and it is very important that we do in places like Manchester. However, unless we have a more preventive approach—for example, unless we stop children being taken into care, or stop councils facing really big challenges—councils will still face spiking costs. I look forward to working with my hon. Friend and colleagues across Greater Manchester on making this work.
Session: Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement 2026-27 Greater Manchester
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I welcome the Government pushing a ceasefire in Sudan and doubling aid. Sudan’s civil war, now in its third year, has triggered one of the worst humanitarian crises of the decade, with 5.1 million internally displaced people and 1.3 million refugees since April 2023, and famine is now looming. Given this, will the Minister outline what urgent steps the Government are taking with their international counterparts to help de-escalate the conflict in Sudan?
Context
Sudan’s civil war, now in its third year, has triggered one of the worst humanitarian crises of the decade with 5.1 million internally displaced people and 1.3 million refugees since April 2023.
The Minister for Development (Anneliese Dodds)
Ending the conflict in Sudan, and the appalling consequences of it, is a UK priority. Both the Foreign Secretary and I have visited the region, including Chad and South Sudan. We have increased aid, and we have been determined to increase international attention. That includes the April conference to which the Foreign Secretary referred, but I also convened Development Ministers from a number of countries a few days ago, with the emergency relief co-ordinator, to try to pile on the pressure.
Session: Sudan
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Greater Manchester has some of the highest rates of knife violence in the country, with more than 10,000 incidents since 2020. Organisations like the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit are engaging children and young people through community-based projects such as theatre productions. Given the importance of early intervention, does the Minister agree that providing support for these initiatives is crucial for tackling knife violence?
Context
The area of Greater Manchester continues to face high rates of knife violence with over 10,000 recorded incidents since 2020. Local organisations are implementing community-led projects to address the issue.
Stephen Morgan
I thank my hon. Friend for raising such an important topic and highlighting the good work of the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit. In addition to the RSHE curriculum, the Government will create a new young futures programme that intervenes early to stop young people from becoming involved in crime through preventive action and learning from best practices across the country.
Session: Knife Crime Preventive Education
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Greater Manchester has some of the highest rates of knife violence in the country, with more than 10,000 incidents since 2020. Organisations like the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit are engaging children and young people through community-based projects such as theatre productions. Given the importance of early intervention, does the Minister agree that supporting these initiatives is crucial for tackling knife violence?
Context
The area of Greater Manchester continues to face high rates of knife violence with over 10,000 recorded incidents since 2020. Local organisations are implementing community-led projects to address the issue.
Stephen Morgan
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important topic and highlighting the good work of the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit. In addition to the RSHE curriculum, the Government will create a new young futures programme that intervenes early to stop young people from becoming involved in crime through preventive action and learning from best practices across the country.
Session: Knife Crime Preventive Education
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What engagement have Ministers undertaken with Muslim communities since recent events to provide reassurance?
Context
Recent civil disorder has caused fear and distress in Muslim communities, highlighting the need for government reassurance.
Angela Rayner
The Department is working to restore order and unity, ensuring criminals are brought to swift justice and strengthening bonds with Muslim communities. The work to bring the whole country together remains central to the Government's mission.
Session: Islamophobia
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What steps is the government taking to help tackle Islamophobia after recent civil disorder?
Context
Following recent civil disorder, there has been a rise in Islamophobic incidents targeting Muslim communities.
Angela Rayner
Islamophobia must be rooted out. Greater security and rapid support for Muslim communities have been provided, and Lord Khan is considering further steps to crack down on anti-Muslim hatred.
Session: Islamophobia
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What steps is the Foreign Secretary taking to ensure that Israel ends its unlawful occupation, including settlement expansions on the west bank and annexation of East Jerusalem?
Context
The ICJ's opinion clarified the unlawfulness of Israel's occupation and annexation. The recent expansion of illegal settlements has raised concerns.
Hamish Falconer
The UK opposes the expansion of illegal settlements and settler violence. The Foreign Secretary raised these issues with Israeli authorities during his visit to the region within a week of taking office. We already have sanctions against eight people and two groups related to settlers in the west bank, and we will consider further action.
Session: International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion
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At COP28, the UK agreed to transition away from fossil fuels. Since then, new oil and gas licences have been granted and legislation pushed through to maximize North Sea fossil fuel production. Will the Minister meet 50 cross-party parliamentarians urging climate leadership by joining the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance?
Context
The UK is leading in climate action, but there are concerns about recent government actions that contradict climate goals.
Justin Tomlinson
I thank the hon. Member for raising that important issue. That is why we are proud that we have already taken 70% out of the oil and gas sector.
Session: Climate Change
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What steps her Department is taking to tackle climate change. At COP28, the UK agreed with nearly 200 countries on the transition away from fossil fuels. Since then, the Government have granted new oil and gas licences and pushed legislation through this House to maximize North Sea fossil fuel production. Will the Minister meet the 50 cross-party parliamentarians who signed a letter urging the Government to show climate leadership by joining the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance?
Context
The UK has set ambitious climate targets and is a leader in reducing emissions, but there are concerns about the government's actions since COP28.
Justin Tomlinson
I thank the hon. Member for raising that important issue. That is why we are proud that we have already taken 70% out of the oil and gas sector.
Session: Climate Change
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Delivering on the Government's levelling-up commitments would mean that my constituents would benefit from reduced social welfare dependency, increased earnings potential, and improved health and wellbeing. Does the Minister not think that my constituents and all citizens outside London and the south-east deserve the benefits that come with economic prosperity?
Context
The MP references criticism from the Institute for Public Policy Research North regarding the Government's lack of progress on levelling up.
Gareth Davies
We are committed to levelling up, and are delivering on it across the country. Median pay growth has been higher in every region outside London and the south-east under this Government, and the hon. Gentleman's constituency is receiving £19 million from round 1 of the levelling-up fund and £20 million from round 3. We have announced a Greater Manchester trailblazer devolution deal and a Greater Manchester investment zone, which will bring more jobs and prosperity for all of his constituents.
Session: Regional Economic Inequalities
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The Government's false claims about their success in energy efficiency mostly involved taking credit for legacy Labour schemes; can the Minister explain why this is a disaster?
Context
A report by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit highlights low installation rates under current government programmes.
Amanda Solloway
This Government have provided unprecedented support for people in this country. I have regular meetings with stakeholders, charities and different organisations. Undoubtedly, we are making sure that people have support through, as I have mentioned, the warm home discount, the energy price cap and lots of other payments, such as the cost of living payment of £900 per annum.
Session: Fuel Poverty
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What estimate has been made of the number of households in fuel poverty in winter 2023-24?
Context
The question follows a recent report indicating rising fuel poverty. The previous year saw over 3 million households in fuel poverty.
Amanda Solloway
Fuel poverty is a devolved matter. The latest figures, published on 15 February 2024, showed that 3.17 million households were in fuel poverty in 2023. The Government continue to deliver financial support to low-income homes and vulnerable households through the warm home discount scheme and cost of living payments.
Session: Fuel Poverty
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In September 2021, my constituent Rhamero West was chased across Manchester, stabbed and killed—he was just 16. His mum, Kelly, has worked tirelessly to make sure that no other families have to face the suffering she and her family have faced, including by raising money to fund a network of bleed kits across Greater Manchester and a youth project in Fallowfield. She wants to tell Rhamero's story to help save other young lives, so will the Minister agree to meet her?
Context
The question is prompted by the tragic death of Rhamero West, who was stabbed to death at age 16. His mother has been campaigning for safety measures.
Chris Philp
Yes, of course. It sounds as though the hon. Gentleman's constituent is campaigning bravely to try to bring some good out of a terrible personal tragedy, so I would be delighted to meet him and his constituent.
Session: Knife Crime
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Children from St Margaret's CofE Primary School have been discussing ways to reduce air pollution at their school. Labour's proposal for a clean air Act would establish a legal right for everyone to breathe clean air, abiding by World Health Organisation guidelines. Why will the Government not commit to that?
Context
Children from St Margaret's CofE Primary School are concerned about asthma and air pollution impacting their health.
Robbie Moore
The Government take air pollution seriously and have awarded £53 million to English local authorities since 2010 to support more than 500 projects tackling air pollution. An additional £10.7 million was granted in 2023 alone.
Session: Air Pollution
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What steps his Department is taking to reduce PM2.5 levels in the air considering that Manchester has some of the highest air pollution levels in the country and thousands of children are seen in A&E because of asthma related to air pollution. Labour's proposal for a clean air Act would establish a legal right for everyone to breathe clean air, abiding by World Health Organisation guidelines.
Context
PM2.5 is a harmful pollutant affecting human health, with Manchester having high levels of air pollution.
Robbie Moore
The Government take air pollution seriously and have awarded £53 million to English local authorities since 2010 to support more than 500 projects tackling air pollution. An additional £10.7 million was granted in 2023 alone.
Session: Air Pollution
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Given that the committee stated the UK is no longer a climate leader due to actions such as approving massive oilfields and weakening climate targets, how does the government plan to push for phasing out fossil fuels at COP28?
Context
The Climate Change Committee has criticized the UK for losing its role as a global leader in climate action, citing missed opportunities like COP27.
Claire Coutinho
The UK has one of the most ambitious climate targets in comparison with any of our international peers. The UN's emissions gap report, published just last week, shows that the UK is expected to reduce emissions between 2015 and 2030 at the fastest rate in the G20 group.
Session: Climate Change Committee Progress Report
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What assessment has been made of the implications for policies following the Climate Change Committee's 2023 progress report to Parliament?
Context
The Climate Change Committee's recent report highlighted concerns over the UK's climate leadership and policy effectiveness.
Claire Coutinho
The Climate Change Committee itself has said that there was “no material difference” in our overall projections after we made the changes to policies in September. The Government have taken considerable further steps since then, including our introduction of the zero-emission vehicle mandate, our agreement with Tata Steel on industrial electrification in Port Talbot, and reform of electricity grid connections.
Session: Climate Change Committee Progress Report
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Manchester was built on exports and trade. However, due to poor economic management and neglect of regions outside the M25, London now has over three times the value in exports compared to the north-west. Does the Secretary of State believe she and her colleagues are truly committed to levelling up the entire UK or will she admit that they do not care about spreading trade benefits across the nation?
Context
The MP is concerned about Manchester's export trade being undermined by London's dominance, questioning the commitment to 'levelling up' across the entire country.
Kemi Badenoch
I fundamentally disagree with this view. Since October 2022, we have invested £2.6 billion into projects nationwide and agreed upon landmark devolution deals for Greater Manchester. The Mayor of Greater Manchester should be consulted to understand why these efforts are not reaching all parts of the constituency.
Session: Levelling Up
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I, too, associate myself with the Secretary of State's comments about the rail crash in India. The response from the Department for Transport has always been “later”, “soon” or “in due course”, so I ask the same simple question I have asked every rail Minister since 2017: will the hon. Gentleman come to Manchester to meet Levenshulme station users to talk about access and accessibility?
Context
The MP associates himself with the Secretary of State's comments about a rail crash in India and expresses frustration with delayed responses from the Department for Transport. He asks if the Minister will meet with him and his constituents to discuss the issues at Levenshulme station.
Huw Merriman
I have recently come back from a very positive trip to Manchester, where I met stakeholders. I have no doubt that I will be there again soon, and I would be very happy to call in on the hon. Gentleman and his campaign. We have delivered step-free access to more than 200 stations through Access for All, and we have made improvements at 1,500 other stations. I look forward to working with him and his project, which I will visit next time I am up.
Session: Access for All
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When does he plan to make a decision on which projects will receive funding from the Access for All programme?
Context
The MP is concerned about the delay in deciding which projects will receive funding from the Access for All programme.
Huw Merriman
We are currently working with Network Rail to assess over 300 stations nominated for Access for All, and we aim to make a determination later in 2023 for funding beyond 2024. I hope to be in a position to announce the list of successful projects later this year, in anticipation of securing further funding in the following year.
Session: Access for All
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These are not my words on the cuts to legal aid, but the words of the new Lord Chancellor: “There is now a serious concern that, without some steps to restore a measure of access to justice, serious injustice will inevitably follow.” Will the Minister heed the words of his new boss and reverse the devastating cuts to legal aid that his party has inflicted over the last decade?
Context
The question addresses concerns about significant cuts to legal aid over the last decade, particularly in civil cases, and asks for a reversal of these policies.
Mike Freer
This Government have continued to fund legal aid, with £1.2 billion on criminal and £813 million on civil. In the last few months, we have injected nearly £30 million into the civil part and some £13 million of that is legal aid for special guardianship orders.
Session: Extended Family Guardianship Legal Aid
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The then Chancellor, now Prime Minister, spent £1.3 million of public money on focus groups, which included asking what the public thought of him. Following the public's resounding rejection of the Tories in last week's elections, we now know what the public think of him. Will the Government stop wasting taxpayers' money to boost the Prime Minister's ego, do the right thing and call a general election?
Context
The MP is questioning the government's use of public funds for focus groups related to the Prime Minister.
John Glen
No.
Session: Public Spending Value for Money
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During yesterday's debate on the Illegal Migration Bill, I sought clarity on how people impacted by the Bill will be able to secure access to legal advice and legal aid. Those people—be they an Afghan fighter pilot or an LGBT person who has fled Uganda—will have just eight days to make an application and seven days to appeal against removal on the grounds of serious and irreversible harm, and all that will happen while they are in immigration detention. So let me try again: how will access to legal advice be secured for such people, and will legal aid be available to them?
Context
The Illegal Migration Bill restricts people impacted by the bill to just eight days to make an application and seven days to appeal against removal on grounds of serious and irreversible harm, all while in immigration detention. There are concerns about how these individuals will secure access to legal advice and legal aid.
Mike Freer
If I may, as it is such a technical issue, I will happily meet the hon. Gentleman or write with a detailed answer.
Session: Legal Aid
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The conditions at North Manchester General Hospital continue to worsen. Last month, theatres were forced to close for six weeks following a ceiling collapse. It is four years since the Government announced the rebuild under the new hospital programme, but little progress has been made. In January, the leader of Manchester City Council wrote to the Secretary of State offering to host a meeting to discuss the project. Will he commit to accepting the invitation?
Context
The MP raised concerns about the deteriorating conditions at North Manchester General Hospital and inquired about progress since the government's announcement of a rebuild.
Steve Barclay
I or another member of the ministerial team will, of course, meet the leader of Manchester council to discuss this. We are making progress. The hon. Gentleman will have seen progress, for example, at the Royal Liverpool and the Northern Centre for Cancer Care, but I confirm our commitment to the 40 hospitals programme and hope to say more on that shortly.
Session: New Hospitals
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The Government's onshore wind ban has raised bills for every family by £150 each. Keeping this ban in place would mean bills are £16 billion higher in 2030 compared with Labour's plan to double onshore wind. Will the Secretary of State apologise for the dogma of his Government that has led to more imported gas and raised bills, with energy companies making record profits and families paying the price?
Context
The question relates to a government policy that banned onshore wind farms, causing electricity bills to rise for families.
Graham Stuart
The hon. Gentleman is a very fine Member of this House, but I really would warn him against reading out the screeds produced by his party centre. In 2010, just 7% of our electricity came from renewables; it is now heading its way to half. Onshore wind has an important part to play, and we are looking at ways in which we can enable communities that do support onshore wind to go ahead and deliver it.
Session: Onshore Wind Farms
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How many onshore wind farms have been established in England since 2015. The Government's onshore wind ban has raised bills for every family by £150 each. Keeping this ban in place would mean bills are £16 billion higher in 2030 compared with Labour's plan to double onshore wind.
Context
The question pertains to the number of onshore wind farms established since a ban was imposed, affecting electricity prices and family bills.
Graham Stuart
The hon. Gentleman is a very fine Member of this House, but I really would warn him against reading out the screeds produced by his party centre. In 2010, just 7% of our electricity came from renewables; it is now heading its way to half. Onshore wind has an important part to play, and we are looking at ways in which we can enable communities that do support onshore wind to go ahead and deliver it.
Session: Onshore Wind Farms
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I recently met students at Manchester University who are deeply concerned about the quality of student housing and, like all of us, are feeling the incredible strain of the Tory cost of living crisis. The Government's failure to properly manage student maintenance loans will mean that students are £1,500 worse off in real terms. Can the Secretary of State tell me why the Government are punishing students like this?
Context
Students at Manchester University are concerned about the quality of student housing and the financial strain caused by increased living expenses.
Gillian Keegan
Of course, we always want to support our students, and we have been increasing the maintenance loan. We have kept the fees flat as well, and we have increased the hardship fund. However, I know this is a concern, particularly in some big cities where housing costs have gone up and where perhaps there is a shortage of housing available for students as well. We do urge universities to act on this, because we have seen some crunch points where there is not enough housing, which can create pressure on students' budgets.
Session: Topical Questions
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Last Friday marked one year since Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. All of us in the House should be proud of the support our country has provided to Ukrainians, both at home and abroad. I want to take the opportunity to thank all of our schools, colleges and universities for their steadfast support of children and young people fleeing this horrific conflict.
Context
The speaker refers to the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and expresses pride in the UK's support for Ukrainian refugees.
Gillian Keegan
Last Friday marked one year since Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. All of us in the House should be proud of the support our country has provided to Ukrainians, both at home and abroad. I want to take the opportunity to thank all of our schools, colleges and universities for their steadfast support of children and young people fleeing this horrific conflict. To date, our schools have welcomed over 20,000 children from Ukraine, and in my own constituency we have welcomed over 245 children. By coincidence, one of them won my recent Christmas card competition—a very talented six-year-old called Anastasiia, whom I met along with her mother at St Joseph's primary school in Chichester. She is thriving, which is testament to the incredible role our schools are playing to support children who have lived through something that none of us could imagine. Our nurseries, schools, colleges and universities have stood up for the people of Ukraine, and this Government and this country—and this House—will always stand with Ukraine.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given recent budgeting choices that affect the criminal justice system and considering the Bellamy review recommendation of a 15% raise for both barristers and solicitors, will you commit to funding all recommendations made by the Bellamy review to ensure equal treatment between prosecution and defence lawyers?
Context
There are concerns that political decisions have weakened the criminal justice system. Barristers received a 15% increase, while solicitors only got a 9%, potentially risking access to justice for victims.
Mike Freer
The uplift for solicitors and barristers has already started being paid. Since the new contract was introduced, we have seen an increase in duty solicitors and firms taking on legal aid. We are having constructive discussions with the Law Society to address concerns.
Session: Legal Aid
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The Labour Party's dossier states that at least £15 billion of taxpayers' funds have been wasted in the Ministry of Defence since 2010. Can the Secretary of State explain why the Government is failing to secure value for money?
Context
A Labour dossier claims that £15 billion of taxpayers' money has been wasted on defence procurement since 2010.
Ben Wallace
The dossier is considered dodgy because half the cited waste occurred under a Labour Government.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for that explanation. Across the country we are faced with the unprecedented dumping of raw sewage into our waterways, including into the Platt and Gore brooks in my constituency. It is good to hear the Minister's plans to provide more money, because at the end of the day there needs to be sufficient funds for enforcement so that those who pollute our waters are held to account. What further will she be doing to ensure that that happens?
Context
The MP noted the unprecedented dumping of raw sewage into waterways in his constituency, including Platt and Gore brooks. He emphasized the need for sufficient funds to enforce regulations against polluters.
Rebecca Pow
I am glad that the hon. Gentleman recognises the plan we have put into operation, because the like of it has never been seen before. I reiterate that it is our increased monitoring that is bringing to light the fact that permits are being contravened and sewage is going into our rivers. That is why we have cracked down and put in the biggest programme ever to tackle it, with our targets on storm sewage overflows and £2.2 million for the Environment Agency over the last three years for enforcement. It is taking cases, and the extra funding it got the last time around has enabled it to do more inspections.
Session: Environment Agency Budget Sewage Discharge
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While Lord Chancellor is busy scrapping Human Rights Act 1998, the criminal justice system is on its knees. Numbers of duty solicitors and criminal legal aid firms continue to fall at an alarming rate, yet Government refuse to follow recommendations of own review of criminal legal aid which has worsened court backlog. What steps are being taken by Government to improve staff recruitment and retention?
Context
The MP criticized the Government for not following their own review recommendations, which have worsened the courts backlog. He inquired about steps taken by the Government.
Mike Freer
I am very happy that hon. Gentleman and I are meeting later today when we can have more detailed conversation, but Bellamy report which he alluded to has been implemented. Some elements we still want to work on to avoid any perverse incentives, but investment this Government made in criminal justice system of £138 million will bring stability.
Session: Backlog of Criminal Court Cases
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Will the Minister urgently explain to my vulnerable constituents what they should do to remain safe and warm in the event of a power blackout during freezing cold temperatures?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the UK's power supply resilience, especially in anticipation of freezing temperatures.
Oliver Dowden
The hon. Gentleman's concerns are noted. The Cabinet Office is monitoring the situation closely. In case of a very exceptional circumstance, the Government has strong confidence in the resilience of UK power networks.
Session: Winter Preparedness
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Will the Minister commit to annually raising the local housing allowance in line with inflation?
Context
The freeze on the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is causing more people to be priced out of the private rental sector, with only 4% of three-bedroom homes being affordable on LHA rates.
Mel Stride
As I have just indicated, I will review that in just under a year. There are of course the discretionary housing payments, which are administered by local authorities for those who feel that they need additional support, and I also point the hon. Gentleman in the direction of the significant cost of living payments that we are providing at the moment to support those in most need.
Session: Local Housing Allowance
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The Lord Chancellor's successor and predecessor was able to achieve more in a few days than the current Justice Secretary ever has by agreeing a deal and ending the CBA's strike action. The Law Society has warned that it may be forced to advise its members to stop working in criminal practice if Bellamy's recommendations are not met. Will the Lord Chancellor get his priorities straight and honour the Government's own review by giving legal aid solicitors the funding they need to avoid collapse and make our justice system sustainable?
Context
The Law Society warned that it may be forced to advise its members to stop working in criminal practice if Bellamy's recommendations are not met.
Mike Freer
I know that the Lord Chancellor—he is his own predecessor, as was pointed out—has been committed to ensuring that the system remains correctly funded within the spending envelope. He will continue to address the concerns raised by all stakeholders in the criminal justice system. We are entirely committed to working with the advisory board to address all the issues that the hon. Gentleman raised.
Session: Independent Review of Criminal Legal Aid
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Child Poverty: Greater Manchester
16 January 2024
Responding: Jo Churchill
Main Concerns
['Afzal Khan is concerned about the high levels of child poverty in Greater Manchester, citing statistics from Greater Manchester Poverty Action that estimate around 250,000 children live in poverty. He notes that 11 out of every 30 students in Greater Manchester are living in poverty, which is higher than both England and UK averages. Khan points to the impact on health, with one in three children not being school-ready when they start reception and almost 40% of those eligible for free school meals failing to achieve a good level of development.']
Specific Asks
['Khan urges the government to scrap the two-child benefit limit and cap, restore the household support fund, expand free school meals, ensure benefits for children are regularly uprated with inflation, support childcare costs, and provide local authorities with sustainable funding. He also questions why the Conservatives have enacted policies that worsen child poverty and when they will call a general election to make way for Labour.']
Islamophobia Awareness Month — [Peter Dowd in the Chair]
24 November 2021
Responding: Kemi Badenoch
Main Concerns
['Afzal Khan is concerned about the rampant Islamophobia in society that manifests as hate crime, discrimination and loss of opportunity for Muslims. He cites specific examples such as a 40% increase in online Islamophobia during the pandemic, according to Tell MAMA, and recent attacks on mosques. Additionally, he mentions the conflation of Islam with terrorism and highlights Home Office data showing an exponential increase in referrals to Prevent for extreme right-wing ideology.']
Specific Asks
["Khan asks the Government to outline measures introduced by them to keep users safe online and steps taken to tackle far-right activity. He also seeks answers on why someone with Islamophobic views was appointed to head the review of the Prevent strategy, the refusal to engage with the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), and whether the term 'Islamophobia' will be used during the debate."]
Israel and Palestine
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
State of Climate and Nature
13 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Social Cohesion Action Plan
09 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Immigration Policy
09 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Police Reform White Paper 2026-01-26
26 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Child Poverty Strategy 2025-12-08
08 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Gaza and Sudan 2025-11-18
18 November 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Asylum Policy 2025-11-17
17 November 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Qatar Israeli Strike 2025-09-10
10 September 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the implications of Israel’s recent strike in Qatar for peace and stability in the Middle East and UK foreign policy? The urgent question highlights the grave concern over Is...
Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories 2025-05-20
20 May 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
UN International Day to Combat Islamophobia
10 March 2026
The petition addresses the rise in religious hate crimes directed towards Muslims in the UK, with 45% of religious hate crimes in 2025 targeting Muslims, marking a 19% increase from the previous year....
View Full Petition -->
Decent Homes Standard in the Private Rented Sector
21 May 2024
The petition calls for the implementation of a legally binding Decent Homes Standard in the private rented sector, addressing concerns about housing conditions that are causing health issues such as d...
View Full Petition -->
Family Visa Minimum Income Thresholds
27 February 2024
The petition urges the Government to reverse its decision to increase the minimum income threshold for family visas from £18,600 to £38,700, arguing that this policy will lead to the separation of mul...
View Full Petition -->
Labour’s Clean Air Act
31 January 2024
The petition addresses the environmental health threat of air pollution in the UK, highlighting its contribution to 40,000 early deaths annually, with Manchester experiencing more than 100 such deaths...
View Full Petition -->
Household Support Fund beyond April 2024
30 January 2024
The petition addresses the Government's decision to end funding for the Household Support Fund in March 2024, which has supported over 10 million people since October 2022 by helping them afford food ...
View Full Petition -->
Petition
24 January 2024
The petition calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by the continuous bombardment, which has led to significant loss of life, displacement, and shor...
View Full Petition -->
Petition
22 November 2023
The petition calls for the Government to formally define Islamophobia and adopt the definition created by the all-party group on British Muslims, which recognises Islamophobia as a form of racism targ...
View Full Petition -->
NoneLevenshulme Station and Gorton Station Ticket Office Closures
12 September 2023
The petition addresses the proposed closure of ticket offices at Levenshulme and Gorton train stations, which would cause difficulties for passengers and result in job losses, potentially deterring pe...
View Full Petition -->
Pavement parking
24 May 2023
The petition addresses the issue of pavement parking in Manchester, Gorton, which negatively impacts people with mobility impairments, those who are blind or partially sighted, neurodivergent individu...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
78.6%
77 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
28
28.6% of votes
No Votes
49
50.0% of votes
Abstentions
21
21.4% of votes
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
4
PMQs Asked
97
Ministerial Questions Asked
133
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
9
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+624% above average
This MP:
97
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2637% above average
This MP:
133
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
+267% above average
This MP:
9
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+14% above average
This MP:
78.6
Average:
69.2
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 Afzal Khan's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.