Apsana Begum
MP for Poplar and Limehouse
Lab
Labour
-
12 Dec 2019 - 30 May 2024
Labour
-
4 Jul 2024 - 23 Jul 2024
Independent
-
23 Jul 2024 - 26 Sep 2025
Labour
-
26 Sep 2025 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
My constituency has one of the highest rates of child poverty in the entire country, with too many already struggling between heating and eating. The Government's recent real-terms social security cut will now push even more families, children and pensioners into desperation. Does the Prime Minister agree that the biggest squeeze in household finances since records began does not come out of the blue, but is due to Conservative economics and the notion that, while some have the pleasure of partying, the rest of us should suffer?
Context
The constituency has one of the highest rates of child poverty in the country. Recent social security cuts will push more families, children, and pensioners into desperation.
Boris Johnson
No, we are absolutely dedicated to levelling up across our entire country and making sure that we reduce poverty. That is why I am proud that there are now half a million fewer kids actually in workless households, 200,000 fewer kids—200,000 fewer—in poverty and 1.3 million fewer in absolute poverty.
Assessment
Specific impact of recent social security cuts was not addressed
I Am Proud That There Are Now Half A Million Fewer Kids Actually In Workless Households
Session: PMQs
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Doctors, researchers, experts, campaigners and my constituents have all observed the covid-19 pandemic disproportionately affecting BAME communities. The Royal College of General Practitioners has even requested that these communities be prioritised for vaccine roll-out. Will the Prime Minister finally recognise that this disparity is as a result of structural racism, and can he outline what his Government are doing to address the issue?
Context
The Royal College of General Practitioners has requested prioritising BAME communities in the covid-19 vaccine roll-out.
Boris Johnson
I do not agree with the hon. Member's last point, but she makes a very important point about the need to reach hard-to-reach groups in society. That is why it is so important that the vaccine roll-out is not just conducted by the NHS, the Army, pharmacies and volunteers, but in co-ordination with local government at all levels.
Assessment
The specific ask about structural racism was not directly acknowledged or addressed.
Session: PMQs
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Will the Minister outline how upcoming legislation will clarify what counts as proportionate and/or reasonable costs that fall on to leaseholders in relation to the BSR's work?
Context
Leaseholders in Poplar and Limehouse are facing significant bills from the Building Safety Regulator, making them financially vulnerable.
Steve Reed
We are seeing improvements in the performance of the Building Safety Regulator, but unfair costs should not fall on leaseholders. If helpful, I will arrange a meeting between her and the relevant Minister.
Session: Leasehold Reform
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Single-parent families, mostly headed by women, will lose an average of £1,000 a year under Labour's budget. Has the Minister assessed the impact on single-parent households from scrapping child benefit changes?
Context
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation warned that single-parent families will be £1,000 worse off by 2029 due to the increase in employers' national insurance contributions.
Bridget Phillipson
We are committed to transforming lives, including those of single parents. We will drive down child poverty levels contrary to Labour's actions.
Session: Supporting Women into Work
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Does the Minister agree that a comprehensive approach including funding for specialist services and addressing legal aid issues is necessary to provide proper support for victims of domestic abuse?
Context
The question addresses the systemic bias against survivors of domestic abuse across various stages of the criminal justice system.
Alex Davies-Jones
The Minister agrees with the hon. Friend's points about systemic bias and supports her bravery in speaking out. Every Department will look into how to stamp out violence against women and girls. Funding is currently being reviewed, and further meetings can be arranged.
Session: Domestic Abuse and Violence against Women
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Does the Minister agree that Bangladeshi people must have the right to exercise their fundamental human rights, including the right to protest? Will she join me in expressing solidarity with Bangladeshi people facing repression?
Context
International human rights bodies are reporting further crackdowns on dissent, including mass arrests, enforced disappearances, torture, and unlawful killings.
Catherine West
My hon. Friend is an excellent champion for her constituents. The UK and our international partners continue to push for progress towards accountability and justice, including through an independent, impartial and transparent investigation into alleged human rights violations.
Session: Bangladesh Human Rights
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What recent discussions has the Minister had with her Bangladeshi counterpart on the human rights situation in that country?
Context
The recent events in Bangladesh have raised concerns about human rights violations, including high death tolls among student protesters.
Catherine West
Bangladesh is an important Commonwealth friend, but we remain deeply concerned about recent events. I spoke to the Bangladesh high commissioner on 19 and 23 July. On 22 July, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary called for an end to the violence, for democratic reforms, and for the rule of law to be protected.
Session: Bangladesh Human Rights
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Does the Minister agree that the racial, gender and class-based bias of the justice system must be addressed and that it is right to speak up against injustice? Will she join me in paying tribute to those who are campaigning for a legal sector that genuinely represents, empowers, and is accountable to the wider public?
Context
A letter supports Dr Charlotte Proudman who is facing disciplinary action after challenging a judge's attitude towards domestic abuse cases.
Laura Farris
I count myself as one of the people who campaigns on violence against women, and there are many other right hon. and hon. Members across this House who do the same thing. The hon. Lady will understand, I hope, why I will not get involved in a disciplinary matter concerning a particular barrister. I know what it is said has been said, and it will be for the relevant standards committee to decide whether or not the barrister is at fault.
Session: Public Confidence in Victim Support
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Have there been any further military actions in Yemen since January 11? If so, what is the long-term plan regarding sustained military engagement?
Context
The ongoing conflict in Yemen has led to questions about UK involvement.
Andrew Mitchell
We ensure our response to the Houthis is proportionate and right. We are focused on getting food into Yemen despite Houthi impediments.
Session: Topical Questions
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In this cost of living crisis, will the Government commit to an emergency domestic abuse fund——so that all survivors can access help with fleeing an abuser and no one is left choosing between ongoing abuse and violence, or poverty and hunger?
Context
Request for an emergency domestic abuse fund to support survivors in fleeing abusers without having to choose between ongoing abuse or poverty.
Kemi Badenoch
I thank the hon. Lady for her question. We have set out the multiple ways in which we are supporting vulnerable people. I am afraid I did not get all of her question, but if she wants to write to me or a Treasury Minister about a more specific issue, we can look into it in more detail.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Violence against Women and Girls: London
25 November 2025
Responding: Jess Phillips
Main Concerns
['Violence against women and girls remains a prevalent human rights violation. There were more than 159,000 reports of domestic abuse crimes in Greater London alone in 2024, and globally almost one in three women have been subjected to physical or sexual intimate partner violence at least once in their life. Survivors are being let down by systems that fail to address the multifaceted impacts on health and wellbeing.']
Specific Asks
['The strategy should be comprehensive and cross-departmental, addressing perpetrators while empowering survivors. There is a need for improved funding and support for frontline workers, better prosecution rates, independent legal advice, and consistent access to advocates across different areas of London.']
Violence against Women and Girls — [Sir Mark Hendrick in the Chair]
27 November 2024
Responding: Dan Norris
Main Concerns
['The statistics are stark: globally, almost one in three women has been subjected to physical or sexual intimate partner violence. Survivors of domestic abuse face multiple barriers including poor prosecution rates, lack of legal aid, high mistrust of the police due to inadequate reforms, and a crisis in social security and affordable housing. The cost of living crisis exacerbates these issues, leaving survivors trapped between destitution and abuse.']
Specific Asks
['The Minister is urged to roll out a comprehensive cross-departmental plan addressing criminal justice, health, employment, and social security needs for survivors. This must include urgent reforms in policing and legal aid systems.']
Gaza: Humanitarian Aid and Children
08 February 2024
Responding: Leo Docherty
Main Concerns
['The lead MP is concerned about the unprecedented impact of war on children in Gaza, noting that over 11,500 children have been killed since October. She highlights the lack of medical supplies, food, water, and shelter, with more than 24,000 losing one or both parents. Hospitals are overwhelmed, treating wounded children without family support, and many suffer from malnutrition due to severe shortages. The lead MP also questions whether the UK government has considered allowing affected children into the UK for safety.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP asks if the Government will clarify whether they have considered allowing children into the UK for their safety during this conflict, in response to a petition with over 17,000 signatures. She also urges the government to uphold humanitarian obligations and resume funding for agencies like UNRWA.']
Domestic Abuse and Public Life
22 November 2022
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the impact of domestic abuse on individuals in public life, including MPs. My experiences have shown that despite progress, such as the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, there is still insufficient understanding and awareness regarding post-separation control and harassment. I faced numerous challenges, from court trials to smear campaigns and indirect abuse, which continue to affect my ability to participate fully in public life.']
Specific Asks
['I call for a duty of care to be placed on employers and political parties to ensure that survivors of domestic abuse are not exposed to further harassment. There must be recognition that post-separation control and harassment is a form of domestic abuse and should be addressed through policy changes.']
International Mother Language Day — [Sir Edward Leigh in the Chair]
01 March 2022
Responding: Vicky Ford
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the growing trend of anti-immigration rhetoric that legitimises racist attitudes and exacerbates social marginalisation. I worry about how language can be used as a tool to construct certain people as 'the other' and force them to assimilate, leading to restrictions on minority languages. The pandemic exposed significant barriers for minority language speakers in accessing crucial information like vaccine roll-out details, disproportionately affecting black, Asian and minority ethnic communities who face greater risks and hardships."]
Specific Asks
["I urge the government to recognise the importance of free at-the-point-of-use local and public provision of community language services. I also ask for a commitment to multilingual education based on people's mother tongues and support for technology in advancing this goal, as well as fast, reliable broadband access."]
Full name of the bill being debated - Which clause or amendment is being debated
10 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The reasoned amendment tabled by the official Opposition has been selected. The amendment aims to introduce significant changes to the bill to address issues related to [specific issue], highlighting ...
Israel and Palestine
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Health and Care Bill - Schedule 1
07 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to confer primary care functions on integrated care boards, thereby ensuring better coordination and integration of health ser...
Dover and Portsmouth: Protests
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill - New Clause 116
02 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I propose New Clause 116 to introduce a cap on donations from overseas contributors to political parties and candidates. This measure is necessary to ensure the integrity of our democratic process and...
Timms Review: Interim Report
09 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Iran Conflict: Ceasefire
09 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
09 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mohamed argues that successive British Governments have acknowledged the illegality and harmful effects of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories but have failed to take decisive ...
Domestic Abuse and Public Life
30 June 2026
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
The MP highlighted the barriers that prevent survivors of domestic abuse from engaging in political activities due to stigma, structural biases, and ongoing harassment. She emphasised her own experien...
Legacy of Jo Cox
11 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I thank Jo’s family for their leadership and friendship, praising the tenacity and guts that have inspired others. I commend Kim Leadbeater for stepping into public life and continuing Jo Cox's legacy...
Attendance
71.3%
67 of 94 votes
Aye Votes
24
25.5% of votes
No Votes
43
45.7% of votes
Abstentions
27
28.7% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
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 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
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
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
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
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
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: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
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 AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
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: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
2
PMQs Asked
8
Ministerial Questions Asked
110
House of Commons Debates Involved
5
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
94
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
-45% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
-40% below average
This MP:
8
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+99% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2163% above average
This MP:
110
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+4% above average
This MP:
71.3
Average:
68.8
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 Apsana Begum's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.