Bambos Charalambous
MP for Southgate and Wood Green
Lab
Labour
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8 Jun 2017 - 6 Nov 2019
Labour
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12 Dec 2019 - 9 Jun 2023
Independent
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9 Jun 2023 - 12 Apr 2024
Labour
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12 Apr 2024 - 30 May 2024
Labour
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4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Can you tell me if you have ever entered into a non-disclosure agreement connected to a complaint against you?
Context
The questioner inquired about the Deputy Prime Minister's involvement with non-disclosure agreements related to employment disputes.
Dominic Raab
The hon. Gentleman is referring to an employment dispute that was settled before I entered the House. It involved a confidentiality clause, which was standard at the time.
Assessment
Answer does not confirm or deny NDA involvement directly but only mentions it as part of settlement.
Did Not Answer Yes/No
Session: PMQs
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Lead researchers have suggested that structural inequalities, not genetics, are the key differential. How will the Prime Minister redress these structural inequalities as the vaccine is rolled out?
Context
A recent study of 18 million people shows that black, Asian and minority ethnic people are twice as likely as white people to catch coronavirus and more likely to go into intensive care. Researchers suggest structural inequalities rather than genetics are key.
Boris Johnson
The hon. Gentleman raises a very important point, and we are thinking about this issue in government right now. In response to early data showing the impact on black and minority ethnic groups, enhanced testing procedures were brought forward for particularly vulnerable groups exposed to heavy viral loads. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation will consider these factors in deciding how to roll out the vaccine.
Assessment
Specific measures or commitments to address structural inequalities in the vaccine rollout were not provided
Session: PMQs
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Enfield Southgate houses Chickenshed Theatre, which has been financially struggling for more than 40 years and is now hurtling towards collapse because of the coronavirus pandemic despite its significant economic contribution. Will the Prime Minister heed calls from unions such as the Musicians Union, and provide financial support to ensure the survival of the arts sector?
Context
Chickenshed Theatre is an inclusive youth theatre company in financial trouble due to the pandemic. The arts sector contributes over £5.2 billion annually to the UK economy.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
This is becoming a theme today. I am a fan of Chickenshed Theatre and its work. We will do everything we can to assist; the economic case for doing so is overwhelming. Keep supporting your workers with the furloughing scheme until times get better, rather than laying people off.
Session: PMQs
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I congratulate the Secretary of State on the Department for Education being more than a third of the way through recruiting those 6,500 teachers. However, the Public Accounts Committee reported that schools with a high proportion of disadvantaged pupils faced the worst teacher shortages. Will she reassure me that extra effort will be put into recruiting and retaining teachers at these schools?
Context
Public Accounts Committee report showed that schools with high proportion of disadvantaged pupils experienced worst teacher shortages.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
I give my hon. Friend that assurance and thank him for all the work he does for schools right across his constituency. Recruiting and retaining more teachers—particularly in the most disadvantaged areas—is critical to our opportunity mission, but I am also delighted that initial teacher training acceptances are up 12% in secondary education.
Session: Teacher Recruitment
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What steps are the Government taking to put pressure on the Syrian Government to prevent any further attacks?
Context
Alawite, Druze and Christian minority communities in Syria are living in fear of attacks from militiamen.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
We emphasise the necessity of demonstrating commitment to the protection of human rights in all our engagements with the Syrian Government. Our public statements have also made it clear that civilians must be protected from violence, and those responsible held to account.
Session: Topical Questions
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Two-wheeled couriers working in the gig economy experience more road dangers than average riders due to time pressures from employers. Research from University College London shows that gig economy riders are three times as likely to report damage to their vehicle and nearly twice as likely to report injury. What steps are being taken, including with employers of gig economy riders and other stakeholders, to protect gig economy riders and reduce dangers for them and other road users and pedestrians?
Context
Research from University College London shows that gig economy riders are three times as likely to report damage to their vehicle and nearly twice as likely to report injury compared to average riders. This is exacerbated by time pressures imposed by employers.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising that important issue, which I know will be familiar to many Members across the House. In December, the Minister for Local Transport wrote to the main food delivery companies to remind them of the importance the Government place on the safety of food delivery riders and other road users and to remind them of their obligations. It is essential that delivery riders follow the highway code, despite the time pressure they are sometimes operating under.
Session: Road Safety Gig Economy Couriers
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Some 9,000 women in their 30s left teaching in 2022-23. This is the single biggest age group leaving teaching in Bath and across the country. Will the Government improve maternity pay for teachers and teaching assistants?
Context
Some 9,000 women in their 30s left teaching in 2022-23. This is the single biggest age group leaving teaching.
Bridget Phillipson
The hon. Lady is right to identify that challenge, and I have used that statistic many times myself. I am really concerned about the big numbers of experienced women, particularly those in their 30s, who leave teaching because they find it too difficult to combine work with family life. That is why, as part of what we have set out to the School Teachers Review Body process, we have asked it to look specifically at some of those challenges. As part of our wider work across Government to make work pay, we are ensuring better rights at work and that maternity protections are rolled out for workers across our country.
Session: Teacher Recruitment and Retention
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I begin by thanking all the teachers, support staff and senior leaders in my constituency of Southgate and Wood Green, and across the country, for their hard work ensuring that our children receive the high quality education they deserve. Teachers' pay, their workload and the environment in which they work have been highlighted as reasons why they leave the profession. Can my right hon. Friend tell the House what steps she is taking to address the reasons for teachers quitting the profession?
Context
Teachers' pay, workload, and work environment are highlighted as reasons for leaving the profession.
Bridget Phillipson
I join my hon. Friend in praising the amazing teachers and support staff in his constituency and across our country for the vital work that they do. I want to ensure not only that we keep teachers in the profession but that they thrive in it, which is why I was pleased to agree to the recommendation of a 5.5% pay award, but we know that there is much more to do to keep experienced, dedicated staff in the profession. I know from speaking to many of them that many of the challenges they face go way beyond the school gate. That is why I am proud to lead the work on child poverty, together with the Work and Pensions Secretary, to address some of the drivers of workload and pressures that many of our school staff are facing.
Session: Teacher Recruitment and Retention
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Does the Secretary of State agree that the autumn Budget gives continued support for integrated education?
Context
The Good Friday agreement mandates integrated education, which has received continued support from recent budgetary allocations.
Hilary Benn
I certainly will, given public polls show strong support. About 8% of pupils are in integrated schools now; we hope to see that number increase.
Session: Budget
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I welcome the fact that the Secretary of State has met the chief executive of the DVSA to discuss urgent solutions to sky-high driving test waiting times. According to the latest statistics, the waiting time in the Wood Green driving test centre is currently 18.64 weeks. Will my right hon Friend confirm that this issue is a top priority for the Government so that my constituents can be reassured?
Context
The driving test waiting times remain high, particularly in the Wood Green centre where it was reported to be 18.64 weeks.
Louise Haigh
I am very grateful to you, Mr Speaker, as I am to my hon. Friend for raising that important question. He is absolutely right. Average waiting times at the Wood Green centre currently sit just above the national average. The measures that the DVSA is already taking include conducting tests outside regular hours, at weekends and on public holidays, and continuing to deploy examiners from areas with lower waiting times. That is in addition to producing additional examiners across the country in areas where waiting times are highest.
Session: Driving Test Waiting Times
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What steps she is taking to reduce driving test waiting times? According to the latest statistics, the waiting time in the Wood Green driving test centre is currently 18.64 weeks. Will my right hon Friend confirm that this issue is a top priority for the Government so that my constituents can be reassured?
Context
The driving test waiting times remain high, particularly in the Wood Green centre where it was reported to be 18.64 weeks.
Louise Haigh
Practical driving test waiting times remain far too high after the previous Administration failed to reduce them. I have met the chief executive of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and driving test examiners, and instructed my officials to work at pace to identify solutions. Average waiting times at the Wood Green centre currently sit just above the national average. The measures that the DVSA is already taking include conducting tests outside regular hours, at weekends and on public holidays, and deploying more examiners in areas with higher waiting times.
Session: Driving Test Waiting Times
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Despite Al-Mawasi being a designated humanitarian safe zone, there have been multiple Israeli air strikes resulting in casualties. What discussions has the Minister had with her Israeli counterpart to stop further attacks?
Context
Al-Mawasi was designated as a humanitarian safe zone but multiple Israeli air strikes have killed civilians, wounded many more, and bombed aid compound facilities.
Anneliese Dodds
I know that this issue is of personal concern to my hon. Friend and that he has visited the region many times, for instance when he was the shadow Minister for the middle east. We are aware that about 90% of the population in Gaza have now been displaced.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Situation
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There are 2,796 IPP prisoners languishing in our prisons, many of whom have been over their original tariffs for years. The Ministry of Justice's action plan is not working. What will the Secretary of State do to fix this?
Context
2,796 prisoners with indeterminate sentences for public protection are languishing in prisons. Many have served longer than their original tariff.
Alex Chalk
The number of IPP prisoners has significantly decreased from 6,000 in 2012 to around 1,200 now. Our action plan aims to reduce license periods for released IPP prisoners to three years instead of ten.
Session: Topical Questions
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British Consulate General visited Jubbet ahd-Dhib school near Bethlehem, joined by other European missions. Considering the possibility of violence from demolitions, can the Secretary of State join calls to reverse demolition orders?
Context
The MP noted visits by British Consulate General to Jubbet ahd-Dhib school, which is at risk of demolition, and questioned if the Secretary of State will join calls to demand reversal of such orders.
James Cleverly
We regularly raise sensitive issues with Israel, including settlements and evictions. We condemn demolitions as illegal under international law, limiting success chances for a two-state solution.
Session: Israel and Palestine
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We join the international community condemning recent attacks. In response to my letter about forced evictions and demolitions in Masafer Yatta, the Minister for the Middle East said that the Government were clear that in all but the most exceptional of circumstances, demolitions and forced evictions are contrary to International Humanitarian Law… and harmful to efforts to promote peace. What steps are being taken to ensure Israel stops eviction of Palestinians from their homes? What efforts are made to support negotiations for a two-state solution?
Context
Forced evictions and demolitions of Palestinian homes are occurring, with concerns over peace prospects.
James Cleverly
I had a telephone conversation with the newly appointed Israeli Foreign Minister, congratulating him and reaffirming UK's passionate stance on peace in the region. We encourage calm responses by Israel while pursuing self-defence, looking to de-escalate deaths in both territories, working directly with Israel, regional partners, and other countries for a peaceful two-state solution.
Session: Palestinian Territories Israeli Settlements
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Given that 90% of schools expect to run out of money by next year, how does the Government plan for schools in my constituency to deliver standards and provide additional support when they cannot afford basic operations?
Context
Headteachers in Southgate and Wood Green report escalating school debt, increasing demands, and financial pressures exacerbated by the energy crisis.
Jonathan Gullis
The Government has committed £7 billion through the spending review until 2024-25, including £5 billion for catch-up funding to support disadvantaged pupils in tutoring and learning recovery post-pandemic. The Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Act 2021 aims to reduce uniform costs. The Minister is willing to meet with the hon. Gentleman and local headteachers to discuss additional support.
Session: School Budgets and Costs to Parents
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What recent assessment has been made by the Department regarding the impact of inflation on school budgets and associated costs for parents? Data from a National Association of Headteachers survey shows that 90% of schools expect to run out of money. School debt is rising, demands are increasing, and the energy crisis exacerbates funding issues in education.
Context
The National Association of Headteachers survey indicates that 90% of schools anticipate running out of funds by the end of the next academic year due to increasing cost pressures.
Jonathan Gullis
The Department is closely monitoring cost pressures on schools. A £4 billion increase in core school funding through the 2021 spending review package supports schools, alongside the energy bill relief scheme. The Government provides over £37 billion to assist families directly with household expenses.
Session: School Budgets and Costs to Parents
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Will the Minister press her Israeli counterpart for evidence and continue to support Palestinian civil society in the absence of such evidence? The CIA has reported that no evidence was presented to support the designation, which raises serious questions.
Context
In October, Israel designated six Palestinian NGOs as terrorist organisations. There are concerns about the lack of evidence supporting these designations.
Amanda Milling
I agree with the importance of civil society in terms of human rights and democracy. The evidence is a matter for the Israeli Government, but we maintain our own criteria for designation and continue to engage with many organisations.
Session: Israeli Government Proscription of Palestinian Civil Society Groups
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Will my right hon. Friend update the House on the £40 million support package over 10 years that was announced in 2016 for the Chagos island community?
Context
A £40 million support package over ten years was announced in 2016 for the Chagos island community.
Amanda Milling (Minister of State for Europe and Americas at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
I thank my hon. Friend for his question and for being such a strong voice for the Chagossian community; I know that he has a large Chagossian community in his constituency of Crawley. We have gone to great lengths to find projects for that money that will benefit the Chagossian community. I would like to meet my hon. Friend to discuss what more we can do.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Home Secretary tell me how much the policy will cost per person, or what her maximum budget is?
Context
The policy is criticized for its high cost or inefficacy in deterring people smugglers.
Priti Patel
The UK is providing an initial investment of £120 million of support for the partnership as part of the new economic transformation and integration fund. I heard what the hon. Member's party said—Labour Front Bench Members were chuntering about this last week—in calling the policy extortionate and unworkable.
Session: Asylum Seekers Relocation to Rwanda
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What estimate she has made of the cost to the public purse of the Government's policy to relocate asylum seekers to Rwanda?
Context
The policy to relocate asylum seekers to Rwanda has faced criticism for its potential cost and ethical implications.
Priti Patel
Our world-leading migration and economic development partnership with Rwanda will be a major boost to Rwanda and allow us to focus our efforts on people in need, not those who have the ability to pay people smugglers to make dangerous, illegal journeys from safe countries such as France.
Session: Asylum Seekers Relocation to Rwanda
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We were all horrified by the atrocities of the airstrike on Friday, which led to dozens of deaths and was another horrific incident in this conflict. It adds to one of the world's greatest humanitarian disasters, with an estimated 20 million Yemenis in need of assistance. As the Minister knows, the Saudi air and sea blockade means that hardly any humanitarian aid is getting through, so I ask him: what influence are the Government using to bring about a peace conference to end the blockade, so that people on the brink of starvation can get the humanitarian aid they need?
Context
The Saudi-led coalition's air and sea blockade has severely hampered humanitarian aid efforts, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in Yemen.
James Cleverly
I have in the past spoken both with the Government of Yemen and with countries in the region to ensure that fuel supplies that are needed, both to transport grain and also for grain milling for bread, have been made available, and I am pleased that the UK intervention at those times facilitated the distribution of aid to Yemen.
Session: Yemen
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Since mid-August, Germany, a country that has not had the military and overall engagement of the UK in Afghanistan, has flown more than 6,000 Afghans to Germany and provided them with protected status under its humanitarian admission programme. Can the Minister tell me what conversations she has had with counterparts in the European countries running such schemes to help to enable the quicker opening of the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme? There is a real risk that the people whom the scheme is intended to help will die before it becomes operational.
Context
Germany has flown over 6,000 Afghans to the country since mid-August under its humanitarian admission programme.
Victoria Atkins
I know the hon. Gentleman well, and I know that he will not have overlooked the 15,000 people whom we evacuated during the emergency conditions of Operation Pitting. Of course, there are still agreements carrying on with third-party countries for evacuating people—where it is safe to do so, where checks have been conducted and so on—each and every week. Not only do we have the ACRS in the process of being built, but we are meeting our commitment to those who have worked with the UK Government and the UK Army under the Afghan relocations and assistance policy, so work is ongoing to protect people. We are working with international partners; indeed, I met the German delegation during the Conservative party conference to discuss with them the work the Germans are doing. However, we are very much in the hands of our international partners when it comes to opening up safe and legal routes through Afghanistan to us.
Session: Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme
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Does the Minister think it is good enough that the Treasury has not met any of its climate change recommendations, and what steps should be taken to improve this?
Context
The Climate Change Committee's recent progress report highlights that the Treasury failed to meet recommendations.
Kemi Badenoch
I am afraid I do not think that is what the report has said. What I will say is that we will be releasing many publications this autumn around net zero, not least the net zero review. This final report will be published in advance of COP26. The report will inform sectoral decarbonisation strategies and the net zero strategy, and work on those will continue to develop at pace across Whitehall.
Session: Net Zero Emissions and Green Investment
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Disabled children and those with high needs have suffered disproportionately as a result of missed education and a lack of assessment. There is a huge shortage of educational psychologists, which is delaying the drawing up of education, health and care plans. Can the Minister tell me what steps she is taking to help those children to get the services they need and to catch up?
Context
There is a shortage of educational psychologists, which delays the creation of education, health and care plans.
Vicky Ford
We have increased the high needs budget by a record £2.3 billion, which is over a third over the past three years. We are also making good progress with the special educational needs and disability review, which has inevitably been a bit frustrated by the pandemic and changed the issues we are looking at, but we absolutely want all pupils to have access to the education they deserve. That is why our recovery funding has also been extra tilted towards those in specialist settings.
Session: Topical Questions
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As the Home Secretary is aware, acquiring settled status has an impact on a person's right to work and to access accommodation and other services. What steps are the Government taking to ensure that employers and landlords are complying with the right to work and rent guidance, and are not discriminating against EU citizens? Will she also tell me what protections are in place for people to submit late applications to the EU settlement scheme, so that they are not left in limbo, unable to work or at risk of homelessness while they await the outcome of their application?
Context
Acquiring settled status impacts employment, housing, and other services. The question aims to understand government actions ensuring compliance with right-to-work guidance.
Priti Patel
First, the Home Office has been very clear in the support it will provide to people and late applications. The hon. Gentleman has rightly made an important point about the right to work and the role for employers. Let me give him the assurance that we have been working with employers' organisations and groups; this is exactly the vehicle through which, even throughout the pandemic, we have been working to communicate the need for employers to work with us to secure the settled status of many, many individuals. Finally, may I pay tribute to many of the employers who have been working with us on this scheme to guarantee that settled status for individuals?
Session: EU Settlement Scheme Application Deadline
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Can the Minister assure me that no one who is entitled but missed the deadline will lose rights or access to benefits, or be forcibly detained?
Context
The Prime Minister assured that the law would be merciful to those in a difficult position post-deadline.
Chris Philp
The best thing for any constituent entitled to EUSS is to apply by 30 June. If someone applies late with reasonable grounds, latitude will be shown. No hard deadline exists; a reasonable approach will be taken.
Session: EEA Nationals Settled or Pre-settled Status
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Given that over 900,000 people who were self-employed at the start of the pandemic now face exiting their sectors as restrictions ease, does the Minister agree that insufficient support for the unrepresented self-employed risks damaging the economic recovery?
Context
Over 900,000 individuals, including many from the creative sector, are at risk of leaving their profession due to lack of support during the crisis.
Jesse Norman
The majority of self-employed individuals are indeed covered, thus the hon. Gentleman's concern is misplaced. Economic changes are expected in a dynamic economy; focus should be on surviving this unprecedented crisis.
Session: Covid-19 Support for Self-employed People
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What fiscal steps are being taken to support self-employed individuals as coronavirus restrictions ease?
Context
Concerns about the fiscal support available to the self-employed as UK moves towards reopening post-pandemic.
Jesse Norman
The Government has announced that the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will continue until September, with fourth and fifth grants. This scheme is one of the most generous for self-employed people globally, providing certainty to businesses as the economy reopens.
Session: Covid-19 Support for Self-employed People
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Homelessness is a big factor in ex-prisoners, particularly women, reoffending. In January, the Ministry of Justice announced £20 million for five pilot schemes of temporary accommodation; over three months on, there is still no evidence of how the service will account for the complex and specific needs of vulnerable women leaving prison. How will the Department work with the Ministry of Justice to ensure that support services for women in impermanent accommodation on their release last more than 12 weeks?
Context
The Ministry of Justice announced £20 million for five pilot schemes providing temporary accommodation for ex-prisoners; however, there is no evidence yet on how the service will account for the complex needs of vulnerable women.
Robert Jenrick
The hon. Gentleman raises an extremely important point, as 53% of people sleeping rough on our streets are ex-offenders, so a crucial component of our strategy to end rough sleeping must be ensuring that more offenders, whether male or female, leave prisons to good-quality, secure accommodation, whether it is in the private rental sector or in social housing. I am working very closely with my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor; we put in a bid together to the spending review, to which the hon. Gentleman refers. I will be able to update him on those plans in due course.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Foreign Secretary confirm the Government's commitment to a bizonal, bicommunal federation as the only basis for a political settlement on the island of Cyprus, ahead of next month's UN-sponsored 5+1 talks in Geneva?
Context
The UN is preparing for talks on a political settlement in Cyprus.
Dominic Raab
The most important thing that we need to see right now is for both sides to go to those UN 5+1 talks without preconditions, so that we can re-engage in the kind of flexibility and pragmatism that can see lasting and enduring peace for the whole of Cyprus.
Session: Topical Questions
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With more than 30,000 people missing a diagnosis of cancer compared with 2019 and the cancer recovery plan expiring at the end of March, what are the Minister's commitments to beat the backlog after March? How will a renewed cancer recovery plan help meet ambitions for cancer care?
Context
The MP questioned whether more than 30,000 people are missing a diagnosis of cancer compared with 2019. He asked about the commitments in the renewed cancer recovery plan.
Jo Churchill (Minister)
Once people come forward, there is a speedy path to treatment. Every single trust has been given a target to produce a plan for ongoing assessment of how it is addressing the backlog going forward.
Session: Covid-19 Cancer Care and Treatment
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The spread of disinformation and anti-vaccine content on social media is presenting a real danger to the NHS in its efforts to vaccinate against covid-19. In an agreement with the social media giants it was revealed that their only commitment was not to profit from or promote flagged anti-vax content, but there was no commitment to close down these groups. Is it not time that the Government got tougher to stop the anti-vax message getting through?
Context
MP notes that misinformation online undermines public health efforts, particularly in communities where some individuals are hesitant to accept the vaccine.
Priti Patel
The Government is very clear about taking action against false information, working across all Departments. Action is being put on social media platforms when disinformation materialises.
Session: Anti-vaccination Extremism
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What measures are being taken by the government to prevent border disruptions and delays for food exporters when trade volumes pick up? What assessment has been made of the impact on jobs?
Context
The MP inquired about measures to prevent more disruption and costly delays as trade volumes increase, concerned about job impacts.
George Eustice
The fishing sector faces difficulties due to time-critical nature; overall system is working well, issuing about 150 export health certificates per day. Volume of lorries through short straits back up to around 6,000-7,000 daily.
Session: Food Imports and Exports
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Given the shocking statistics on verbal abuse, threats, and assaults against retail staff during the pandemic and noting their critical role in keeping shops open, does he agree they need greater protection? Does he support a private Member's Bill seeking to create new offences for assaults on retail workers?
Context
A survey by USDAW found that a significant majority of its members had faced verbal abuse, threats, or assaults this year.
Kit Malthouse
I do agree that shopworkers deserve all the protection we can afford, especially given their critical role during the pandemic. However, we do not yet see the case for a specific offence of assault on a shopworker despite the fact that assaults on those performing public service are already an aggravating factor in sentencing. The Sentencing Council is reviewing the sentencing guidelines for assault, and I urge hon. Members to put their evidence into this consultation.
Session: Shopworkers Protection from Assault
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Schools are facing huge budget pressures as costs escalate for increased supply cover as teachers self-isolate and from unfunded covid-19 cleaning costs. More than a quarter of all state schools are using reserve budgets to ensure that pupils have devices and access to the internet to study while isolating at home. What assurances can the Secretary of State give that schools will get the funding they need to cover these unforeseen costs?
Context
The MP highlights that schools face significant budget pressures due to increased costs related to the pandemic.
Gavin Williamson
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising that important point. We know how important it is. We already outlined a package for the summer term, and tens of millions of pounds have been distributed to schools. We have kept this matter under review and will update the House closely in the near future.
Session: Schools Safe Opening and Covid-19
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What support are you providing to schools to help ensure their safe opening during the covid-19 outbreak?
Context
The MP is concerned about the challenges faced by schools in reopening safely amid a rise in cases.
Gavin Williamson
To support schools to open fully from the autumn, we published guidance in July and updated it as necessary. Schools have access to an advice service and supply of test kits. By assessing risk and maximising the use of Public Health England-endorsed control measures, schools reduce risk for pupils and staff.
Session: Schools Safe Opening and Covid-19
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May I ask my right hon. Friend for reassurance that our overseas territories will be fully factored into all future trade deals and continuity agreements?
Context
The Minister is meeting the overseas territories on this subject next week.
Greg Hands
I am meeting the overseas territories on this very subject next week. The Secretary of State met Fabian Picardo, the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, only last month on this. Getting our overseas territories participating in the UK independent trade agenda is very important. We recognise fully the constitutional responsibilities we have for the OTs and work closely with them to ensure that their interests are represented.
Session: Topical Questions
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Tell MAMA is running its 'No2H8' campaign this month. The Home Office has acknowledged that this year's rise in hate crimes is partly driven by far-right groups targeting Black Lives Matter campaigners. Will the Minister tell me what the Government are doing to support groups that they have been recognised as victims of an increase in hate crime?
Context
The question was prompted by the Tell MAMA campaign's recognition that Black Lives Matter campaigners are targeted by far-right groups, leading to an increase in hate crimes.
Victoria Atkins
We published the hate crime action plan in 2016 and refreshed it in 2018, and we have seen significant improvements. We are also investing through schemes such as the places of worship scheme, which can have a real impact on local communities affected by hate crime.
Session: Hate Crime
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Will the Government announce new measures to support legal aid lawyers over the second national lockdown?
Context
The MP notes legal aid firms urgently need financial support during the second national lockdown.
Alex Chalk
Legal aid lawyers do a magnificent job. The Government have rolled out furlough and other supports. Courts continue to operate, with magistrates courts handling more cases than received.
Session: Access to Justice
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Does the Minister support a more rigorous classification system for assessing hateful extremist material, and does he agree with the commission's report that the Government's counter-extremism strategy is insufficient?
Context
The commissioner for countering extremism called for a more rigorous classification system in the online harms Bill.
James Brokenshire
The 2015 strategy was the first of its kind in the world in having a unit dedicated to countering extremism. I pay tribute to the work of the commissioner, and I read very carefully her words to the Select Committee last week. We will work with the commissioner—indeed, the Home Secretary met her last week—and we are working with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Ofcom to consider the appropriate design for the regulatory framework.
Session: Online Hate Speech and Extremism
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Welcoming the Minister's confirmation of a five-year maximum sentence for animal cruelty, Charalambous expresses concern about enforcement and prosecution. He asks if there will be greater enforcement steps to ensure those committing animal cruelty are brought to justice.
Context
The RSPCA estimates over 100,000 instances of animal cruelty during lockdown.
Victoria Prentis (Minister of State for Rural Affairs and Biosecurity)
Enforcement is a matter for local police forces, but what we can do in this place is to make sure that the right laws are in place to give them the tools they need to stamp out animal cruelty.
Session: Animal Welfare Offences
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Yesterday's admission by the Northern Ireland Secretary that the Internal Market Bill would be breaking international law will make many countries question the trustworthiness of the UK's trade negotiations and the reliability of any deals. What impact does this Minister think that will have on the Scottish economy?
Context
The Northern Ireland Secretary admitted that the Internal Market Bill would break international law, raising concerns about trustworthiness in trade negotiations. This admission may affect future deals and could have an impact on the Scottish economy.
Iain Stewart
I simply point the hon. Gentleman to the development today that will help the UK join the trans-Pacific trade partnership, which will benefit companies in Scotland and across the whole UK.
Session: EU Exit Scottish Economy
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Human Rights: Supply Chains
18 June 2026
Responding: Kate Dearden
Main Concerns
['Mr Bambos Charalambous is concerned about the exploitation of workers and human rights violations in global supply chains. He cited several examples including the Boohoo scandal involving low-paid workers in Leicester and labour issues related to Uyghur communities, Costa Rican banana growers, cobalt miners in Congo, environmental defenders in Nigeria, union-busting factories in Sri Lanka, solar panel manufacturing with forced labour in China, and deforestation linked to UK imports of beef, soya, cocoa, rubber, and palm oil. He noted that 75% of countries deny workers the right to freedom of association, while 50 million people are trapped in modern slavery globally.']
Specific Asks
["Mr Charalambous asks the Government to confirm when they will publish the responsible business conduct review and the national baseline assessment as set out in last year's trade strategy. He also wants confirmation that the Government will adopt a thorough, holistic approach to address human rights abuses and environmental harm in supply chains, rather than a narrow patchwork of guidelines."]
International Day of Education
22 January 2026
Responding: Stephen Doughty
Main Concerns
['There are still many millions of children globally who are not in education, with progress slowing against the backdrop of aid cuts and an increasingly dangerous world. Basic education could be one of the hardest-hit areas by these cuts as historically the UK and US have been the biggest donors.']
Specific Asks
['I urge the Minister to consider funding basic education as a high priority for the UK Government when global education funding is being considered, highlighting its impact on global GDP and stability.']
Music Education
03 July 2025
Responding: Catherine McKinnell
Main Concerns
['Music education is facing a crisis with the number of students receiving tuition in schools falling rapidly, recruitment and retention of music teachers declining, financial strain on music hubs, and funding remaining stagnant. The disparity between state and independent school access to music education widens, with only 15% of children in state schools receiving substantial music tuition compared to 50% in independent schools.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP calls for the government to commit to increasing initial teacher training bursaries, training 1,000 specialist music teachers by the end of this Parliament, and investing in focused CPD for music teachers. He also asks for accountability mechanisms to ensure that schools prioritise music education.']
Low-income Countries: Debt Cancellation
06 February 2025
Responding: Emma Reynolds
Main Concerns
['The World Bank’s latest report stated that developing countries spent a record $1.4 trillion on servicing foreign debts, with interest payments alone soaring to $406 billion. The poorest and most vulnerable countries paid $96.2 billion in debt service costs last year, including $34.6 billion in interest, marking a fourfold increase over the past decade.']
Specific Asks
['The Government needs to compel private creditors to agree to debt relief arrangements similar to those with multilateral and bilateral creditors. Urgent legislation is required to address this issue.']
International Day of Education
23 January 2025
Responding: Anneliese Dodds
Main Concerns
["Tomorrow marks the United Nations International Day of Education, highlighting education's transformative power as a fundamental human right. However, global progress towards SDG 4 is uneven, with 251 million children and youth still out of school worldwide, despite efforts to expand access since 2015. Conflicts, natural disasters, climate change, and emergencies have led to significant regressions in meeting education targets, particularly affecting low-income countries."]
Specific Asks
['Will the Government bolster financial contributions to global education initiatives like Education Cannot Wait and UNICEF, ensuring funds reach marginalised and crisis-affected children?']
IPP Sentences — [Valerie Vaz in the Chair]
29 October 2024
Responding: Nicholas Dakin
Main Concerns
['The MP is concerned about the cruel, unjust and damaging nature of IPP sentences introduced in 2005. He cited an instance where a prisoner served only 28 days before receiving an IPP sentence and highlighted that over 6,000 prisoners received such sentences, with 1,132 still serving them as of June this year. The UN special rapporteur on torture described IPP sentences as inhuman treatment and psychologically torturous, while Lord Blunkett, who introduced the sentences, regretted their introduction due to injustices caused.']
Specific Asks
['The MP asks the Government to reconsider its position on resentencing IPP prisoners, which he believes would rectify the injustice once and for all. He also inquires about steps being taken to reduce the number of IPP prisoners and what support mechanisms are available for their mental health needs.']
Crisis Houses
22 May 2024
Responding: Maria Caulfield
Main Concerns
["In October 2021, the MP learned about crisis houses following a constituent's daughter's death in one. The case of Jess Durdy highlights that unregulated crisis houses can lack necessary training and proper care standards. In her case, staff were unable to respond effectively to warnings of suicidal thoughts, used unsafe door locks, and failed to provide emergency services with timely information, leading to Jess's untimely demise. There are now around 70 crisis houses nationwide, but the current regulatory patchwork fails to ensure consistent safety and care standards."]
Specific Asks
['The Government must introduce legislation to harmonise regulation across all crisis houses under a single oversight body like the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to prevent further tragedies. The Minister should provide clear mechanisms for raising concerns about substandard care in crisis houses, ensuring appropriate safeguarding processes are in place.']
International Thalassaemia Day
27 April 2022
Responding: Maria Caulfield
Main Concerns
["Thalassaemias are inherited blood disorders that can lead to severe anaemia if not managed appropriately. Patients with transfusion-dependent thalassaemia receive regular blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy, which can cause secondary conditions such as diabetes and heart failure. The prevalence is higher among individuals of Caribbean, South American, African, Mediterranean, south Asian, southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern ancestry. In the UK, over 900 people live with beta thalassaemia major, while about 20 to 30 couples annually are at high risk of having a baby with thalassaemia. There is evidence that thalassaemia services in the UK are under-resourced and underdeveloped compared to those for other blood disorders, leading to health inequalities and instances of overt racism affecting patients' mental health and treatment quality."]
Specific Asks
["The Minister should ensure that NICE's highly specialised technology and standard technology appraisal pathways are fit for purpose for people with rare diseases, taking into account the unique nature and impact of such conditions. The Government must also address discriminatory attitudes in healthcare settings to improve equal access to care and health outcomes for patients with thalassaemia."]
Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy
22 April 2026
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
Olly Glover highlighted the significant issue of SUDEP, where at least 21 people die every week in the UK from epilepsy-related causes. He emphasised that 60% of these deaths are preventable but noted...
International Development
19 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East
02 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East 2025-07-21
21 July 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Syria 2025-03-10
10 March 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Falconer stated that events in Syria are concerning and called for the interim authorities to establish a clear process and timeline for political transition. He highlighted efforts by the UK to suppo...
Hospice and Palliative Care 2025-01-13
13 January 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I thank the Backbench Business Committee for granting time to support this important debate on hospice and palliative care. The crisis in hospice funding and concerns over provision were highlighted d...
Business of the House 2025-01-09
09 January 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government's first six months in office have been catastrophic, with damaging effects on the economy. The National Institute of Economic and Social Research warns that the UK economy did not grow ...
Syria
19 December 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Bill
18 December 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the Bill be now read the Third time. This is an important Bill with huge unity across the House. The CPA has been seeking change in its legal status for over two decades, and this ...
Debt Relief (Developing Countries)
13 November 2024
General Debate
Led by this MP
Mr. Bambos Charalambous moved to bring in a Bill aimed at providing debt relief for certain developing countries, highlighting the severe economic burden of external debts on healthcare and education ...
Use of Shops for Illegal Activities
28 April 2026
Residents of the constituency of Southgate and Wood Green are concerned about illegal activities in local shops, which are harming the community. They believe the local authority has limited power to ...
View Full Petition -->
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine Eligibility Criteria
17 March 2025
The petition calls for extending the eligibility criteria for free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Shingles vaccines to individuals aged 80 years or older, citing health benefits observed in the...
View Full Petition -->
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine Eligibility Criteria
13 February 2025
The petition addresses the arbitrary decision by the UK government to end eligibility for free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Shingles vaccines at age 80, impacting individuals with respiratory...
View Full Petition -->
Gambling premises licences
23 March 2021
My constituents are concerned that a 24-hour gambling licence was granted for a shop in Green Lanes during the coronavirus lockdown, when residents were legally restricted from leaving their homes exc...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
75.8%
72 of 95 votes
Aye Votes
25
26.3% of votes
No Votes
47
49.5% of votes
Abstentions
23
24.2% of votes
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 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
VOTED NO
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
VOTED NO
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
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
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
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 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
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
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 NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
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 AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
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
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
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: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
3
PMQs Asked
48
Ministerial Questions Asked
87
House of Commons Debates Involved
8
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
4
Petitions Presented
95
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
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+258% above average
This MP:
48
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+218% above average
This MP:
8
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1690% above average
This MP:
87
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
+63% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+10% above average
This MP:
75.8
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 Bambos Charalambous's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.