Colum Eastwood
MP for Foyle
Social Democratic & Labour Party
12 Dec 2019 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
The Prime Minister will never know exactly how much it meant to victims of the troubles in Northern Ireland, from right across society, when he came, looked them in their eyes and promised them that no murderer would be immune from prosecution. Can he tell us when he last spoke to the Taoiseach about the shared approach to this issue, and will he recommit today to those victims, to ensure that no murderer will be seen to be above the law?
Context
Victims of the Troubles across Northern Ireland have expressed deep concern over promises made regarding prosecution immunity for murderers. The Prime Minister previously promised these individuals that no murderer would be immune from prosecution.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
This is a really important issue, and can I begin by saying that I have a profound respect and debt to our veterans who served? This is a complicated issue and we have to get it right. Veterans are at risk because of the false promises of the last Government. Let us be clear: the last Government made a false promise of immunity that does not exist. It was unlawful, it was struck down, and it was undeliverable. Their failed legacy Act leaves veterans exposed with no settled process. We will create a secure, transparent system that protects veterans from unjustified persecution and gives victims, families and survivors the confidence they need in the process.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not provide a specific timeline on discussions with the Taoiseach or a recommitment to the promise made to the victims of the Troubles.
Did Not Specify When He Last Spoke To The Taoiseach
Avoided Recommitting To The Original Promise
Session: PMQs
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The recently published Kenova report makes it clear that the IRA was riddled with British agents from top to bottom. Those agents were involved in the abduction, torture and murder of British and Irish citizens. The British Government—successive British Governments—knew all about it and did nothing. The report also calls for an apology from the Government to those victims. Will the Prime Minister take this opportunity to make that apology?
Context
The Kenova report highlighted the involvement of IRA agents in crimes against British and Irish citizens, with knowledge by successive British Governments. The report calls for an apology to victims.
Rishi Sunak
As the hon. Gentleman will know, the report is an interim one. As the Secretary of State has laid out, we cannot comment on the findings until we get the final report, but we would never condone wrongdoing where there is evidence of that.
Assessment
Did not commit to apologizing or recognizing specific wrongdoing; avoided commenting on interim nature of the report without direct answer
Cannot Comment Until Final Report
Session: PMQs
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Over 25,000 people have now been slaughtered in Gaza since the start of the conflict. My question is very simple: will his representative vote for a ceasefire at the UN next time there's a vote?
Context
In the week of Bloody Sunday's anniversary, 25,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza. The Prime Minister wants a sustained ceasefire.
Rishi Sunak
Of course we will engage with all UN resolutions on their merits. I have been clear that no one wants to see this conflict go on for a moment longer than is necessary. We want an immediate pause so that aid can be delivered and hostages released, but a sustainable ceasefire requires Hamas releasing all hostages, ceasing control of Gaza, and allowing the Palestinian Authority to return.
Assessment
Did not confirm specific vote on next UN resolution for a ceasefire
Session: PMQs
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The world celebrated the Good Friday Agreement as an example of peace. With over 1,400 Israeli and nearly 6,000 Palestinian fatalities, when will the Prime Minister say enough is enough? When will he call for a ceasefire? When will he tell Israel to stop punishing civilians in Gaza?
Context
The Good Friday agreement recognized the need to avoid violence for political aims. Currently, over 1,400 Israelis and almost 6,000 Palestinians have died or been injured.
Rishi Sunak
Israel has the right to defend itself under international law. We support this position, but we also want humanitarian aid to enter Gaza safely. Specific pauses are needed to ensure a safer environment for aid delivery and evacuations. We discussed this at the UN.
Assessment
Did not commit to calling for a ceasefire or demanding an end to collective punishment in Gaza.
Hedging Language
Session: PMQs
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One quarter of the population of Northern Ireland is on a health waiting list, our workers are on strike for fair pay, and our public finances are in a mess. Will the Prime Minister give a commitment that the Treasury will begin work immediately on a public sector rescue package so we can transform the health service and ensure that our public sector workers are given a decent wage—and will he join the people of Northern Ireland in telling the DUP to get back to work now?
Context
There are significant challenges in Northern Ireland including high health waiting lists, strikes for fair pay, and financial instability.
Rishi Sunak
As I have been clear, I firmly believe that Northern Ireland is governed best when governed locally. I agree wholeheartedly with the hon. Gentleman that the major challenges he raises can only be properly addressed by the restoration of the institutions, but I also understand the immediate and pressing concerns he raises.
Assessment
Commitment to start work immediately on a public sector rescue package was not given
Changing Subject
Session: PMQs
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I have to say it is great to hear of the conversion that the Prime Minister has had on the benefits of the single market. Given Northern Ireland's access to the dual market—both markets—and the benefits that that brings, will his Government commit to investing in infrastructure and higher education provision to maximise that benefit?
Context
Northern Ireland's access to both UK and EU markets has economic benefits. The Windsor framework aims to protect businesses and supply chains.
Rishi Sunak
I thank my hon. Friend for his engagement and support in developing the Windsor framework, which delivers on what he wanted, ensuring that we protect Northern Ireland's businesses and supply chains. We want to see more investment not just from the Government but also from the private sector, with a reformed Executive critical to unlocking this investment.
Assessment
Specific commitments on infrastructure and higher education investments were not provided.
Session: PMQs
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Yesterday, BBC Northern Ireland announced cuts to programming and jobs at BBC Radio Foyle, leaving it unsustainable outside of Greater Belfast for proper local coverage. Will the Prime Minister act to defend this important public broadcasting service?
Context
The BBC announced cuts to programming and jobs at BBC Radio Foyle, impacting the station's sustainability. The BBC charter requires engaging audiences on local issues.
Rishi Sunak
I strongly support local public broadcasting and have taken steps to support it. I will look at the specific issue raised and bring it up with the BBC.
Assessment
Did not commit to taking action, only said he would look into it
Will Be Happy To Look At
Session: PMQs
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The Prime Minister should know by now that many people in the north of Ireland are starving and freezing in their homes. We need a tailored solution for Northern Ireland, but that is much harder to achieve because the Democratic Unionist party is refusing to form a Government at Stormont. The new Prime Minister has a choice to make: she can either be on the side of the DUP or on the side of struggling people in Northern Ireland. So whose side is she on?
Context
Questions about the Northern Ireland Executive and Protocol issues.
Elizabeth Truss
I want to work with all parties in Northern Ireland to get the Executive and the Assembly back up and running so that we can collectively deliver for the people of Northern Ireland.
Assessment
Did not specify whose side she is on
Session: PMQs
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Given his history of lawbreaking, can you commit not to break international law in relation to Northern Ireland?
Context
MP questioned the Prime Minister's refusal to consult on protocol changes.
Boris Johnson
Reports about refusing consultations are incorrect. The priority is the balance and symmetry of the Belfast/Good Friday agreement, which we aim to uphold.
Session: PMQs
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While the Prime Minister was partying, working families lost £1,000 from universal credit, faced higher national insurance, and sky-high energy bills. Isn't it true that the PM only cares about himself and his rich mates?
Context
Universal credit has been cut, national insurance raised, and energy bills skyrocketed. The PM often claims 'we are all in this together', but working families feel left behind.
Boris Johnson
I am in it to serve my country and the entire United Kingdom, proud of our biggest investment in Northern Ireland since devolution began, and cutting taxation on universal credit.
Assessment
Did not directly address the negative impacts mentioned by the MP
Session: PMQs
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The Prime Minister's actions over the last number of months have absolutely eroded public confidence at the worst possible time, during a public health crisis. Excusing rule-breaking by his own MPs, ignoring rule-breaking in his own house—he cannot even lead Tory MPs to vote for his public health guidance, so how can he expect to lead anybody else? Surely it is now time for him to do the right thing, the only thing left to him to restore public confidence, and resign.
Context
The Prime Minister's recent actions have led to a loss of public trust, especially during the pandemic. His MPs are seen as breaking rules.
Boris Johnson
No, Mr Speaker, I am going to get on with protecting the public of this country, making sure that we get through this pandemic together as one United Kingdom, and making sure that we protect trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the way that I know the hon. Gentleman would want it protected.
Assessment
Did not address resignation or loss of public trust directly, instead focused on pandemic response and trade issues.
Changing Subject To Broader Policy Areas
Session: PMQs
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I, too, offer my condolences to the Prime Minister on the loss of his mother. Health waiting lists are through the roof in Northern Ireland and hard-pressed families are being hit by decisions from this Government, but the Democratic Unionist party has been hit by a bad opinion poll so it is threatening to bring down the very institutions of the Good Friday agreement. Will this Prime Minister commit today to fast-tracking the legislation going through this House, agreed at New Decade, New Approach, to stop the institutions coming down if one political party has a petulant strop?
Context
Health waiting lists are very high in Northern Ireland, and the DUP is threatening to bring down the Good Friday agreement due to a bad opinion poll.
Boris Johnson
I thank the hon. Gentleman. I agree with him that it is very important that the institutions of Northern Ireland should be robust and should continue, but I also think that a responsible Government have to address the issues of the protocol, the lopsidedness and the way in which the European Union has chosen to interpret those issues, which I do not believe satisfies the Belfast/Good Friday agreement. That is what we are going to do.
Session: PMQs
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The PM's proposed £33 billion bridge for Northern Ireland could go through unexploded munitions and radioactive waste. With only 2,399 votes in the last election, what mandate does he have to override democratically elected people?
Context
The MP questioned the cost of a proposed bridge to Northern Ireland, noting that it could be £33 billion while road networks have suffered from decades of underinvestment.
Boris Johnson
The review includes upgrading the A75 and improving connections within Northern Ireland. The PM thinks it is a fantastic Union connectivity review that should be appreciated.
Assessment
acknowledgement of democratic mandate
Changed Subject To Review Benefits
Session: PMQs
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Last week, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster said that Northern Ireland would have the “best of both worlds” as a result of the talks with the European Union. For that to be true, we need access to both UK and EU trade deals. Will the Prime Minister confirm whether he is pushing for that in those talks?
Context
Northern Ireland's economic recovery depends on having access to both UK and EU trade deals following negotiations with the European Union.
Boris Johnson
Of course, as the agreement with our friends has already made clear, the whole of the UK, including Northern Ireland, will participate fully in all trade deals that the UK does, and Northern Ireland will continue to have unfettered access to the whole of the UK market.
Session: PMQs
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Under the Chancellor's new furlough scheme, a full-time worker will receive only £227 per week. How does the PM expect people to survive on that amount?
Context
Northern Ireland is entering lockdown, and the new job support scheme provides £227 per week for minimum wage workers.
Boris Johnson
The Government raised the national living wage and introduced universal credit, ensuring nobody gets less than 93% of their current income under the job support scheme.
Assessment
Did not address low £227 support level directly
Highlighted National Living Wage And Universal Credit
Session: PMQs
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Given the devastating impact of Brexit on my constituency and decades of under-investment by British Governments, will the Prime Minister agree to work with the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure that a freeport area is developed in Derry to try to address the long-term economic imbalance?
Context
Requests for economic improvement in Northern Ireland, particularly through the establishment of a freeport area to address long-term economic imbalance.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson
I note the paradox that he wants a freeport in Londonderry/Derry, which can only be achieved by Brexit. I am more than happy to study the plans and see what we can do to take them forward.
Session: PMQs
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In Ireland, both jurisdictions are working hard to organise contact tracing on a north-south basis, but the Prime Minister's obsession with avoiding a Brexit transition extension means we risk crashing out without a data-sharing framework, which will critically undermine our ability to protect people from covid-19. When will he put the lives of people in our community above petty, narrow Brexiteer politics?
Context
The UK is at risk of crashing out without a data-sharing framework with Ireland for contact tracing during the pandemic.
Boris Johnson
I must respectfully disagree with the hon. Gentleman. We are working very closely not just with our colleagues in the Government in Northern Ireland but with our colleagues in Dublin. I had a very good conversation with Leo Varadkar the other day and we saw eye to eye on the way forward.
Assessment
Did not specify timeline for data-sharing framework
Stating Close Cooperation But No Specifics
Session: PMQs
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Does the Prime Minister agree that Conor Murphy should retract that lie, publicly apologise, and give any information that he has about Paul's murder to the Police Service of Northern Ireland?
Context
Death of Paul Quinn in 2007, false statement made by Finance Minister Conor Murphy linking him to criminality.
Boris Johnson (Prime Minister)
I hear the hon. Gentleman, and I think that the whole House will have heard the passion with which he spoke about that injustice. I can tell him that we will implement the Stormont House agreement in such a way as to provide certainty for veterans, and, of course, justice for victims as well.
Session: PMQs
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Why did the former Armed Forces Minister resign over concerns that the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill fails to protect veterans? Is cross-party support lacking in Northern Ireland and within Labour?
Context
The former Armed Forces Minister resigned citing the bill as unfit for purpose.
Hilary Benn
The resignation was due to differences over the amendments made. The 2023 Act lacked support from Northern Ireland political parties, victims' organizations, and Labour, necessitating reforms in the new Bill.
Session: Troubles Legacy Legislation 2026-07-08
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What discussions have you had with the Northern Ireland Executive on funding for an addiction treatment centre in Derry, given the New Decade, New Approach agreement from 9 January 2020? People in Derry were assured that Northlands would receive £1 million to build a new facility. However, they've been told their core funding has been reduced and this money is not guaranteed. Does the Minister agree the Department of Health should uphold this international agreement?
Context
The New Decade, New Approach agreement committed funding for various projects, including a £1 million promise for the Northlands addiction treatment centre in Derry to develop a new facility. The Department of Health has cut core funding and is not guaranteeing the promised money.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Fleur Anderson)
With New Decade, New Approach, the UK Government committed funding for various projects aimed at community and reconciliation initiatives. My officials regularly discuss these commitments with devolved counterparts on addiction services. However, it is now up to the Department of Health in Stormont to consider how best to use this funding and present a business case based on their review of addiction services.
Session: New Decade, New Approach Addiction Services Funding
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It has been 15 months without an Executive. Our health service is collapsing and our economy misses out on opportunities due to lack of governance. Should the Secretary of State involve the Irish Government more?
Context
Health services have deteriorated significantly, with the economy failing to take advantage of opportunities under the Windsor framework.
Chris Heaton-Harris
All efforts are focused on restoring power sharing. I respect the hon. Gentleman's views but believe working with all parties is crucial to restore the Executive.
Session: Power Sharing
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What steps his Department is taking to restore power sharing in Northern Ireland. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland should provide specific actions being taken to resolve the current political deadlock and bring back a fully functioning devolved government.
Context
The Northern Ireland Assembly is currently without an Executive, leading to ongoing governance challenges.
Chris Heaton-Harris
The Government are working tirelessly towards the return of devolved government. The Windsor framework delivers stability for Northern Ireland and protects its place in the Union. I remain in close contact with all political parties and will continue to facilitate the restoration of the Executive.
Session: Power Sharing
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The Minister will know that the people of Derry have been waiting five and a half decades for a full-scale university to be built in the city. Given that we have no Government at Stormont, are this Government ever going to do anything about that?
Context
People of Derry have been waiting five and a half decades for a full-scale university to be built.
Steven Baker
Progress is continuing on the Derry and Strabane city deal following the signing of the heads of terms in February 2021. The deal includes £55 million for the inclusive future fund; various funding streams are available.
Session: North-west of Northern Ireland Investment
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What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help increase investment in the north-west of Northern Ireland?
Context
The area has been waiting for significant investment to support development.
Steven Baker
The Government are committed to supporting all areas of Northern Ireland, and are delivering significant investment in the north-west through several funding streams.
Session: North-west of Northern Ireland Investment
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Of course we all agree that there needs to be a deal with the European Union to resolve some of the outstanding issues. Would the Minister care to comment on the data released just this morning that states that trade from GB to Northern Ireland is up by 7% since the protocol was implemented?
Context
The MP references new trade data that claims a rise in GB to Northern Ireland trade since the protocol was implemented.
Steven Baker
I am sorry to say that I have not seen that data this morning. I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for highlighting it; I shall be certain to look it up and reflect on it.
Session: Trade with Rest of UK
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Will they be quick to cut vehicle excise duty to save people from the soaring costs that are crippling home budgets?
Context
The concern is about the need to cut vehicle excise duty for Northern Ireland residents facing high energy costs.
Conor Burns
On 3 February this year the Government announced that the Northern Ireland Executive will receive an additional £250 million to help them to support households with the cost of living. He mentions tax changes, but it would be imprudent of me as a junior Minister to comment ahead of the Chancellor's making statements to the House.
Session: Promoting Trade and Investment
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Does the Secretary of State think the Parachute Regiment should apologise for their soldiers' actions on Bloody Sunday?
Context
The MP questioned the Parachute Regiment's refusal to apologize for actions during Bloody Sunday.
Brandon Lewis
The Government must accept responsibility for past wrongs and have apologised. The Secretary of State added his personal apology to that of the Government, emphasizing the importance of ensuring violence is not an answer in Northern Ireland.
Session: Veterans Protection from Prosecution
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The Downing Street declaration states, “on behalf of the British Government, that they have no selfish strategic or economic interest in Northern Ireland.” That is a direct quote from the declaration—signed, of course, by a Conservative Prime Minister. Does this British Government still agree with that principle, or are they going to abandon the consent principle that means the people of Ireland, north and south, will decide the constitutional future of our island, not the British Government or anybody else?
Context
The MP is concerned about the British Government's commitment to the consent principle outlined in the Downing Street declaration.
Brandon Lewis
We are absolutely clear, as we have been consistently, about our dedication to and determination to continue to deliver on the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement, which includes the principle of consent. This Government understand the difference between consent and impartiality and make no apologies, just as I make no apologies for being a Conservative and a unionist who believes in the Union and that the Union is stronger for Northern Ireland's being in it. That does not detract from the reality that the future of Northern Ireland is a matter for the people of Northern Ireland.
Session: Northern Ireland’s Place in the UK
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When are they going to bring in a package of legislation around language and culture?
Context
A commitment was made by the Government regarding a package of legislation concerning language and culture.
Conor Burns
The commitment of the Government to bring forward that package remains undimmed. I would not want to deny the hon. Gentleman his anticipation and excitement by revealing exactly when, but he will not have long to wait.
Session: New Decade, New Approach
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What progress the Government are making on implementing the commitments set out in the New Decade, New Approach agreement.
Context
The question follows the delivery of Northern Ireland (Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern) Bill. The government has set out several commitments under this agreement.
Conor Burns
The Government are making good progress across their commitments under New Decade, New Approach. Only yesterday, the Secretary of State and I were delivering on the Northern Ireland (Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern) Bill from the Dispatch Box.
Session: New Decade, New Approach
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I send my thoughts to Jo Cox's family today. With all the talk of sausages and the protocol, I hear very little from this Government on the benefits of the protocol for local producers. What is the Secretary of State doing to promote those benefits? Can he tell the people of Derry what exactly he and Lord Frost think is wrong with Doherty's sausages?
Context
The question was prompted by the day's focus on Jo Cox's family and discussions around the Northern Ireland protocol. There is concern about the impact of regulatory regimes on local producers, specifically mentioning sausages.
Brandon Lewis
The hon. Gentleman and I agree on a number of things, including the quality of sausages from across Northern Ireland. He makes a fair point that it should be a matter of consumer choice rather than regulatory command. The protocol causes disruption for businesses and consumers in Northern Ireland, affecting people's sense of identity in the Unionist community. We need to engage with people in Northern Ireland to understand these issues better.
Session: Negotiations Lord Frost and the European Commission
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Given the Prime Minister's very speedy response to an issue about football, does the Secretary of State agree that we need an active and engaged PM in dealing with our peace process?
Context
The Secretary of State is asked about the Prime Minister's quick response to football compared with his slow response to recent violence.
Brandon Lewis
Yes, absolutely. We have a very much engaged Prime Minister who has been talking to the Taoiseach in the early stages and was fully involved all through this process.
Session: Recent Disorder
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As the Secretary of State knows, we did not want Brexit, but we do have the protocol and the protocol is here to stay, despite what anybody else might say. It does give us a competitive advantage. Will he work with me to make the most of that competitive advantage by getting rid of the maximum student numbers cap and the historical under-provision of university places for Northern Ireland?
Context
The protocol is seen as providing a competitive advantage for Northern Ireland, but there are concerns about the maximum student numbers cap and historical under-provision of university places.
Brandon Lewis
The hon. Gentleman makes a really important point that is worth highlighting. We have two great universities in Northern Ireland that are globally leading, with one of them recently winning the award for the most entrepreneurial university and one of them being among the best nursing provision universities in the UK. That is something we should be proud of. We should look at how we can develop and grow that work for the benefit of the universities, the wider economy and their phenomenal input, and the huge competitive advantage, that, yes, Northern Ireland has, not least because of the amazing skill sets across Northern Ireland. I am happy to work with him to ensure that we develop, promote and take advantage of that for the benefit of people in Northern Ireland.
Session: Northern Ireland Protocol Implementation
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Given the fact that the Secretary of State has already admitted that the clauses removed by the Lords from the UK Internal Market Bill will break international law, and that the Irish Government, the new US President-elect and the people of Northern Ireland believe that those clauses breach the Northern Ireland protocol, will he commit today to not reinstating them in the Bill next week?
Context
The Secretary of State has admitted that clauses removed by the Lords from the UK Internal Market Bill will break international law. The Irish Government, US President-elect, and people of Northern Ireland believe these clauses breach the Northern Ireland protocol.
Brandon Lewis
Actually, what those clauses have been about is ensuring that we have unfettered access for Northern Ireland businesses to Great Britain. That is something inherent in the protocol. It plays a part in delivering on one of the key sentences in the first few paragraphs in the Northern Ireland protocol that says we will ensure that we do not disrupt the everyday lives of people in their communities. I would have hoped that the hon. Gentleman would support us in ensuring the Northern Ireland businesses can trade in mainland Great Britain as part of the United Kingdom. That is what those clauses are about, as an insurance policy, but obviously our main focus and aim is to secure the right agreement for a wider free trade agreement with the EU, and indeed to work with the specialist Joint Committee.
Session: UK-EU Future Relationship Businesses
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Given that the Good Friday agreement outlines mechanisms for dealing with a constitutional future through a unity referendum, will the Secretary of State specify what criteria he will use to determine when such a poll should be called?
Context
There is ongoing discussion about the constitutional future of Northern Ireland.
Brandon Lewis
The High Court ruled that there is no legal requirement to set out fixed criteria on holding a poll, and it agreed that such criteria are not necessary or in the public interest.
Session: Referendum on the Future of Northern Ireland
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Does the Secretary of State believe that a British paratrooper who shot and killed 12-year-old Majella O'Hare should be immune from prosecution?
Context
The question addresses the contentious issue of amnesty for veterans who served in Northern Ireland, citing a specific incident involving Majella O'Hare.
Brandon Lewis
The hon. Gentleman will know that I am unable to comment on any particular cases, but we all recognise the sensitivities, difficulties and complexity of all the issues that come through the troubles, which people in Northern Ireland have been dealing with for a very long time.
Session: Legacy Investigations Cross-community Support
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Of course, keeping people safe in Northern Ireland should always be the priority. However, that has not always been the case. In 1981, Paul Whitters, aged 15, was killed in Derry, and Julie Livingstone, aged 14, was killed in Belfast. Both were killed with plastic bullets. The files relating to their deaths have been reclassified and withheld until 2059 and 2064 respectively. Does the Secretary of State agree that there is no good reason to keep those files closed, and will he now act to allow the parents of those children to see the files?
Context
The MP inquires about the status of closed files related to deaths caused by plastic bullets during the troubles.
The Prime Minister Brandon Lewis
I have enormous sympathy for those families who lost loved ones—especially children, which is a tragedy—during the troubles. The files mentioned by the hon. Member are currently held by the National Archives and were closed to protect the privacy, health and safety of individuals named in those files. A freedom of information request to the National Archives is the most appropriate next step to enable a full independent review of the files. Such a request can be made by anyone, including the hon. Member, and my Department would provide any necessary assistance to the National Archives if such a request were received.
Session: Covid-19 Public Security
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What discussions have you had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the EU's request to establish an office in Belfast? Given the dismissive attitude towards this issue, how can we ensure that you will faithfully implement the Northern Ireland protocol?
Context
The EU has requested to establish an office in Belfast for monitoring the implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol.
Brandon Lewis (The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland)
There is no reason why the European Commission should require a permanent presence in Belfast. We are focused on ensuring we fulfil all our obligations by delivering on the protocol. The best way to provide certainty and confidence for business is to follow through with our promise to leave and have everything in place at the end of December this year.
Session: EU Office Belfast
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Derry Addiction Centre
02 November 2022
Responding: Steven Baker
Main Concerns
['The hon. Member is concerned about the impact of alcoholism and drug addiction in Northern Ireland, with over 10 deaths per week from these issues. Northlands centre has provided critical treatment to hundreds of people, offering a six-week residential programme attended by 1,186 participants over five years and providing 12,886 non-residential counselling slots, with an average recovery rate of over 35%. The lack of funding and political instability are hindering the delivery of promised improvements.']
Specific Asks
['The hon. Member asks for a clear commitment from the Government to continue funding the Derry addiction centre if a functioning Executive is not formed urgently. He also requests an understanding of what will happen if there is no progress on forming an Executive and how those in need will access this crucial service.']
Pat Finucane
11 November 2020
Responding: Robin Walker
Main Concerns
["Mr Eastwood expressed deep concern about the murder of human rights solicitor Pat Finucane in 1989, highlighting collusion by British state agents. He mentioned that Brian Nelson was a force research unit agent linked to loyalist paramilitaries, and two gunmen involved in the murder were RUC agents, revealing 'shocking levels' of collusion according to former Prime Minister David Cameron. Mr Eastwood also noted that Judge Cory recommended a public inquiry based on evidence of collusion."]
Specific Asks
["Mr Eastwood urged the Government to uphold their commitments from Weston Park negotiations and Supreme Court rulings, calling for an article 2 compliant investigation into Pat Finucane's case to achieve truth and justice. He implored the Government to live up to its promises made to the family of Pat Finucane."]
Public Office (Accountability) Bill
14 July 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Dunmurry Police Station Attack
27 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Northern Ireland Troubles Bill - Motion to carry over the bill to next Session
27 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment seeks to ensure that proceedings on the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill continue into the next parliamentary session. The Bill is essential to address the legacy of the troubles, which ha...
Northern Ireland Troubles Operation Kenova 2025-12-09
09 December 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland make a statement on the latest publication from Operation Kenova and the Government’s response to its findings?
Northern Ireland Troubles Bill 2025-11-18
18 November 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Northern Ireland Troubles 2025-10-14
14 October 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Flight Cancellations
05 November 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Infected Blood Compensation Scheme
23 October 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Infected Blood Compensation Scheme Regulations are essential for delivering compensation to victims of contaminated blood products, as recommended by Sir Robert Francis KC's study and the infected...
Patrick Finucane Murder
11 September 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Message to Attend the Lords Commissioners
09 July 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Asked whether Sir Lindsay Hoyle is willing to be chosen as Speaker, initiating the re-election process.
Attendance
12.0%
10 of 83 votes
Aye Votes
8
9.6% of votes
No Votes
2
2.4% of votes
Abstentions
73
88.0% of votes
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
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
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
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
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
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 Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
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: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
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 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
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
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
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
04 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
18
PMQs Asked
20
Ministerial Questions Asked
58
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
83
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
+389% above average
This MP:
18
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+46% above average
This MP:
20
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-21% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1098% above average
This MP:
58
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-83% below average
This MP:
12.0
Average:
69.5
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 Colum Eastwood's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.