Debbie Abrahams
MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth
Lab
13 Jan 2011 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I associate myself with the remarks of the Deputy Prime Minister. Yesterday was the 10th anniversary of the murder of our dear friend Jo Cox, who was not just an MP but also a sister, wife, daughter, and mother. Her mantra was 'more in common than that which divides us.' What should we do to ensure her beliefs and legacy are always remembered?
Context
Yesterday marked the 10th anniversary of Jo Cox's murder, a tragic event that deeply affected her family and community.
David Lammy
We all have a duty to live up to the values that Jo stood for. She was a trailblazing campaigner against loneliness and inspired the Great Get Together taking place this weekend, in which neighbours come together, differences set aside, and communities choose unity over division.
Assessment
Did not specify concrete actions or commitments to ensure Jo's legacy is remembered beyond general principles.
Session: PMQs
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I thank the Prime Minister for the funding for three new primary school nurseries in Oldham, but may I ask him specifically about Monday's Liaison Committee meeting, at which he agreed that the Israeli settlements in the west bank are unlawful and that their expansion threatens the viability of a Palestinian state? Will he confirm, as he said he would, that any potential bidder for E1 contracts from the UK knows that this is unlawful, and will he set out exactly what will happen as a consequence?
Context
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the Israeli settlements in the west bank are unlawful. The question seeks confirmation about the government's stance on bidders for E1 contracts knowing this is unlawful.
Keir Starmer
The Israeli settlements, including the E1 settlement, are a flagrant breach of international law and threaten the viability of a two-state solution. That is why, alongside international partners, we have sanctioned those responsible and their supporters who incite violence.
Session: PMQs
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In Oldham, 727 families are currently living in temporary accommodation, and 8,000 families are on the waiting list. That obviously has a devastating impact, particularly on children in those families. Will the Deputy Prime Minister outline how she will use the £39 billion that was allocated to her Department in the spending review to fix the housing crisis left by the Opposition, so that families in Oldham, Saddleworth and wider can get the affordable homes they need?
Context
In Oldham, there are currently 727 families living in temporary accommodation and over 8,000 on the waiting list for housing. The MP highlights that this situation has a devastating impact on children.
The Deputy Prime Minister (Angela Rayner)
My hon. Friend is right, and as neighbouring MPs we know the impact that temporary accommodation and children being homeless has on their life chances. She is absolutely right to raise the issue, and to highlight the excellent work of Dr Laura Neilson, who is supporting us to develop a cross-Government homelessness strategy. All children should have a safe and secure home. That is why I am so proud that we have confirmed the biggest boost to social and affordable housing investment in a generation. We are getting on with the job, after the mess that the Conservatives left behind.
Session: PMQs
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Let me first wish you, Mr Speaker, all Members on both sides of the House and especially the House staff a very merry Christmas. Let me also associate myself with those who have thanked our emergency services and armed forces for their service. Christmas is a time for peace and good will. Given that there are more conflicts now than at any time since world war two and that all wars end with a peace, what is the Prime Minister's resolution to work with others for a more peaceful world in 2025?
Context
The MP wished everyone a merry Christmas and asked about the Prime Minister's resolution for a more peaceful world.
Keir Starmer
I am sure that colleagues on both sides of the House support the values of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace—with which I know my hon. Friend is involved—and its work to support human rights across the globe. That, I think, is the sentiment that we take into this festive period.
Session: PMQs
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The report suggests that if everyone had equal health to the least deprived 10% of the population, there would be a million fewer deaths. How do cuts in social security affect people living in poverty?
Context
If everyone had the same health as the least deprived 10%, there would have been a million fewer deaths between 2012-2019, including 28,000 during the first year of the pandemic.
Rishi Sunak
We are committed to caring for society's most vulnerable. Benefits will increase by April, benefiting almost 20 million families with a total support of around £3,700 per household.
Assessment
Did not address the impact of social security cuts on health inequalities
Session: PMQs
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Since July 2019, the Department for Work and Pensions has undertaken 124 internal process reviews following the deaths of 97 claimants and 27 where claimants suffered serious harm—a threefold increase since 2012. Not once was this mentioned in the health and disability Green Paper published last night. Many believe that this is just the tip of the iceberg and many also believe that the Government can no longer keep marking their own homework. We need to understand the true scale and causes of these deaths in an independent public inquiry, so will the Prime Minister meet me and the delegation of bereaved relatives to discuss this?
Context
Since July 2019, the Department for Work and Pensions has undertaken multiple internal reviews following the deaths of many claimants. The Green Paper published last night did not mention these issues.
Boris Johnson
I thank the hon. Lady very much; I hope the House will forgive me if I say that I did not catch every word of what she said, but I believe that she was referring to the tragic deaths of those who were claiming benefits. I am certainly determined to make sure that she gets a full account of what we are doing to put this right and that she meets the relevant Minister as soon as that can be arranged.
Assessment
An independent public inquiry was not directly mentioned or committed to
Did Not Catch Every Word Of What She Said
Session: PMQs
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What does the Prime Minister think his biggest mistake has been during the pandemic?
Context
Over 7,000 new cases and 71 deaths from covid yesterday with a seven-day case average of 183 per 100,000 in Oldham.
Boris Johnson
There will be time to review all decisions. Encourages following guidance, testing, and local measures.
Assessment
No specific mistake was identified or addressed
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister commit to supporting recommendations from Alzheimer's Research UK for curing all forms of dementia? Additionally, will he support urgent calls from the Alzheimer's Society for immediate improvements in dementia care?
Context
There are over 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK, making it a leading cause of death.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Commends efforts by Debbie Abrahams to raise awareness on dementia issues. Acknowledges the importance of addressing dementia, noting plans to double funding towards finding causes and cures for the disease.
Session: PMQs
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There is overwhelming evidence that marketised health systems, as the NHS has become, increase health inequalities. Will the Health Secretary consider amendments to the Health Bill that will tackle the rising inequalities in existing health policies, including allowing local NHS organisations to determine if they need additional private sector capacity?
Context
There is overwhelming evidence that marketised health systems increase health inequalities.
Karin Smyth
I commend my hon. Friend for her experience in this area. She tempts me to look at amendments in that space, but we do not have plans for that at the moment. The changes we made to NHS England placed the responsibility regarding health inequalities in all our policies firmly at the Secretary of State's door. I am happy to talk to my hon. Friend about her other ideas on that. The Bill transfers that responsibility to the Secretary of State and we have no plans to make any changes in that area.
Session: Topical Questions
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Our declining healthy life expectancy is a real worry due to the impact of 14 years of austerity on our public services as highlighted in today's Health Foundation report, which Professor Sir Michael Marmot also addressed. What conversations has my right hon. Friend had with the Health Secretary regarding this issue and its potential knock-on effects on DWP spending?
Context
The Health Foundation report highlights declining healthy life expectancy, exacerbated by 14 years of austerity that has affected public services. The issue potentially affects Department for Work and Pensions spending.
Pat McFadden
I know that the Chair of the Select Committee cares deeply about health inequalities in this country, which are deep seated and long term. As in many areas of our work, I believe that constructive and productive employment is a big part of the answer to tackling inequality and prosperity issues right around the country.
Session: Topical Questions
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As my right hon. Friend knows, Sir Charlie made a number of recommendations, including providing evidence of returns on investments that would incentivise more businesses to take part in preventive measures to ensure that their workers remain healthy and in work. Given the excellent network of academic centres across the UK, how will the proposed workplace health intelligence unit harness their expertise, and ensure that we are reducing health inequalities that also dampen productivity and economic growth?
Context
The 'Keep Britain Working' report made several recommendations, including providing evidence of returns on investment to incentivize more businesses to implement preventive measures.
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Pat McFadden)
My hon. Friend raises a number of issues. As I said, we are setting up the unit that Sir Charlie recommended, and I very much hope that it will work with academic expertise across the country. Her initial point about this being a win-win for employers is important, because if an employer lets someone go, they lose that experience and have to go through the effort of hiring somebody new and training them up. It is a worthwhile experience to try to help someone stay in work if they have a decline in their health over a period of time.
Session: “Keep Britain Working” Review Recommendations
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The Minister will recall that last week I mentioned two cases in my constituency involving juveniles and child sexual abuse. Those cases of alleged sexual abuse have been adjourned a number of times and, as I explained to her, the damage done to the lives of those children cannot be underestimated. I appreciate that reforms are under way, but what urgent steps can be taken now to ensure that those children have the justice that they deserve and can continue with their lives?
Context
Cases involving juvenile sexual abuse have been adjourned multiple times, causing significant harm to victims. The question addresses urgent steps needed for these cases.
The Minister for Courts and Legal Services (Sarah Sackman)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this shocking case. I am aware of it and I will be writing to her on the particulars of it. It graphically demonstrates precisely why we need reform of our criminal courts. As the Deputy Prime Minister has just explained, that will take three things: investment in sitting days and criminal legal aid, which we are currently seeing; systemic reform; and modernisation. That third component is about how we can improve efficiencies in the here and now, through better adoption of technology and improving the smoother running of our courts, which will help the victims in the case that she outlines.
Session: Court Backlogs
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Health Equity North recently produced an analysis for the Select Committee that revealed that getting just 5% of people with disabilities or health conditions into employment would yield cost savings of over £12 billion. What progress is being made with employers to enable sick and disabled people who want to work, and are able to do so, to get into employment?
Context
The MP referenced an analysis by Health Equity North showing that getting just 5% of people with disabilities or health conditions into employment could yield significant cost savings.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
My hon. Friend raises an important point. I agree with her about the tremendous value, for the people who benefit and for the economy more widely, of opening up opportunities in employment in the way that she described. That is exactly what the Keep Britain Working review, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, is looking at.
Session: Employment People with Health Conditions
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My constituents in Oldham East and Saddleworth were delighted to learn that Oldham has received a £20 million award from the Pride in Place programme. Will the Secretary of State expand on the transformational change that the award will mean to places like Oldham, where Government support was decimated under the Conservatives? In particular, what difference will be made by local people having a say in how the money will be spent?
Context
The Pride in Place programme has awarded Oldham £20 million, a significant amount of funding to support the local area.
Steve Reed
I thank my hon. Friend, the Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, for her work in supporting disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Oldham and her strong support for the Pride in Place programme, which offers a significant amount of long-term flexible funding and support to areas like Oldham. Best of all, it is local people who will take the decisions about what the investment needs to look like to make a real difference to their high streets, public services and public transport, so that they can take back pride in the place they belong.
Session: Topical Questions
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I was delighted to see the establishment of the disability advisory panel a week or so ago. How will the advisory panel link with the co-production in the Timms review?
Context
The MP is pleased about the establishment of a disability advisory panel.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend. We have announced that Zara Todd will be the chair of the Department’s disability advisory panel. The panel was announced in the “Get Britain Working” White Paper last year. Separately, we will set up a group to work with me on the review of the PIP assessment. I will, of course, talk to the disability advisory panel about the arrangements, but they will be separate structures.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can my hon. Friend update me on the conference that was due to be held at the weekend but was postponed following the bombing of Iran by Israel, at which the potential for recognition was to be discussed?
Context
A conference was scheduled to discuss the potential for recognition of a Palestinian state but had to be postponed due to recent events in Iran.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
I think my hon. Friend refers to the two-state solution conference that was due to take place in New York last week. It has been suspended for understandable reasons, given events in the region, by its French and Saudi co-hosts. We expect that it will be rearranged, and I have been in conversation with my Saudi colleagues about when that might be.
Session: Recognition of the State of Palestine
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Previous changes in eligibility for disability benefits have resulted in significant adverse health impacts, including an additional 600 suicides in 2010 and 130,000 more people with new onset mental health conditions in 2017. What estimates have the Government undertaken of the impacts on health of the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, which is due to have its Second Reading next week?
Context
Previous changes in eligibility for disability benefits led to significant adverse health impacts, including an additional 600 suicides in 2010 and 130,000 more people with new onset mental health conditions in 2017. This context prompts a question about the current bill's potential health impacts.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
I am looking forward to answering questions about these matters in front of the Committee on Wednesday morning. We are working very closely with the Department of Health and Social Care to ensure that the health and care needs of people who lose benefits as a result of this process are met.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for what she said about resolving issues with the Access to Work application process. Will she also reassure disabled people that there will be no cuts in the budget for Access to Work?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the application process for Access to Work, prompting a request for reassurance regarding the program's future without budget cuts.
Liz Kendall (The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions)
Our reforms are not about savings; they aim to ensure the service is available to more people in future. We are also looking at how it might be delivered—whether through the Department, an arm’s length body, or by an organisation run by and for disabled people—to create a bigger opportunity to make changes to this brilliant programme.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the energy efficiency measures that my right hon. Friend mentions, which will really make a difference to many families in the future, but what can the Government and energy providers do to help families struggling to pay their energy bills today?
Context
The MP welcomed the energy efficiency measures but expressed concern about families struggling to pay their bills immediately.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
My hon. Friend speaks with expertise on these issues. The Minister for Energy Consumers put in place £500 million this winter to help families struggling with bills, while Ofgem is working on a plan to relieve debts from the cost of living crisis after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Session: Warm Homes Plan
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Can my right hon. Friend confirm that there will be an analysis alongside the Green Paper on the impacts it will have on poverty, employment and health?
Context
The MP seeks confirmation on whether there will be an analysis alongside the Green Paper to assess its impacts on poverty, employment, and health.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
I can confirm to my hon. Friend that we will produce a full impact assessment in due course.
Session: Benefit Reforms Disabled People
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In January it was reported that nearly 7,000 construction firms were on the brink of insolvency. Given that project bank accounts are used only by some Departments, will the Minister act where the previous Government failed to do so and introduce these accounts across all Departments?
Context
The question is prompted by the financial instability of construction firms due to payment delays and the need for better protection.
Georgia Gould (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
Project bank accounts should be used unless there are compelling reasons not to. We recognise that timely payments are crucial and we will continue to work on improving this aspect of procurement to support the financial stability of construction firms.
Session: Public Procurement Support for SMEs
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T3. The International Court of Justice delivered its advisory opinion last July, in which it made crystal clear that the illegal settlements at that time were just that—unlawful. Yet we have seen threats to displace Gazans and tanks on the west bank. When will the Government deliver their response to the advisory opinion? Will it be before the conference in Switzerland in a few weeks?
Context
The question is about the UK's response to the advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice regarding illegal settlements.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her question and for her long commitment to these issues. As I made clear in the Westminster Hall debate on 12 February, the UK respects the independence of the ICJ, and we are considering the court’s advisory opinion with the rigour and seriousness it deserves. We remain clear that Israel should bring an end to its presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories as rapidly as possible, while making every effort to create the conditions for negotiations towards a two-state solution.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can my hon. Friend reassure Government Members that the health inequalities weighting will be reinstated so that we can ensure that deprived areas get the funding they need and that lives are saved?
Context
In 2013, the coalition government reduced the health inequalities weighting in the NHS formula, resulting in less funding for deprived areas. This reduction was despite evidence showing that £10 million invested in such areas resulted in four fewer men and two fewer women dying early.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ashley Dalton)
The Government mandate to NHS England published on 30 January makes the importance of tackling health inequalities clear. NHS England has an existing programme targeting the most deprived 20% of the population, with funding incorporated into ICB allocations. The weighting of the health inequalities adjustment has been increased from 10% to 10.2%, ensuring that ICBs still benefit from extra investment, with funds redistributed to areas based on measures of avoidable mortality.
Session: Reducing Healthcare Inequalities
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A recent Public Accounts Committee report bears out that my hon. Friend has inherited an appalling situation from the last Government. Can she give more information on how she will reduce the number of families not getting timely assessments? How will she address the doubling of demand for assessments?
Context
The Public Accounts Committee report highlighted issues in the SEN system, and there is a need to reduce the number of families not receiving timely assessments.
The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)
We are working incredibly hard to reform our system with a curriculum and assessment review, by allocating capital investment, and by collaborating with local authorities. This will help reduce the challenges for families and improve outcomes for children.
Session: SEND Provision
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Will Ministers update the House on the implementation of the advisory opinion from the ICJ on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, particularly in relation to the consequences for the UK and other nation states?
Context
The ICJ has issued an advisory opinion regarding the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Falconer (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs)
We continue to consider the advisory opinion of the ICJ carefully. It is a far-reaching opinion that took months in the production, and we hope to be able to report back soon.
Session: Topical Questions
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The recently published freedom of information request indicates that AI tools used to detect DWP fraud are biased and disproportionately discriminate against people by age, disability, marital status and nationality. This has caused considerable concern. What assurances can the Minister give that the procurement and use of such tools will be covered by strict governance standards, including tests for fairness?
Context
A recent freedom of information request revealed that AI tools used to detect DWP fraud are biased and disproportionately discriminate against people based on age, disability, marital status, and nationality.
Andrew Western
My hon. Friend will know that we face a significant challenge, with fraud and error costing the Department almost £10 billion a year. It is right that we look to utilise all available tools to tackle it. However, I understand her concerns, although I would remind her that the final decision on whether someone receives a welfare payment is always made by a human. That is the most robust safeguard that we can have in place—although of course it sits alongside a broader suite.
Session: Topical Questions
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Today marks International Day for Persons with Disabilities. With gaps of 29.8% in employment and 14% in pay, how is the Chancellor helping to address these inequalities?
Context
There is a significant disability employment gap of nearly 30% and a disability pay gap of almost 14%. These inequalities need addressing.
Rachel Reeves
The Government launched a disability finance code for entrepreneurship to help people from all backgrounds start their own businesses.
Session: Topical Questions
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Australia, Canada, Germany and the Netherlands have called on Afghanistan to stop violating the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. This is a precursor before they take their case to the ICJ. Will the UK be joining them?
Context
Other countries like Australia, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands have expressed concern about violations of the UN convention on eliminating discrimination against women in Afghanistan. They are preparing to take their case to the International Court of Justice.
Bridget Phillipson
Mr Speaker, please forgive me, but I did not quite hear all of my hon. Friend's question, but I will make sure that the issue she identifies is picked up by the relevant Minister and that she receives a full response.
Session: Topical Questions
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Yesterday, it was reported that a blind woman with complex needs had her PIP assessment over the phone, which was approved, but then sent a letter to confirm. The charity Sense says over half feel humiliated by the process. Will he expand on what changes are being made?
Context
A Sunday paper reported a case of a blind woman with additional complex needs undergoing a phone-based PIP assessment, which was approved but later questioned.
Stephen Timms
We will continue to look at this issue. I am not familiar with the case that she refers to, but I will dig out the details. Clearly, it is vital that the process should be accessible to people with sight impairments or any other impairments.
Session: PIP Application Process
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How will my right hon. Friend ensure that children with special and complex needs are incorporated into the child poverty strategy?
Context
Children with special educational needs and disabilities are more likely to live in poverty.
Bridget Phillipson
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for the work that she leads on behalf of this House on the Education Committee. Our child poverty taskforce is absolutely focused on this area. We will listen to and engage directly with families across the UK, including those who have children with SEND. As she identifies, child poverty blights the life chances of far too many, and that must change.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome yesterday's publication of the child poverty taskforce framework. Is the Minister able to say more about the delivery of the strategy, other than that it will come out in spring?
Context
The child poverty taskforce framework was published the day before, but details about its delivery strategy are still awaited.
Pat McFadden
This shows the importance of the issue to the Government. The last time we were in office we reduced child poverty; it is an issue dear to our hearts. That is why the strategy is coming forward and why Ministers are working hard on it. We have been clear since we took office that while we want economic growth throughout the country, we also want the benefits to be felt by people in every part of the country and in every income group.
Session: Topical Questions
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Disabled people are also concerned about the use of artificial intelligence in Departments under the previous Government, including within the Department for Work and Pensions. Given the recent United Nations report on AI governance, what discussions has the Minister had with other colleagues across different Departments on the equity principles that will be integrated in the Government's use of AI?
Context
There are growing concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in various government departments, including the Department for Work and Pensions. A recent United Nations report highlighted issues with AI governance.
Bridget Phillipson
Discussions are ongoing across government, including with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology. There are wider opportunities and challenges that technology presents us, and we want to ensure we get the balance right.
Session: Impact of Energy Costs on Disabled People
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I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her response. I absolutely recognise that energy prices over the last few years have escalated, putting particular pressure on households with low incomes and also those with high energy needs, such as disabled people and pensioners. I agree that the warm home discount scheme is valuable, but it is limited and I am concerned for people with high energy needs but on low incomes, who might fall foul of the system as it stands.
Context
The MP raises concerns about the limitations of the current warm home discount scheme, especially for those with high energy needs but low incomes.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
We have been working flat out with energy suppliers to ensure that they are providing additional support to families who will struggle with bills this winter. In August, I met all the suppliers, and there was a shared commitment to do everything we can to support vulnerable households.
Session: Energy Social Tariffs
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What recent assessment has been made of the potential merits of introducing energy social tariffs?
Context
No background context provided in the record.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
We know that people are worried about their energy bills going into the winter and that, for a growing number of people, energy is simply unaffordable. We are absolutely determined to take this affordability issue and tackle it head on. There are many different ideas about what a social tariff could look like, and it means different things to different people. We are clear that we will tackle the affordability question and look at the full range of options available to us.
Session: Energy Social Tariffs
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I welcome the work that my right hon. Friend is doing in ensuring that the uptake of pension credit is increased, but there are genuine concerns about people who are just above that threshold who will remain in poverty—just under a quarter of a million in the north-west alone. In addition to the fantastic commitment there has been through the household support fund, will my right hon. Friend be undertaking any other mitigations to ensure that those pensioners living in poverty, particularly disabled pensioners, will not fall foul of this?
Context
There are concerns about people who are just above the pension credit eligibility line, particularly in regions like the north-west.
Liz Kendall
I thank my hon. Friend for her question, and I welcome her to her position as Chair of the Select Committee. Alongside our work to increase pension credit uptake, the household support fund is available for those just above the pension credit level. My own council has done a lot of work to make sure that pensioners just above that level can get extra help with the costs of heating or energy debt. There is also the warm home discount, which is available not just to those on pension credit, but again to those just above that level if they are on low incomes and have high housing costs.
Session: Winter Fuel Payment
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Given the seriousness of increased crimes against women and girls, what plans do the Government have to ensure effective and quick prosecution?
Context
The question highlights the serious issue of rising crime rates affecting a significant number of victims, particularly in Greater Manchester.
Sarah Sackman
I congratulate my hon. Friend on her election as chair of the Work and Pensions Committee. The statistics that she has given are indeed worrying, and the mission of halving violence against women and girls is therefore central to the Government's agenda. Behind each of those statistics lie heartbreaking personal stories. We need to do much better, which is why the Lord Chancellor has committed herself to introducing specialist rape courts to fast-track rape cases and why the Home Office is delivering plans to introduce specialist rape and sexual offence teams in every police force.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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I welcome my right hon. Friend and all the team to their place. I thank him for calling for a ceasefire when he visited Israel; that has had a profound impact in my constituency. Does he agree that a permanent ceasefire in Gaza is essential for the future of the people in Gaza, and would help to cool tensions in the middle east, in particular given the attack on the Golan Heights and the escalating tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, and even the Houthis?
Context
The MP follows up on the importance of a permanent ceasefire, emphasizing its impact on regional tensions and the need for stability.
David Lammy
My hon. Friend is right. The death and destruction in Gaza in intolerable. The war needs to end now. It is also the case that, given the escalation of tensions in the region, if the Biden plan is adopted by both sides, we would see that escalation come down. For life in Gaza and across the region, it is important that that plan is adopted now.
Session: Gaza Permanent Ceasefire
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What steps he is taking to help secure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The situation in Gaza remains tense with continued violence and humanitarian crisis. A permanent ceasefire is essential to alleviate suffering and promote peace in the region.
Context
The MP addresses the ongoing conflict in Gaza, highlighting the need for a permanent ceasefire to address death and destruction.
David Lammy
In my second week in the role I travelled to Israel and to the west bank and called for an immediate ceasefire—something that none of my predecessors had done. In my meetings with both leaders I called for an immediate ceasefire and made the urgent case, as has been described, for a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution.
Session: Gaza Permanent Ceasefire
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I thank my right hon. Friend for his response and welcome all the team to their places. Will he expand a little bit more on exactly what the terms of reference might include? For example, will they also include participative and deliberative democracy methods that might also help to restore trust in politics, which, as he knows, is at an all-time low?
Context
The government had promised an ethics and integrity commission to restore public confidence. Specific details on its terms of reference were lacking.
Pat McFadden
I am grateful to my hon. Friend. I will certainly keep her up to date with this as it goes. In truth, this is always going to be about “show, not tell”. We will set up the best system that we can with the new commission. On that front, the Leader of the House, my right hon. Friend the Member for Manchester Central (Lucy Powell) is taking immediate action to tighten the existing prohibition on MPs providing paid parliamentary advice. The House will be debating that later today. We are also setting up a modernisation committee.
Session: Ethics and Integrity Commission
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What progress the Government has made on establishing an ethics and integrity commission?
Context
The government promised an ethics and integrity commission to restore public confidence. No specific progress had been announced.
Pat McFadden
It is important to restore confidence in Government and public life, and to ensure the best possible standards. This was an important manifesto commitment. We will establish a new independent ethics and integrity commission, with its own independent chair, to ensure the highest possible standards. Work has begun on that, and I will keep the House up to date as it develops.
Session: Ethics and Integrity Commission
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What is she doing, both at the DWP and in her wider role across Government, to ensure that inclusion is embedded in policy and leadership so that disabled people—particularly those who are neurodiverse—are supported into civil service jobs?
Context
The Minister is committed to disability employment.
Mims Davies
We are delivering on the Buckland review, all ministerial Departments are signing up to Disability Confident, and we are working with parent Departments to encourage more of them to do the same. One in 10 senior civil servants declare themselves as disabled, and since 2013, the proportion of civil servants with a disability has increased.
Session: Support for People with Disabilities
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Given that only 2.7% of participants in the Government's work and health programme have a successful job outcome, what meaningful proposals do the Government have to reduce the 29% disability employment gap?
Context
The United Nations has found that the Government have breached the rights of sick and disabled people, including their rights at work. The Department for Work and Pensions is accused of discriminating against sick and disabled people.
Mims Davies
I thank the hon. Lady for her point, and I feel disappointed about the report from the United Nations. The Government strongly rejected its findings in 2016 but continue to implement the UN convention on the rights of persons with disabilities through policies like WorkWell, disability employment advisers, and fit note reform.
Session: Support for People with Disabilities
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Can the Attorney General tell me, and my constituents—exactly when the Government will come out and recognise both international law and the risks that we take in breaching it?
Context
The ICJ ruling declared a 'plausible right' to be protected from genocide. Concerns about a potential genocide taking place.
Victoria Prentis
This Government believe very firmly in international law. On 9 April, the Foreign Secretary announced that our position on export licences was unchanged. We publish data on our export licensing decisions transparently and on a quarterly basis.
Session: International Humanitarian Law Israel-Palestine Conflict
View All Questions -->
What recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on compliance with international humanitarian law in relation to the Israel-Palestine conflict?
Context
The International Court of Justice issued an interim ruling on the Gaza conflict, setting out steps for Israel to take. The Netanyahu Government has not complied with this ruling.
Victoria Prentis
As all Members know, the Law Officers' convention means that I cannot disclose outside Government whether or not I have provided advice, or the specifics of such advice, but it is no secret that we continue to call for international humanitarian law to be respected and for civilians to be protected.
Session: International Humanitarian Law Israel-Palestine Conflict
View All Questions -->
The Government's plans for a carbon border adjustment mechanism will create a level playing field for British manufacturers facing un-green, high-carbon competition from abroad, but to comply with free trade rules, the CBAM must be an environmental measure, rather than revenue-raising trade protectionism. Will Ministers confirm that it will be fiscally neutral and that any net receipts will be returned to taxpayers, perhaps even by cutting fuel duty or green levies on energy bills?
Context
The question is about the government's carbon border adjustment mechanism and its compliance with free trade rules.
Jeremy Hunt
I can confirm that we are very alive to cost of living pressures caused by fuel duty. In fact, we spent £6.4 billion freezing the duties on fuel, which will save the average motorist £50 over the coming year.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. We should add to the Chancellor's statistics that we have the widest economic inequalities in Europe. Last week, Professor Sir Michael Marmot published new analysis showing significant increases in health inequalities—how long we live, and how long we live in good health—and that is particularly the case between the north and south-east England.
Context
The shadow Chancellor asked about recent economic improvements, prompting the question on export data and growth forecasts.
Jeremy Hunt
If the hon. Lady is concerned about economic inequalities, she will be horrified to know that they were even worse under the last Labour Government. They have been reduced under this Government. When it comes to health inequalities, it is this Government who are phasing out smoking for everyone under the age of 14—one of the biggest single things in a generation that will reduce health inequalities and mean that poorer people live longer.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Will the Secretary of State support Breast Cancer Now's campaign for improving breast cancer screening uptake, particularly in minority ethnic communities?
Context
Breast Cancer Now is campaigning to improve breast cancer screening, especially among minority ethnic women.
Victoria Atkins
Agrees on prioritising women's health and announced £50 million research into maternity disparities for women of colour. Also responded to calls for lobular breast cancer research, addressing 15% of diagnoses without adequate evidence.
Session: Health Inequalities
View All Questions -->
In January, Professor Sir Michael Marmot published “Health Inequalities, Lives Cut Short”, confirming that due to political choices from 2011-2019, 1 million people in England lived shorter lives. These lives cut short are matched by shorter lives in good health. Does the Secretary of State believe in evidence-based health and accept the overwhelming evidence showing current levels of ill health reflect escalating poverty and service cuts, including to the NHS?
Context
Professor Sir Michael Marmot's report highlighted that political choices led to 1 million people living shorter lives than they should between 2011 and 2019, with the pandemic further exacerbating these inequalities.
Victoria Atkins
No, I do not. I would point to legislation brought forward last week as the largest public health reform aimed at helping constituents facing inequalities. Smoking rates are disproportionately higher in poorer communities, leading us to introduce landmark legislation.
Session: Health Inequalities
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Inequalities in Dementia Services
16 May 2024
Responding: Maria Caulfield
Main Concerns
['The speaker is concerned about the significant inequalities in dementia diagnosis rates across different regions of England, with some areas achieving as high as 90% while others are at just 50%. The number of people living with dementia in the UK exceeds 900,000 and this figure is expected to rise to over 1.6 million by 2040. Dementia diagnosis rates dropped from 67.6% to 61% during the COVID-19 pandemic and currently stand at 64.8%, falling short of the national target of two thirds. The speaker highlights that dementia is a leading cause of death in the UK, affects more than 70% of residential care home residents over 65, and accounts for an estimated quarter of NHS beds.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP calls on the government to urgently address the inequalities in dementia diagnosis rates and access to post-diagnostic support. She urges the government to make earlier diagnosis a greater priority, especially considering that quicker diagnoses can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on the health and social care systems.']
Citizens’ Assemblies and Local Democracy
16 April 2024
Responding: Simon Hoare
Main Concerns
['Ms Debbie Abrahams is concerned about the growing lack of trust and confidence in politics among the public, particularly younger generations. She cites studies showing that confidence in UK government has fallen to record lows among millennials since 2005, with generation Z having very low confidence across various institutions. Additionally, she highlights a sense of powerlessness and disengagement reported by people over time, and concerns about corruption in politics.']
Specific Asks
["Ms Abrahams asks the government to support the development of citizens' assemblies as a mechanism for enhancing public engagement and informing policy decisions with evidence-based recommendations. She encourages greater deliberative policymaking involving constituents throughout the year."]
Health Inequalities: Office for Health Improvement and Disparities — [Derek Twigg in the Chair]
26 January 2022
Responding: Maggie Throup
Main Concerns
['The speaker is concerned about the increasing mortality and morbidity associated with declining socioeconomic conditions in her constituency, highlighting a health inequality gap of more than 12 years. She notes that infant mortality rates are rising again after decades of decline. The minister is asked to comment on the reasons behind the worsening socio-economic factors driving health inequalities over the past two years and why the Gini coefficient has increased.']
Specific Asks
["The speaker asks the Minister for Health Inequalities to address the socioeconomic factors that have worsened health disparities, the impact of austerity policies, and how all Government Departments can be involved in reducing these inequalities as per Sir Michael Marmot's recommendations. She also questions why public health budgets were cut by 24% since 2015."]
Dementia: Covid-19
12 November 2020
Responding: Helen Whately
Main Concerns
['People with dementia have experienced disproportionate loss of life during the pandemic, especially those in care settings who were separated from loved ones. Diagnosis rates for dementia have declined since March, and there is a need to monitor the long-term impacts of covid on brain health. Family carers are feeling the strain due to lack of support, leading to emotional distress. The death rate among people with dementia was over 25% between March and June in England and Wales, highlighting the urgent need for better support.']
Specific Asks
['The Minister should commit to ensuring social care is on an equal footing with the NHS regarding PPE and testing. Family carers should be given key worker status, included in care home testing protocols, and provided access to PPE. The Government must guarantee reinstatement of stopped home care services due to coronavirus without formal assessment and ensure that local authorities are reimbursed for additional work done during the pandemic.']
Israel and Palestine
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Direction of Government
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Transition to State Pension Age
16 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Department for Work and Pensions
30 June 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
The Department for Work and Pensions supports nearly 23 million people and spends around £300 billion each year. The central question is not just about cost, but whether the system is fair, timely and...
Connect to Work Programme
25 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Middle East
09 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Milburn Review: Interim Report
02 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Insurance Act 2015 (Amendment) Bill - Lords amendments and Government motions to disagree
15 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves that the House disagrees with Lords amendment 1. Does not provide additional details in the provided text.
Middle East
17 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Strait of Hormuz
16 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Recommendations of the Infected Blood Inquiry
16 May 2024
The petition addresses the long-standing issue of people affected by the contaminated blood scandal, who have waited too long for justice and redress.
View Full Petition -->
Conviction of Yasin Malik
20 July 2022
The petition concerns the unfair trial of Yasin Malik in India, highlighting violations of human rights and constitutional protections. It also addresses his current unsafe conditions and lack of fair...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
78.6%
77 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
29
29.6% of votes
No Votes
48
49.0% of votes
Abstentions
21
21.4% of votes
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
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: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: 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
8
PMQs Asked
113
Ministerial Questions Asked
263
House of Commons Debates Involved
4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
2
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+119% above average
This MP:
8
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+743% above average
This MP:
113
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+59% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+5312% above average
This MP:
263
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-18% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+14% above average
This MP:
78.6
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Debbie Abrahams's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.