Florence Eshalomi
MP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Labour (Co-op)
12 Dec 2019 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Southbank Centre's 75th anniversary reflects the unity brought by cultural events post-WWII. Unfortunately, recent far-right marches divide communities again. The World Cup shows how sport and culture unite people. Does the Deputy PM agree it's time to invest in initiatives that foster social cohesion?
Context
The Southbank Centre celebrated its 75th anniversary, founded during the festival of Britain in 1951 to foster community identity after WWII. Far-right marches have recently divided communities.
David Lammy
We stand united against those who seek division through our social cohesion action plan, providing up to £1.7 million to local communities to counter extremism and promote unity.
Session: PMQs 2026-07-08
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I wish you a belated happy new year, Mr Speaker. However, for the 4.8 million leaseholders across England, it is not a happy new year; they will receive large bills in a matter of weeks. They have been waiting patiently for us, a new Government who said we would deliver change, to bring forward legislation on leasehold and commonhold. When will we see that legislation, so that we can put those leaseholders out of their misery?
Context
4.8 million leaseholders in England are facing large bills due to a lack of legislative change on leasehold and commonhold issues.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that important issue. We will bring forward proposals very shortly.
Assessment
No specific timeline or concrete details on the legislation were provided
Session: PMQs
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Next month marks five years since the horrific Grenfell Tower fire which killed 72 people. My constituency of Vauxhall has many tall buildings similar to Grenfell. In 2019, the Prime Minister rightly told this House that where the inquiry recommends Government responsibility for fire safety, “we will legislate accordingly.” But last week the Government dropped the inquiry's recommendation that a personal evacuation plan should be in place for disabled residents, claiming basic safety would be too expensive. Grenfell United said that that showed “cutting costs is more important than the value of human life.” Will the Prime Minister urgently reverse this deeply inhumane decision and not break another promise to this House?
Context
The Government dropped the recommendation for personal evacuation plans for disabled residents in tall buildings.
Boris Johnson
Let us be clear: if there is an issue with fire safety in a building, extra steps should be taken and remediation should be made. When it comes to self-evacuation, the Home Office has launched a new consultation to support the fire safety of residents who are unable to self-evacuate, but if the hon. Lady has further representations to make on that point, I will be very happy to ensure she gets a meeting with a Minister in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Assessment
specific reversal commitment
Session: PMQs
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I have a constituent whose mother tragically committed suicide after suffering from domestic abuse, and now her abusive husband stands to inherit her entire estate. This has left my constituents deeply affected. Does the Prime Minister agree that convicted domestic abusers should never profit from their victims and will he meet me and my constituent to fix this legal loophole?
Context
A constituent's mother committed suicide due to criminal domestic abuse, leaving her estate to the abuser. The family is devastated.
Boris Johnson
The Prime Minister acknowledges the tragic case described by the MP. He agrees that it is a serious loophole in the law but does not commit to meeting with her or her constituent.
Assessment
Commitment to meet and discuss specific legal changes
We Will Certainly Need To Have A Meeting
Session: PMQs
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Unsafe cladding is leaving hundreds of leaseholders across Vauxhall unable to sell or remortgage their properties. The EWS1 forms are not being used as intended, leaving my constituents trapped between risk-averse lenders and irresponsible building owners. They have been waiting three years already, so can the Prime Minister tell me what steps he is taking now to resolve this really dangerous situation?
Context
Leaseholders in Vauxhall are unable to sell or remortgage their properties due to unsafe cladding, despite the government's investment plans. They have been waiting for three years.
Boris Johnson
I thank the hon. Lady, because I am aware of this problem of people facing real disadvantage—leaseholders and others—because of unsafe cladding still on their buildings. I think it is disgraceful, and both ACM and HPL cladding, in my view, should come off as fast as possible. We are investing massively to achieve that as fast as we can, but I sincerely appreciate the problem that she raises.
Assessment
Specific steps to resolve unsafe cladding were not outlined
Session: PMQs
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My Committee has thoroughly scrutinized the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill. Will the Minister confirm a £250 cap by 2027? When will the Bill be introduced?
Context
Committee scrutiny of the draft Bill and media speculation about a £250 cap on ground rents by 2027.
Matthew Pennycook
The Government remains committed to making progress with the substantive Bill as quickly as possible, aiming for robust implementation without future fixes needed in primary legislation. The urgency of both presenting the Bill and commencing ground rent provisions is acknowledged.
Session: Leasehold Reform
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I thank the Secretary of State for outlining the reforms that will come through with the Renters' Rights Act 2025. In 18 days' time, residents will see no-fault evictions banned. The Minister knows that we need local authorities to have the resources, and he has outlined that there will be additional resources for local authorities, including the launch of the private rented sector database and the PRS ombudsman. Can the Minister give us an update on when they will be live?
Context
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 will ban no-fault evictions from May 1, but local authorities need resources to implement the reforms. The Minister has announced additional funding and initiatives such as a private rented sector database and PRS ombudsman.
Matthew Pennycook
My hon. Friend will not have to wait long at all for details of the new burdens funding that is coming through for local authorities. On the implementation of the Act more widely, as she knows, the database, the ombudsman and other things will come through in further waves after the wave that commences on 1 May.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the written statement from the Minister for Digital Government and Data on the plan to use artificial intelligence to boost productivity in public services. I am concerned about gender and racial bias in artificial intelligence, which many studies have shown, particularly as regards health outcomes. A King’s College London study showed racial bias in AI when it comes to heart scans, indicating worse health outcomes for black and minority ethnic people. My concern is that these biases could leave certain communities behind if not addressed. What steps are being taken to identify and resolve such biases?
Context
The question is prompted by the Government's recent initiatives to improve technology use in public services, including a written statement on using AI to boost productivity.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Darren Jones)
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that important question. These AI solutions are only as good as their ability to serve the public fairly; equality should be built in at the start. The AI Safety Institute and officials at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology work across Government to ensure that those values and ethics are built into programmes as they are developed by the Government.
Session: Government Use of Technology
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I thank the Minister for his answer. I know that he has been taking a lot of time to debate and look at the issue of leasehold, and he can see the cross-party concern on behalf of many constituents up and down the country on this big issue, as well as the support for tackling it. We on the Select Committee are ready to help him by making sure that the legislation is right, fit and proper. I just want to tease out a further answer from the Minister. Can he confirm for the House that he is still on track to ensure that we end the issue of leasehold and commonhold by the end of this Parliament?
Context
The Select Committee on Housing, Communities and Local Government is concerned about the feudal leasehold system and its impact on home ownership. The Minister has been discussing reforms to address this issue.
Matthew Pennycook (The Minister for Housing and Planning)
I thank my hon. Friend, the Chair of the Select Committee for that question. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the promises in our manifesto to bring the feudal leasehold system to an end. Despite the noises off from the usual naysayers, the imminent publication of our ambitious draft commonhold and leasehold reform Bill will be the beginning of the end for that system, which has tainted the dream of home ownership for so many households across the country.
Session: Leasehold Reform
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Florence Eshalomi highlighted that councils across the UK are facing financial pressures due to overspending on temporary accommodation. She noted specific cases like Slough's £22 million overspend, Woking’s £330,000, Waverley’s £165,000, and Waltham Forest's £31 million overspend. Eshalomi requested that the Minister engage with Treasury colleagues to address issues such as the increase in Local Housing Allowance which does not allow people to live locally.
Context
Councils across the UK are experiencing financial pressures due to overspending on temporary accommodation. This includes large costs like £500,000 for Epsom and Ewell borough council, rising to £800,000 by next year.
The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)
In response to Florence Eshalomi's concerns, Alison McGovern acknowledged that this situation is financially unsustainable for both councils and taxpayers. She highlighted the need for a strategy focusing on proper housing for all children while also addressing financial pressures faced by local authorities.
Session: Families in Temporary Accommodation
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As we come to the end of celebrating Black History Month, it is vital that we continue to promote diversity in all workplaces. Does the Minister agree that DEI practices are fundamental for equality, fairness and transparency and preventing discrimination?
Context
The context is the celebration of Black History Month, highlighting the need to continue promoting diversity beyond this month.
The Minister for Equalities (Olivia Bailey)
I thank my hon. Friend for her great campaigning work. I agree with her that we must do absolutely everything possible to break down all barriers to opportunity in our country.
Session: Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Public Sector
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What discussions has she had with colleagues in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to ensure that the private rented sector database will contain information on EPC ratings, so that all residents can live in warm, secure and safe homes?
Context
The question arises from a meeting Florence Eshalomi chaired with the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee on decent home standards. The issue of emissions from homes is highlighted as a key area for improvement.
Katie White
Homes and home standards are absolutely key to decarbonisation for a variety of reasons, including the health benefits for residents. We will consult on the warm homes plan, and the Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, my hon. Friend the Member for Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West (Martin McCluskey), spoke about the warm home discount earlier. We are working with MHCLG on bringing forward the future home standard.
Session: Emission Reductions Progress Report
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What assessment has been made of the potential implications for policies of the Climate Change Committee’s 2025 report entitled “Progress in reducing emissions”?
Context
The Climate Change Committee released a report in 2025 titled 'Progress in reducing emissions', assessing the progress of emission reductions. Florence Eshalomi is concerned about the potential implications for government policies.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Katie White)
I thank my hon. Friend for repeatedly raising these issues in the House—I know that climate change is of huge concern to her and her constituents. I am proud that Britain has led the way with our independent Committee on Climate Change, established under the Climate Change Act 2008, which has worked effectively for nearly two decades, under leadership from Labour and the Conservatives—I sincerely hope that we can re-establish that consensus. We are grateful to the Committee for its scientific recommendations to the Department. Obviously, it is for the Department now to consider them, and we will report back on our decisions at the end of the month.
Session: Emission Reductions Progress Report
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The Minister highlighted the inter-ministerial group, which the former Secretary of State chaired and saw as being very important. The issue cuts across all departmental groups. It is important, because within two months, as we go into the next year, and in the next financial year, we will see over 170,000 young children in temporary accommodation—in homelessness. That should worry all of us. The inter-ministerial group has met four times. Can the Minister confirm that the group will continue to be convened—and if it will, who will chair it?
Context
Florence Eshalomi welcomed the Minister to his position and highlighted the work of the inter-ministerial group, which had met four times. She expressed concern about over 170,000 young children being in temporary accommodation within two months.
The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)
The Chair of the Select Committee makes the case extremely well. If anybody in this Chamber is not worried about temporary accommodation, they are not paying attention; that is how serious this is. It is terrible for our kids, and for the taxpayer, because it is so expensive. I will follow up with her. A lot of work has already been done on the homelessness strategy. We want to get it confirmed as soon as possible. I will engage fully with the Select Committee on the strategy to ensure that we get it right, and we will come back to her shortly with the details of how we will do that together.
Session: Homelessness
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The Secretary of State will be aware that a coalition of 150 charities supporting young people are calling for a specific youth-focused section in the ending homelessness strategy; estimates show that would save £8.5 billion a year. Does the Minister agree that it is not only morally right but economically smart to have a youth-specific chapter in that new strategy?
Context
A coalition of 150 charities supporting young people are calling for a specific youth-focused section in the ending homelessness strategy, estimating it would save £8.5 billion a year.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Rushanara Ali)
I commend my hon. Friend for her work on this really important agenda. I met representatives from the youth homelessness sector at a recent roundtable. We are determined to ensure that the concerns and interests of young people experiencing homelessness are integrated into our report on ending homelessness, and we are working with the sector to tackle the root causes of youth homelessness.
Session: Topical Questions
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Our most climate-friendly nations require investment to adapt to the effects of climate change, but sadly a number of them are facing a debt crisis and are spending a lot of money on paying sky-high interest rates to lenders. Given that 90% of the debt contracts are governed by English law, will the Government ensure that private lenders take part in debt relief schemes in order to tackle the climate emergency effectively?
Context
A number of climate-friendly nations are facing a debt crisis and spending a lot on paying sky-high interest rates to lenders.
Kerry McCarthy
This is the subject of ongoing discussions between our Department and, in particular, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: we want to ensure that we are not giving with one hand and taking away with the other. That is part of the remodelling that will enable us to supply international climate finance to the people who need it most.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for his comments over the weekend—we really do need to ensure that we ban new leaseholds—but, as he knows, leaseholders have been promised this many a time before, and many will be going to sleep tonight with only a little sigh of relief because those bills will continue to come. The Minister mentioned the White Paper; can he tell us what the status of existing leaseholders will be when the measures to end leasehold are finally introduced?
Context
Existing leaseholders have been promised relief but are still facing financial strain.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
Let me explain, as simply as I can, what we want to do. As the White Paper makes clear, we will ban the sale of new leasehold flats so that commonhold becomes the default tenure, and we will ensure that the process of conversion is as simple as possible for those in existing leasehold blocks who wish to make this change.
Session: Leasehold Costs
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I welcome the Secretary of State's announcement on deadlines. However, a majority of buildings affected by cladding are still unidentified after seven years. Will the Minister deliver a more joined-up approach to identify and remediate those properties as soon as possible?
Context
The National Audit Office report shows that most buildings affected by cladding have not been identified.
Alex Norris
I thank the Chair of the Select Committee for that question. It will probably not surprise her to hear that the first question I asked when I became Minister with responsibility for building safety was, “How many buildings need remediating?” I do not think that it will surprise her or colleagues to hear how astonished I was to find out that between 4,000 and 7,000 buildings were unidentified after seven years—which shows the previous Government's intent. We are going to identify them, work out what their risks are and get them remediated.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Secretary of State will know the financial difficulties facing so many of our local authorities. A recent Local Government Association report shows that one in four local authorities will apply for additional funding. It is fair to say that, for a number of them, March will be too late. What discussions have been had with the Chancellor to ensure that our local authorities get emergency support?
Context
Local authorities are facing significant financial challenges, with a recent report from the Local Government Association indicating that one in four local authorities will seek additional funding. The question arises to prompt immediate action by the government to provide emergency support.
Jim McMahon
May I welcome the Chair of the Select Committee to her place? She will do an outstanding job for local government and housing. The Government absolutely understand how difficult it is for local authorities to make ends meet. We understand that the pressures in adult social care, children's social services and temporary accommodation are biting hard, and we are working through those issues with the sector.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Home Secretary for that reply on knife crime. I welcome the Government's commitment in the Young Futures programme to preventing young people from being drawn into crime. A number of gang-associated girls are drawn into crime, and although rape and sexual exploitation is such a traumatising experience, many of those young girls do not see themselves as victims. Fantastic organisations such as Abianda and Milk Honey Bees work to support women. Will the Department consider providing tailored support for young women through the Young Futures programme?
Context
The issue of gang-associated girls being drawn into crime, particularly through rape and sexual exploitation, highlights a need for targeted support within existing programmes. Organisations such as Abianda and Milk Honey Bees work to provide this support.
Yvette Cooper
My hon. Friend makes an important point. I know that she has championed that issue over many years. The Young Futures programme will include youth hubs to draw together services around young people—I used the concept of a teenage Sure Start to bring young people's services together. We also need youth prevention programmes across all areas. She is right to highlight that this must be about young girls as well as young boys to ensure that we tackle the threats to young people's safety from violent crime.
Session: Violent Crime Young People
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What steps her Department is taking to help prevent young people from becoming involved in violent crime. Knife crime takes far too many young lives in this country, so the Government have set a mission—not just for the Government but for policing and local communities right across the country—to halve knife crime over the next decade.
Context
The question arises from the high incidence of knife crime, particularly affecting young individuals in urban areas. The government has set a mission to halve knife crime over the next decade.
Yvette Cooper
Knife crime takes far too many young lives in this country, so the Government have set a mission—not just for the Government but for policing and local communities right across the country—to halve knife crime over the next decade. As part of that, we have already implemented the ban on zombie knives and zombie-style machetes, and we will now act quickly to ban ninja swords following the campaigning by Pooja Kanda after the death of her son.
Session: Violent Crime Young People
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I had the pleasure of visiting the Metropolitan police special operations unit in my constituency with the new Policing Minister on Saturday. We discussed a range of issues with the officers, from counter-terrorism to dealing with violent crime, protests and antisocial behaviour. Does the Home Secretary agree that we need additional resources for our police officers and urgent action to work with the Met to keep our streets safe in London?
Context
During a visit to the Metropolitan Police special operations unit, concerns were raised about the need for additional resources to address various issues such as counter-terrorism, violent crime, protests, and antisocial behaviour.
Diana R. Johnson
It was a great pleasure to be on that visit with the local constituency MP. We will consider funding around the police settlement in the weeks and months ahead.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister think it is right that these women are being left without basic access to justice?
Context
85% of vulnerable women are unable to access civil legal aid due to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012.
Mike Freer
The hon. Lady raises an important point and I would be happy to meet her and take representations on that specific point.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Secretary of State knows that NHS England expects to announce decisions about the primary children's centre for cancer treatment in south London. Will she agree to make this final decision as soon as possible and join me at Evelina London?
Context
Evelina London Children's Hospital is one of the few specialist centers in South London, facing a decision about its primary children's centre.
Victoria Atkins
I thank her for her question, but must leave it to NHS England to finish its consultation process. I would be very happy to visit not just the Evelina, but our other wonderful hospitals that care for children.
Session: Topical Questions
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This week's Budget will be a big one for young people—16 and 17-year-olds—who are starting work or making important education choices, yet they currently have no say on who will be the next Government. We on the Opposition Benches believe in our young people. Will the Government act now to give 16 and 17-year-olds a say in the next general election?
Context
The MP believes in giving young people a say in the next general election by lowering the voting age.
Simon Hoare
The hon. Lady makes a case for lowering the voting age—one that I do not support and the Government do not support. The age of 18 is seen as the age of maturity in this country and many others across the world. It seems to have served us pretty well up to now and I see no particular reason to change it.
Session: Topical Questions
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The declining school rolls issue in London is significant; families are being driven out due to housing affordability and cost of living crisis leading to drops like Lambeth's 17.5% decrease in reception places over five years. Archbishop Tenison's School closed last year. We need urgent action on funding and protecting education assets.
Context
A new report by London Councils highlights worsening conditions for declining school rolls, with Lambeth facing a 17.5% drop in demand for reception places over the next five years and Archbishop Tenison's School having closed last year.
Damian Hinds
The bulge in primary school numbers moving to secondary schools is being addressed through planning ahead with local authorities, who are looking into amalgamations where necessary. We have pupil place planning advisers in each region and school resource management advisers working directly with schools.
Session: Falling Pupil Rolls
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What steps she is taking to support schools with decreasing pupil rolls given that declining school rolls in London is a big issue I have raised in the House on multiple occasions. The cost of living crisis and housing affordability are driving families out, leading to significant drops like a 17.5% decrease in Lambeth's reception places over five years. Archbishop Tenison's School closed last year due to these challenges.
Context
Declining school rolls in London are a significant issue, exacerbated by the cost of living crisis driving families out of the city. A report by London Councils highlights worsening conditions, and Lambeth faces a 17.5% drop in demand for reception places over five years.
Damian Hinds
Recognising demographic changes leading to falling rolls, funding allocation is being adjusted to support decreasing pupil numbers. Local authorities are provided with flexibility in allocating funds for revenue costs associated with reducing surplus places.
Session: Falling Pupil Rolls
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Without our fantastic workforce, the NHS would not work. I pay tribute to all hard-working nurses in hospitals and care centres, including at St Thomas' Hospital. In addition to recruitment, do we need a wide-ranging plan addressing workforce planning, pay, training, staff wellbeing and retention?
Context
The MP recognises the importance of retaining NHS staff due to workload, mental wellbeing, and cost of living.
Andrew Stephenson
The Minister agrees with the hon. Lady because this Government introduced a long-term workforce plan for the first time ever. Retention is one of the key pillars, and results are already showing in keeping more staff in our NHS.
Session: Nurses from Overseas
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I have just listened to the Minister's response, and I appreciate that the situation is complex, but people are dying. My constituent contacted me earlier this week. He has renal failure and cirrhosis of the liver. How many people have received interim payments and how many are still outstanding?
Context
A constituent contacted the MP expressing concern over delays in receiving compensation for the infected blood scandal.
John Glen
A large number of payments were made available quickly in the last quarter of 2022. The victims' organisations said that there were 141 deaths last year.
Session: Topical Questions
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Last week I was contacted by Kennington Bethlehem Link, a voluntary group dedicated to working with Israelis and Palestinians. It raised the case of Anas Abu Srour, who was arrested by the Israeli army. This week it was announced that he had been detained for six months in administrative detention, and the reason for his arrest is still unclear. A petition of support has been signed by over 6,000 people in nine days, so will the Minister please ask the Foreign Secretary to work urgently with his Israeli counterpart so that we can find out why he was imprisoned?
Context
Anas Abu Srour, an Israeli citizen, was arrested by the Israeli army and detained for six months in administrative detention. A petition has gathered over 6,000 signatures.
Andrew Mitchell
If the hon. Lady will make available to me the full details of that case—assuming that she has not already told the Foreign Office—I will look into it for her and ensure she gets an answer.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Minister mentioned the £2.6 billion that the Government have invested, but this is not filtering down. That is the key issue for parents accessing SEN provision, and so many parents are raising it at my surgery. One concerned mother told me: 'Parents and children are being put under intolerable stress and anxiety with a system which is inefficient and creating a significant mental health burden'. The Minister mentioned the national standards. Will the standards include the fact that SEN children and children with autism are being arrested and their mental health is not being treated properly because schools simply do not have enough training and support? Will the Minister please address that?
Context
The MP is concerned about parents facing difficulties accessing SEN provision despite government investment, citing concerns from constituents.
David Johnston
I thank the hon. Lady. We are keen that schools are as inclusive as they say they will be when it comes to children with special educational needs. We have nine change programme partnerships to try to make sure that the system works a lot better. The money is given to local authorities, and we should already be seeing an improvement, but I would be happy to discuss it further with her.
Session: Special Needs Education Access
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A report from the all-party parliamentary group on democracy and the constitution has found that the photo voter ID scheme creates a real risk of injustice and potential discrimination. The report highlighted the case of an immunocompromised woman who was denied her right and her voice at the local elections after being told that she needed to take off her mask. Does the Minister agree that denying someone a say in how their community is run because of a disability is completely unacceptable? Can he confirm that any indications of potential discrimination found in the photo voter ID system will be dealt with prior to the next set of elections?
Context
The MP refers to a report highlighting potential discrimination in the photo voter ID system, specifically mentioning an immunocompromised woman denied her right to vote due to mask requirements.
Simon Hoare
The hon. Lady raises a serious point, and let me put it on record that I would be happy to meet her and the APPG to discuss their issues and concerns. We have made great strides—there is a specific workstream—in ensuring we maximise how those who have a disability can vote and do so in a free and unfettered way, and we will continue with that. I am very sorry to hear about the case the hon. Lady raises, but if she wishes to write to me on the issue, I will of course look into it in my discussions with the commission. It is absolutely pivotal that, in all we do with regard to our election rules, access to voting—freedom to vote—is absolutely at the heart of it, and as the Minister responsible for elections, I shall guarantee that.
Session: Electoral Commission
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Under current laws, unions are required to use electronic means to communicate with their members about matters relating to work, yet are prevented from using the very same electronic methods when balloting their members for industrial action. Does the Minister accept that it should be possible to ballot trade union members on industrial action electronically?
Context
Unions are required to use electronic means for communication but are not allowed to use the same methods when balloting their members for industrial action.
Kevin Hollinrake
The hon. Lady raises an important point. That is something we are looking at; we have been looking at it for some time, and are keen to bring forward the results of our deliberations very shortly.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps she is taking to maintain access to high street postal services. More post offices are closing than opening according to local data. The Clapham Common post office in my Vauxhall constituency has been earmarked for closure and there are no current plans to replace it. I am fighting this closure, along with my hon. Friend the Member for Streatham (Bell Ribeiro-Addy) and local ward councillors in the Communications Workers Union. This is a pattern that we are seeing across the country. It has been identified that 260 postal shopfronts have closed across the country in the past 10 years.
Context
The MP noted that more post offices are closing than opening according to recent data, with a particular example being the Clapham Common post office closure in her constituency.
Kevin Hollinrake
The Government protect the post office branch network by setting access criteria and minimum service levels to be provided by branches across the country. More post offices have opened this year than have closed. The network is as large today as it has been for five years, with around 11,700 branches open, above the 11,500 target that we set for the Post Office.
Session: High Street Postal Services
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The Minister mentioned that more post offices are opening. Actually, they are closing. The Clapham Common post office in my Vauxhall constituency has been earmarked for closure and there are no current plans to replace it. I am fighting this closure, along with my hon. Friend the Member for Streatham (Bell Ribeiro-Addy) and local ward councillors in the Communications Workers Union. This is a pattern that we are seeing across the country. It has been identified that 260 postal shopfronts have closed across the country in the past 10 years. With those closures, we are seeing elderly and vulnerable people—people who need their post offices on the high street—having to travel further. Will the Minister tell me what more he and the Government are doing to protect these vital services?
Context
More post offices are closing than opening according to local data, contradicting government claims. The Clapham Common post office in Vauxhall constituency has been earmarked for closure without plans for replacement.
Kevin Hollinrake
The hon. Member is absolutely right to raise this issue. The Post Office has launched a public consultation regarding the Clapham Common post office. The Post Office maintains that locals will continue to have good access to services. There is a post office within a mile of the Clapham Road branch, and three further branches within two miles. Nevertheless, the Government support the post office network with a significant amount of financial support—£2.5 billion over the past 10 years—so we do continue to support post offices. We know how important they are to constituents and other colleagues in this House. I am very happy to meet her to discuss this particular case.
Session: High Street Postal Services
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When does the Minister expect Britain to stay competitive and when can the Government guarantee that funding?
Context
The Member is concerned about the Government's commitment to funding mathematical research, which was promised but now appears abandoned.
George Freeman
As the Prime Minister has made clear, we are putting maths at the heart of our curriculum. I am ensuring that maths is properly funded to our research ecosystem. I will happily meet the hon. Member and talk to her about it.
Session: Topical Questions
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British Transport Police highlighted that instances of sexual harassment and sexual offences on public transport have soared by a shocking 175% between 2019 and 2020. We need our women and girls to feel safe to use public transport, and to use it so that we can tackle the climate emergency. Labour is committed to halving violence against women and girls. When will the Government match that commitment and make sure that our women and girls feel safe to use public transport?
Context
The MP is raising concerns about a significant increase in sexual harassment and offences on public transport.
Mark Harper
The hon. Lady is right to focus on this. That is why the Government published our cross-Government “Tackling violence against women and girls strategy”, which the Department for Transport is fundamentally involved with. Since 2019 the BTP, which the hon. Lady mentioned specifically, has enhanced its approach to combating violence against women and girls, complemented by the BTP chief constable's personal commitment and drive on this subject.
Session: Topical Questions
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On 1 May, my constituent Johanita Dogbey was brutally murdered on Stockwell Park Walk in my constituency, an area that I have walked past many times. She was 31 years old. Yesterday, as I held her mother, trying to console her, she asked me why her family have to wait for over a year to get justice. The Minister outlined improving the courts system and efficiency. Does he agree that every day that my constituents have to wait is a sentence for them and that it is about not just the economic cost but the human cost in bringing forward cases so that our victims get the justice they deserve?
Context
The MP raises the case of a constituent murdered in her constituency, questioning why families have to wait over a year for justice. She highlights the human cost of delays.
Mike Freer
The hon. Lady is quite right to raise that point. The Department and the judiciary appreciate the sensitivity of such cases to ensure that the families of victims—and the victims, if they are still with us—do get their day in court so that they can see justice done as fast as possible.
Session: Trial Processes Efficiency and Economy
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Will the Minister take responsibility for backlogs constituents are facing up and down the country, rather than blaming hard-working civil servants?
Context
Concern over Government backlogs faced by constituents.
Jeremy Quin
Civil servants are respected professionals. Government takes bullying allegations seriously but criticises Labour's own issues like antisemitism.
Session: Civil Service Impartiality
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The Government may offer warm words on SMEs, but small businesses need those opportunities to thrive. Let us look at the evidence to see whether those warm words are backed up. In Brentwood, SMEs missed out on £3 in every £4 of viable suitable Government contracts in 2022. In Hertsmere, they missed out on 79%. In Horsham, SMEs got less than 5% of suitable public money. That amounts to £8.6 million. The Tories may talk about being a party of small businesses, but this Government have had 13 years to help small businesses—why have they not?
Context
SMEs in various constituencies missed out on significant sums of government contracts, raising questions about the effectiveness of current policies.
Alex Burghart
We have done a great deal of work to overhaul the archaic regime that the EU left us with. The Procurement Bill is precisely because we want small businesses to get contract pipelines, a single digital platform, prompt payments and a single regime that reduces bureaucracy and administrative burdens. With transparency, simplicity and fairness, this Government are delivering for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Session: Public Contracts Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
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I strongly support the efforts my hon. Friend is making to boost in-work progression. The original vision behind universal credit was to see more people on benefits earning more and increasing their income over time. Does he agree that one key to success, alongside tailored training, is better contracts? Research shows claimants on permanent contracts do significantly better with in-work progression than those on zero-hours or temporary contracts.
Context
Discussion on enhancing universal credit to boost earnings through better contracts.
Guy Opperman
My right hon. Friend makes a number of very good points. The Department is providing an in-work progression offer, assisting people to progress to greater hours and full-time work. We support training through sector-based work academies or skills bootcamps.
Session: Social Security Recipients Employment and Earnings
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I am concerned that my constituents in Vauxhall are seeing food prices increase by nearly 20%, their household bills skyrocketing, and rents going up by up to 16.5%. This is happening while real-terms pay has been falling for 18 months. How does the Minister propose to give workers in Vauxhall, and those on benefits, a real pay rise?
Context
Concern about constituents facing rising food prices, household bills, and rent while experiencing real-terms pay decline.
Guy Opperman
A whole host of things are being done on in-work progression. Vacancies have fallen for nine successive quarters, employment is up, the claimant count is down, economic inactivity has fallen, and disability employment is up.
Session: Social Security Recipients Employment and Earnings
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I welcome the Secretary of State's words in the media yesterday, saying that it is unacceptable for private sector landlords to raise rents above the level of inflation, which is a big issue in Vauxhall. Just last week, someone in Brixton contacted me to say that their rent had been doubled in a year. Is it not the truth that the Secretary of State needs to hurry up, put words into action and bring forward the renters reform Bill now?
Context
Private sector landlords raising rents above inflation is a significant issue in Vauxhall, with one resident's rent doubling in a year.
Michael Gove
The hon. Lady is absolutely right; I should get on with it.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Secretary of State support Labour's measures to increase tax transparency in our procurement system? The Fair Tax Foundation revealed that one in six public contracts were won by businesses connected to tax havens, and it is fair that taxpayers know how their money is spent.
Context
The Fair Tax Foundation revealed that one in six public contracts were won by businesses connected to tax havens between 2014 and 2019. This means billions of pounds are going towards tax avoidance.
Oliver Dowden
We already have high levels of transparency. The Procurement Bill is going through Parliament, and we are addressing issues like the double Irish issue to crack down on tax avoidance.
Session: Government Transparency and Co-ordination
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In November, it was revealed in The Guardian that the company Infosys was still operating in Russia, eight months after it announced that it would withdraw. Just a month later, that company was awarded a lucrative contract worth £1.7 million of taxpayers' money. Was the Minister aware of that when that contract was awarded, and do the Government believe that public money should be going to those who are operating in Russia?
Context
It was revealed that Infosys, a company with a substantial UK presence, continued operations in Russia after announcing its withdrawal. This company later received a public procurement contract worth £1.7 million.
Jeremy Quin
We set out in policy procurement note 01/22 our approach to public procurement and links with Russia. That PPN speaks for itself, and I am sure the hon. Lady is familiar with it. It requires contracting authorities to check from whom they are receiving goods and services. It is primarily aimed at those who are Russia or Belarus-based, or who have significant control. I do not know the particulars of the circumstances that she mentions, but the Government's approach through PPN 01/22 is very clear.
Session: Sanctions Regimes for Public Procurement Suppliers
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Land Value Capture
30 October 2025
Main Concerns
['The cost of land is one of the biggest root causes of the housing crisis, with land value soaring when farmland is granted planning permission for housing. The current system relies on section 106 agreements and community infrastructure levy, but these processes can be unpredictable and complex. Only 52% of local authorities are currently charging the community infrastructure levy, partly due to stretched planning departments.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should look at reforming land value capture policies to support a rapid increase in house building, introduce template clauses for section 106 agreements, and extend access to degree-level planning apprenticeships. The Government must also push for greater coverage of CIL where financially viable and publish its impact assessment on reducing London’s affordable housing target.']
Pupil Roll Numbers and School Closures: London — [Mr Philip Hollobone in the Chair]
07 June 2023
Responding: Nick Gibb
Main Concerns
["The declining birth rate in London has led to a significant reduction in the number of pupils attending schools, with Lambeth facing an anticipated drop of 15% in reception numbers by 2027. The closure of two historic secondary schools in Lambeth, Archbishop Tenison's and St Martin-in-the-Fields High School for Girls, highlights the severe impact on communities and students. These closures cause practical disruption and emotional distress to children and staff."]
Specific Asks
['The Minister should work with school leaders and local authorities to identify at-risk schools and develop a plan to prevent further closures. He must address funding inequalities, increase affordable housing supply through planning reform, reverse the real-terms cut to the local housing allowance, and meet with MPs to discuss these issues in detail.']
Residential Leaseholders and Interim Fire Safety Costs
10 March 2021
Responding: Christopher Pincher
Main Concerns
['The MP is concerned about the financial burden on leaseholders for interim fire safety measures following building assessments. Over 250 leaseholders in Vauxhall have faced costs such as waking watches and alarm systems, with estimates of £17,000 per block for a waking watch and £50,000 to £150,000 for alarm systems. These measures can lead to monthly bills of approximately £500 per household, causing some leaseholders to face potential bankruptcy and homelessness.']
Specific Asks
['The MP asks the Government to agree that no leaseholder should pay for interim fire safety measures. They also request the inclusion of provisions in the upcoming Building Safety Bill to protect leaseholders from such costs. The MP further calls for an extension of the waking watch relief fund to match the number of affected buildings and a mandate for a timetable for remediation work completion.']
Gang-associated Girls
06 October 2020
Responding: Victoria Atkins
Main Concerns
["Florence Eshalomi highlighted the hidden issue of girls and young women involved in gang activities, which often go under-reported. She mentioned that girls face different risks such as rape, sexual abuse, online grooming, threats to themselves or their families, and forced criminal activity like county lines operations. The lack of data on female gang members was also noted, with only six females listed on the Metropolitan Police Service's gangs matrix compared to 2,492 males. Eshalomi cited a Children's Commissioner's estimate of about 2,290 girls associated with gangs in England, representing approximately 34% of all gang-associated children."]
Specific Asks
['Eshalomi asked the Minister to ensure that resources are allocated to disrupt county lines operations using a gendered approach and to lobby the Chancellor for funding so councils can provide tailored support services for young women and girls at risk.']
Full name of the bill being debated - Which clause or amendment is being debated
10 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The reasoned amendment tabled by the official Opposition has been selected. The amendment aims to introduce significant changes to the bill to address issues related to [specific issue], highlighting ...
Grenfell Tower inquiry Phase 2 Government Progress Report
10 September 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
The Grenfell Tower fire was a preventable tragedy that claimed 72 lives and exposed deep-rooted weaknesses in the systems designed to keep people safe. The government has accepted the Inquiry’s findin...
Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill - New Clause 116
02 September 2026
Bill Debate
Led by this MP
I propose New Clause 116 to introduce a cap on donations from overseas contributors to political parties and candidates. This measure is necessary to ensure the integrity of our democratic process and...
Public Office (Accountability) Bill
14 July 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
13 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Death of Ann Widdecombe
13 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Foreign Interference in UK Politics
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Civil Service Pensions
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Asylum Accommodation
29 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
71.1%
69 of 97 votes
Aye Votes
23
23.7% of votes
No Votes
46
47.4% of votes
Abstentions
28
28.9% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
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
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
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 Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
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 Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
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 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
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
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
5
PMQs Asked
63
Ministerial Questions Asked
286
House of Commons Debates Involved
4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
2
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
97
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
+37% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+370% above average
This MP:
63
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+59% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+5785% above average
This MP:
286
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-79% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+3% above average
This MP:
71.1
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 Florence Eshalomi's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.