Joe Powell
MP for Kensington and Bayswater
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Can the Prime Minister ensure that north Kensington gets support from the Government at this difficult time? Can he outline what measures the Government will take to tackle gun violence and prevent young lives like Rene's from being taken in the future?
Context
15-year-old Rene Graham was shot and killed in north Kensington, causing anxiety among residents.
Keir Starmer
The loss of a teenage boy in west London is shocking. We have an ambition to drive down this sort of violence in our communities, and we are working with all mayors regardless of party.
Assessment
Specific measures against gun violence
Supporting All Mayors
Session: PMQs
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The Ethics and Integrity Commission has recommended a unified digital open lobbying register. Can the Minister outline immediate steps and assure that he will keep an open mind to this recommendation?
Context
The Ethics and Integrity Commission report highlighted the need for a unified digital open lobbying register to improve transparency.
Mark Ferguson
We recognise the need for better transparency on lobbying and are considering legislative reform carefully. We will respond to the EIC's report as soon as we can.
Session: Lobbying Ethics and Integrity Commission Report 2026-09-10
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The Ethics and Integrity Commission published a report on 9 July 2026. What assessment has been made of the potential implications for policies of this report?
Context
The Ethics and Integrity Commission published a report on 9 July 2026, assessing the implications for policies related to lobbying.
Mark Ferguson
The commission's work is being considered carefully. More can be done on transparency around lobbying and a response to Parliament will be presented in due course.
Session: Lobbying Ethics and Integrity Commission Report 2026-09-10
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Over the summer, the abuse of short-term lets in my community has continued with breaches of lease, antisocial behaviour, subletting of private rented properties and social housing, and even short-term lets hosting brothels. We still do not have a way of identifying where these lets are so that enforcement action can be taken, nor do we have a way of implementing London's 90-day cap on lets, so will the Secretary of State please do all she can to make it a priority to tackle these serious harms? Can she tell us when the register will go live, and will she work with those of us affected and local councils so that we can find solutions for our communities?
Context
The issue of short-term lets continues to affect communities with lease breaches, antisocial behaviour, subletting of private and social housing, and even short-term lets hosting brothels. There is no established method to identify these lets for enforcement.
Lisa Nandy
I assure my hon. Friend that we certainly will. The problem that he points to is a problem across the country. I recognise it in my own constituency of Wigan, where the council has taken decisive action to clamp down on houses in multiple occupation. What we have seen instead is short-term lets springing up to get around the ban, which is causing havoc in local communities. I can reassure my hon. Friend that in his first week in the job the Prime Minister asked me to accelerate this work, and that work is now continuing apace. In any case, the register will be up and running in full by March.
Session: Short-term Lets Regulation 2026-09-03
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What steps her Department is taking to improve the regulation of short-term lets. Over the summer, the abuse of short-term lets in my community has continued with breaches of lease, antisocial behaviour, subletting of private rented properties and social housing, and even short-term lets hosting brothels. We still do not have a way of identifying where these lets are so that enforcement action can be taken, nor do we have a way of implementing London's 90-day cap on lets, so will the Secretary of State please do all she can to make it a priority to tackle these serious harms? Can she tell us when the register will go live, and will she work with those of us affected and local councils so that we can find solutions for our communities?
Context
The regulation of short-term lets in communities is a growing concern, especially regarding lease breaches, antisocial behaviour, and the displacement of local residents. There is no established method to identify short-term lets for enforcement.
Lisa Nandy
I assure my hon. Friend that we certainly will. The problem that he points to is a problem across the country. I recognise it in my own constituency of Wigan, where the council has taken decisive action to clamp down on houses in multiple occupation. What we have seen instead is short-term lets springing up to get around the ban, which is causing havoc in local communities. I can reassure my hon. Friend that in his first week in the job the Prime Minister asked me to accelerate this work, and that work is now continuing apace. In any case, the register will be up and running in full by March.
Session: Short-term Lets Regulation 2026-09-03
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I warmly welcome the Government's swift introduction of the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026, which received Royal Assent last week. The activities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have caused huge concern across the country and in particular to my Iranian and Jewish communities. Can the Home Secretary update the House on when these new powers will begin to be used to protect our country from hostile, state-linked organisations and threats?
Context
Introduction of the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026, aimed at protecting the country from hostile state-linked organisations and threats.
Angela Eagle
Today, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has laid statutory instruments to designate three bodies engaged in foreign power threat activity under the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026. They are the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right, who have publicly claimed seven attacks at UK locations linked to Jewish and Israeli communities, and Persian language media; and Iran's IRGC; and Russia's GRU Volunteer Corps. Designation will make it an offence to support, assist or obtain benefits from any of these organisations.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-13
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Support for renewables in this country is now at 81% of the public. In every visit to meet young people, including students at Imperial College London, climate change is a top issue raised; they are concerned about their future. Will repealing the Climate Change Act 2008 affect our standing in international negotiations and Paris agreement commitments?
Context
The MP raises concerns about public opinion and youth engagement on climate change, questioning the impact of repealing the Climate Change Act.
Katie White
I agree with my hon. Friend's comments on public support for renewables being at 81%. This issue comes up frequently when visiting schools and I receive letters from people across constituencies expressing concern about climate change. The Climate Change Act was campaigned for by David Cameron, introduced by the Labour Government, and championed by every Conservative Prime Minister since, as it is a sensible way to handle long-term policy with flexibility.
Session: Climate Change International Discussions 2026-07-07
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What discussions has the Minister had with his international counterparts on tackling climate change? The recent data shows public support for renewables is at 81%. In every visit to meet young people, including students at Imperial College London, climate change is a top concern. Will repealing the Climate Change Act 2008 affect our standing in international negotiations and Paris agreement commitments?
Context
The MP asks about the government's international engagement on tackling climate change, referencing a major event in London attended by 75,000 people.
Katie White
I agree with my hon. Friend's comments on public support for renewables being at 81%. This issue comes up frequently when visiting schools and I receive letters from people across constituencies expressing concern about climate change. The Climate Change Act was campaigned for by David Cameron, introduced by the Labour Government, and championed by every Conservative Prime Minister since, as it is a sensible way to handle long-term policy with flexibility.
Session: Climate Change International Discussions 2026-07-07
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I thank the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister for asking the Ethics and Integrity Commission to review lobbying, disclosure and access to Government. Does he agree that given that has reported that the hon. Member for Clacton (Nigel Farage) lobbied for changes in cryptocurrency policy that would massively benefit Reform's biggest donor and, in fact, his £5 million personal benefactor, any look at strengthening the rules should include a look at lobbying cases involving the Bank of England?
Context
The MP brings up a case involving Nigel Farage's lobbying for cryptocurrency policy changes that would benefit his personal benefactor.
Darren Jones
I wonder where the hon. Member for Clacton (Nigel Farage) is? [Interruption.] Not in Clacton, I am told, Mr Speaker. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Kensington and Bayswater (Joe Powell) for his question, and his continued support for the Government's efforts to improve ethics and integrity in public life. The House knows that trust in politics is important, and that we have more work to do. That is why we have important rules about conflicts of interest, and why we must declare those conflicts of interest on the record, and then not lobby on behalf of donors or others who have sought to put money into our campaigns or other personal interests. The leader of Reform UK has said, “it's literally none of your business” in answer to questions about the £5 million crypto-donation. I am afraid that it is in the interests of the public, and he needs to answer questions about it. If he is acting on behalf of donors and asking questions in return for money, there should be consequences.
Session: Topical Questions
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We are seeing Lime bike leg injuries, antisocial parking, and pedestrian crossings being ignored—and one constituent of mine has even had multiple surgeries after a hit and run by a child on a hacked Lime bike. Every week the costs to the NHS and local authorities soar, while profits for the venture capitalists in California who started these companies go through the roof. I am really keen to see safer cycling in London—I am a keen cyclist myself—so will the Minister set out when the really important new regulations for the dockless e-bike sector will kick in for Londoners?
Context
There are concerns about safety, antisocial parking, and pedestrian crossings being ignored due to dockless e-bikes. Lime bike leg injuries and hit-and-run incidents have also been reported.
Simon Lightwood
I, too, want to see more cycling in London, and in towns and cities across the UK. Dockless cycles are one way to support that aim. We want to empower local leaders to shape shared cycle schemes so that they can deliver the greatest possible benefits and mitigate any possible issues. We will introduce local licensing regulations and guidance in the coming months.
Session: Topical Questions
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As we approach the ninth anniversary of the fire, next Sunday, the Metropolitan police have advised that they will hand over files to the Crown Prosecution Service by the end of September. The CPS is expected to make charging decisions, including on corporate manslaughter, by the time of the 10th anniversary of the fire, in 2027. The bereaved and survivors have already been waiting nearly a decade for justice, so will the Minister please provide whatever reassurance she can that the Government will work with the judiciary and the CPS to ensure court capacity, so that we can deliver justice as swiftly as possible from this point?
Context
With the ninth anniversary of the Grenfell fire approaching, there are concerns about the timeline for court capacity and justice delivery.
Ellie Reeves
I recognise that all those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire have faced a long and deeply painful wait for answers. Justice needs to be delivered as swiftly as possible. I understand that my colleagues in the Ministry of Justice have been working for months with police, prosecutors and courts to ensure that the system is ready to hear complex cases without further delay.
Session: Corporate Manslaughter Prosecution
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What steps is she taking with Cabinet colleagues to help improve prosecution rates for corporate manslaughter cases? My thoughts—and, I am sure, those of the whole House—remain with the bereaved families, survivors and those affected. Introducing corporate manslaughter legislation was one of the great achievements of the last Labour Government.
Context
The question stems from concerns about the prosecution rates for corporate manslaughter cases, especially in light of the Grenfell tragedy which has seen a long wait for justice.
Ellie Reeves
Introducing corporate manslaughter legislation was one of the great achievements of the last Labour Government. Cases involving allegations of corporate manslaughter are considered by specialist prosecutors in the Crown Prosecution Service's special crime division, which deals with some of the most complex and sensitive cases.
Session: Corporate Manslaughter Prosecution
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The much-loved Pembridge hospice in north Kensington has been closed to in-patients for several years, meaning that an area with acute health inequality has very limited palliative care options, despite a promise from the new West London integrated care board to provide enhanced care beds in all its boroughs. Will the Minister join me in urging the ICB to set up a meaningful engagement process with residents to secure these urgent care beds as soon as possible, potentially at Pembridge, and to bring proper palliative and end-of-life options back to our community?
Stephen Kinnock
I thank my hon. Friend for his question; he is a strong voice for palliative care and for Pembridge hospice in his constituency. Palliative care is vital in our communities, and I completely agree that ICBs, like West London, should engage with their local communities to ensure that they can meet their palliative care needs.
Session: Topical Questions
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Why has the government's programme failed to recognise the impact on organisations across Bristol South? What steps she is taking to introduce a Ukrainian GCSE alongside educators and representatives from AQA exam board, who have met with Powell and others?
Context
Ukrainian children, including those in the Ukrainian St Mary’s Trust with headquarters in Kensington and Bayswater, lack access to formal qualifications in their language despite being warmly welcomed. Some have to take exams in Russian which undermines their national identity.
Georgia Gould
Grateful for all brilliant educators who have welcomed Ukrainian children; positive conversations ongoing. Delighted to meet hon. Friend and educators to support taking this forward.
Session: Ukrainian GCSE
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T3. The Prime Minister was clear this week that the wild promises of Brexit have hurt our economy, eroded trust in politics and that there is no credible economic future for Britain without a closer relationship with the European Union. I completely agree. Can the Minister set out when he expects a youth experience scheme to be agreed and confirm that we will seek to rejoin Erasmus on terms that ensure that young people from all backgrounds can access opportunities across the European Union?
Context
The Prime Minister's acknowledgment that Brexit has hurt the economy and eroded trust in politics.
The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Chris Ward)
As I said in response to an earlier question, we are in the process of negotiating the EU youth experience scheme, which came out of the agreement secured earlier in the year. We are also seeking associate membership in Erasmus. Those are just two examples of how we will try to take on a much closer relationship with the EU that will have benefits for young people, the economy and cultural exchange.
Session: Topical Questions
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At every resident meeting I host, I hear horror stories about the misuse of short-term lets, including illegal sub-letting, breaching London’s 78-day cap, late-night parties, and conditions that violate building insurance and fire safety. When will the hugely welcome mandatory register for short-term lets come online, and what difference will it make to ensuring that homes are not hotels?
Context
The member has heard horror stories about the misuse of short-term lets in his constituency, including illegal sub-letting and breaching London’s 90-day cap. This issue affects local residents negatively.
Stephanie Peacock
My hon. Friend makes an important point. This Government are committed to ensuring that short-term lets actively benefit our local communities, and we will implement a short-term lets registration scheme in England in 2026. I know that this issue is of significant interest to Members from across the House, and I would be delighted to meet him to discuss it further.
Session: Topical Questions
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Earlier this month I visited the Spear programme in north Kensington, which is doing fantastic work in supporting young people back into employment through programmes that the DWP data lab has found to have a significant impact. Could the Secretary of State outline how evidence produced by units such as the data lab will help guide the trailblazer funding to get young people back into work?
Context
The DWP data lab has found that the Spear programme in north Kensington significantly impacts young people's employment.
Pat McFadden
The Spear programme was one of the first organisations to go through an evaluation with the data lab a few years ago. I am pleased to tell my hon. Friend that the findings from that were really positive, and I am delighted that his constituency is located in one of the youth guarantee trailblazer areas. As we have reiterated several times, it is crucial that we do everything we can to help young people into work and address the issue, which we inherited, of people not in employment, education or training.
Session: Topical Questions
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I also welcome my right hon. Friend to her place. Does she agree that Reform’s reckless plans to scrap the Online Safety Act would fail a generation of young people, including all the parents and children in my constituency of Kensington and Bayswater who have joined my local campaign to protect children online?
Context
The question arises from a local campaign in Kensington and Bayswater to protect children online, raising concerns about the potential rollback of protections by Reform.
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Liz Kendall)
Yes. If Reform Members are so concerned about the Online Safety Act, why are they not here in the Chamber asking me questions about it? Reform wants to scrap the Act, which would mean ripping up protections that crack down on revenge porn, violent misogynistic content, and posts encouraging self-harm or suicide. I commend my hon. Friend on his campaign. Families in his constituency want action, and that is what we intend to take. Finally, we are putting child safety first by taking down illegal content, taming toxic algorithms and making age-inappropriate content harder to access. We will go further if we need to.
Session: Online Safety Act 2023 Effectiveness
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In Kensington and Bayswater, there is now a staggering 19-year gap in life expectancy between men living in Notting Dale and those living in Holland Park—which are just hundreds of metres apart—and that gap has grown in recent years. The Minister knows that this is a whole-of-society issue to do with housing, employment and education, but can he outline what steps the Department are taking to help inner-city areas with very high levels of health inequality, such as that experienced by my constituents in Kensington?
Context
There is a significant gap in life expectancy between men living in Notting Dale and those living in Holland Park, which are just hundreds of metres apart. This disparity has been growing.
Wes Streeting
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for pointing out those stark differences in healthy life expectancy within a single inner London borough that contains some of the richest people on earth, as well as some of the poorest in our country. As for what we are doing as a Government, in addition to making sure that funding follows need and that we are tackling deprivation, our approach to neighbourhood health should make sure that we are working proactively in those communities that have the highest level of need, including pockets of deprivation within areas of higher affluence. Of course, as our plan recognises and as our mission-driven approach addresses, there are so many social determinants of ill health, including poverty, a lack of good work, damp housing, dirty air, and an inability to access culture and leisure opportunities that are affordable for everyone, not just the privileged few. Those are the issues that this Government are addressing, consistent with the Labour values that got us elected.
Session: Health Inequalities
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I thank the Minister for all her hard work to bring together procurement information centrally for the first time and to improve the quality of that data. What progress has been made to push that out to the public in the dashboards and analytics that will help us track and improve the public procurement system and monitor the Government's strategic goals of backing British small and medium-sized enterprises and supporting key sectors of the economy?
Context
Two weeks ago, the government outlined plans to ensure billions invested in infrastructure will create jobs and opportunities. The plan includes recognizing critical industries for national security.
Georgia Gould (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
I thank my hon. Friend for his continued advocacy for greater transparency in procurement, which we know delivers better value for money and better services. We have set up the central digital platform, which now holds over 4,000 pipeline notices, and we will soon make available a data platform that will facilitate detailed analysis of SME participation. We expect that to be available to procurement teams soon, and we are scoping how we will make it available to the wider public.
Session: Public Procurement Reform
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As the Minister is no doubt aware, an increasingly common issue on our high streets is phoenixing. That is where a shop unit continues to trade while cycling through multiple limited companies every few months, none of which pays corporation tax, VAT or business rates. Can the Minister encourage officials at His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to walk along Whitehall, just a few hundred metres from this Chamber, and take a look at whether the series of Harry Potter-themed gift shops across London—which have been accused by “London Centric” of doing exactly that—are playing by the rules? Will they ensure that tax enforcement supports legitimate small businesses on our high streets?
Context
A common issue on high streets is phoenixing, where businesses cycle through multiple limited companies to avoid paying corporation tax, VAT or business rates. This practice is alleged in Harry Potter-themed gift shops across London.
James Murray (Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury)
My hon. Friend is a powerful campaigner and advocate for tackling those who do not play by the rules. While I am unable to comment on individual taxpayer affairs because of my position, I very much recognise the issue. We are determined to tackle this problem, and HMRC is working across Government on enforcement action, including work with Companies House and the Insolvency Service to tackle phoenixism.
Session: Tax Evasion High Street Businesses
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The Imperial College healthcare NHS trust has the largest high-risk repair backlog in the country. The support from the Government estates safety fund is very welcome, but to solve this problem we ultimately need a new St Mary’s hospital. Will the Secretary of State join me in praising the work of the new three-year St Mary’s taskforce, which aims to get to full planning consent and explore different financing models so that we can finally get this hospital built?
Context
The Imperial College healthcare NHS trust has the largest high-risk repair backlog, and a new St Mary’s hospital is needed to solve the problem.
Wes Streeting
I thank my hon. Friend for the work that he and my hon. Friend the Member for Cities of London and Westminster (Rachel Blake) are leading in partnership with the trust and Westminster city council to ensure that the people of his constituency have the hospital they deserve. As he knows, this will be the most complicated scheme in the new hospital programme, but that is no excuse for the years of delay that the scheme has faced. The trust now boasts the biggest high-risk repair backlog in the country, so my hon. Friend is right to ensure that this is not allowed to be put in the “too difficult” pile again. We look forward to engaging constructively and doing everything that we can to expedite the progress that is desperately needed for his community and our city.
Session: NHS Buildings Maintenance Backlogs
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Small businesses on our high streets across my constituency, from Earl’s Court Road to Queensway, Notting Hill Gate and Portobello Road, are fed up of being blighted by candy shops, low-grade souvenir shops, Harry Potter shops and even barbershops, with accusations of VAT and business rates evasion and even links to money laundering and serious organised crime. Can the Minister outline what steps the Department is taking, in conjunction with the Minister responsible for high streets, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and the National Crime Agency, to crack down on these operations and create a legitimate level playing field for our small businesses?
Context
The MP mentioned specific business types in his constituency that are linked to criminal activities such as VAT evasion, money laundering and serious organised crime. He requested detailed steps the government is taking.
Gareth Thomas
I recognise that my hon. Friend has been very persistent on this issue, and he is entirely right to be so. We have been working with colleagues in the Home Office and the National Crime Agency to take action to crack down on illegitimate businesses that threaten to undermine the legitimate ones that exist on all of our high streets. In March, the National Economic Crime Centre co-ordinated a three-week crackdown on barbershops and other cash-intensive businesses where there were concerns, visiting almost 400 premises and securing freezing orders over a series of bank accounts totalling more than £1 million.
Session: Support for Small Businesses
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Can the Minister commit to working with the Treasury to look at all non-ODA instruments in which Britain could show leadership and fund our development programmes?
Context
The reduction to 0.3% will require painful decisions but innovative financing mechanisms could support development programmes.
Stephen Doughty (The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I absolutely can make that commitment. We are looking at all measures by which we can support development and economic growth globally, working with multilateral partners.
Session: Official Development Assistance Budget
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I recently visited the North Kensington jobcentre to learn about its support for young people and discuss the potential for working more closely with our brilliant local college, the North Kensington Centre for Skills, so that people can access opportunities in industries such as trades and housing. Will the Minister outline what more the Department is doing to bring together colleges and jobcentres for young people?
Context
The MP visited the North Kensington jobcentre to understand support for young people and discussed potential collaboration with a local college. The area is covered by a youth guarantee trailblazer funded by the Greater London Authority.
The Minister for Employment (Alison McGovern)
I thank my hon. Friend both for his question and for going to see the team at the North Kensington jobcentre; there is a really dedicated team of five work coaches specifically for young people. I am working with colleagues in the Department for Education on the development of Skills England so that in the future our work coaches—for example, the five who serve his constituency and look after young people—will have much closer access to get them into courses and get them building to move our economy and their careers on.
Session: Education, Employment and Training Kensington and Bayswater
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As we approach the eighth anniversary of Grenfell, there is still no justice for the bereaved and survivors, but we do now have a Government response to the national inquiry. Grenfell campaigners have been clear with me that they want to see the promised changes implemented, but they are sceptical, given previous failures of the state to learn the lessons from past disasters. Does the Minister agree that as part of, or alongside, the very welcome commitment to a Hillsborough law, there should be a national oversight mechanism to ensure that when inquiries are set up, they lead to meaningful change?
Context
The MP discusses the eighth anniversary of the Grenfell tragedy, highlighting skepticism about the government's commitment to implementing changes from public inquiries. They advocate for a national oversight mechanism to ensure meaningful change.
Nick Thomas-Symonds (Nick Thomas-Symonds)
My hon. Friend is a powerful advocate on this issue. It is incredibly important that the Government are held to account for the implementation of inquiry recommendations. It is why the Government have already committed to establishing a publicly accessible record of recommendations made by public inquiries since 2024. We will ensure that becomes standard practice in the future. We are also considering wider reform of the inquiries landscape.
Session: Topical Questions
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More than half my constituency casework consists of substandard repairs, poor quality communications from social landlords, and damp and mould. That is why this week I am launching a new safe and healthy homes campaign in Kensington and Bayswater. Will the Minister outline how the Government will work with councils and housing associations, ahead of changes in the law and policy frameworks such as Awaab’s law, to improve standards for social tenants, including in my constituency?
Context
More than half of Joe Powell's casework involves substandard repairs, poor quality communications from social landlords, damp and mould. He is launching a new safe and healthy homes campaign.
Matthew Pennycook
We are working closely with the sector and talking through how we can best implement reforms such as Awaab’s law and our intended overhaul of the decent homes standard. As I said in a previous question, all resident providers of social housing are required to deliver the outcomes of regulatory standards that are set by the independent regulator.
Session: Topical Questions
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I recently met the family of Luke, a devoted husband and father of two who developed a gambling addiction in 2018 and relapsed during the pandemic, tragically taking his own life. The inquest found that Betfair failed to act, issuing a prevention of future deaths report. In light of this tragic case and calls for reform on betting shops, will the Secretary of State set out what action the Government are taking to restrict gambling advertising and better protect people like Luke from gambling harms?
Context
The MP referenced a case involving Luke, who developed a gambling addiction in 2018, relapsed during the pandemic, and tragically took his life. The inquest found that Betfair failed to act and issued a prevention of future deaths report.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that serious issue and extending sincere condolences to Luke’s family. The Government believe advertising should be socially responsible, tasking the gambling industry with raising standards to ensure levels of gambling advertising do not exacerbate harm. We will continue to review evidence including tragic cases like Luke's.
Session: Gambling Harms
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What discussions he has had with the Electoral Commission on the arrangements for the publication of the first strategy and policy statement? The Elections Act 2022 passed by the previous Government imposed a strategy and policy statement on the Electoral Commission, undermining its independence for some confected agenda about voter fraud, and eroding trust and confidence in the commission. Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that the best course of action would be not to publish a further strategy and policy statement until such a time as the legislation can be reviewed?
Context
The Elections Act 2022 imposed a requirement for the Electoral Commission to publish a strategy and policy statement, which some argue undermines its independence. Joe Powell raises concerns about this issue.
Jeremy Wright (Kenilworth and Southam)
I can tell the hon. Gentleman that that is the commission’s view. He will know that the commission remains opposed to the principle of a strategy and policy statement, and views such a mechanism as inconsistent with its independent role.
Session: Strategy and Policy Statement
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T7. I warmly welcome the massive sanctions package announced yesterday by the Government, but does the Foreign Secretary agree that China should be taking a significantly more proactive role in preventing its companies from supplying Russia’s military?
Context
The UK Government announced a large sanctions package against Russia. The questioner seeks to know if China should take a more proactive role in preventing its companies from supporting Russia.
The Minister for Development (Anneliese Dodds)
I thank my hon. Friend for his praise and support for the action that the Foreign Secretary has just mentioned. This was our largest ever sanctions package since the start of Russia’s illegal and barbarous invasion. We and our G7 allies are absolutely clear on the principle that Russia must pay for the damage that it is causing to Ukraine, and we of course look at third country routes by which support is being given to Russia’s illegal actions in Ukraine. As part of the package announced yesterday we are taking a number of steps in that regard, including with companies in China.
Session: Topical Questions
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In recent years, the UK has slid down the international league table on tackling corruption. Given the threat of corruption to our democracy, economy and national security, will the Minister say whether the Government intend to publish a new comprehensive anti-corruption strategy?
Context
The UK has slid down the international league table on tackling corruption.
The Minister for Security (Dan Jarvis)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for the work he does on the all-party parliamentary group on anti-corruption and responsible tax. I can confirm that the Government take the threat of corruption, illicit finance and kleptocracy extremely seriously, which is why we announced that we will publish a new UK anti-corruption strategy this year. The new strategy will include measures that make it harder for corrupt actors to operate, strengthen global resilience to corruption, and address the UK’s vulnerabilities to corruption, including through ways to ensure that all those in public service are held to the highest standards.
Session: Topical Questions
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It was, in fact, a Conservative Secretary of State who forced fare rises on Transport for London in exchange for covid emergency funding. What steps will my right hon. Friend take to put TfL on a better footing in the future, including backing great projects such as the one in my constituency to upgrade and provide step-free access at one of the busiest stations in the country at South Kensington?
Context
The Member highlighted that a Conservative Secretary of State forced fare increases on TfL during the pandemic, raising concerns about future funding stability.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right: in the middle of a global pandemic, the Conservatives were still obsessed with settling old political scores over fares in London, rather than doing right by the capital. I vividly remember a meeting with the then Secretary of State to discuss how we could keep services safely running, which ended with him telling me, “This would have been so much easier if you hadn’t frozen fares.” Unlike the Conservatives, this Government will always do right by the capital, as well as the rest of the country.
Session: Cost of Rail Services
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Gaza’s devastation needs a strong international coalition for reconstruction and humanitarian aid. Two pieces of legislation have come into effect that will ban UNRWA operations in areas under Israeli occupation. What actions are the Government taking to prevent these humanitarian aid operations from collapsing?
Context
The Minister was asked about actions taken to prevent the collapse of humanitarian aid operations in Gaza, particularly concerning UNRWA's operations under Israeli occupation.
The Minister for Development (Anneliese Dodds)
My hon. Friend is right; Gaza’s recovery needs will be vast, and they are extremely serious. The UK is engaged with partners on assessing those needs, and working together so that we can ensure that the unprecedented scale of destruction in Gaza is remediated. We continue to work with partners on this, and the UK Government’s position on UNWRA has been articulated a number of times from this Dispatch Box: we believe that it must be able to continue to operate.
Session: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
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In recent weeks we have seen the unedifying spectacle of opposition parties trying to curry favour with one particular foreign billionaire. However, this issue is much bigger than Elon Musk. Transparency International UK estimates that £1 in every £10 in our system—£150 million since 2021—comes from questionable or unknown sources. When will these proposals come forward, so that we can debate them in the House and tackle this threat to our democracy?
Context
Recent controversies involving foreign billionaires donating to opposition parties have raised concerns about the adequacy of current rules on non-UK citizen donations.
Jeremy Wright
As the hon. Member will understand, proposals to change the law must come from the Government—with whom, I gently suggest, he has more influence than I do—but he is right that transparency is crucial. It is important that we understand the source of the donations, so that the political parties that accept them can be properly held to account.
Session: Foreign Donations to UK Political Parties
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My constituents in Kensington and Bayswater regularly raise this issue with me, and are looking forward to the registration scheme, not least so that we can better enforce the 90-day rule in London. Does the Minister have any further information on when that scheme will come online? Has he considered giving councils licensing powers, perhaps through the devolution Bill, so that where a high concentration of short-term lets is taking properties out of the private rented sector, we can consider the numbers?
Context
Local constituents in Kensington and Bayswater have raised concerns about the impact of short-term lets, particularly the need to enforce the 90-day rule.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism (Chris Bryant)
We have already done the initial phase. I hope that we will be able to make an announcement fairly soon about the technical elements, which we hope to get up and running this year. We are in discussions with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, because we want to make sure that the scheme works and delivers what people want, which is a really strong local visitor economy, but we do not want to undermine local housing strategies.
Session: Short-term Lets Regulation
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What steps are being taken to ensure that the SFO actively fulfils its role as the primary enforcement body for foreign bribery?
Context
Transparency International has assessed the UK as having reduced enforcement of foreign bribery measures, and no public confirmation of a new investigation since 2020.
Sarah Sackman
I acknowledge my hon. Friend's proud track record in highlighting economic crime and his work in exposing dirty money. I met the director of the Serious Fraud Office yesterday in this House. We are working closely together to crack down on corruption, fraud, and bribery, and I assure my hon. Friend that the SFO is working incredibly hard in that area.
Session: Serious Fraud Office
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I have worked for many years with London School of Economics academic and UK resident Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, who has been arbitrarily detained in Azerbaijan since July 2023 for uncovering corruption in the fossil fuel industry, despite a severe medical condition. During COP29, will Ministers meet their Azerbaijani counterparts to urge them to drop the charges and to release him?
Context
The question refers to Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, a London School of Economics academic who was detained in Azerbaijan for uncovering corruption in the fossil fuel industry.
Kerry McCarthy
I understand that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Minister has raised the case with the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister and urged allowing Dr Ibadoghlu to travel overseas for specialist medical care if required. We will continue to use our diplomatic channels to raise our concerns about the protection of freedom and human rights in Azerbaijan, including for my hon. Friend's constituent.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will she go further and commit to ending it then, and if not, to returning to this House for a fresh vote on it?
Context
The government has implemented an early release scheme which will be reviewed after 18 months. The questioner seeks a firm commitment regarding the continuation or termination of this scheme.
Shabana Mahmood
I have committed to the review, because that is the appropriate way, and I will not make early promises that might not be kept. I have committed to both transparency and a review. We will publish all the data on a quarterly basis and I will return to the House with the results of the review and the approach that we will take at that point.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister outline what steps the Government are taking to address trade barriers between UK businesses and the EU?
Context
Businesses in Kensington and Bayswater are frustrated by the adversarial relationship with the EU.
Douglas Alexander
The reset is about turning the page and reinvigorating our alliance with EU neighbours. We aim to build stronger cooperation in areas like security, law enforcement, and economic security.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Chancellor update us on the progress in appointing the covid corruption commissioner and whether they will take evidence from corruption campaigners such as Transparency International?
Context
Concern about Transparency International report identifying contracts worth £4.1 billion awarded to parties with political connections to the Conservative party.
Darren Jones
We are appointing a fixed-term covid fraud commissioner through an open competition that is now running as of this morning. The commissioner will make sure everything is done to return money owed to the taxpayer. It will report to the Chancellor, working with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and will report to Parliament in due course.
Session: Topical Questions
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On Wednesday, the phase 2 report of the Grenfell inquiry will be published, and I am sure that the whole House will join me in remembering the 72 residents who lost their lives in an entirely preventable tragedy over seven years ago. Four recommendations for central Government are still outstanding from the phase 1 report, including personalised emergency evacuation plans for disabled people. Will the Secretary of State update us on the progress in implementing the phase 1 recommendations in full?
Context
The phase 2 report of the Grenfell inquiry will be published, and four outstanding recommendations from phase 1 include personalized emergency evacuation plans for disabled people.
Angela Rayner
My hon. Friend is absolutely right: this week will be very difficult for the community around Grenfell, including the survivors and those who lost loved ones. He is also right to say that there are outstanding measures from phase 1. The Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the hon. Member for Bethnal Green and Stepney (Rushanara Ali), made a written ministerial statement today that will hopefully show where the Government intend to go, but there is a lot that needs to be done.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
London’s National Economic Contribution
10 July 2025
Responding: Alex Norris
Main Concerns
["The global crash in 1908 led to productivity flatlining, stagnation hurting London's prospects and regional divides deepening. The promise of levelling up was nothing more than a gimmick, with no real effort to tackle regional inequality."]
Specific Asks
['To unlock London’s full potential, it is necessary to ensure the city remains a magnet for global talent by reforming immigration policies, delivering homes that support strong communities, and providing a transport system fit for a world-leading city.']
Overseas Territories: Tax Transparency
05 February 2025
Responding: James Murray
Main Concerns
["The debate highlights how billions of pounds from suspicious funds have been used to purchase UK properties through shell companies registered in overseas territories, with £5.9 billion in total and £1.1 billion specifically in Joe Powell's constituency. The use of anonymous trusts as ownership vehicles allows the UK property market to continue as a laundromat for illicit finance, accounting for 40% of foreign-owned property."]
Specific Asks
['The lead MP asks the Government to look at closing this loophole and adding trusts to the property register as soon as possible to help fight economic crime and revitalise high streets by allowing enforcement action when true owners cannot be tracked down.']
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 ...
Foreign Interference in UK Politics
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Sudan
25 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Grenfell Tower Fire: Ninth Anniversary
11 June 2026
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
On the ninth anniversary of the Grenfell tower fire, MP Joe Powell paid tribute to the victims and advocated for criminal accountability for those responsible. He highlighted the ongoing cladding cris...
Lord Mandelson Humble Address: Government Response
01 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government and Regeneration Bill - Lords amendments engaging Commons financial privilege and other Lords amendments to be discussed
21 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to disagree with Lords amendment 2. Proposes several Government motions to disagree with multiple Lords amendments and offers alternatives in lieu of others.
Foreign Financial Influence and Interference: UK Politics
25 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
International Development
19 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Lord Mandelson: Response to Humble Address Motion
11 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Grenfell Tower Annual Report
25 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
85.7%
84 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
31
31.6% of votes
No Votes
53
54.1% of votes
Abstentions
14
14.3% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
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
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
1
PMQs Asked
42
Ministerial Questions Asked
60
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
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
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+213% above average
This MP:
42
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1135% above average
This MP:
60
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+24% above average
This MP:
85.7
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 Joe Powell's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.