Josh Babarinde
MP for Eastbourne
Lib Dem
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Eastbourne pier is an iconic part of our heritage, economy, and my personal identity. The residents are concerned after a company connected to the pier fell into liquidation, with maintenance costs being very high. Will the Deputy Prime Minister support my 'Protect Our Pier' campaign and meet me to discuss emergency measures?
Context
Eastbourne pier is an iconic landmark facing concerns over its future due to liquidation and high maintenance costs.
David Lammy
The government has allocated £20 million of Pride in Place funding for Eastbourne regeneration. The hon. Gentleman is meeting the Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to discuss his campaign.
Assessment
Did not directly address emergency measures or specific support for the 'Protect Our Pier' campaign
Session: PMQs
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Lewis—not his real name—is an Eastbourne boy with special educational needs who was left traumatised after his passenger assistant relentlessly and brutally restrained him on his home-to-school transport. What happened on that day only became clear to Lewis’s mum, who is in the Gallery today, when he returned home visibly distressed and bruised, and that is because, shockingly, there is no statutory requirement to report incidents of physical restraint on school transport, nor national training standards. Will the Prime Minister address this loophole in his upcoming special educational needs and disabilities reforms to ensure that SEND children in Eastbourne and beyond can travel to school with the safety and dignity that they deserve?
Context
Case of a child with special educational needs who was traumatised after being restrained by his passenger assistant.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
Can I say to the hon. Member and to Lewis’s mum, who is with us today, that incidents like that should not be happening? I think he has met an Education Minister to discuss this matter. Every child should have tailored support, including on transport to school, and I can reassure him and Lewis’s mum that that principle will be central to our reforms.
Session: PMQs
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Eastbourne resident Pam was given a cheque for £125,000 by her terminally ill partner, which she went on to cash in. However, an error by the bank, Barclays, meant that only £125 was deposited. Barclays admitted the error, and then said it would compensate her with £250 for the inconvenience caused. Will the Prime Minister work with me to ensure that Barclays bank pays Pam the compensation she needs and deserves? While we are here, will he commit to imposing a windfall tax on the excess profits of banks like Barclays to bring bills down for struggling residents?
Context
An error by Barclays bank led to a constituent receiving only £125 instead of the intended £125,000, with the bank offering only £250 in compensation. The MP also seeks a commitment for imposing a windfall tax on excess profits from banks.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
The case of the hon. Gentleman’s constituent Pam is staggeringly bad—absolutely terrible. If he could provide me with the full details, I will make sure that the Government join him in doing whatever we can in his constituent’s case.
Assessment
windfall tax on banks
Change Of Subject
Avoiding Commitment
Session: PMQs
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Eastbourne war veteran Staff Sergeant Pauline Cole sustained injuries while serving our country. She was awarded military compensation, but because military compensation is currently considered income by this Government, her pension credit has been cut from £77 a week to just £11 a week. We have met the relevant Minister to try to address this to no avail. With the 80th anniversary of VE Day just next week, will the Prime Minister meet Pauline, who is in the Gallery, and I to address this injustice and ensure that no veteran is penalised for serving our country?
Context
The MP highlighted a case where a war veteran, Staff Sergeant Pauline Cole, saw her pension credit reduced due to military compensation being considered income by the Government.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I thank the hon. Member for raising this important issue with us. We will always stand up for those who served our country, and I pay tribute to Pauline for her service. I will ensure that she gets the appropriate meeting that she wants and needs to discuss her specific case.
Session: PMQs
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Seventeen-year-old Oakley Meer lost his life in a collision on Beachy Head Road in Eastbourne. Will the Minister meet me and Oakley's family to discuss how we can improve road safety on that treacherous road?
Context
Seventeen-year-old Oakley Meer lost his life in a collision on Beachy Head Road, Eastbourne. The questioner seeks a meeting to discuss road safety measures.
Lilian Greenwood
I extend my sympathies to the family, who are the hon. Member's constituents. I would, of course, be very happy to meet them to talk about what we can do to improve safety on that road, as we are doing across the country.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-16
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Would the Minister meet with Josh Babarinde and the family of Pauline Cole to address this compensation injustice?
Context
Civil compensation is disregarded from pension credit entitlement, but military compensation is not.
Calvin Bailey
I will meet with the hon. Gentleman and the family.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-06
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Disgracefully, some believe football can prevent domestic abuse. In reality, perpetrators must stop abusing. Will you join me in celebrating Eastbourne Survivors' amazing work to support folks recovering from abuse?
Context
The MP celebrates the work of Eastbourne Survivors, an organisation supporting survivors of abuse on a voluntary basis.
Catherine Atkinson
I absolutely join the hon. Gentleman in celebrating the work of Eastbourne Survivors. Domestic violence is a choice for perpetrators, not about football results.
Session: Support for Victims of Abuse 2026-06-30
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Will the Government back the campaign to ensure that Eastbourne pier continues to stand strong?
Context
Campaign for Eastbourne pier registration as an asset of community value to safeguard its future.
Nesil Caliskan
Having served as a council leader, I know just how important community assets are, and I am happy to meet the hon. Member to discuss the matter further.
Session: Topical Questions
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Residents of Park Avenue in Eastbourne like David Tomlinson and Cat Harris have been campaigning with the headteacher of Ratton school, Gavin Peevers, and folks in my team like Euan Morrison to make their road safer after cats have been struck by speeding cars and children have had near misses on the way into school. The previous Conservative-led county council failed to implement more traffic-calming measures to tackle speeding and road safety, so will the Secretary of State join me in encouraging the new Reform-led county council to tackle those issues on Park Avenue?
Context
Residents in Park Avenue, Eastbourne have been campaigning for traffic-calming measures to improve road safety after cats and children had near misses due to speeding cars.
Heidi Alexander
I commend the hon. Gentleman for his campaigning on this issue. We do need to make the environment around schools safer for children. Some of the most successful and enduring interventions to improve road safety have been things like school streets initiatives. If traffic-calming measures can reduce the number of people being killed or seriously injured, it is right that local authorities look at the local situation and do not hesitate to make the interventions that could make all the difference.
Session: Road Safety
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Following power outages at Eastbourne district general hospital that left operations and birth services suspended, hospital bosses submitted a strategic bid for more than £10 million to the estates safety fund to urgently fix the problem, which was rejected. How does the Secretary of State expect our hospital to provide consistent and safe care to patients if the power goes out?
Context
There have been power outages at Eastbourne district general hospital that left operations and birth services suspended. The hospital submitted a strategic bid for over £10 million to the estates safety fund which was rejected.
James Murray
I am aware of the issues at Eastbourne district general hospital. Patients, staff and visitors deserve better than power cuts and electrical failures, which is why this Government have set out a credible and deliverable plan to deliver the new hospitals programme. I would gently remind the hon. Gentleman and his constituents that many of the problems that the NHS estate faces today stem from its being starved of £37 billion of capital investment in the 2010s, when the Lib Dems were in government.
Session: Topical Questions
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This Armed Forces Day will mark the first that Eastbourne commemorates without Staff Sergeant Pauline Cole, a local veteran who died last year. Will the Minister review the arrangement where Pauline's pension credit was cut because her military compensation was considered as income?
Context
The speaker raises the case of Staff Sergeant Pauline Cole who faced issues with her pension credit due to military compensation.
Louise Jones
I thank the hon. Member for raising that important issue, and I am very sorry to hear about Pauline. As I am sure he knows, the interplay between benefits that are available to the general public and military benefits can be complex, but I should add that there are mechanisms to ensure that no veteran is left out in that interplay.
Session: Armed Forces Day
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NHS Sussex found that Eastbourne is one of the most digitally excluded patches of Sussex despite being the sunniest town in the UK. Great organisations like TechResort help bridge the digital divide but will be scuppered by the closing of the digital inclusion innovation fund; its last grant expired last month. Will the Minister commit to reviewing the reopening of that fund, and set out a timeline for that?
Context
NHS Sussex identified Eastbourne as one of the most digitally excluded areas despite its sunny weather. TechResort, run by Liz Crew and Will Callaghan, faces challenges due to the closing of the digital inclusion innovation fund.
James Frith
The hon. Gentleman raises a very important point; I know that he has an excellent record in this area. The digital inclusion fund was designed as a one-year programme to allow us to understand what works in digital inclusion. I share his concerns. We remain committed to building a digitally inclusive society, and that includes our public services which we are making more personalised, joined up and digital so that everybody is included and benefits from them.
Session: Digital Inclusion
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What steps she is taking to support grassroot organisations working to improve digital inclusion. The questioner highlights the importance of such organisations and their role in bridging the digital divide.
Context
The question arises from the need to support grassroots organisations that are working on improving digital inclusion.
James Frith
The Labour Government are the first in a decade to publish a digital inclusion action plan, to ensure that everybody benefits from our digital society. Seventy-three per cent of the £11.9 million digital inclusion innovation fund supported charities, many of them grassroots organisations. Through the digital ID work that I lead, we are supporting digital inclusion, and we are engaging expert grassroots organisations directly to ensure that we get this right, and that they are included.
Session: Digital Inclusion
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I am sure that the House will join me in paying tribute to the former Minister for victims, the hon. Member for Pontypridd (Alex Davies-Jones), for her amazing work. I wish the new Minister the best of luck in the role. Some 90% of young men and boys incarcerated for violent offences have experienced or witnessed domestic abuse or another form of abuse at home. The Government are investing in increasing the number of independent domestic violence advisers available to adult survivors, but there is no like-for-like equivalent for children to access that kind of direct advocacy. Will the Justice Secretary consider that proposal, which a number of victims charities have advocated for, to ensure that young men and boys have the domestic abuse support that they need and deserve?
Context
Many young men and boys incarcerated for violent offences have experienced or witnessed domestic abuse. The speaker is concerned about the lack of direct advocacy support for these individuals.
David Lammy
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for allowing me to pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for Pontypridd (Alex Davies-Jones) for her tremendous work. I think the whole House will recognise that, as a Minister, she was entirely on top of her brief and she commanded the respect of victims groups right across our country. The hon. Gentleman makes an important point and I will look closely at what more we can do for young people who experience domestic violence.
Session: Criminal Justice System Support for Men and Boys
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Does the Minister agree that we should be expanding services to support autistic people into work instead of shutting them down? The Conservatives are closing such services in Eastbourne. What action will be taken?
Context
The MP is concerned about the closure of CLASS+ service by East Sussex county council, which supported people with autism towards independent futures including employment.
Stephen Timms
I agree with the hon. Member about the importance of expanding support for autistic people into work, not shutting them down. We received an expert academic panel report on neurodiversity in the workplace last year and are considering its recommendations.
Session: Autism Employment
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In February, Capita said to Eastbourne resident Keith that his civil service pension would be paid by March. By March, it said his pension would be paid in April. Now it says that it will not be paid before May. How will the Minister intervene to hold this cowboy corporate to account?
Nick Thomas-Symonds
The Cabinet Office has been withholding milestone payments from Capita. We have a robust recovery plan, which says that full contractual service has to be restored by the end of June. I have been absolutely clear that I will consider all options at that moment, but I would be grateful if the hon. Member could write to me with the details of his constituent’s case.
Session: Topical Questions
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The vicar, Mother Arwen, needs to know when the places of worship renewal fund will open. Will the Second Church Estates Commissioner visit Eastbourne to support a fundraising appeal for St Mary's church?
Context
St Mary's church in Old Town, Eastbourne, a grade I listed church built in the 12th century, requires urgent repairs to its roof and east window. The restoration is estimated at half-a-million pounds.
Marsha de Cordova
The answerer stated that she would try to visit Eastbourne, possibly during the tennis season. She emphasized the importance of certainty for churches and urged the Government to publish guidance for the places of worship renewal fund scheme at pace.
Session: Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme
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Mr Speaker, I would like to invite you to come and celebrate with us as our guest of honour at our famous Motown night in July; I know you are a big fan of Motown. We could have even more to celebrate at the bandstand if the Minister were able to review the criteria for the heritage at risk fund, which was announced earlier this year.
Context
The MP invited the Speaker to celebrate the reopening of Eastbourne's historical bandstand and asked for a review of the heritage at risk fund criteria to support local authority-run music venues like Eastbourne bandstand.
Ian Murray
I congratulate Eastbourne on reopening the bandstand. I am disappointed that I did not receive an invitation. The Government care about these venues and announced nearly £130 million for 13 130 cultural projects, including nearly £1 million for Music Venue Properties. We will meet to discuss further support for Eastbourne bandstand.
Session: Grassroots Music Venues
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What steps she is taking to support grassroots music venues. The Government are providing up to £30 million through the music growth package, furthering support by fostering domestic growth, talent development, and music exports. We are committed to the voluntary ticket contribution initiative for stadium shows, contributing half a million pounds.
Context
The MP highlighted the importance of supporting local music venues, which are crucial for talent development and cultural growth.
Ian Murray
We are providing up to £30 million through the music growth package, supporting domestic growth and talent development. We introduced a voluntary ticket contribution initiative, which has contributed half a million pounds. On Tuesday, we announced nearly £130 million for 130 venues, including nearly £1 million for Music Venue Properties. We are happy to meet to discuss further support for Eastbourne bandstand.
Session: Grassroots Music Venues
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The Conservative-run East Sussex county council is harming local businesses. It recently put a large storage crate near the Dickens Tea Cottage, impacting trade. Will you urge the council to remove it and protect this local business?
Context
East Sussex county council has placed a storage crate outside the Dickens Tea Cottage, affecting its business operations.
Alison McGovern
I advise all councils not to have a vendetta against local businesses.
Session: Topical Questions
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Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne is the only marina of its kind in Europe; thousands of residents, rather than the Government, have to cover the cost of sea defences through an annual charge. The charge this year increased by 16%—way more than inflation—and there is poor transparency as to why. Will the Minister meet me and representatives of the amazing Sovereign Harbour Residents Association, who are in the Gallery, to hear more about the issues with the harbour charge, and to help us secure a fairer arrangement?
Context
Residents of Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne face high annual charges for sea defences, which increased by 16% this year. There is poor transparency regarding the reasons behind these increases.
Emma Hardy
The annual sea defence charge is a legal obligation that was placed on property owners in Sovereign Harbour in 1988, so it was introduced under Thatcher and was unchanged under the coalition. It contributes to the maintenance of the harbour and the sea defences on the south coast between Pevensey Bay and Eastbourne. We spent nearly £5 million this year, and plan to invest over £100 million over the next decade. Of that £5 million, £400,000 comes from the rent charge in 2026-27. We have also secured record funding of £1.4 billion for over 600 flood schemes across all regions in England.
Session: Private Sea Defences Charges
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If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of reviewing private sea defence charges.
Context
No specific background context provided other than the question itself.
Emma Hardy
We are committed to supporting coastal communities, and that is why, between April 2024 and March 2026, over £600 million has been invested in protection from sea flooding, tidal flooding and coastal erosion.
Session: Private Sea Defences Charges
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The Minister will remember that Pauline was a veteran who was awarded military compensation for injuries sustained in her service, but that led to her pension credit being cut from £77 a week to £10 a week, because military compensation is considered income by the Department for Work and Pensions. I have introduced Pauline's law—the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and War Pension Scheme (Report) Bill—to ask the DWP to correct that injustice and disregard military compensation in those calculations. Will the Minister work with me, and with Pauline's sons, Les and Simon Haffenden, to conduct a review into the merits of disregarding that income in order to protect our veterans in future?
Context
The issue concerns the impact of the armed forces compensation scheme and war pension scheme on pension credit entitlement, particularly focusing on a case involving Staff Sergeant Pauline Cole, who was a veteran and received military compensation.
Torsten Bell
I recognise the powerful arguments that the hon. Member and Pauline made in our meeting. Our position today reflects the balance between recognising service injuries and being consistent across the welfare system. Pension credit is a means-tested benefit, the goal of which is to top up pensioners' income to a guaranteed minimum level, so in order to ensure consistency, most forms of income—including those he refers to—are taken into account. However, as I said, there is a partial disregard in order to recognise veterans' service, and the value of lump-sum payments received in respect of personal injury are fully disregarded.
Session: Pension Credit Entitlement Veterans
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If he will make an estimate of the potential cost to the public purse of disregarding the war pension scheme and the armed forces compensation scheme for the purpose of calculating pension credit entitlement.
Context
The question arises from concerns about the impact of disregarding war pension and armed forces compensation on pension credit entitlement. The case of Staff Sergeant Pauline Cole, a constituent of the MP, highlights the issue, as her pension credit was significantly reduced due to the inclusion of military compensation as income.
Torsten Bell
I am glad that the hon. Member and I have had the chance to discuss this issue on a number of occasions, and, more importantly, that we had the chance to do so with his constituent Staff Sergeant Pauline Cole, who served our country and campaigned on behalf of other veterans. I know that she has sadly passed away since our meeting, so I wish to put on the record my condolences to her family—not least to her son Les, on whose behalf my hon. Friend the Member for Hemel Hempstead (David Taylor) has been in touch in recent days. As the hon. Member for Eastbourne (Josh Babarinde) is aware, exactly because of the service of our armed forces, £10 per week of any armed forces compensation scheme award is disregarded when calculating pension credit entitlement.
Session: Pension Credit Entitlement Veterans
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Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne is unique, in that it is the only harbour in the country where freeholders and leaseholders have to pay through their rent charge for not only the maintenance of the area, but sea defences, which elsewhere are paid for by the Government. Will the Secretary of State commit to meet me to review the fairness of that arrangement and help stem the tide of 16% increases in that rent charge, as has happened this year?
Context
Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne is unique, as it is the only harbour where freeholders and leaseholders pay for sea defences through their rent charge.
Matthew Pennycook
Not just because I have accepted a large number of meetings, I think a far better way for the hon. Gentleman to submit his views would be through the appropriate consultation on freehold estates, where he can bring that case and the issues it raises to life for us.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps will the Government take to ensure that all those who aided and abetted the trafficking that Jeffrey Epstein perpetrated are also prosecuted by the British state?
Context
The recent revelations about Jeffrey Epstein, a paedophile with thousands of victims worldwide including many British survivors, have traumatised these individuals. There is a need to ensure that those who aided and abetted Epstein's trafficking are prosecuted.
The Solicitor General
The hon. Gentleman makes an important point. Tackling violence against women and girls is my No. 1 priority in government, just as it was when I was in opposition. I am in awe of the bravery of the victims who have come forward. I am absolutely disgusted and sickened by the revelations that have come out in recent days, and I stand in solidarity with the victims. I will ensure that I am speaking across Government to see what more can be done.
Session: Human Trafficking
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The new judicial finding of domestic abuse in the Sentencing Act 2026 will help us better identify domestic abusers in the criminal justice system. Will the Minister explain when that element of the Act will commence? What additional training will be given to judges and magistrates to make sure that they can implement it effectively?
Context
The new judicial finding of domestic abuse in the Sentencing Act 2026 will help identify domestic abusers in the criminal justice system. There is a need for proper training and implementation to ensure effective use.
The Minister for Courts and Legal Services (Sarah Sackman)
We will update the House when that is ready for implementation. The hon. Gentleman is right to highlight the importance of training when it comes to domestic abuse cases. Judicial training is an independent function run by the Judicial College. Domestic abuse training, and particularly a trauma-informed approach to evidence, is a mandatory part of that training, as it must be.
Session: Topical Questions
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East Sussex county council has launched a scheme to fine East Sussex Highways when its roadworks overrun and cause disruption to local businesses. A clear case is that of Victoria Place, where businesses such as Gianni’s, Qualisea, Gr/eat Greek Cuisine and many more were disrupted by overrunning works to pedestrianise the street. Does the Minister agree that the fund should be used to help compensate those businesses for the disruption, and can the Cabinet Office support East Sussex county council to do just that?
Context
The question focuses on a specific scheme in East Sussex county council to fine contractors when their roadworks cause disruption to local businesses. It mentions several examples of businesses disrupted, such as Gianni’s, Qualisea, and Gr/eat Greek Cuisine.
Chris Ward (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
As half of my constituency is in East Sussex, I am always happy to support East Sussex county council. I think we are slightly off beam with the broad thrust of the topic, but I get the hon. Member’s point about the frustration that constituents, including mine, have with overrunning works. We will follow up with him if there is anything further that the Cabinet Office can do.
Session: Local Authorities Business Investment
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The severe weather emergency protocol has ended in East Sussex. Today, five individuals who were provided with accommodation under it came into my constituency office, not knowing where to turn. We have amazing local charities doing great work, but will the Minister offer advice to those folks who have come into the office in desperate need of support to get out of the situation they are in?
Context
Individuals in East Sussex are finding it difficult to secure accommodation despite the severe weather emergency protocol having ended.
Alison McGovern
I thank the hon. Member so much for raising that case on the Floor of the House in the way he did. It shows all the different reasons why people can find themselves without a roof over their head. The local authority should be in the lead in supporting them, but if he wants to contact me with further details, I will ensure that the local authority has the support it needs.
Session: Topical Questions
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Happy new year to you, Mr Speaker, and to the Minister. Eastbournians without driveways—such as Laurain on Winchcombe Road—are committed to acquiring an electric vehicle in order to reduce their emissions, but they are being let down by Conservative-run East Sussex county council, which has failed to invest in pavement gulleys to allow safe cross-street electric vehicle charging. Will the Minister and her colleagues at MHCLG urge the council to follow the lead of Lib Dem-run Oxfordshire county council and pilot a cross-pavement electric vehicle charging scheme?
Context
MP raises concerns about the lack of infrastructure for electric vehicle charging in East Sussex, highlighting the need for cross-pavement charging schemes to support residents without driveways.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Katie White)
Local councils play a pivotal role. I work closely with the local net zero delivery group and with UK100, and I have been fortunate enough to visit the Labour-run councils in Leeds and Sheffield to see the excellent local work that they have been doing to support net zero. The hon. Gentleman has made an excellent point about the need to ensure that councils help local people to do what they want to do in this regard, and have the necessary EV infrastructure. It sounds as though there are some good leadership opportunities to learn from other councils.
Session: Net Zero Local Authorities
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Josh Babarinde raised concerns about Meta’s slow response to hacking incidents, asking the Minister to advise how to expedite reconnection of affected business accounts.
Context
Many small businesses rely on Facebook advertising but face prolonged delays when hacked.
Blair McDougall
Blair McDougall acknowledged the importance of cyber-security and stated that the government is communicating with small businesses to ensure they up their security measures. He also offered to meet the hon. Gentleman on this issue.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituent Ross has neurodiversities and is in employment, working at a garden centre, but his income is supplemented by universal credit. After inadvertently missing a telephone appointment with a job coach, he was sanctioned, losing out on two months-worth of rent, and he risked being made homeless and losing his job if his parents had not been there to step in. Can the Minister assure folks such as Ross that they will be powered up by our benefits system, not punished when they make innocent mistakes?
Context
Ross, a neurodiverse individual working at a garden centre and receiving universal credit, was sanctioned after missing a telephone appointment with a job coach. This led to the loss of two months' rent, putting him at risk of homelessness and losing his job if not for family support.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
We certainly do want the system to support people such as Ross. If work-related requirements are missed, the reason for that should be asked for, with seven days allowed for an answer. There should also be a pre-referral check before a sanction referral takes place. If the hon. Gentleman would like to send me the details of what happened in that particular case, I will happily look into it.
Session: Benefit Sanctions Neurodiverse Claimants
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The Cabinet Office co-chairs the flood resilience taskforce in order to deliver on its priority to bolster flood defences, but residents in Eastbourne at this very point in time on Wartling Road, Seaside and Whitley Road—and, earlier this week, on Macmillan Drive—have to wade through canals created by flooding brought about by adverse weather. The work being done to protect against flooding is not enough. Will the Minister meet with me and other stakeholders to figure out how we can best protect residents, businesses and schools such as Motcombe school from the flood risk?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of flooding in Eastbourne, specifically mentioning recent flooding events on Wartling Road, Seaside and Whitley Road.
Darren Jones (Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister)
I am sorry to hear about the situation in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency. He knows that the Government take flood risk very seriously, and it is a key risk in our national risk register. That is why the Government have increased spending on flood defences significantly in the recent Budget and spending review, but I absolutely recognise that there is more to do. I will ensure that we look at the specific circumstances in his constituency and help him to understand when funding will come to support his constituents.
Session: Delivery of Government Priorities
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Will the hon. Lady recognise the awesomeness of the Rev. David Harrigan at St Elisabeth’s church in Eastbourne? Working with the food bank, he has pioneered a partnership that has been featured by the Trussell Trust as an example of best practice for a relationship between a church leader and a food bank. Will the hon. Lady meet Rev. David and me to discuss the Church Commissioners’ plans for the land next to St Elisabeth’s church, to ensure that it is used for community benefit?
Context
Rev. David Harrigan at St Elizabeth's Church in Eastbourne has pioneered a partnership with the local food bank, which is recognized as an example of best practice by the Trussell Trust.
Marsha De Cordova
I am always happy to meet hon. Members about any issue they wish to raise. I pay tribute to the hon. Gentleman’s church, which is working in partnership with the food bank. There are many such examples, including at St Mark’s church in my constituency. We all know the role that our churches play in our communities to provide that social action support. I am very happy to meet the hon. Gentleman.
Session: Community Relations Impact of Church Leaders
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I welcome the new Justice Secretary and the Minister responsible for sentencing to their places. The Probation Service relies on an effective tagging system in order to keep our communities safe, but the £300 million contract that the last Government awarded to Serco has resulted in lots of failures. I saw some of them close up when I shadowed Serco over the summer, including, for example, wrong addresses being provided, which means multiple failed visits and a failure to tag the offenders who need to be tagged. Will the Secretary of State tell us how much Serco has been fined in its contract, and will he commit to strengthening penalties so that we ensure that private contractors are not rewarded for failure?
Context
The £300 million Serco contract for the tagging system has resulted in numerous issues such as wrong addresses being provided, leading to multiple failed visits.
David Lammy (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
The hon. Gentleman is right that Serco’s record was poor and unacceptable. We stepped in, and have fined it. I cannot say by how much, because it is commercially sensitive, but I can tell him that I intend to hold Serco to account. The job that it does is immensely important for public confidence.
Session: Probation Service
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I would like to associate myself with the Deputy Prime Minister’s comments on the bravery of the Hillsborough families and pay tribute to them... Many of us across the House are deeply concerned that domestic abusers are weaponising the family court to perpetrate their abuse. Efforts to reform it have not yet been forthcoming from this Government, and we need change. Will the Deputy Prime Minister commit to legislating in the next King’s Speech for reform of the family court, so that it supports survivors and does not sabotage them any longer?
Context
The questioner expresses concern about how domestic abusers are using the family court to continue their abusive behavior.
David Lammy
We are determined to look at this lacuna for victims of domestic violence, and if necessary, we will come forward with further amendments or, indeed, legislation.
Session: Topical Questions
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Eastbourne district general hospital, where I was born, and the Hastings Conquest hospital are quite far apart. On a good day, it takes 45 minutes to drive from one to the other, and two hours by bus. More and more services are moving to the Hastings hospital, but we need better transport links, such as a shuttle bus, to make things seamless for patients. Can the Minister meet me and local representatives to discuss how we could secure a shuttle bus service to Hastings hospital for our town?
Context
Patients face long travel times due to the distance between Eastbourne district general hospital and Hastings Conquest hospital, with a need for better transport options.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
This is why it is so important that the Government are handing local areas the power to design bus services around local needs. I encourage the hon. Gentleman to continue discussions with his local transport authority on doing just that.
Session: Bus Services
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What steps his Department is taking to improve car parking provision at NHS hospitals, given the poor condition at Eastbourne DGH where car parks are often full and lower-banded staff now face increased charges?
Context
Parking provision at Eastbourne District General Hospital is inadequate, with full car parks forcing patients to park far away and crumbling facilities. Lower-banded NHS staff face a near doubling of car parking charges.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
The Department has published guidance that trusts are expected to follow to manage car-parking spaces. Responsibility lies with individual trusts and provision must be managed alongside existing policy, providing free parking for those in greatest need.
Session: NHS Hospitals Parking
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Eastbourne's posties are legends, but there are issues with Royal Mail resulting in late letter deliveries for medical appointments. Will the Minister meet me to discuss these problems and urgent action?
Context
Issues with Royal Mail performance causing delays in mail delivery.
Justin Madders
I appreciate the hon. Member's tribute to posties and acknowledge performance issues at Royal Mail. I am happy to discuss this further with him to ensure everyone receives mail on time, working with Ofcom.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The Liberal Prime Minister William Gladstone was right when he said, “Justice delayed is justice denied”. He would look on the inheritance that this Government received from the Conservative Government as a matter for great shame. While creative solutions are required to tackle the backlog, the jury trial—which we hear may be at risk for some—is a critical safeguard on state power and key to a liberal and free society. Ahead of the Leveson report, which is coming out very soon, can the Government tell us how they will increase the overall capacity of the courts system to dispense justice as opposed to potentially undermining justice altogether?
Context
The Liberal Prime Minister William Gladstone once said, “Justice delayed is justice denied.” The hon. Member believes that the current backlog in court systems inherited from previous governments should be a matter for shame.
Shabana Mahmood
I thank the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for his question but would challenge him on two points. I do not think we are undermining justice in this country when he himself recognises that justice delayed is justice denied. We are trying to properly think through, “What is a good system for us to proceed with in this country?” As he knows, 90% of all criminal cases already go to the magistrates court.
Session: Crown Court Backlog
View All Questions -->
What steps can the Government take both to support survivors who are living through this kind of hell and to speed up legal proceedings preventing my constituent from being free once again?
Context
A constituent survived violent economic abuse, including occupation of her property without consent and vandalism, leading to delays in civil court proceedings.
Alex Davies-Jones
We are developing policy work, including co-habiting couples’ rights and working across Government with MHCLG, Treasury, and DWP to tackle all elements of violence against women and girls, including economic abuse. I will update him on these discussions in due course.
Session: Violence against Women Criminal Justice System
View All Questions -->
During our last session of Defence questions, I asked the Secretary of State to join me in wishing a happy forthcoming birthday to Eastbourne’s last surviving war veteran, Eric Deach, who was shortly to turn 100. Unfortunately, tomorrow I shall be a pallbearer at his funeral; he did not make it. Will the Secretary of State join me in paying tribute and sending condolences?
Context
Request for a tribute and condolences after the death of Eastbourne's last surviving war veteran, Eric Deach.
John Healey
[No response provided]
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The Rapid Transition Alliance tells us that we can improve the quality of our roads if we support more people to use rail as a form of public transport. That is one reason why I am campaigning to restore the direct train between Eastbourne and London Bridge that was discontinued during the pandemic. Will the Minister back my campaign, with a view to helping to improve our roads and improve economic growth for Eastbourne too?
Context
The MP campaigned for the restoration of a train service between Eastbourne and London during the pandemic, suggesting it would help reduce traffic congestion.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)
That was a creative way of asking about railways in a question about roads. This Government are committed to improving all forms of transport, so that people have a real choice about the best mode to use for their journey. We are keen for people to have the choice of sustainable transport modes, including rail, walking and cycling, as well as driving and travelling on buses. As the hon. Member will see, the Government are investing huge amounts to support our rail industry, just as we are doing to support the state of our roads.
Session: Road Network Condition
View All Questions -->
What steps his Department is taking to improve the distribution of high-speed internet provision. Despite the stated aim of Project Gigabit to ensure no one is left behind, residents of Mulberry Close on my home estate in Eastbourne have not been connected to full fibre despite bearing the brunt of invasive works on their doorstep. Will the Minister meet me, residents of Mulberry Close and local internet providers to ensure that those residents are connected and not left behind?
Context
The question addresses concerns over the implementation of Project Gigabit, which aims to ensure everyone has access to high-speed internet. Residents in Mulberry Close, Eastbourne have not been connected despite work being done in their area.
The Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms (Chris Bryant)
Access to high-speed internet is essential and we are determined to take everyone with us into the digital age. The statistics in the hon. Member’s constituency are better than the national average—just very slightly, by a smidgen—but I am very happy to meet him. More importantly, he could come into the Department and meet Building Digital UK so that we can explain exactly what needs to happen in his constituency to secure the aims that he is seeking.
Session: High-speed Internet
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Temporary Accommodation: Out of Area Placements
20 January 2026
Responding: Alison McGovern
Main Concerns
["The issue is that too often, 'out of area' placements become 'out of sight and out of mind', leading to significant disruptions for families with children, particularly those with special educational needs. The number of such placements in Eastbourne increased fourfold since the pandemic, reaching 209 by June 2025, with 46% being from Brighton and Hove city council. There are fatal consequences of this system failure, as evidenced by a 25-year-old man's death in January 2023 due to lack of welfare checks."]
Specific Asks
['The MP asks for more consistent notifications when individuals are moved into the borough, timely sharing of appropriate case details across local authority boundaries, and better support mechanisms to prevent such tragic outcomes.']
Armed Forces Act 2026 - Amendments 2, 3, 4, 88, and 89
02 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Ms. Nusrat Ghani proposes several amendments to the Armed Forces Act 2026 aimed at ensuring continuity of support for children with special educational needs, adoption and fostering arrangements, NHS ...
Equality Act 2010: Code of Practice
01 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Lord Mandelson Humble Address: Government Response
01 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Dunmurry Police Station Attack
27 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Women’s Health Strategy
16 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Consular Assistance
05 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East
02 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
23 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Schools White Paper: Every Child Achieving and Thriving
23 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Commonhold and Leasehold Reform 2026-01-27
27 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
75.9%
63 of 83 votes
Aye Votes
48
57.8% of votes
No Votes
15
18.1% of votes
Abstentions
20
24.1% of votes
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
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 Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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 AYE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
03 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
4
PMQs Asked
82
Ministerial Questions Asked
69
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
83
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+500% above average
This MP:
82
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1325% above average
This MP:
69
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+9% above average
This MP:
75.9
Average:
69.5
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Josh Babarinde's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.