Kate Osamor
MP for Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
Labour (Co-op)
Labour
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7 May 2015 - 3 May 2017
Labour
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8 Jun 2017 - 6 Nov 2019
Labour
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12 Dec 2019 - 28 Jan 2024
Independent
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28 Jan 2024 - 8 May 2024
Labour
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8 May 2024 - 30 May 2024
Labour
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4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
The cost of household food bills will rise by £271 as prices soar. The Resolution Foundation reported that 1.3 million low-income Britons could be pushed into absolute poverty by the cost of living crisis. With supermarkets helping customers, what will the Prime Minister do?
Context
Household food bills expected to rise by £271 this year due to soaring prices. Supermarkets are lowering their prices, but the government is not protecting those struggling.
Boris Johnson
We have put £22 million towards helping with the cost of living. I thank businesses for protecting consumers from global inflation by not raising prices.
Assessment
Did not provide specific actions beyond existing measures
Session: PMQs
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I associate myself with the Prime Minister's remarks on Bloody Sunday. Did the Prime Minister agree to the Chancellor of the Exchequer writing off £4.3 billion of fraud? That is £154 from every household in the country that went directly into the pockets of fraudsters.
Context
The Chancellor of the Exchequer allegedly agreed to write off £4.3 billion in government fraud, equivalent to £154 per household.
Boris Johnson
No, of course not. We do not support fraudsters or those who steal from the public purse, but what I can tell the hon. Lady is that everybody in this country should be very proud of the huge effort that was made by Lord Agnew and others to secure ventilators and personal protective equipment.
Assessment
Did not address whether he agreed to write off fraud
Changed Subject
Session: PMQs
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People like my constituent Tessa Stevens have had to keep their salons shut due to shrinking Government support. I am urgently seeking the Prime Minister's support to protect the immediate and long-term recovery of beauty businesses. Will the Prime Minister explain why his Government refuse to listen to the beauty industry, which is calling for VAT to be temporarily reduced?
Context
Tessa Stevens, a constituent, has had to keep her salon closed despite shrinking government support. The beauty industry is calling for VAT to be reduced to 5%.
Boris Johnson
The hon. Lady is right about the importance of beauty businesses and we want them to bounce back strongly from the pandemic, but the Chancellor has extended furlough and other provisions necessary.
Assessment
Did not address why VAT reduction for beauty businesses was refused
Focusing On The Importance Of Salons
Mentioning Extensions Of Furlough
Session: PMQs
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Taybeh, an ancient Palestinian Christian village in the West Bank, is facing record levels of escalating Israeli settler attacks. Father Bashar Fawadleh has warned that residents feel vulnerable and insufficiently protected. What engagement has the Church had with church leaders in Taybeh, and what further steps can the Church take to support this community and help ensure its continued presence and security in the Holy Land?
Context
Taybeh, an ancient Palestinian Christian village in the West Bank, faces record levels of settler attacks, leaving residents feeling vulnerable and insufficiently protected.
Marsha de Cordova
May I first thank my hon. Friend for her continued and steadfast support for the Palestinians? Since the start of this year, the UN has reported that 76 Palestinians have been killed by settler violence, and that number includes 18 children. As she has rightly mentioned, the village of Taybeh continues to experience near-daily raids on homes by settlers, and the village has been almost entirely encircled by roadblocks and fences. During her recent visit to the diocese of Jerusalem, the Archbishop of Canterbury met with Christian leaders, where she heard at first hand of the suffering being experienced by Palestinian Christians, including persistent violence, destruction of property, seizure of land and restrictions on movement. The settler terrorism that we are witnessing must come to an end.
Session: Christians in Palestine 2026-09-03
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What steps the Church of England is taking to support Christians in Palestine.
Context
The Church of England's stance on supporting Palestinian Christians and condemning persecution.
Marsha de Cordova
The Church condemns the persecution that we have seen and stands in solidarity with Palestinian Christian communities across the Holy Land as they continue to face profound hardship. The Church of England remains committed to supporting our Anglican partners, advocating for human rights and calling for the upholding of international humanitarian law and a just and lasting peace for the Palestinians.
Session: Christians in Palestine 2026-09-03
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For the first time in centuries, Catholic leaders were prohibited from entering the Church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem to celebrate a private mass on Palm Sunday. The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem called this a “manifestly unreasonable and grossly disproportionate measure.” In light of this incident, what concrete steps will the Church take to ensure that Christians and other religious groups are able to worship freely in Jerusalem?
Context
Catholic leaders were prohibited from entering the Church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem to celebrate a private mass on Palm Sunday, raising concerns about religious freedom.
Marsha de Cordova
The closure of the Holy Sepulchre by the Israeli Government was totally unacceptable. It was an unprecedented step, and representations by all Churches were made at the highest level. The treatment of pilgrims and worshippers by the Israel Defence Forces, and the additional movement restrictions across both western and Orthodox Easter, were deplorable, particularly in what is the holiest of weeks.
Session: Christians in Palestine
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What steps the Church of England is taking to support Christians in Palestine.
Context
The Church of England's actions to support Christians in Palestine are under scrutiny.
Marsha de Cordova
The Church remains steadfast in its support for Palestinians. The Bishops of Southwark, Gloucester, Chelmsford and Norwich have publicly highlighted their concerns by condemning the increased settler violence and calling for the reopening of holy places. They are offering sanctuary, working for peace and reconciliation, and building intercommunity trust.
Session: Christians in Palestine
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With half of Sudan's population under 18 and millions of children growing up amid widespread violence, Sudan is confronting what many now describe as the world's largest child protection emergency. In that context, what concrete steps will the Department take to promote and defend the UN's children and armed conflict mandate, so that the protection of children in Sudan remains a sustained diplomatic priority across the UN Security Council and the Human Rights Council?
Context
Sudan's conflict is described as a significant child protection emergency, with millions of children affected by violence.
Yvette Cooper
I can tell my hon. Friend that we continue to champion the UN children and armed conflict mandate and its monitoring work. It is clear that children are the innocent victims of this horrendous and brutal war, and that is why the world must not look away from Sudan. It is why we need a ceasefire, it is why we need to prevent the arms flows, and it is why we need to continue the humanitarian support from across the globe.
Session: Sudan Humanitarian Situation
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Kate Osamor noted that while the Government's policy to strengthen standards for new waste incinerators was a step in the right direction, it did not alleviate concerns for her constituents affected by the Edmonton incinerator under construction. She urged the government to take further action to reduce incentives for continued reliance on incineration.
Context
The MP raised concerns about the impact of a new Edmonton incinerator on her constituents' health despite government efforts to strengthen standards for new waste incinerators. She highlighted the need for further action to reduce reliance on incineration.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mary Creagh)
Our future circular economy growth plan aims to go beyond recycling by promoting circularity in waste streams, reducing the amount sent for incineration and landfill. Additionally, we are reforming recycling processes for households and businesses with food waste collections starting from April 2024 and encouraging reduced and recyclable packaging.
Session: Air Quality
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I thank the Solicitor General for her response; I know she has done a lot of work in this area. I need to read out a quotation in the Chamber from the Lammy review: 'A fundamental source of mistrust' in the criminal justice system among black, Asian and minority ethnic communities is 'the lack of diversity among those who wield power within it.' What impact will the proposed judge-only trials and the empowering of legal professionals have on the trust of under-represented groups in our legal system?
Context
The MP references the Lammy review, which highlighted a lack of diversity among those who wield power within the criminal justice system.
The Solicitor General
My hon. Friend makes an important point. It is vital that the judiciary and the legal profession continue to reflect the society they serve. We are working to bring in new and diverse magistrates over the next 12 months and will continue to recruit. It is vital that our judicial benches reflect the communities we serve. Judges swear a judicial oath to act without fear or favour, which is a cornerstone of our justice system.
Session: Legal Professions Diversity
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The MP inquired about conversations with the Home Office regarding exceptions or adjustments to visa thresholds for prison officers.
Context
Changes may impact prison officers who have migrated from countries like Nigeria, potentially destabilizing the prison system.
Lammy
Discussions are taking place, particularly focusing on support from west African countries in the prison system. The Home Secretary is involved, and I hope to update the House shortly with a potential way forward.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the announcement that the two-child benefit cap will be scrapped, lifting hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty. However, according to the Institute for Public Policy Research and Praxis, there are an estimated 382,000 children in poverty whose families are subject to no recourse to public funds and who will not be helped by that measure. Will the Secretary of State promise me that the child poverty strategy will include extra assistance for migrant households?
Context
The scrapping of the two-child benefit cap will help many children, but an estimated 382,000 children in poverty whose families are subject to no recourse to public funds may not be helped by this measure. The MP wants to ensure these children are included.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising her concern. We are working with the Home Office and with colleagues across Government in developing the child poverty strategy. We will focus on ensuring that vulnerable children are protected and their welfare is safeguarded, and that vulnerable migrant children receive the support they require.
Session: Child Poverty Strategy
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I thank the Minister for her response. Sickle cell disease disproportionately affects people from African and Caribbean backgrounds, yet systematic inequalities persist. A recent NHS Race and Health Observatory report reveals that research funding for cystic fibrosis is 2.5 times higher, despite similar prevalence. Will the Minister commit to addressing the chronic underfunding and ensure equitable investment in research and workforce specialist training for sickle cell patients across the NHS?
Context
The question addresses the impact of the 10-year health plan on preventing ill health, particularly focusing on systemic inequalities affecting sickle cell disease patients.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ashley Dalton)
The Government are committed to addressing health inequalities experienced by people living with rare conditions such as sickle cell disorder. Pioneering research is a cross-cutting theme of the UK rare diseases framework, but we know that there are a small number of rare conditions with a large amount of research, while many more have little or no funded research. I want to confirm for my hon. Friend that the National Institute for Health and Care Research welcomes funding applications for research into all and any aspects of health or care, including sickle cell disorder.
Session: 10-Year Health Plan Prevention of Ill Health
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The infected blood inquiry heard from black and Asian victims who say that they were even more dramatically let down due to discrimination, which has helped to create an understandable mistrust of the authorities and a lack of faith that justice will be done. Please could the Minister ensure that he does all he can to reach out to all communities to encourage everyone who is entitled to apply for the compensation scheme to do so?
Context
The infected blood inquiry heard from black and Asian victims who say that they were even more dramatically let down due to discrimination, which has helped to create an understandable mistrust of the authorities and a lack of faith that justice will be done.
Nick Thomas-Symonds (Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right about the need to reach out to all communities and ensure that every single victim secures justice. I assure her that that is absolutely what the Government are committed to doing.
Session: Infected Blood Compensation Scheme
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I welcome the independent sentencing review’s final report which encourages the Government to consider introducing statutory defences for victims of domestic abuse, including where coercion has been a factor in their offending. Will the Government look further at those proposals?
Context
The MP is chair of the all-party parliamentary group on women affected by the criminal justice system. The independent sentencing review's final report has been released, encouraging the Government to consider introducing statutory defences for victims of domestic abuse.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Sir Nicholas Dakin)
Yes, the Government will look further at those proposals. The Women’s Justice Board has been created to do exactly that sort of work.
Session: Female Offenders
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My constituent, who is 77 years old, is a victim of the infected blood scandal. He is worried that haemophilia patients infected with hepatitis are being sidelined by the compensation scheme. He tells me that he was told those on the special category mechanism with hepatitis C would be upgraded to the same level as those with cirrhosis, but that position has now been reversed. Will the Minister look into my constituent’s concerns about disparities for haemophiliacs infected with hepatitis?
Context
A constituent of Kate Osamor, aged 77 years old, is a victim of the infected blood scandal. He has concerns that those with hepatitis C may be treated differently than those with cirrhosis under the special category mechanism.
Nick Thomas-Symonds (The Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office)
I will certainly write to my hon. Friend on the issue of the special category mechanism. I reassure her that the Government’s objective is for all victims of the infected blood scandal to be able to achieve the compensation that they deserve.
Session: Infected Blood Compensation Scheme
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Last week, BBC reporter Mark Lowen was arrested and deported from Turkey after covering the ongoing protest movement, as part of a broader crackdown on journalists. This followed the arrest of President Erdoğan’s leading political rival. Will the Foreign Secretary commit to conveying the concerns of this House to his Turkish counterpart at the earliest opportunity?
Context
BBC reporter Mark Lowen was arrested and deported from Turkey after covering a protest movement, following the arrest of President Erdoğan’s leading political rival.
David Lammy
The UK is a staunch supporter of democracy, the rule of law and media freedom. The Government have raised recent events in Turkey with our counterparts at a number of levels. Most recently, on 29 March I spoke to my Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, to raise our expectation that Turkey upholds its international commitments and the rule of law, and that it protects the fundamental rights to free speech, peaceful assembly and media freedom, including in the treatment of British journalists reporting there.
Session: Topical Questions
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On the west bank and in Jerusalem, the security situation and the economic conditions are worsening, with increasing violence and a decline in the number of pilgrims visiting. That has led to a rising level of emigration, as many Christians leave the Holy Land, where generations before them had lived. Will my hon. Friend outline the work the Church is doing to assist the diocese in supporting its dwindling congregations in these difficult times?
Context
The situation on the West Bank and in Jerusalem has worsened, with increased violence and a decline in pilgrim visits leading to emigration among Christians.
Marsha De Cordova
There is no safe place on the west bank, including in East Jerusalem, for Palestinians. The attacks on the Christian community there are focused on seizing land and property, and have been increasing in recent months, with Armenian churches bearing the brunt. The Christian community faces a co-ordinated and aggressive move to drive these living stones of our faith to leave the region. Bishops have frequently visited the region over the past 16 months; they have regularly met the Archbishop of Jerusalem to discuss how best they can help the diocese to respond to the many appalling attacks.
Session: Diocese of Jerusalem
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In recent days, Sudanese armed forces have advanced into El-Obeid, ending a two-year siege by the Rapid Support Forces. This has caused serious food shortages in North Kordofan, which is deemed to be suffering famine conditions under the integrated food security phase classification. What are the Government doing to ensure that aid is fast-tracked into the city?
Context
Sudanese armed forces advanced into El-Obeid, ending a two-year siege by the Rapid Support Forces. This caused serious food shortages in North Kordofan state.
The Minister for Development (Anneliese Dodds)
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that issue, because the situation she has described is intolerable. I was grateful to the international counterparts who attended a discussion on these subjects, in which we took part, at the Munich security conference. My hon. Friend referred to the famine designation. We regret the fact that the Sudanese armed forces have said that they will not co-operate with that assessment, but we have seen both the RSF and the SAF restricting aid and using it as a weapon of war, and that must end.
Session: Sudan
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North London Hospice in my constituency has a site that receives one third of its funding from the NHS, with the rest coming from public donations. Many services are funded entirely by donations. While it welcomes the announcement of £100 million in funding, what assurances can the Government provide about long-term hospice funding, given significant delays in accessing funding from integrated care boards this year?
Context
North London Hospice in Edmonton and Winchmore Hill receives one third of its funding from the NHS, with the rest coming from public donations. The hospice is facing delays in accessing funding from integrated care boards.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
I thank my hon. Friend for that question. On her point about long-term funding, last week I chaired a roundtable with key stakeholders from the sector, and we were focused on developing a plan to secure the long-term sustainability of the sector. We will not go back to the cliff edge situation due to Tory mismanagement in the past.
Session: Hospices
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Is the child poverty taskforce engaging directly with affected families?
Context
The Migration Observatory report states over 200,000 children are in families with no recourse to public funds. The Work and Pensions Committee highlighted tough circumstances faced by these families.
Alison McGovern
The taskforce is considering all children in UK, recognising distinct challenges faced by groups such as migrant and disabled children. We are engaging directly.
Session: Topical Questions
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Numerous studies have found that the numbers of minoritised and migrant women being held on remand are disproportionately high. For example, 10% of female black and Asian defendants were remanded in custody by magistrates courts, compared with 7% of white women. What steps are the Government taking to address those clear inequalities in the use of remand?
Context
Numerous studies indicate that a higher percentage of black and Asian defendants are being held on remand compared to white women.
Edward Argar
I am grateful to the hon. Lady; she will be aware of the work being done across the criminal justice system through both the race disparity review and the Lammy review in that context. Decisions on remand are taken by the judiciary, so it would be wrong for me to comment on judicial decisions, but I am happy to meet her to discuss this further if that would be helpful, and so is the Minister for disparity in the justice system, my hon. Friend the Member for Finchley and Golders Green (Mike Freer).
Session: Topical Questions
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I am working with a constituent whose son sadly took his own life in Pentonville last year. Although there is a high rate of mental health problems among prisoners, the provision of support is insufficient and reliable data on the scale of the issue is lacking. Will the Government commit to a full review of the support and safeguarding for prisoners with mental health problems?
Context
The MP is concerned about the high rate of mental health problems among prisoners and inadequate support, citing a constituent's son who died by suicide in Pentonville last year. The issue lacks reliable data on its scale.
Edward Argar
We are committed to improving mental health outcomes for prisoners, including recruiting additional staff, because having adequate staffing in prisons is important; investing £625,000 of funding in the Samaritans each year until March 2025, which includes the delivery of the Listener scheme; and working alongside NHS England, which is responsible for delivering mental health support services in the custodial estate to ensure that they are joined up and effective.
Session: Safeguarding of Prisoners Mental Health
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I am working with a constituent whose son sadly took his own life in Pentonville last year. Although there is a high rate of mental health problems among prisoners, the provision of support is insufficient and reliable data on the scale of the issue is lacking. Will the Government commit to a full review of the support and safeguarding for prisoners with mental health problems?
Context
The MP is concerned about the high rate of mental health problems among prisoners and inadequate support, citing a constituent's son who died by suicide in Pentonville last year. The issue lacks reliable data on its scale.
Edward Argar
I am grateful to the hon. Lady, and I hope that through her I can pass on my sympathies and condolences to her constituent. I am not aware of the details of that case, but if she wants to write to me, I would be happy to look at that specific case. Sadly, there are too many deaths in custody and every one is a tragedy, so I am always happy to look at ways in which we can better improve the support available to those with mental health conditions or other health conditions that might make them more vulnerable within a custodial environment.
Session: Safeguarding of Prisoners Mental Health
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The Government announced in the autumn statement £120 million of new money for homeless prevention for next year, but that is just a drop in the ocean, with Enfield Council alone facing a £9.8 million overspend on temporary accommodation for this year. When will this Government recognise the scale of the crisis and provide top-up funding for the homelessness prevention grant and discretionary housing payments?
Context
Enfield Council faces a £9.8 million overspend on temporary accommodation.
Felicity Buchan
I remind the hon. Lady that our total package for homelessness and rough sleeping over three years is £2 billion. The £120 million is in addition to that, but I agree with her that there are real pressures on homelessness, particularly in London, and that is why there were three measures in the autumn statement.
Session: Topical Questions
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Following on from Question 3, asked by my right hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull North (Dame Diana Johnson), can the Minister ensure transparency in implementing the inquiry's final recommendations so that this House can hold him accountable?
Context
A constituent affected by the infected blood scandal seeks justice and assurances.
Oliver Dowden
The hon. Lady will have heard the answers given by my right hon. Friend, the Paymaster General. He has given a clear commitment on both transparency and speed of response, which I am very happy to endorse from the Dispatch Box.
Session: Topical Questions
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If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities following the accession of His Majesty the King and related initiatives.
Context
The accession of His Majesty the King marked a new chapter in UK history.
Oliver Dowden
The Cabinet Office launched a scheme to make new portraits of His Majesty available to all public institutions. Efforts on artificial intelligence include setting up an AI incubator with technical experts to drive adoption across Government.
Session: Topical Questions
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One of the justifications for using service accommodation such as RAF Scampton was that it was supposed to be cheaper, but we now know the figures: it is more expensive over two years, and over three years the savings are absolutely derisory. The figures are, frankly, being fiddled by overcapitalising the value of the base, and are not based on surveys. The Home Secretary's officials are now ripping out services. The council has issued a stop order on it. I give notice that I will report the Home Office to the Comptroller and Auditor General for misapplying and wasting public money, because using the base will cost more than hotels. The base is Crown land, so the local authority cannot enter it. Does she accept that she would be acting illegally and is liable to be sued if her officials disobey the stop order?
Context
The cost-effectiveness of using RAF Scampton for asylum seeker accommodation is questioned, with concerns that the project may be illegal and could lead to a lawsuit.
Suella Braverman
I have had several discussions with my right hon. Friend about the proposed asylum accommodation at Scampton. I thank him for his very energetic campaigning on behalf of his constituents. I very much appreciate the challenges that this nationwide mission poses for us all. I do not agree with his assessment; we have assessed the proposal at Scampton to be value for money.
Session: Refugee and Asylum Seeker Accommodation
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What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure an adequate standard of accommodation for refugees and asylum seekers. We hear the Government talking about £6 million per day being wasted on hotels, but we do not hear about the billions being forked out on private companies such as Serco and Clearsprings Ready Homes, both of which have seen scores of complaints, including about unsanitary conditions, a lack of safeguarding, and sexual abuse. Does the Home Secretary think that it is appropriate to entrust those companies with taxpayers' money to run asylum accommodation in hotels and former Ministry of Defence sites?
Context
Concerns have been raised about the misuse of taxpayers' money for private companies like Serco and Clearsprings Ready Homes, which reportedly face numerous complaints including unsanitary conditions and sexual abuse.
Suella Braverman
The safety and wellbeing of asylum seekers in our care is of paramount importance at the Home Office. We expect high standards from all our providers, and we have robust governance frameworks in place to manage the service delivery of asylum accommodation. What we definitely do not do, and do not propose to do, is willingly accept thousands more illegal migrants into the UK from the EU, housed presumably in more hotels across the country, as Labour is proposing.
Session: Refugee and Asylum Seeker Accommodation
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Hundreds of families in my constituency are living for months on end in hotels, as they can no longer afford to rent and the council has no suitable temporary accommodation left. Local authorities currently do not have the powers or funding they need to tackle the crisis, so will the Secretary of State confirm how he is going to change that and give councils such as Enfield the resources they need to end this hotel crisis?
Context
Families in Edmonton and Winchmore Hill are living in hotels due to affordability issues, with local authorities lacking the necessary powers or funding.
Michael Gove
I appreciate the nature of the problem that the hon. Lady mentions: too many people are in temporary accommodation. I will look at the challenges that Enfield Council faces in terms of the delivery of housing, including affordable housing for the vulnerable families that she champions, and hope to be able to report back more in due course.
Session: Topical Questions
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Last week, the Minister said: “A time when crises are everywhere, but leadership is not. When we can save a bank in California in three days, but Zambia waits more than two years for debt relief.” I agree. However, the Minister knows that 90% of international bonds owed by countries eligible for the common framework are governed by English law, so what leadership is he demonstrating to ensure vulture funds cannot block debt-restructuring processes by simply refusing to come to the table?
Context
The question refers to a previous statement by the Minister about leadership being lacking in addressing debt relief for countries like Zambia. The questioner highlights that 90% of international bonds owed by eligible countries are governed by English law.
Andrew Mitchell
The hon. Lady makes a very good point. I am flattered that she has read the speech I gave at Chatham House last Thursday. We are extremely concerned about the use of vulture funds, and Britain has been the lead country in trying to clamp down on them. I assure her that we will continue with that work.
Session: Africa Sovereign Debt
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What steps he is taking to help low and middle-income African countries with restructuring sovereign debt. In Somalia in 2020, a staggering 98.9% of Government revenue was spent on debt financing. Clearly, it is impossible for a state to tackle poverty in those circumstances, but the Government's most recent international development strategy largely omits debt relief.
Context
The question addresses the issue of low and middle-income African countries struggling with sovereign debt, specifically mentioning the case of Somalia where 98.9% of government revenue was spent on debt financing in 2020.
Andrew Mitchell
The hon. Lady is quite right to raise the issue of Somalia, which is one of only three countries, I think, that has not yet received its heavily indebted poor countries settlement. She will be pleased that Britain is in the lead on the climate-resistant debt clauses, which will mean that, when a disaster strikes or when there is a specific event, countries will be able to delay all capital and interest payments for two years, which will then be added to the back end of the loan.
Session: Africa Sovereign Debt
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Legal aid is the backbone of our criminal justice system, and it is running on empty. In England and Wales, 54 constituencies have no legal aid providers at all, and 80% of the population do not have access to welfare legal aid providers in their local authority. The current legal aid system is not just a postcode lottery but a regional lottery. The Government have kicked the civil legal aid review into the long grass and are still not following Bellamy's recommendations. When will the Lord Chancellor meet Bellamy's recommendations in full?
Context
In England and Wales, there are 54 constituencies with no legal aid providers. Only 20% of the population have access to welfare legal aid providers in their local authority. The current legal aid system is facing criticism for not following Bellamy's recommendations.
Mike Freer
I do not recognise spending more than £2 billion a year as “running on empty”. Spending an extra £4 million on section 28 fees, an extra £10 million on housing legal aid, an extra £5.6 million on special guardianship legal aid, and an extra £3.3 million on special and wasted preparation legal aid is not “running on empty”. In terms of representation across the UK, the Legal Aid Agency regularly ensures that all areas of the UK are covered by duty solicitors and legal aid firms.
Session: Legal Aid
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I thank the Minister for his response. My office regularly refers constituents to the local law centre for housing issues relating to disrepair. The law centre is concerned that it is largely not covered by legal aid on damages for clients. Law centres are also not recognised as exempt professional firms so they are unable to purchase after-the-event insurance, meaning that clients are exposed to costs if they lose their case. Will the Minister consider extending access to legal aid in housing cases and recognising law centres as exempt professional firms?
Context
The MP is concerned about the accessibility of legal aid for constituents facing housing issues. The local law centre reports that it cannot cover damages claims with legal aid, and clients are unable to purchase after-the-event insurance due to not being recognised as exempt professional firms.
Mike Freer
On the exemption issue, if the hon. Lady would like to write to me, I will certainly investigate that. She will be pleased to know that in the last two months we have invested an additional £10 million to boost the amount of legal aid available on housing matters.
Session: Legal Aid
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What steps are being taken to reduce the number of homeless children placed in bed-and-breakfast accommodation? My constituent has been stuck in a Travelodge for seven months with his wife, who is a wheelchair user, and two sons. One son is autistic and has become increasingly distressed at constantly changing rooms. The number of families living in B&Bs for more than six weeks has increased by 180% in London.
Context
The number of families living in B&Bs for more than six weeks has increased by 180% in London. The local housing allowance needs to be uprated at least by the rate of inflation.
Felicity Buchan
I am sorry to hear about the circumstances of the hon. Member's constituent, and I am happy to talk in detail. There are currently 1,200 families in B&B accommodation for over six weeks. As I have said, we think that is inappropriate. We have made it clear to local authorities that B&Bs are a last resort, and they are an interim measure to more stable accommodation.
Session: Homeless Children Bed-and-Breakfast Accommodation
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What steps are being taken to reduce the number of homeless children placed in bed-and-breakfast accommodation? My constituent has been stuck in a Travelodge for seven months with his wife, who is a wheelchair user, and two sons. One son is autistic and has become increasingly distressed at constantly changing rooms. The number of families living in B&Bs for more than six weeks has increased by 180% in London.
Context
A constituent of the MP has been living in a Travelodge for seven months, including an autistic child who is distressed by room changes. The number of families staying in B&Bs for over six weeks in London has increased 180%.
Felicity Buchan
The Government have been clear that long-term use of bed-and-breakfast accommodation for families with children is inappropriate and unlawful. We will continue to work with local authorities to limit its use, giving them £654 million through the homelessness prevention grant for 2023 to 2025. There are currently 1,200 families in B&Bs for over six weeks; we consider this inappropriate. We have made it clear that B&Bs are a last resort and an interim measure.
Session: Homeless Children Bed-and-Breakfast Accommodation
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I understand that the Government are set to undertake a second round of trade negotiations with Israel in the spring. Israel applies our current agreement to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, against the EU negotiator's original intentions. Have the Government considered how they will go about preventing any repeat of that situation and preventing illegal settlements from benefiting from the prospective deal?
Context
The Government are set to undertake a second round of trade negotiations with Israel in the spring. Israel applies our current agreement to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, against EU negotiator's original intentions.
Nigel Huddleston
We are progressing with the free trade agreement with Israel. We are excited about the opportunities it presents, particularly because of the focus on science, technology and innovation. I understand the point that the hon. Lady is raising. I think some of it cuts across other Departments, but I will write to her.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for his answer, but the UK has named the Gulf Cooperation Council as one of its priorities for trade deals and has begun negotiations. We know that the economies across the Gulf are built on the terrible kafala system, enabling coercion and debt bondage and facilitating modern slavery. How can the Government justify such talks with the Gulf Cooperation Council given those basic human rights concerns?
Context
The UK prioritises trade deals with the Gulf Cooperation Council, despite concerns about modern slavery.
Nigel Huddleston
Protecting UK workers' rights remains a priority for this Government. The UK will continue to meet its obligations under the International Labour Organisation and advocate for high labour standards globally, including in free trade agreements. In the GCC FTA, we will retain our high standards and protections, seek assurances that labour rights are not reduced, and have frank conversations on these issues.
Session: Tackling Modern Slavery Trade Negotiations
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What steps her Department is taking through trade negotiations to help tackle modern slavery in global supply chains. The UK has named the Gulf Cooperation Council as one of its priorities for trade deals and has begun negotiations. Economies across the GCC are built on the kafala system, enabling coercion and debt bondage. How can the Government justify such talks given these human rights concerns?
Context
The UK prioritises trade deals with the Gulf Cooperation Council, despite concerns about modern slavery.
Nigel Huddleston
The UK remains committed to upholding workers' rights globally, including through free trade agreements. The UK will retain its high standards and protections, including labour regulations, in the GCC FTA discussions. We advocate for maintaining high labour standards and seek assurances that labour rights are not compromised.
Session: Tackling Modern Slavery Trade Negotiations
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I am concerned about racial disparities in joint enterprise convictions as research indicates this doctrine is often applied in a racist way, causing many miscarriages of justice. Assessing why it disproportionately targets ethnic minorities, especially young black men, is only the first step; what action is being taken to address these historical wrongs and prevent future injustices?
Context
Research by the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies suggests that joint enterprise is applied in a racially discriminatory manner, leading to numerous miscarriages of justice. This issue disproportionately affects ethnic minority communities, particularly young black men.
Mike Freer
The Government recognise that convictions based on joint enterprise appear to affect ethnic minority groups disproportionately. The Crown Prosecution Service can only apply the law when making charging decisions. Data is collected on the ethnicity of defendants who are prosecuted and convicted, but not specifically for joint enterprise cases. We are considering whether such data could be collected as part of the common platform programme.
Session: Convictions for Joint Enterprise Racial Disparities
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I am concerned about racial disparities in joint enterprise convictions as research indicates this doctrine is often applied in a racist way, causing many miscarriages of justice. Assessing why it disproportionately targets ethnic minorities, especially young black men, is only the first step; what action is being taken to address these historical wrongs and prevent future injustices?
Context
Research by the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies suggests that joint enterprise is applied in a racially discriminatory manner, leading to numerous miscarriages of justice. This issue disproportionately affects ethnic minority communities, particularly young black men.
Mike Freer
The Government have implemented many recommendations from the Lammy review. I would like to sit down with the hon. Member to discuss specific issues in more depth rather than addressing them here.
Session: Convictions for Joint Enterprise Racial Disparities
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The success rate of asylum applications from Afghanistan, Syria and Eritrea stands at 98%, and at over 80% for those from Sudan and Iran. Can the Minister commit to an accelerated decision process, especially for people from those countries?
Context
High success rates for asylum applications from certain countries raise concerns about an accelerated decision process.
Robert Jenrick
My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister set out last week that we will redesign and speed up the asylum decision-making process. There will be a particular focus on those individuals with the highest grant rate, and those with the lowest grant rates, such as Albanians, who should be removed from the country.
Session: Topical Questions
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Why have the Government neglected to widely consult experts, and would the Minister be willing to consider their recommendations if I was to write to him?
Context
The question arises from the International Development Committee's hearing with Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, who noted the lack of consultation.
Robert Jenrick
I would be interested in the views of any of our stakeholders, but the Prime Minister set out a very compelling case last week to radically re-engineer the end-to-end process, with fewer interviews, shorter guidance, less paperwork, specialist caseworkers by nationality, including tackling Albanian cases, and reforming modern slavery by reducing the cooling-off period from 45 to 30 days—all steps to clear the backlog as quickly as possible.
Session: Asylum Backlog
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
North Middlesex Hospital Accident and Emergency Services: Cancer Patients
03 March 2026
Responding: Karin Smyth
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the long wait times at the North Middlesex Hospital's Accident and Emergency department, where patients are waiting over 12 hours for admission or discharge. The situation is unacceptable, with many patients not being treated within the four-hour target. This impacts cancer patients particularly severely, as delays can affect their treatment outcomes and overall health. Kate Osamor is concerned about the inadequate resources at North Middlesex Hospital, particularly the lack of isolation capacity and private triage areas for immunocompromised oncology patients in the accident and emergency department. She cited the case of Mr Jack Thorn, who faced 15-hour waits in crowded and unsuitable waiting rooms, increasing his risk of infection. She also mentioned another constituent who had to sleep in a chair for two days without proper hygiene or privacy. The hospital's efforts to improve care through initiatives like the same-day emergency care hub have been hindered by a lack of funding and specialist staff."]
Specific Asks
['I urge the government to take immediate action to strengthen community-based cancer services and ensure that all patients receive timely and appropriate care. This includes increasing funding for cancer services and improving access to early diagnosis and treatment. Osamor requests that the Government consider providing North Middlesex Hospital with the funding needed to establish an oncology assessment unit, conduct a wider assessment of the safety and suitability of settings for immunocompromised patients, and evaluate the impact of the 10-year health plan on cancer patient care.']
Ethnic Minority and Migrant Victims of Violence Against Women and Girls
05 July 2023
Responding: Sarah Dines
Main Concerns
["The backdrop to the debate is an epidemic of violence against women, with victims often being unjustly criminalised. The Centre for Women's Justice found that at least 57% of women in prison have experienced domestic abuse. A case study highlighted a woman charged with driving while disqualified who was coerced by her abuser and threatened if she did not drive on. Black, Asian, minoritised and migrant women face additional disadvantages due to lack of cultural competence and racism within the criminal justice system."]
Specific Asks
["The Government should amend the Victims and Prisoners Bill to introduce statutory defences for victims of domestic abuse who are accused of offending, increase investment in women's services, ensure access to cultural mediation and translation, implement a firewall to end data sharing between police and Home Office, publish disaggregated data on gender-based violence, and withdraw proposals in the Illegal Migration Bill that would limit rights of potential trafficking victims."]
Windrush Review — [Esther McVey in the Chair]
29 June 2022
Responding: Kevin Foster
Main Concerns
['The compensation scheme for the Windrush scandal has failed to deliver justice, with only one in four applicants receiving any compensation. More than 28 people have died without receiving an offer of compensation, and many face long delays and inadequate awards that do not reflect the trauma they endured. The process is also lacking transparency and independent scrutiny.']
Specific Asks
['The Minister should urgently review the levels of awards issued to claimants, increase staff numbers to speed up the process, simplify decision-making, and ensure an independent appeals process for compensation offers.']
DWP Risk Review Team
26 January 2022
Responding: David Rutley
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the Department for Work and Pensions' risk review team, which has suspended universal credit payments for 29 Bulgarian constituents in Edmonton. These suspensions have lasted up to 11 months without any right of appeal or timeframe for resolution. The process has left many single mothers in financial distress, relying on food banks and facing eviction. Additionally, there is a lack of demographic data transparency, with cases predominantly affecting EU nationals like Bulgarians."]
Specific Asks
["I urge the Minister to address this issue urgently by changing the 'guilty until proven innocent' approach, ensuring proper assistance for those affected, conducting an equalities impact assessment, providing adequate compensation for wrongly suspended claims, and increasing transparency in how cases are investigated."]
Ways and Means
05 November 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
This Budget marks a turning point after 14 years of Tory neglect, focusing on fixing the public finances and services. The Chancellor has delivered on Labour's manifesto promises: protecting payslips ...
Afghan Resettlement Update
13 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Occupied Palestinian Territories: Humanitarian Situation
08 November 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Prison Capacity
16 October 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Gaza
16 October 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Strip Searching of Children
28 March 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Turkey and Syria Earthquakes
01 March 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Turkey and Syria Earthquake
07 February 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Windrush Lessons Learned Review: Implementation of Recommendations
10 January 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
The Financial Services Bill [HL] (First Day) - Second Reading of the entire bill
07 September 2022
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The provisions of the Bill create conditions for rolling back or reforming EU financial services legislation. It aims to establish a more agile, internationally competitive regulatory framework to har...
NatWest bank closure in Angel Edmonton
23 October 2024
The petition concerns the proposed closure of the NatWest Angel Edmonton branch, which is seen as a threat to local businesses and individuals who rely on face-to-face banking services, especially tho...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
50.0%
49 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
17
17.3% of votes
No Votes
32
32.7% of votes
Abstentions
49
50.0% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
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
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
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
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
3
PMQs Asked
93
Ministerial Questions Asked
29
House of Commons Debates Involved
4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
1
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+594% above average
This MP:
93
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+59% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+497% above average
This MP:
29
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-59% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-28% below average
This MP:
50.0
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 Kate Osamor's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.