Maria Eagle
MP for Liverpool Garston
Lab
1 May 1997 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
After inquest verdicts that the 97 people who died in the Hillsborough disaster were unlawfully killed, the right hon. Gentleman stood for election to this House on a manifesto that included legislating to introduce a public advocate. Why, then, have his Government repeatedly blocked my Public Advocate Bill, which has cross-party support and would prevent families bereaved by public disasters from ever again having to endure what the Hillsborough families have had to cope with over the past 32 years? Is it an oversight or yet another broken promise?
Context
The MP references the Hillsborough disaster and the government's repeated blocking of a public advocate bill.
Boris Johnson
I thank the hon. Lady and, no, we do recognise the importance of putting the bereaved, such as the bereaved of Hillsborough, at the heart of investigations. In certain circumstances funding may be available for representation of the bereaved at a public inquiry or interest. We are considering what steps should be taken, and I will ensure she has a meeting with the relevant Home Office Minister as soon as possible.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not provide specific reasons for blocking the bill but acknowledged its importance and promised further discussion.
Promised Further Discussion
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
With unemployment at 8% and furlough ending soon, will tighter local lockdown restrictions trigger automatic Government support for local business? Can he commit today to a targeted support package for Merseyside?
Context
Unemployment in Liverpool has doubled, and local lockdown restrictions are expected to worsen the situation.
Boris Johnson
The north-west has received £2.6 billion, including £12 million and £40 million for Knowsley and Liverpool respectively. The Government will continue to provide support across the country as we have done throughout the pandemic.
Assessment
Specific commitment on automatic trigger was not given
Continuing Support
Session: PMQs
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Is it appropriate, Mr Speaker, to pressurise regimental associations to remove content that supports democratic participation?
Context
Regimental associations are concerned about pressure from the MOD to remove content that supports veterans' interests and democratic participation. This has raised concerns about interference in legitimate parliamentary engagement.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for raising his point of order. I was not aware that he was going to raise it, and I have to say that it is news to me; most regimental associations that I know cannot be pressured by anyone from outside. However, I am grateful to him for raising the issue in the House. Anything that interferes with the parliamentary process is of concern to all Members of the House, and I will certainly look into it and get back to him.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given the doubling of reports of bullying, discrimination and harassment in the Ministry of Defence since 2019, and some cases remaining unresolved for up to three years, what is the Minister doing to address the toxic culture in his Department? Why is it that such things seem to be worsening on this Government's watch?
Context
There has been a doubling of reports of bullying, discrimination and harassment in the Ministry of Defence since 2019. Some cases remain unresolved for up to three years.
Andrew Murrison
A lot has been done over the past two or three years, including setting up the defence serious crime unit and the defence victim witness care unit. We have a zero-tolerance approach, encouraging people to come forward knowing their complaints will be investigated independently.
Session: Armed Forces Harassment and Bullying
View All Questions -->
Defence procurement can strengthen UK sovereignty, security and economic growth. We on the Opposition Benches believe that defence investment should be directed first to UK businesses, so that we make, buy and sell more in Britain. With that in mind, what steps is the Minister taking in his rapid review to ensure that social value considerations properly take into account the huge advantages to the UK economy of awarding more contracts to British businesses, so that we create more defence jobs here in the UK? That does not seem to happen at present.
Context
The MP is concerned about the benefits of directing more defence investment to UK businesses.
James Cartlidge
I think there is considerable consensus, because I agree with the right hon. Lady about the importance of sovereign defence capability, and not just because of the economic benefits, although those are crucial. As we enter this era, which has been described as pre-war, it is vital that we have a UK sovereign industrial base. As the Ukrainians have learned, there are certain skills and capabilities that we will need in country, should we get to a hotter military situation, and that is why that is such a priority for us.
Session: Defence Jobs
View All Questions -->
As the former Defence Secretary said, the Government have “hollowed out and underfunded” the UK military over the last 14 years. This is due to total failure on armed forces recruitment, with damning new figures showing that over a decade, 800,000 people willing to serve simply gave up their applications. The current Defence Secretary says the system is “ludicrous”. Where is the plan to fix this?
Context
The question addresses the decline in armed forces recruitment and the failure of the current system.
James Heappey
The right hon. Lady is conflating two separate issues. The former Secretary of State for Defence and I have referred to a hollowing out of the force since the fall of the Berlin wall, because the cold war-era force was not necessary for counter-insurgency campaigns. As far as recruitment goes, record interest has been shown in joining our nation's armed forces.
Session: Armed Forces Personnel
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What plans he has for the future of the rotary wing enterprise?
Context
The rotary wing enterprise programme aims to improve aircraft availability across support solutions for Apache, Chinook, Merlin and Wildcat from within existing budgets. The programme seeks to drive synergies between platforms, modernise support solutions, and pursue delivery-focused commercial mechanisms.
James Cartlidge
The rotary wing enterprise programme seeks to improve aircraft availability across support solutions for Apache, Chinook, Merlin and Wildcat from within existing budgets. It will do so by driving synergies between platforms modernising support solutions and pursuing delivery-focused commercial mechanisms.
Session: Rotary Wing Enterprise
View All Questions -->
If AUKUS is not even in his job description and his officials are working on it part time, how can we take the Minister seriously when he says it is important?
Context
The MP highlights concern over the Government's current level of focus and leadership for AUKUS implementation.
James Cartlidge
The way we take it seriously is not by judging the number of officials or what we are doing in that regard, but by looking at what we are actually delivering in the real world in terms of military capability and for British industry. As I just said, the US has reformed ITAR and there are thousands of jobs across the UK, boosting our Indo-Pacific capabilities. This is an extremely important project.
Session: AUKUS
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I welcome the Secretary of State to their position. The nuclear enterprise has a vast budget that bleeds money from other areas like hospitals and schools. Given current financial constraints highlighted by recent media reports, what steps is his Department taking to ensure no further cuts to conventional forces or other sectors due to the Trident programme's costs?
Context
The nuclear enterprise has an uncapped budget, and there are concerns about the impact on conventional MOD spending.
James Cartlidge
The figure that matters is 80 million, representing the combined death toll from world wars. We have not had a third world war and it's not coincidental.
Session: Trident Nuclear Programme
View All Questions -->
Does the Minister accept that preventing another 13 years of Tory failure is key to increasing the number of UK-based jobs in the defence sector, backing British industry and British military resilience?
Context
The Government have wasted £15 billion on defence procurement and lost over 30,000 jobs in the industry since 2010.
James Cartlidge
I welcome the right hon. Lady to her new position as my ministerial shadow. We are very proud of our record, because in the past year or so we have been faced with a war on our doorstep in Europe, and procurement has risen to the occasion. Defence Equipment and Support in Abbey Wood has delivered kit to Ukraine in record speed. We have seen the acquisition of equipment such as the Archer on a quick basis, to fit our requirements.
Session: Defence Sector UK-based Jobs
View All Questions -->
Why is the Monument Nightingale court closing when delays in criminal cases have reached a record high? What are the Department's plans for remaining or new Nightingale courts and how long will this resource be available?
Context
The Crown court backlog has increased, affecting rape and serious sexual offence cases disproportionately. A new Nightingale court is set to close soon despite high delays in criminal cases.
Victoria Atkins
32 Nightingale Crown courtrooms have been extended until April, with two new super-courtrooms opened in Manchester and Loughborough. The outstanding case load in the Crown court has reduced from 61,000 cases last June to around 58,700 at end of November.
Session: Sexual Offences Timeliness of Cases
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment has been made of the timeliness of cases involving allegations of sexual offences? According to the latest figures, 23% of cases waiting in the Crown court backlog have been outstanding for over a year. The National Audit Office highlights that rape and serious sexual offence cases are disproportionately affected by these delays.
Context
The question arises from concerns about the timeliness and justice for victims in cases of sexual offences, particularly given recent data showing delays in the Crown court backlog.
Victoria Atkins
The Crown court backlog is beginning to decrease following a £250 million investment by the Government. Recent timeliness data shows slight improvement in adult rape cases from the second quarter of last year, but significant work remains. The national scorecards provide detailed transparency and accountability for all stages of the criminal justice system response.
Session: Sexual Offences Timeliness of Cases
View All Questions -->
Knowsley's laptop allocation has been slashed from 1,065 to 282 since the Government's cuts, and Halewood school currently has only six laptops for 60 self-isolating children. How are headteachers meant to comply with the Government's regulations on providing immediate access to remote learning when half of their students lack home technology?
Context
Knowsley, one of the most deprived boroughs in the country, has seen its allocation of laptops cut significantly. With many children from 61 schools self-isolating due to health concerns, there is a critical shortage of technology needed for remote learning.
Nick Gibb
Any school where pupils are self-isolating, and which has disadvantaged students who do not have access to a computer, is able to contact the Department to acquire extra computers beyond those allocated. I am told that it takes 48 working hours to have those laptops delivered to the school.
Session: Home Learning IT Provision
View All Questions -->
Inquires about the Government's plans to help bereaved individuals following public disasters, mentions her introduced Public Advocate Bill and Lord Wills' similar proposal in the House of Lords. Asks if the Lord Chancellor will meet with her and Lord Wills to discuss strengthening proposals for these provisions.
Context
Proposed Public Advocate Bill and campaigning by Hillsborough families.
Alex Chalk (Minister of State)
Acknowledges the hon. Lady's efforts on this issue and confirms that he has spoken with the Lord Chancellor who will be happy to have the requested meeting.
Session: Bereavement after a Public Disaster
View All Questions -->
The Solicitor General has just said that he realises there are concerns about virtual hearings. Can he be clearer about steps to ensure vulnerable witnesses and defendants are properly protected during this period? Beyond accepting an issue exists, what is being done to ensure justice is seen as fair in virtual proceedings?
Context
Concerns have been raised about the adequacy of virtual hearings, particularly regarding the protection of vulnerable witnesses and defendants.
Michael Ellis
Each individual court is responsible for ensuring proper actions in each case. Virtual hearings are not appropriate in every instance, especially where vulnerable persons are involved. Judges are instructed to consider these factors when deciding on virtual hearings, aiming to ensure all participants feel comfortable and able to perform their roles.
Session: Covid-19 Virtual Hearings
View All Questions -->
Will he undertake to push the Chancellor to extend further the business support he announced to those with a rateable value over £51,000 and to extend help to the self-employed and micro-businesses in the sector?
Context
The Liverpool visitor economy brought in £3.3 billion last year, supporting numerous businesses and jobs.
Nigel Huddleston (Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
The hon. Lady is absolutely right about the enormous economic value of the tourism industry— not only in her area, but right across the country. I assure her that we are in regular conversations and dialogue with not only the industry but the Treasury, and those discussions will continue.
Session: Covid-19 Heritage and Tourism Sector
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Public Office (Accountability) Bill
14 July 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Public Office (Accountability) Bill 2025-11-03
03 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister opened the debate by paying tribute to those involved in a recent train attack, reflecting on the Hillsborough disaster, acknowledging the failure of the British state towards victi...
Jaguar Land Rover Cyber-attack 2025-09-09
09 September 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm what assistance the Government are giving to Jaguar Land Rover following the cyber-attack that has halted production, affected thousands of jobs in the supply chain, and rais...
National Armaments Director 2025-06-25
25 June 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Welcomed the debate on Armed Forces Week, acknowledged increased defence spending from 2% to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027 and further commitments towards 3% in the next Parliament. Criticised the lack of...
Defence
07 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government have committed to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030, resulting in a £75 billion cash boost over six years from a flat cash baseline. The current commitment involves sound...
Pet Animals (Protection and Welfare) Bill - Second Reading of the entire Bill
15 March 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
This Bill aims to ban the import of puppies and kittens under six months, prohibit heavily pregnant animals from being imported, prevent mutilated dogs and cats from entering the country, and address ...
Defence Acquisition Reform
28 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament
15 January 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moved a motion under Schedule 1 of the Justice and Security Act 2013 to remove Maria Eagle from the Intelligence and Security Committee and appoint Dame Angela Eagle in her place. Acknowledged Maria E...
Immigration and Asylum Bill - Clause dealing with Rwanda
12 December 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government are implementing measures to reduce illegal immigration, noting that small boat arrivals across the Channel have decreased by a third while they increased in other European regions such...
Hillsborough: Bishop James Jones Report
06 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
55.4%
46 of 83 votes
Aye Votes
22
26.5% of votes
No Votes
24
28.9% of votes
Abstentions
37
44.6% of votes
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
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 AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
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
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
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
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
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: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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 NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
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 AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
2
PMQs Asked
14
Ministerial Questions Asked
81
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
6
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
-46% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+2% above average
This MP:
14
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1573% above average
This MP:
81
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-37% below average
This MP:
6
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-20% below average
This MP:
55.4
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 Maria Eagle's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.