Meg Hillier
MP for Hackney South and Shoreditch
Labour (Co-op)
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
The London borough of Hackney spends £54 million a year, and rising, on temporary accommodation. Not only is that costing the taxpayer dear, but it is wrenching families apart. Communities are being rent asunder, schools are closing, and families are living in hostels in overcrowded rooms or in far-flung areas outside London. I welcome our pledge to build 1.5 million new homes, but will the Prime Minister reassure my constituents that social housing is a priority for him?
Context
The London borough of Hackney is spending £54 million annually on temporary accommodation, causing financial strain and separation of families.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
My hon. Friend is right: families are desperate for the security of their own homes, and we are delivering the biggest boost to affordable and social housing in a generation, backed by £2 billion of additional investment. That, and our reforms, will fulfil our ambition to build 88,000 new homes in areas across London, including my hon. Friend’s constituency. At the same time, we are tackling the root causes of homelessness, and, of course, scrapping section 21 evictions.
Session: PMQs
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Q11. Every week, I visit constituents living in the most appalling, overcrowded social housing, some with triple bunk beds in the bedroom and the parents on a sofa bed in the living room. The nearest available property to buy would be £500,000, and that is out of reach for these hard-working families. I really welcome our Government’s commitment to 1.5 million new homes. Will the Prime Minister agree that we need clear targets for the number of social housing units, so that families in Hackney can live in dignity?
Context
The hon. Member visits constituents living in overcrowded social housing, some with triple bunk beds in the bedroom and parents on a sofa bed in the living room.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
My hon. Friend describes an appalling housing situation, and one that will be familiar to a number of MPs on both sides of the House. That is why we will deliver the 1.5 million homes that we desperately need across the country. The Budget announced £500 million for the affordable homes programme—that is hugely important—£100 million of which will go the Greater London Authority. We will also reform the right to buy, to deliver a fairer, better value and more sustainable scheme where long-standing tenants can buy their own home.
Session: PMQs
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In Hackney, nearly 4,000 children who could fill eight primary schools are in temporary accommodation. I welcome the Government's pledge to build new homes, but will the Prime Minister ensure that those who cannot have a roof over their heads are a top priority in that long queue for new housing?
Context
The MP highlights the housing crisis in Hackney, where nearly 4,000 children are in temporary accommodation.
Keir Starmer
The best way to tackle overcrowding and meet housing need is to build the homes this country needs, and that is why we will deliver 1.5 million homes over this Parliament.
Session: PMQs
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In my constituency, hundreds of leaseholders, tenants and shared owners are living in properties with cladding and other defects. Around the country, there are thousands. Their lives are on hold. Many are facing bankruptcy and delaying having children, unable to move. We have had another change in ministerial responsibility. Will the Deputy Prime Minister take a personal lead on keeping on top of this issue?
Context
Hundreds of leaseholders, tenants and shared owners are living in properties with cladding and other defects. People's lives are on hold due to building safety issues.
Angela Rayner
I thank my hon. Friend for her important question. Let me say from the outset that the pace of remediation has been too slow.
Assessment
Personal lead commitment not clear beyond acknowledgment
Session: PMQs
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When does the Prime Minister expect the child poverty taskforce to report so that we can see action?
Context
The constituency has a high rate of child poverty after housing costs. Child poverty increased by 700,000 since 2010.
Keir Starmer
I thank my hon. Friend for her important question. It is appalling that child poverty has gone up by 700,000 since 2010, after the last Labour Government did so much to bring it down. Tackling this is at the heart of our mission to break down the barriers to opportunity. The taskforce is developing a strategy to reduce child poverty, and it will be published in the spring of next year.
Assessment
The specific timeline for action was not provided, only that the report would be published.
Tackling This Is At The Heart Of Our Mission
Session: PMQs
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Does the Prime Minister believe that the reward for being a law breaker should be to be made a lawmaker?
Context
The MP questioned the Prime Minister's decision to appoint someone with a criminal record as a lawmaker.
Rishi Sunak
As we discussed last week, Mr Speaker, there is a well-established process of vetting for all peerages and I, in keeping with the convention followed by Prime Ministers of both parties, have followed the same process.
Assessment
Did not address whether law breakers deserve to be lawmakers
Under Review
Session: PMQs
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The MP noted that recent policy decisions have led to chaos in financial markets, damaging the economy. She questioned why backbenchers or the general public should have confidence in a Prime Minister whose policies are causing such issues. She specifically asked for reasons to support the Prime Minister given these circumstances.
Context
Recent economic events have caused market instability and public concern about the government's handling of the economy.
Elizabeth Truss
We are facing difficult times economically. The PM acknowledged past mistakes but highlighted actions taken such as implementing the energy price guarantee, reversing the national insurance rise, and addressing railway disruptions caused by militant trade unions.
Assessment
The questioner asked for reasons to maintain confidence in the Prime Minister's leadership amid economic challenges; instead, she acknowledged difficulties but focused on positive actions without directly addressing why confidence should be maintained.
Acknowledged Mistakes But Emphasized Positive Actions
Session: PMQs
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What is the Prime Minister going to do now to ensure patients can access GPs?
Context
Shortage of GPs reaching a critical point.
Boris Johnson
The number of GPs is already increasing, and we are recruiting 6,000 more.
Session: PMQs
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Could the Minister give the House a hint about whether she thinks there is room for improvement in the compensation schemes, based on the Public Accounts Committee's report and the Government's previous experience with different systems?
Context
The Public Accounts Committee published a report suggesting a central body for better management of compensation schemes. The Government has set up different compensation schemes on different systems.
Louise Haigh
The Government is considering improvements based on the Public Accounts Committee's report and the Williams inquiry report, and will give further thought to how redress should be delivered in future. We are grateful for the work of the Committee and will respond formally in due course.
Session: Infected Blood Compensation Scheme 2026-09-10
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How many people potentially eligible for compensation have applied to the infected blood compensation scheme, given the uncertainty about the number of eligible people and the complexity of the scandal? The Public Accounts Committee suggested establishing a central body for better management of compensation schemes.
Context
The Infected Blood Compensation Authority has asked 6,321 people to start their claims. There is uncertainty about the number of eligible people due to the complexity of the scandal. The Public Accounts Committee published a report suggesting a central body for better management of compensation schemes.
Louise Haigh
The Infected Blood Compensation Authority has asked 6,321 people to start their claims and received 20,487 registrations as of 25 August. The Government is considering improvements based on the Public Accounts Committee's report and the Williams inquiry report, and will respond formally in due course.
Session: Infected Blood Compensation Scheme 2026-09-10
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The privacy of a woman is non-negotiable, and I hope the Minister will agree that we need to carefully monitor technological advancements to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place, in particular with regard to AI tools being used to undress women and children without consent. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure the continued protection of women and children?
Context
There are growing concerns about AI tools being used to undress women and children without consent, raising questions about the need for appropriate safeguards.
Bridget Phillipson
I agree with the hon. Lady, and she will know that we have already taken action in this area to ensure that the law is strong and firm, but of course, there is always the question of enforcement running alongside it. As technology adapts and changes rapidly, it is of course the responsibility of this Government to ensure that the law keeps pace with that change and that women are protected from the potential misuse of technology, which can be an amazing force for good, but in the wrong hands can cause serious harm.
Session: Smart Glasses 2026-09-09
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What discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of camera-enabled smart glasses on women's privacy. I am pleased by my right hon. Friend's answer, but she is in a unique position across Government to ensure that we are protecting not only women, but those who are blind or have visual impairments, who really value this technology. If regulation is being talked about across Government, will she ensure that it is about the person misusing it rather than the adaptive technology itself, which can be of so much use to so many people?
Context
Concerns have been raised about the potential misuse of camera-enabled smart glasses, particularly regarding their impact on women's privacy and the rights of those with visual impairments.
Bridget Phillipson
Covert filming using smart glasses can raise serious privacy concerns, and it is important that we spread awareness that criminal offences such as voyeurism already cover their most harmful uses. Platforms that host images or videos captured by smart glasses may also have duties to remove them under online safety or data protection legislation, and they should take those responsibilities extremely seriously. My hon. Friend is right to raise the issue of the potential benefits in this area, as well as the risks and potential misuse that we sadly have seen. I would be more than happy to ensure that she has a meeting with the Minister at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to discuss this further, but I would of course be happy to discuss it with her myself as well.
Session: Smart Glasses 2026-09-09
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I welcome the Chancellor's clampdown on speculation and leaks ahead of the Budget; it is certainly an important step he has taken. On the issue of certainty, the National Wealth Fund is a critical investor in crowding in private investment around the UK. I noted that he has changed the remit. How will he balance his desire to see change with ensuring that it is strong and stable and that there is certainty for businesses seeking to invest with the support of the National Wealth Fund?
Context
The MP notes the Chancellor's clampdown on speculation and changes to the National Wealth Fund's remit.
John Healey
I thank my hon. Friend for that, for the work she does in chairing the Treasury Committee and for her previous work on the Public Accounts Committee. She is right about the damage of speculation ahead of Budget. It led last year, for instance, to a large number of people cashing in pension pots, but the speculation was entirely unfounded. On my hon. Friend's question about the National Wealth Fund, we have capitalised it by over £200 billion, and the challenge is to ensure that we get good value-for-money decisions, but decisions made quicker, so that we can get investment into local areas to see private investment bring the growth that we need.
Session: Economic Growth 2026-09-08
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Will the Government undertake to discuss with Treasury colleagues the maths around tackling HRA debt and its long-term cost savings, given the importance of building homes in London?
Context
The MP highlights the importance of building homes in London and the cost savings from tackling housing issues, suggesting a discussion with Treasury colleagues to understand the long-term benefits.
Matthew Pennycook
The Government are aware of the housing delivery challenges in London and are committed to building social rented homes, with 30% of the funding going to London to deliver at least £6 billion of initial allocations for council housing. Further discussions will be held to address what more can be done.
Session: Housing Revenue Account Council Houses 2026-09-07
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What assessment has been made of the potential impact of housing revenue account debt on the ability of local authorities to maintain and increase council housing stock?
Context
Local authorities face significant financial pressure due to housing revenue account (HRA) debt, impacting the ability to maintain and increase council housing stock.
Matthew Pennycook
We recognise the financial pressure on councils due to HRA debt and have taken steps to support them, including reforming the right to buy scheme, a 10-year social housing rent settlement, and social rent convergence. We will explore further ways to support councils, including low-cost borrowing options.
Session: Housing Revenue Account Council Houses 2026-09-07
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Many young people and children on disability living allowance end up going on to PIP very readily. While it is of course important that people get support, what work is the Secretary of State doing to ensure that those young people are not written off, but given every opportunity to work?
Context
Many young people on disability living allowance face an automatic transition to Personal Independence Payment.
Pat McFadden
There should not be an automatic transition. We also have to consider the life chances of people on long-term sickness benefits. So this is worth considering, while always making sure that people in need of disability benefits get the help and support they need to lead as full a life as possible.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-06-29
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Could the Chancellor update the House on what conversations she or her Ministers are having with Governments in Europe and with Canada about the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank and the multilateral defence mechanism for funding and procuring defence across NATO?
Context
Throughout the equipment plan, there was always a £14 billion deficit. The House wants to know about conversations with European Governments and Canada regarding the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank.
Rachel Reeves
This Government are working with our NATO allies on a multilateral defence mechanism. We have signed treaties with Finland and the Netherlands. The mechanism enables joint procurement and stockpiling off balance sheet for better value and innovative finance. We are closely working with Canada on the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank lending to smaller businesses in the supply chain.
Session: Defence Investment Plan
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Due to declining pupil numbers, schools are closing in my constituency; what work is being done to ensure that these sites can be swiftly re-designated for other uses like social and affordable housing?
Context
The constituency of Hackney South and Shoreditch faces a decline in population, resulting in school closures. There is a need to repurpose former education sites for housing.
Bridget Phillipson
My hon. Friend is right; we are managing declines in pupil numbers and supporting schools through various means such as expanding nursery provision and SEND support. We are considering carefully how to ensure that school sites can be used effectively, whether for education or other purposes.
Session: Topical Questions
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What consideration has my right hon. Friend given to joining the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank to make sure that we are really pushing the investment that we need to see in defence in the current world situation?
Context
The question arises from the context of international defence investment needs in the current geopolitical situation.
James Murray
The UK has already signed up, with Finland and the Netherlands, to the multilateral defence budget, with this Chancellor taking a lead. I know the importance to this Government of security, which is not just something that we can achieve on our own but by working with allies to ensure that we are safer in future.
Session: Defence Industrial Strategy
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I really welcome my right hon. Friend's work in this area, given that so many young people are unemployed, but what is he doing to evaluate how many apprentices get proper, long-term, full-time jobs as a result? Clearly, that is the end goal that we all want to see.
Context
Many young people are unemployed, raising concerns about the effectiveness of apprenticeships in securing long-term employment.
Pat McFadden
My hon. Friend will know that when people complete an apprenticeship, their chances of employment are very high. I am pleased to report that apprenticeship achievement rates are up in the latest figures, as are the apprenticeship start numbers.
Session: Apprenticeships
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Will the Minister or Secretary of State visit Dalston Kingsland to see the impact of not having a lift at this station when other stations along the Mildmay line are accessible?
Context
Dalston Kingsland station, part of the Access for All programme, lacks a lift despite being a key station for Ridley Road market. The station's accessibility is crucial.
Keir Mather
Network Rail is engaging with stakeholders to progress designs on step-free access. I am happy to facilitate a discussion between my hon. Friend and Network Rail, and have heard that the Secretary of State is keen to attend the visit outlined by my hon. Friend.
Session: Railway Stations Accessibility
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What steps her Department is taking to improve accessibility at train stations. My constituency's Dalston Kingsland station is making progress under the Access for All programme due to my campaigning.
Context
The Access for All programme has been established to improve accessibility at train stations. Dalston Kingsland station in Hackney South is among those progressing as part of the national programme.
Keir Mather
We are investing nearly £280 million in the Access for All programme to improve accessibility at stations. In January, 31 further stations were moved into delivery or design, including Dalston Kingsland station in Hackney South.
Session: Railway Stations Accessibility
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I thank the Minister for her response to the hon. Member for Hackney South and Shoreditch (Dame Meg Hillier), who always brings forward interesting matters for this House to consider. I underline the importance of farming, fishing and food in Northern Ireland, and would not want a change to the public ownership of markets in Northern Ireland to impact us negatively. May I ask very respectfully whether she has had an opportunity to discuss these matters with the relevant Minister in Northern Ireland?
Context
The question arises from concerns that similar proposals to those affecting London's markets may also impact food security in Northern Ireland.
Angela Eagle
Mr Speaker, all I can do is express my admiration of the hon. Gentleman's ingenuity in ensuring that his question is in order.
Session: Publicly Owned Markets Food Security
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If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of public ownership of markets on food security. A number of us in London are concerned about the City of London's proposal to put through a private Bill to relinquish its responsibility for providing the fish and meat markets, Billingsgate and Smithfield. Many constituents rely on Billingsgate for selling and buying fresh fish, and it is crucial for London's restaurant sector. Do the Government have any view on this position, and how can we protect these food markets so that there is no diminishment of access to fresh food?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the potential impact of public ownership on local food supplies. It mentions a specific concern in London over the City of London's proposal to relinquish responsibility for fish and meat markets, including Billingsgate.
Angela Eagle
The Government recognise the importance of wholesale markets for customers and communities, but have limited recent evidence of the impact of public ownership. Billingsgate is recognised as a UK distribution hub for fish, and we will continue to monitor proposed changes closely while engaging with the City of London Corporation.
Session: Publicly Owned Markets Food Security
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I have a number of constituents who have had serious delays to their immigration appeals as a result of His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service. One particularly tragic case involves someone who has no recourse to public funds and serious mental health problems. They applied in September 2024, and have just got a date for July 2026. That delay is typical, rather than atypical. What is the Minister doing to ensure that we speed up the immigration tribunal service?
Context
A constituent's immigration appeal has been delayed from September 2024 to July 2026, reflecting a systemic issue of delays in the immigration tribunal service.
Sarah Sackman
We are maximising the number of judicial sitting days in the immigration and asylum chamber. We are recruiting more judges in this area, as well as working with the Home Office to develop proposals for a new independent appeals body that would handle appeal types currently heard in the immigration tribunal.
Session: Topical Questions
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AI is also an increasing concern. Businesses I have spoken to are concerned about the number of people they will not be employing in the future. What conversations is the Minister having across Government and with businesses so that we can plan for what could be a real crisis in the future?
Context
Concern about the impact of AI on job opportunities for young people.
Torsten Bell
My hon. Friend has rightly been raising this issue for some time, predating the election. I will take the two parts of her question in turn. The impact of AI is something that is being looked at across countries—there is a unit inside Government looking at exactly that. More importantly, though, she mentions the crisis happening now, with some young people unable to get the job opportunities that we all want them to have, which they have not had for some time. We will bring forward further measures to strengthen the youth guarantee, which is an important measure to increase the employment support available to our young people and to ensure that a job guarantee is there for those who are long-term unemployed.
Session: Youth Unemployment Autumn Budget 2025
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Has the Minister had any opportunity to form conclusions about whether excessive involvement with social media and other online potential harms has contributed to an apparent significant increase in the levels of mental health disorders?
Context
There is an apparent significant increase in the levels of mental health disorders, and it raises concerns about excessive involvement with social media.
Zubir Ahmed
The right hon. Gentleman is right to highlight this very live issue. As a doctor, a parent and a Minister, it is live in my mind, as it is in the minds of hon. Members across the House. It is important that we follow the evidence, and act safely and proportionately in response to that evidence. The right hon. Gentleman will know this Government's ambition, and the direction that we want to set to ensure that young people are kept safe online.
Session: Access to Mental Health Services
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I am concerned about the steps being taken to improve access to mental health services. The NHS's work on this is vital, but I also draw the Minister's attention to Mind in Hackney, which is pioneering a new approach to make sure that people get two sessions of mental health support within two weeks. They can get more later on, but that is what they get, rather than waiting in a queue for six months for long-term support. For many people, that, along with a long-term treatment plan, is enough. May I urge the Minister to come and visit? It is only half an hour up the road from Westminster; he could fit it in before Prime Minister's questions.
Context
The NHS's work on this is vital, but local organisations like Mind in Hackney are pioneering new approaches to ensure quicker access to mental health support.
Zubir Ahmed
I am grateful for my hon. Friend's invitation. She is right: we need to think of innovative ways of attacking the mental health issues that face our country, and particularly our young people. Those include digital and face-to-face therapies, both of which we are expanding at a rapid pace. I am delighted to pass on her invitation to the Minister for Mental Health.
Session: Access to Mental Health Services
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As well as the British Business Bank, the National Wealth Fund plays a crucial part in investing taxpayers’ money. I welcome the Government’s response to the Select Committee’s report on that issue. Will the Minister indicate when the National Wealth Fund will have the ability to borrow from private markets in order to increase its independence, secure funding for infrastructure, and get the taxpayer off the hook?
Context
The National Wealth Fund plays a crucial part in investing taxpayers’ money, but the Government’s response to the Select Committee's report on this issue has not set a date for when the fund will have the ability to borrow from private markets.
Lucy Rigby (Economic Secretary to the Treasury)
We have not set a date for when the National Wealth Fund will have the ability to borrow from private markets, but I am more than happy to write to the hon. Member with further information.
Session: Government-backed Loans SMEs
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I had the privilege of chairing the Public Accounts Committee for nearly a decade, and in that role I saw the challenges caused by how poor data often is across Government. In one hearing, for example, we learned that Government Departments have 13 different ways of recording an individual’s address, and there are many other issues around data. Is the Minister alert to those issues, and how will he tackle them to make sure that this system is watertight?
Context
The MP chaired the Public Accounts Committee for nearly a decade, witnessing challenges caused by poor data management across Government Departments.
Josh Simons (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
My hon. Friend has deep experience of these challenges, and she is absolutely right: the reason why digital ID is so vital to the future of our public services and government is all about data. That will become ever more important in the future age of artificial intelligence.
Session: Digital Identity Scheme
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What conversations has the Department had with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government about planning for music venues? The Moth club in Hackney is potentially under threat from a planning issue, and it is vital that the Departments work together to preserve our music venues.
Context
The Moth club in Hackney is potentially under threat from a planning issue.
Lisa Nandy
This is a significant issue for many music venues around the country, in addition to the funding challenges that they face, which we are trying to address, and we know that they would welcome more Government support with it. I am due to discuss this shortly with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, but I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend to discuss it further.
Session: Topical Questions
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Banister House in Homerton in my constituency was the first community energy scheme in Hackney with solar panels on the roof, and it is the UK’s largest such scheme on social housing. The forthcoming local power plan will provide an opportunity for others to follow where Hackney has led. Could the Secretary of State give some detail about its roll-out, so we all know how we can prepare to bid for it?
Context
Banister House in Hackney is the first community energy scheme on social housing with solar panels. The forthcoming local power plan will provide opportunities for similar projects.
Ed Miliband
I congratulate Hackney council—Labour-led Hackney council—on the brilliant job it is doing on green energy. Unlike some who just talk about it, the council is actually delivering, and I congratulate it. I see Hackney as being at the forefront of our local power plan, which will be coming out in the coming months.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am concerned about the dangers posed by unsafe e-bike batteries and the fact that people often buy these batteries from non-regulated suppliers to upgrade bikes and extend their range. How can the Department work with other parts of Government to regulate illegal sales?
Context
There have been 170 recorded incidents of e-bike fires in London, posing significant safety risks. The current product safety laws mandate the supply of safe consumer products, including e-bike batteries.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Kate Dearden)
I would be happy to work with my hon. Friend and across Government on this important issue for her constituents, as she knows how vital consumer safety is for e-bike users. The Office for Product Safety and Standards has powers to remove unsafe products from the UK market and has taken action to prevent dangerous models of UPP brand e-bike batteries from being sold.
Session: e-Bike Batteries
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Would the Chief Secretary or the Chancellor like to remind people about the role of the fiscal risks and sustainability report, which does look longer term at the economy, and the importance that this has in planning?
Context
The OBR has faced criticism recently, with the publication of budget documents ahead of time being a notable issue.
Dorking and Horley
I have huge respect for the Office for Budget Responsibility, and I reappointed Richard Hughes for a second term earlier this year. We deeply regret the publication of the Budget document ahead of the Budget. Richard Hughes has apologised for that and has resigned, but I thanked him for his leadership of the OBR. My hon. Friend is right to point to the longer-term risks that the OBR also points out.
Session: Topical Questions
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Dame Meg Hillier pointed out that there are opportunities locally where Education and Health lands can be converted into social housing. She requested an undertaking from the Minister to engage with Departments such as Education or Health to expedite the release of land for this purpose, particularly in areas like Hackney South.
Context
There are local solutions to the housing crisis, such as utilizing land from educational institutions or healthcare providers that have become available. This could be a practical approach to alleviate pressure on temporary accommodation.
The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)
Alison McGovern, acknowledging Dame Meg's expertise in these matters, informed the House that recent steps have been taken by the Secretary of State to ensure the construction of homes, including social and affordable housing in London. She confirmed their readiness to work closely with Dame Meg Hillier using the information she provides.
Session: Families in Temporary Accommodation
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Too Good To Go and Winnow Solutions are two food waste businesses in my constituency at the heart of tackling food waste. I know that the Government do not want to put more burdens on business, but the companies I mention have proved that tackling food waste can save businesses’ bottom line. Is the Minister considering mandatory reporting of food waste, and promoting companies that help other businesses to tackle food waste?
Context
The MP highlighted two food waste businesses in her constituency, Too Good To Go and Winnow Solutions, which have shown that tackling food waste can save businesses money. She questioned whether the government is considering mandatory reporting of food waste.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mary Creagh)
Those are two absolutely brilliant green tech companies at the heart of my hon. Friend’s constituency. We are committed to halving food waste by 2030, and we support both those companies. Digital waste tracking will be in place from April 2026, and will be mandatory from October for waste receivers. That is part of tackling the organised crime end of things. Our circular economy taskforce is considering how we can go further and the potential benefits of a mandatory food waste reporting requirement for large food businesses.
Session: Food Waste
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How long does it take this Government to clear up the mess that the last Government left? The previous government's failure led to a justice system lacking adequate funding and facing issues such as poor infrastructure and inefficient IT systems.
Context
The MP highlights issues uncovered by the Public Accounts Committee regarding problems with court buildings, IT systems, Probation Service, indicating significant difficulties within the courts system.
The Minister for Courts and Legal Services (Sarah Sackman)
This Government is committed to restoring public confidence in the justice system, and through the spending review, an additional £450 million has been pledged towards improving court infrastructure and human resources to address these challenges.
Session: Courts System Funding
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The Treasury Committee looks at HMRC’s customer service. We have recently seen people having their child benefit stopped, ostensibly on the basis of travel data. Could the Minister explain what he is doing to resolve this issue and what data HMRC based its information on?
Context
The MP questions HMRC’s practice of using travel data to stop child benefit payments, which has led to wrongful removals.
The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Dan Tomlinson)
I thank my hon. Friend for her service on the Treasury Committee; she is doing a sterling job as its Chair. This is a really important issue. Last year HMRC undertook a pilot to try to find a way to reduce fraud in the child benefit system. That measure is expected to save £350 million over the next five years, and we have already managed to prevent £17 million in wrongful payments, but my hon. Friend is right to say that a very small number of claimants had their child benefit incorrectly removed. I am really sorry that that happened. HMRC is writing to those who have been affected and ensuring that people who should get their child benefit payments do receive them.
Session: HMRC Customer Service
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Given the impressive performance of Homerton University Hospital, what specific measures will be taken to support such leaders and ensure they have sufficient funding to sustain their progress?
Context
Homerton University Hospital in Hackney has increased productivity by over 11%, setting an example for other hospitals.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
I was delighted to meet my hon. Friend only recently to hear about the really impressive productivity gains being made at her local trust. We need to incentivise and reward leaders for that kind of outstanding performance and we also need to get some of that best practice to some of our poorest performing trusts.
Session: NHS Trusts Performance
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It is great that we are transforming leasehold properties, but many leaseholders are now stuck in a gap with their freeholders when it comes to betterment. If they want to green their homes through new roofs, new insulation and electric vehicle charging, they have to pay a huge extra cost. Will the Minister and, if necessary, Ministers from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero meet me and my constituents to discuss this issue? There is a real gap when it comes to achieving green improvements.
Context
Many leaseholders face significant additional costs when making home improvements, such as installing green technologies.
Matthew Pennycook
I would be more than happy to do so.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome my right hon. Friend’s commitment to the hope of decent homes. In my constituency, children and families are leaving in droves and schools are closing because of a lack of properly affordable housing. She knows, as I do, that whatever we do in planning, without the skills that we need to build those homes, there will be a block there. Is she working with the new Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, who now has the skills brief, to ensure that we are investing in those skills and super-turbocharging the people who can help to build those homes?
Context
The MP highlights the challenges of providing affordable homes due to a lack of necessary workforce skills. They mention specific issues like school closures due to a lack of affordable housing.
Rachel Reeves (The Chancellor of the Exchequer)
Just this September, new construction colleges have started opening around the country to train up the next generation of builders, plumbers and engineers, so that we can build both the housing infrastructure and the other infrastructure our country desperately needs. We have reformed the apprenticeship system, so that we can have more foundation apprenticeships for a shorter period of time to quickly get people the skills they need. Not requiring people to have a grade C or equivalent in maths and English to access an apprenticeship programme is also so important for young children who maybe did not get the grades they wanted in their GCSEs, but deserve a chance of a good apprenticeship and a job offering a decent wage.
Session: Planning Reform Economic Growth
View All Questions -->
I commend my right hon. Friend for his work on reducing waiting lists, but at the Homerton in Hackney, because of a system-wide funding failure, deficit reduction money was removed three months into a 12-month agreement, which reduced the opportunity to drive down waiting lists still further. Will he or one of his colleagues meet me to discuss this issue and see what we can do to drive down those waiting lists?
Context
The MP references a hospital in Hackney facing financial challenges due to a reduction in deficit reduction money mid-way through an agreement.
Wes Streeting
We are taking action to deal with the over-running of budgets and the reckless spending across the NHS and to bring deficits under control, but I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Economic Secretary is reviewing the work of the Financial Ombudsman Service. We on the Treasury Committee recognise that there have been challenges with the service, but how will she make sure that the consumer voice is central to her review?
Context
The MP mentions the Treasury Committee's recognition of challenges with the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Emma Reynolds
I have had meetings with Which? and other consumer representatives. I reassure my hon. Friend that we are reviewing FOS. We want to make sure that it is a simple, impartial dispute resolution service that quickly and effectively deals with complainants so that consumers can get a fair deal, but that financial services firms are not subject to a quasi-regulator in the way they are at the moment.
Session: Topical Questions
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It is right that we have properly resourced boundary commissions, but we have more than one in England: the Boundary Commission for England and the Local Government Boundary Commission for England. Have there been conversations at the Electoral Commission or elsewhere about amalgamating those two commissions or pooling resources in order to save taxpayer money?
Context
The Local Government Boundary Commission has been allocated £500,000 to manage its work programme. Dame Meg Hillier asks about the possibility of amalgamating or pooling resources between two boundary commissions in England.
Stephen Gethins (Arbroath and Broughty Ferry) (SNP)
I am not aware of such conversations at the moment, but I will raise that with the commission on her behalf.
Session: Local Government Boundary Commission for England
View All Questions -->
There is a real housing crisis in Hackney, where we spend £54 million a year on temporary accommodation. I visit families, most of them working families, in tragically overcrowded accommodation. We need this social housing as quickly as possible, and I know my right hon. Friend is putting her shoulder to the wheel. Will she visit Hackney to see the work that the council has been doing to build properly affordable social rented council housing? The council could do so much more with more Government support.
Context
There is a real housing crisis in Hackney, where families are living in overcrowded accommodation.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Angela Rayner)
We have over 160,000 children in temporary accommodation, as I have said at the Dispatch Box a couple of times, and it is a scandal that we are in this situation. That is why the Government are making these changes. We make no apology for changing the mandatory housing targets to get Britain building again, because we need those homes and those kids deserve better.
Session: Housing Supply
View All Questions -->
Closer to home, in my constituency and across the country, our creative industries are huge drivers of growth, but there is a battle with AI. If our creators’ content is taken and they are not recompensed, that will damage the economy, too. Is he talking to those industries and to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to ensure that our creative content creators are protected?
Context
The Secretary of State referred to space and AI as key drivers of growth. In her constituency, the creative industry is a significant driver but faces challenges from AI.
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Peter Kyle)
I can assure my hon. Friend that I am speaking to both sectors, and I am determined that both sectors will get fit for the future as we face the opportunities and challenges. We are lucky as a country to have the second largest creative arts sector and the third largest AI market in the world. This is both a benefit and an opportunity for our country, and this Government will navigate any challenges it poses so that both sectors are fit to exploit the opportunities they have and for commercial gain into the future.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Can the Minister reassure the House and the country that the child poverty taskforce is looking to support all children in poverty, whatever decisions it comes up with, and not just a small segment of them?
Context
There is speculation that the child poverty taskforce could lift the two-child benefit cap for under-fives, which would affect fewer than 20,000 households compared with the 440,000 currently affected by the cap.
The Minister for Employment (Alison McGovern)
Yes, I can. All children matter. We are taking account of a considerable range of different policy options, carefully working through the impact that they would have, but all the children in this country matter.
Session: Two-child Benefit Cap
View All Questions -->
We all know how important it is to encourage savings, because so many people are a paycheque away from poverty, but there has been a lot of discussion about lazy capital in cash-only ISAs, for example, and other savings accounts. I know there is a drive by Government to see greater investment. Would the Minister like to expand on the Government’s thoughts on that? In particular, can she make any comments about the security of the cash ISA?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the lack of investment in cash-only ISAs compared to other financial products. She asks for comments on the security of these savings accounts.
Emma Reynolds (Economic Secretary to the Treasury)
Cash savings provide a vital source of savings for a rainy day, and we recognise that. Equally, we want to build a better investment culture in our society, so that it is not just the 8% of people who can afford financial advice who can have the opportunity of better rewards by investing in British companies and others in our economy.
Session: Saving
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Co-operatives and Alternative Businesses: Local Authority Support
20 June 2023
Responding: Dehenna Davison
Main Concerns
['The MP is concerned about the potential of co-operatives to deliver economic benefits, citing statistics such as 7,200 UK co-ops in 2021, employing 250,000 people and contributing 2% of GDP. She highlights the resilience and ambition of co-operative models compared to other businesses, noting they are more likely to survive for five years post-startup and have a smaller gender pay gap.']
Specific Asks
['The MP asks the Minister to consider setting up a central hub in Government that can provide advice on co-operatives. She also advocates for procurement opportunities open to alternative businesses such as co-ops, encouraging the consideration of social value beyond mere compliance.']
Energy Price Cap: Residential Buildings with Communal Heating Systems
20 April 2022
Responding: Greg Hands
Main Concerns
["The energy price cap does not protect residents in residential buildings with communal heating systems, leaving about half a million people vulnerable to significant price increases. Constituents are facing usage fee hikes of up to 103% this month and over 700% in the worst cases. Housing association residents make up around 150,000 of those affected, with Peabody reporting energy costs have increased by over 300% since April 2021. The Competition and Markets Authority's recommendation for regulation was made in 2018, yet it has taken years to see progress."]
Specific Asks
["The Government should introduce legislation regulating heat networks during the current Parliament, preferably in the upcoming Queen's Speech, to provide urgent support to residents facing significant energy bill increases. Additionally, targeted financial support for housing associations covering expected rises in energy bills would help create a level playing field for residents of the same landlord who often have different energy costs."]
Immigration and Nationality Application Fees
25 March 2021
Responding: Kevin Foster
Main Concerns
['The fees for immigration and citizenship have increased significantly, affecting young people who arrived in the UK as children. The cost of becoming a British citizen has risen from £540 to £1,012 for registering a child as a British citizen, and from £972 to £2,389 for indefinite leave to remain applications. For those on the 10-year route to citizenship, the overall cost can exceed £38,408 for a family of four. The fees are out of reach for many families living in poverty, discouraging these young individuals from fully integrating into British society and contributing to the economy.']
Specific Asks
["The Home Office should review the current fee structure to make it more accessible for young people who want to become British citizens and contribute to the UK's global ambition. The Government should consider reducing fees or providing financial assistance to those on low incomes."]
Falkland Islands: Sovereignty
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Economic Growth
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Direction of Government
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
NATO Summit
09 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Timms Review: Interim Report
09 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Science Diplomacy
09 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The UK's scientific strengths are in the premier league but its science diplomacy is not clear. The report highlights three main issues: failing to adapt to geopolitics, lack of overarching strategy, ...
Civil Service Pensions
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Payment Scheme
06 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate focuses on the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme and its amendments. The lead MP acknowledges thousands of victims suffering due to infected blood, emphasises the importance of reflecting ...
Defence Investment Plan
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
G7 Summit
22 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
73.5%
72 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
28
28.6% of votes
No Votes
44
44.9% of votes
Abstentions
26
26.5% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
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
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
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
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
8
PMQs Asked
115
Ministerial Questions Asked
230
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+119% above average
This MP:
8
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+758% above average
This MP:
115
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+4633% above average
This MP:
230
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+6% above average
This MP:
73.5
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 Meg Hillier's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.