Mr Bayo Alaba
MP for Southend East and Rochford
Ind
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I am proud and honoured to say that I have served this country as a reservist Parachute Regiment soldier. That is why I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our service members and their families during Armed Forces Week. This Labour Government have announced the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the cold war. Will the Deputy Prime Minister set out how the Government will rebuild Britain and secure our defence for the future?
Context
The government has announced significant increases in defence spending, which is seen as crucial for national security.
The Deputy Prime Minister (Angela Rayner)
I thank my hon. Friend for his question and for his service. He is absolutely right—our armed forces represent the very best of Britain, and put their lives on the line for us every day. It is our responsibility to support those who defend us, so we are delivering the biggest sustained boost to defence spending since the end of the cold war. The strategic defence review sets out our vision for defence, driving jobs and investment across the nation, while ensuring we have a world-class military that can protect Britain’s interests at home and abroad.
Session: PMQs
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What steps she is taking to increase the accountability of water company executives. After 14 years of water bosses profiting while sewage has spilled into our waterways, this Government are finally setting the record straight. In Southend East and Rochford, we have several organisations dedicated to protecting and preserving our coastlines, from Southend Against Sewage to Waterwatch. Southend has not one but two Labour MPs and a Government who are taking decisive action, so I am reassured that the future of our waterways is in safe hands. Will the Secretary of State update the House on progress on the forthcoming water Bill, and will she meet me to discuss how upcoming legislation could address the regulation of wet wipes and their environmental impact?
Context
Water company executives have awarded themselves over £112 million in bonuses while sewage spills into waterways, prompting calls for increased accountability.
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Reynolds)
I thank my hon. Friend for his doughty campaigning on this issue. We are already taking forward secondary legislation to ban plastic wet wipes, which are a major source of pollution in our waterways. As I have said previously, this Government are taking decisive action to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas. We will publish a White Paper later this year, putting forward proposals for fundamental reform of our water system, so that it delivers better outcomes for consumers and the environment.
Session: Water Company Executives Accountability
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The Government’s plan to relocate civil service jobs outside London will bring high-quality jobs across the United Kingdom and ensure that policy is delivered closer to the communities it serves. However, none of the areas identified for that relocation is in the east of England, and notably, none is in Essex. What steps are the Government taking to ensure that these opportunities exist in every region, including my constituency of Southend East and Rochford, and will the Minister meet me to discuss the opportunities that are available?
Context
The MP noted the government's plan to relocate civil service jobs outside London, which is expected to bring high-quality jobs across the UK. However, none of these areas identified for relocation are in Essex or Southend East and Rochford.
Anna Turley (Minister without Portfolio)
My hon. Friend is a real champion for his constituency. We greatly value the contribution of the 23,000 civil service staff who are based in the east of England, and are determined that the people of Southend East and Rochford should have the same opportunities as those in Redcar, or anywhere else in the country. I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this matter further.
Session: Civil Service Opportunities outside London
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Antisocial behaviour, including cars producing excessive noise along the Southend seafront and Westcliff roads, has long affected my constituents. Will the Home Secretary set out how the Government are going further, faster, in tackling antisocial behaviour?
Context
The MP addresses ongoing issues with antisocial behavior in Southend, seeking further government action.
The Minister for Policing and Crime (Sarah Jones)
This year, £200 million has been made available to forces to kick-start the delivery of 13,000 more neighbourhood officers across England and Wales. I would be very happy to talk to my hon. Friend about the issues that he is facing. We must tackle antisocial behaviour.
Session: Topical Questions
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Earlier this year, I visited Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis Centre where we discussed how extended court delays put pressure on the third sector organisations that provide vital support. Under the previous Government, the total backlog of all court cases soared, leaving 73,000 victims waiting years for their day in court. Now, we finally have a Government who are putting victims first. Our Labour Government have allocated the highest number of sitting days on record. How is the CPS playing its role in getting quicker justice for victims?
Context
Alaba visited Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis centre, noting extended court delays impacting third sector organisations. Under the previous government, 73,000 cases faced backlogs.
The Solicitor General
My hon. Friend rightly highlights the necessary and important action that this Government are taking to address the crisis in our courts. Alongside that, the CPS is using every tool at its disposal to reduce the backlog, including by trialling new initiatives to expedite domestic abuse trials and weekly listing meetings with partners in the criminal justice system.
Session: Support for Victims of Crime
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Young people across the UK who are not in education, employment or training are more than twice as likely to come from disadvantaged backgrounds. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that support reaches those who need it most?
Context
The MP is concerned about the high likelihood of NEET status for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in Southend East and Rochford.
The Minister for Employment (Alison McGovern)
In everything we do in the Department for Work and Pensions, we are trying to close the gap between those who have suffered disadvantage and those who have not. Young people, especially those who have experienced poverty, are vulnerable to mental ill health, and the pandemic generation deserve more support to get chances that they have missed. That is why we have a joint work and health unit with the Department of Health and Social Care. We also have many agreements across Whitehall relating to our net zero mission, as well as our investment in defence, to help employers recruit the next generation, whatever their background.
Session: NEET Young People 2025-09-01 (1)
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Digital inclusion and exclusion vary widely between individuals, households and even communities. Often it is those in low-income, rural and coastal communities who are left behind. What steps are being taken to ensure that Labour’s action plan reaches all communities and equips everyone with the tools they need?
Context
The MP is concerned about the varying levels of digital inclusion among individuals, households, and communities within his constituency, particularly noting that low-income, rural, and coastal areas are often left behind.
The Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms (Chris Bryant)
My hon. Friend makes a strong point: we need digital inclusion for every community. If we are to have a digital Government, we must have a digital nation, and we cannot have some people excluded from that future. That is why we have announced £6 million in this financial year for the innovation fund, and I hope that local authorities will come forward with innovative ideas on how we can break down the barriers to digital inclusion.
Session: Digital Inclusion Southend East and Rochford
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Our Labour Government have recently invested in a new state-of-the-art linear accelerator machine in Southend hospital. The machine is the first of its type in the country and will drastically improve cancer treatments. Please can the Minister outline how record levels of investment, such as in the LINAC machine and as announced at the spending review, will finally mean that the NHS will be there when we need it?
Context
The Minister for Secondary Care was questioned about steps to reduce cancer diagnosis times. Mr Alaba highlights the investment in a new linear accelerator machine in Southend Hospital.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
I am delighted that my hon. Friend’s constituents will benefit from the £70 million investment. These machines are game changing and will reduce the number of visits for his constituents. They are also more reliable, which gives more capacity to the system. That is better for staff, as there will be less appointment cancellations. That is exactly the sort of thing we want to see more of, and we are delivering that under this Government. It is the result of our drive to reduce long waits and treat more people quicker. That was reinforced in last week’s spending review, and it is exactly what his constituents deserve.
Session: Cancer Diagnoses
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The Kursaal in Southend—the site of the first theme park in Europe—and the Freight House in Rochford were once iconic venues in my community and central to the night-time economy. Over the last 14 years, venues have been forced to close and heritage buildings have been left empty. What steps are the Minister and his Cabinet colleagues taking to protect the iconic heritage and cultural venues that are the backbone of our evening and local economies?
Context
Venues like the Kursaal in Southend and the Freight House in Rochford have faced closures over the last 14 years. These closures have left heritage buildings empty, impacting local economies.
Torsten Bell (The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury)
I have missed out on the particular historical gems that my hon. Friend mentions, but my daughter is a big fan of Southend so obviously I agree with him wholeheartedly. And the Government agree with my hon. Friend, which is why last December we announced the largest round of the community ownership fund, awarding £36 million to 85 projects across the UK. In fact, I agree with my hon. Friend so much that my own office is in the rejuvenated Albert Hall in Swansea, which has had previous incarnations as a cinema, a bingo venue and a music venue—but behaviour in that building is much better these days.
Session: Night-time Economy
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I recently heard from Chelsea, a constituent of mine who raised concerns about her grandmother Anna’s care. After a delayed discharge she was released with the wrong equipment which sadly resulted in her falling out of bed and sustaining a further injury. Ensuring that patients are discharged in a safe and timely manner is key to continuing the Department’s significant progress in cutting waiting lists for treatment, so what steps is the Secretary of State taking to promote integrated working between services to support discharge into the community for patients?
Context
A constituent's grandmother experienced a delayed discharge with incorrect equipment, leading to further injury.
Wes Streeting
I am extremely sorry to hear about that particular case. It is really important that we support and facilitate better discharge which is why we are reforming the better care fund and looking to better integrate health and social care services through our 10-year plan. I would be delighted to hear further from my hon. Friend about what we can do to improve in his area.
Session: Topical Questions
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I commend the Minister on the progress he has made on setting up Great British Energy. Can he outline to the House what opportunities our publicly owned champion will bring to Southend East and Rochford and the wider south-east region?
Context
Mr Alaba is concerned about the potential benefits of Great British Energy in his constituency.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Michael Shanks)
My hon. Friend is right. Of course, the Great British Energy legislation is still going through Parliament at the moment; we hope that process will conclude soon, but in the meantime, hard work has been taking place to identify all the opportunities for Great British Energy to invest. Both Opposition parties—the SNP and the Conservatives—seem to oppose Great British Energy. Every single investment that it makes, every job that it creates, and every part of the supply chain that it incentivises will be delivered by Great British Energy against the SNP and the Conservatives, who have opposed it at every single stage. I ask them to rethink their position on what is a publicly owned champion to deliver for communities, create good, well-paid jobs, and deliver the clean power future that we need as a country.
Session: Great British Energy Regional Offices
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Market Towns: Cultural Heritage
04 March 2025
Responding: Stephanie Peacock
Main Concerns
["Historically, market towns were economic hubs hosting markets that spurred development, with houses, fire stations, stables, and mechanics’ premises surrounding them. However, over the past two decades, market towns have faced challenges due to industry hollowing out, increased shop vacancies, decreased footfall, and a rise in antisocial behaviour as consumer habits shifted towards retail parks and online shopping. Local authorities' historic environment teams have also shrunk considerably, impacting their ability to protect and maximise cultural heritage."]
Specific Asks
['The lead MP asks for greater resources and expertise to help market towns thrive economically while preserving their cultural heritage. He highlights the need for community-led regeneration efforts like the Heritage Revival Fund.']
Higher Education Government Support 2026-01-12
12 January 2026
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
I am pleased to have secured this debate on Government support for higher education. The UK is home to some of the world’s most respected universities, and their value is undeniable in terms of opport...
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill 2025-09-02
02 September 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Armed Forces Commissioner Bill 2025-06-03
03 June 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Data (Use and Access) Bill [Lords] 2025-05-22
22 May 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
School Teachers’ Review Body Recommendations 2025-05-22
22 May 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm whether the Government will accept the school teachers' review body's pay recommendation for 2025-26, and provide clarity on funding to ensure certainty for schools?
Diego Garcia Military Base 2025-05-22
22 May 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Prevent Learning Review 2025-02-12
12 February 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Southport Attack 2025-02-05
05 February 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Police Grant Report 2025-02-05
05 February 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
National Cancer Plan 2025-02-04
04 February 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Announced the Government's national cancer plan, highlighting improvements in diagnosis and treatment times. Cited Lord Darzi’s investigation which found higher rates of cancer cases compared to Europ...
Attendance
77.6%
76 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
27
27.6% of votes
No Votes
49
50.0% of votes
Abstentions
22
22.4% 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
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
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
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
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
24 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
1
PMQs Asked
10
Ministerial Questions Asked
13
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
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 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
-25% below average
This MP:
10
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+167% above average
This MP:
13
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 (%)
+12% above average
This MP:
77.6
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 Mr Bayo Alaba's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.