Rupa Huq
MP for Ealing Central and Acton
Lab
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I congratulate the Prime Minister on being the recipient yesterday of a Légion d'honneur medal, and on the passing of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, which will mean that these scandals—I include those relating to Grenfell and Windrush—will never happen again. Does he agree that the media have sometimes twisted the knife a bit and made the pain worse for the victims' families in those scandals, so can he revisit some of the same principles of accountability and justice for the gutter press?
Context
The MP notes the Prime Minister's receipt of a Légion d'honneur medal and the passage of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill which aims to prevent future scandals like Grenfell and Windrush. She mentions media criticism during such scandals.
Keir Starmer
I am very proud that we delivered the Hillsborough law yesterday. It is important to recognise that there has always been an initial injustice and then a further injustice when the state does not acknowledge and get to the truth. We are putting that right with the Hillsborough law.
Assessment
The MP asked about revisiting principles of accountability for the media in scandals, but the PM responded about the Hillsborough law without addressing the specific ask regarding the press.
Changing Subject
Session: PMQs 2026-07-15
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Will the Prime Minister use his unique role—with influence in the US and the coalition of the willing in Europe—to redouble all efforts to find a just peace, with security guarantees for Ukraine and war crimes punished, so that we can end this war?
Context
The Ukrainian community in Acton recalls a visit with the Prime Minister. They want reassurance on efforts to find a just peace and ensure security guarantees.
The Prime Minister
Our support for Ukraine remains unwavering. We are working with the coalition of the willing to ensure there are security guarantees as we go forward, making real progress in recent weeks.
Session: PMQs
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HS2 promised to transform intercity travel and my seat, where Old Oak Common will one day be. However, after Leeds and Manchester were ditched, the London end of HS2 is now in doubt. Can the Prime Minister commit today to ensuring that it at least reaches Euston, or is he intent on stopping all transport forms, except perhaps private jets?
Context
After Leeds and Manchester were ditched, the London end of HS2 is now in doubt.
Rishi Sunak
Old Oak Common is destined to be one of the foremost stations in the country because of the extra connectivity it will have across London and as the initial terminus for HS2 trains. We are working with the private sector, as we have in other developments in London, to raise private money, save the taxpayer money and deliver the connection to Euston as planned.
Session: PMQs
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Welcoming the Prime Minister's numeracy drive, but pointing out that 7.1 million adults in England are functionally illiterate. Will he thank and support Read Easy for their work? Will he commit to a national strategy to eradicate adult literacy issues costing £25 billion yearly?
Context
Adult literacy is a major issue costing the UK economy £25 billion annually. The Read Easy organisation is tackling this problem effectively at a low cost.
Rishi Sunak
Agreeing with the importance of literacy, praising Read Easy's work while emphasizing the focus on early childhood education reforms as the solution.
Assessment
Did not commit to a national strategy for adult literacy; instead focused on early childhood education solutions
Session: PMQs
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When will the National Crime Agency be adequately financed so that we can be a world leader in anti-corruption?
Context
There is movement with Russian oligarchs, but other regimes' relatives are using fronts to stash dirty cash.
Rishi Sunak
We are currently legislating the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill, which puts in place many more measures to tackle issues raised. It introduces the economic crime levy providing considerable funding to tackle economic crime.
Assessment
The answer did not specify a timeline for adequate NCA financing but mentioned ongoing legislation.
Session: PMQs
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Does the Deputy Prime Minister's comeback signal that the ban on no-fault evictions is back on and will it be put on the statute book?
Context
The questioner inquires if the ban on no-fault evictions from the Conservative manifesto is being reconsidered.
Dominic Raab
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is looking at all such matters. He will have heard what the hon. Lady has said and he will write to her to address her specific proposals.
Assessment
Does not commit to putting ban on no-fault evictions onto statute book but says it's being looked at.
Will Look Into It
Session: PMQs
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I am concerned about the Prime Minister preaching urgency at COP26 while his actions may damage the economy by not opposing the third runway at Heathrow. Can he outline one immediate action that had an impact during COP26?
Context
MP questioned the government's actions during COP26, focusing on the impact of not opposing a proposed third runway at Heathrow.
Boris Johnson
The Government will not damage the economy by taking steps such as opposing Heathrow's third runway. Instead, we are committed to clean and green aviation.
Assessment
Specific action during COP26
General Principles
Alternative Solutions
Session: PMQs
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Financial support packages, tackling homelessness, rail nationalisation and honouring Marcus Rashford—there is plenty that this Government have done on covid that I applaud, but with winter set to bite and no end to the virus in sight, may I ask the Prime Minister to reconsider the arbitrary end to many of his schemes, which were set months ago when we knew so little? Three million self-employed people were completely left out of all of these measures, a number of whom are now set to face destitution when the minimum income floor ends next month. Furthermore, school dinners for 3,272 kids in his own seat and 2,016 in mine are in the balance.
Context
Three million self-employed people are set to face destitution when the minimum income floor ends next month. School dinners for 3,272 kids in the Prime Minister's constituency and 2,016 in Ealing Central and Acton are in jeopardy due to financial support package terminations.
Boris Johnson
The hon. Lady is quite right to call attention to the difficulties facing many families right now because of the crisis that we have been in. The most important thing—and I hope that this is common ground—is to keep kids in school if we possibly can. That would be vitiated by the series of lockdowns that are being proposed. I do not want to go down that route. What I want to do is to ensure that we continue to support families throughout the crisis so that they have the cash available to feed their kids as they need to do.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not address the specific ask about voting on financial support measures and continued schemes.
Keep Kids In School If We Possibly Can
Session: PMQs
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Will my right hon. Friend tell me when the legislation will be introduced? I know that the Prime Minister wrote in The Guardian in October 2024 that the rich and powerful should not intimidate the little guy through such legal processes. Right now, this feels for Jason like a bit of a slap in the face.
Context
The Prime Minister wrote in The Guardian about the need to protect individuals from SLAPPs.
David Lammy
We are determined to move in this area before the next general election, but we are also working across the House to see what more can be done over this period.
Session: Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation 2026-06-30
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My constituent Jason was served with a legal notice by one of the world's largest law firms, instructed by a megabucks developer, for collecting signatures on Change.org against a local planning application. When will the legislation to tackle SLAPPs be introduced?
Context
Constituent Jason faced legal notice from a major law firm for collecting signatures on Change.org against a local planning application.
David Lammy
We have implemented new laws relating to economic crime, but we intend to bring forward legislation when parliamentary time allows. We are also working across the House to see what more can be done in this area.
Session: Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation 2026-06-30
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There are half a million coeliac sufferers in the UK, but there is little understanding of the condition, which is massively underdiagnosed. Can I invite everyone here—even you, Mr Speaker—to the drop-in session that I am doing on Tuesday 16 June with the campaign? In particular, can the campaign have a follow-up meeting with the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, my hon. Friend the Member for Washington and Gateshead South (Mrs Hodgson), as she has been a long-standing advocate for the campaign and gets it?
Context
There are half a million coeliac sufferers in the UK, but there is little understanding of the condition, which is underdiagnosed.
James Murray
It is welcome that my hon. Friend and constituency neighbour has raised this matter in the Chamber, drawing it to the attention of many Members on both sides of the House. I do not want to speak on behalf of my fellow Minister, but I am getting a nod from her—we will be happy to pick this up with my hon. Friend in future.
Session: Topical Questions
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It is a fact to be proud of that four of the world's 10 greatest universities in the global rankings are in the UK, including Imperial College London's White City campus in my constituency. We punch way above our population weight and our universities are genuine engines of growth. However, evidence shows that the withdrawal of the post-study work visa coupled with the rumours about changes in indefinite leave to remain are driving some of those brightest brains who have produced such statistics to competitor countries. Will my right hon. Friend meet me, education Ministers and my two vice-chancellors to thrash out a solution? There are real problems, but we do not want to scare off genuine innovators and wealth creators.
Context
Concern about the withdrawal of post-study work visas impacting top universities in the UK.
Shabana Mahmood
This Government have increased routes at the very top end of the skills spectrum, such as through our global talent visa, to make sure that we are attracting talent from all over the world. We have a good track record in doing so and will continue that.
Session: Immigration Rules Economic Impact
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Ending ticketing scandals was a manifesto pledge prompted by the Oasis surge-pricing scandal, but it appears only in draft form in the King's Speech. Peak gig-going season is upon us—maybe even for you, Mr Speaker, with your Motown habit—as is a cost of living crisis.
Context
The question stems from the Oasis surge-pricing scandal, which prompted a manifesto pledge to address ticketing issues. The draft secondary ticketing Bill is only in draft form.
Kate Dearden
I thank my hon. Friend for her work on this issue; I know that it has been close to her heart for many years. That is why we have committed to publishing a draft secondary ticketing Bill, as set out in the background to the King's Speech.
Session: Ticket Reselling
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What recent discussions have there been with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on the role of the Competition and Markets Authority in the resale of tickets for sporting and cultural events?
Context
The question arises from discussions around the draft secondary ticketing Bill and concerns over the resale of tickets for sporting and cultural events.
Kate Dearden
I welcome the keen interest in this issue that my hon. Friend has shown. I and my officials have regular discussions with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, including on the publication of the draft secondary ticketing Bill in the second Session of this Parliament. Consumer enforcement is a key strand of that work, and the CMA is the UK's main consumer enforcer.
Session: Ticket Reselling
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It is really great that Ministers have rapidly set about reforming the ministerial code so that never again will the public purse be forced to pay out £253,720 for ex-Ministers who were in post for less than six months, as happened in 2022 under the Tories. Now that we hear about Peter Mandelson, the payoff he wanted and the payoff he got, are the Government open to the logic of applying the same principles of the ministerial code to disgraced ex-political appointee ambassadors, perchance? That way, we can restore consistency.
Darren Jones
My hon. Friend will recognise that appointments to the civil service are made on the basis of employment law, which is different from the situation for Ministers and Members of this House, but it is right that the Government have changed the rules to ensure that disgraced politicians do not receive payouts for wrongdoing, which is what happened under the last Conservative Administration.
Session: Ministerial Code
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Despite being a fixed-income public body, the BBC has not been given relief from the 2% rise in employer national insurance contributions, unlike schools and hospitals, leaving a yearly £20 £20 million black hole at a time of falling licence fee income. Can the BBC be granted a partial or total waiver to maintain good quality output and prevent staff cuts?
Context
The Labour MP questioned the government's decision to not grant the BBC relief from the 2% rise in employer national insurance contributions, unlike schools and hospitals. She highlighted the financial pressures on the BBC.
Lisa Nandy
We want to ensure that we safeguard the financial stability of the BBC through the charter review. The new director general announced significant cuts to staffing, which has had a strong effect on staff and is of real concern to people out in the country.
Session: BBC
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Dr Rupa Huq requested an urgent meeting with the Minister to continue the work of the Lending Standards Board, particularly focusing on the ethnicity code that revealed significant differences in loan access for ethnic minority businesses compared to standard applications.
Context
The Lending Standards Board will cease operations due to funding withdrawal from banks. The board's ethnicity code highlighted disparities in loan approval rates.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Blair McDougall)
Blair McDougall acknowledged the importance of financial access for ethnic minority businesses, stating that it is a key part of the small business strategy. He also mentioned billions more investment in the British Business Bank.
Session: Topical Questions
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A constituent and mum has got in touch because she has lost her entitlement to the 30 hours of childcare this Government so brilliantly rolled out, as well as the student finance version, because she is doing law as a mature student. Can the Minister look into closing that loophole so that women who retrain mid-career are not penalised?
Context
A constituent lost entitlement to the 30 hours of childcare due to pursuing further education as a mature student.
The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)
We recognise the value of parents continuing in education, which is why there are often available mechanisms such as the childcare grant and the parents’ learning allowance. As I do not know the full circumstances of her constituent’s case, I would be grateful if my hon. Friend would write to me, so I can make sure that we give her constituent full advice on the childcare support that might be available to her.
Session: Topical Questions
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Dr Huq highlighted the daily expenditure of London boroughs on temporary accommodation and questioned whether the Government’s cap should be lifted to provide financial support for local councils tackling homelessness.
Context
London boroughs are currently spending £4 million a day on temporary accommodation, facing increased costs and rough sleeping rates while central government subsidy has been frozen for 14 years.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Rushanara Ali)
Rushanara Ali mentioned that the Department for Work and Pensions reviews the level of housing benefit subsidy for temporary accommodation regularly. Any future decisions will be informed by the Government’s wider housing ambitions, including tackling homelessness, as well as the broader fiscal context.
Session: Homelessness Prevention
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My constituent Charlie Vernon is experiencing delays with his new job's Access to Work scheme application. Will my right hon. Friend look into these sorts of delays and have a more joined-up system?
Context
A constituent has experienced delays in the Access to Work scheme application process, well beyond the 24-week timeframe.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
There are currently delays with the Access to Work scheme, reflecting the very large increase in demand over the past year or two. We are making changes to speed things up and consulting on future improvements through our Green Paper.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the Chancellor’s “build, build, build” policy, but with temporary housing in London costing £4 million a day, soaring rents and a frozen local housing allowance, it is no wonder that London councils fear going bankrupt and having to rehouse people from outside the capital, where only 5% of homes are affordable. In the comprehensive spending review, will my right hon. Friend look into possibly uprating this stingy Tory legacy, so that Londoners are not forced out of London?
Context
Temporary housing in London costs £4 million a day, rents are soaring, local housing allowance is frozen, and councils fear going bankrupt. Only 5% of homes in London are affordable.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
The key thing we need to do is build the homes our country desperately needs. That is why I put £600 million of investment into creating 60,000 additional places for people to learn the construction skills we need, and into good jobs, paying decent wages and building the homes we need. That is also why we are reforming the planning system, so that we can actually get those homes built. We are backing the builders, not the blockers, which is what the Conservatives did.
Session: New Homes Affordability
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From 5 am to 10 pm daily, the Patels’ newsagent, off licence and post office was an Acton staple—until Horizon slapped it with a £123,000 demand, and Mrs Patel had a series of mini-strokes. Will Ministers look into the fact that their compensation was rejected because Mr Patel was the postmaster, and show their love for high-street heroes everywhere by attending a tea organised by the all-party parliamentary group for ethnic minority business owners on 3 April? You are welcome too, Mr Speaker.
Context
The question follows concerns about the impact of business rates on high street businesses. The case of a local newsagent in Ealing, operated by the Patels who faced significant business rate demands.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)
I am grateful for my hon. Friend for raising the case of the Patels. I am keen that any sub-postmaster who was a victim of the Horizon scandal gets access to the compensation they rightly deserve as quickly as possible. She will understand that I cannot comment on individual cases, but if she wants to write to me about the specific case, I would be happy to look into it further and to discuss it with her.
Session: High Street Businesses
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Since the announcement of my Sale of Tickets (Sporting and Cultural Events) Bill, which makes provision for transparency on ticket prices, I have been deluged with suggestions and support worldwide from people who do not want another Oasis-style ticket scam. Will Ministers meet me to discuss working together on this, given the chance that on 6 December, Opposition Members' shenanigans will sink the thing without trace?
Context
Following the announcement of her Sale of Tickets (Sporting and Cultural Events) Bill, Rupa Huq has received significant support for the initiative aimed at preventing ticket price scams like those associated with Oasis.
Lisa Nandy
I thank my hon. Friend for raising an issue that is so important to fans throughout the country. The Government, including my right hon. Friend the Business Secretary, have acted decisively in announcing a consultation in order to consider how best to put fans back at the heart of ticketing, not whether to do it. We will say more about this imminently.
Session: Topical Questions
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Konnie Huq's kids' climate guide, funded by Arts Council and Lottery, includes contributions from Jamie Oliver. Will Ministers join forces to get this guide out to every school in the country?
Context
My constituent Konnie Huq has compiled a kids' climate guide with Arts Council and Lottery funding, including contributions from Jamie Oliver.
Kerry McCarthy
I would be more than happy to meet my hon. Friend and her constituent to discuss how we can support climate education among children, including in our schools.
Session: Topical Questions
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When will protection zones be in force and whether it applies to silent intimidators?
Context
The MP welcomes the Government's implementation of buffer zones around abortion clinics, previously voted for by MPs.
Anneliese Dodds
Protection zones around abortion clinics will be in force from 31 October. The Government aims to ensure anyone exercising their legal right to access abortion services is free from harassment or intimidation by the police.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help tackle violence against women and girls. The question highlights the need for domestic abuse specialists in emergency control rooms and free legal advocates for victims of rape.
Context
The MP is addressing the national emergency of violence against women and girls, emphasising the need for immediate action.
Anneliese Dodds
My colleagues and I are working closely together to tackle the national emergency of violence against women and girls by placing domestic abuse specialists in emergency control rooms, giving adult victims of rape in England and Wales access to free legal advocates, recruiting 5,000 additional doctors and 10,000 nurses this year, and committing to training places for 15,000 more medical students by 2028.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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Will the Minister look at the fact that there is no national retrofit advice service in the UK? Can the Government rectify this?
Context
The MP points out the absence of a national retrofit advice service to help families access necessary home improvements.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
I agree with my hon. Friend. There is a critical role for national advice to ensure that people can access support and know the range of interventions available to them. We will be looking at that as we look at our warm homes plan.
Session: Warm Homes Plan
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What steps are being taken to introduce the warm homes plan?
Context
The MP is concerned about the implementation of the warm homes plan aimed at upgrading homes to make them warmer and more energy-efficient.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
We are running to deliver our warm homes plan, which will upgrade homes across the country to make them warmer and cheaper to run. We will set out the full plan in the spring, but at the heart of it will be an offer of grants and low-interest loans to support families to invest in insulation, low-carbon heating and home improvements.
Session: Warm Homes Plan
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According to recent research by Gingerbread, a high percentage of sanctions have been misapplied to single parents not because they have not met the job search requirements but because of missed meetings for reasons connected with childcare. Will my hon. Friend look into the possibility of overhauling the mess of a system that was left behind by that lot over there?
Context
Recent research by Gingerbread highlights that a high percentage of benefit sanctions have been misapplied to single parents due to missed meetings for childcare reasons. The questioner mentions an individual case of Max, whose sanction was overturned after a challenging process.
Alison McGovern
I thank my hon. Friend for her question and, through her, I would like to thank Gingerbread for its work on this issue. There have always been, and always will be, conditions attached to social security, but the past 14 years show what happens when we have a Government who are more interested in blaming people and creating cheap headlines than offering real help. In our manifesto, Labour committed to review universal credit so that it makes work pay and tackles poverty, and the report that Gingerbread has written will also help inform our child poverty taskforce.
Session: Benefit Sanctions
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What assessment has been made of trends in the number of benefit sanctions in the last five years?
Context
The question addresses the trend in benefit sanctions over the past five years, highlighting a significant increase from May 2019 to October 2023.
Alison McGovern
In May 2019, the universal credit sanction rate was 3.17%. It reduced considerably during the pandemic, gradually returning to 3.51% by November 2021. It then continued to rise, reaching a peak of 7.29% in October 2023, but it is now falling, with a rate of 6.17% in May 2024.
Session: Benefit Sanctions
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Mr Speaker, you and I are both old enough to remember Tiananmen Square. The use of lethal force on student protesters in Bangladesh has rightly been condemned by our Government. I urge the Government to put pressure on the Bangladeshi investigation, so that it has an international element, because a country that can just turn off all communications with the outside world and that controls all institutions, right down to its stormtrooper-like police, should not be allowed to mark its own homework.
Context
There has been a use of lethal force on student protesters in Bangladesh which the UK government has condemned.
Catherine West
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has been clear that what happened in Bangladesh is not acceptable and we have raised it on a number of occasions.
Session: Topical Questions
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How will colossal sums of money lost to non-covid error, fraud, and waste be recovered? What measures will prevent cronyism and nepotism?
Context
The MP mentioned the £58.5 billion cost of non-covid error, fraud, and waste in 2020-21.
Pat McFadden
We cannot afford to be dismissive: we take it seriously, using every means possible to secure best value for money. The previous Government's record was described as 'woeful' with 'schoolboy errors'.
Session: Government Departments and Agencies Fraud and Error
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What recent estimate has been made of the cost to the public purse of fraud and error in Government departments and agencies?
Context
The MP asked about the recent estimate of the cost to the public purse due to fraud and error within government departments.
Pat McFadden
Government estimates vary hugely, with a range between £40 billion and almost £60 billion. The Chancellor announced the establishment of a covid corruption commissioner to track down as much as possible of the money lost to fraud during the pandemic.
Session: Government Departments and Agencies Fraud and Error
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One month since UN Security Council resolution 2728 passed with UK support, what are our Government doing to bring about the immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the compliance with international law, the release of hostages and the passage of aid that it calls for? What are the consequences for non-compliance, apart from more death and destruction?
Context
Resolution calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza, compliance with international law, hostage release and aid passage.
Andrew Mitchell
As the hon. Lady knows, UN resolution 2728, which was passed on 25 March, reflected the international consensus behind the UK's position about the importance of getting aid in and the hostages out. That is what we are bending every sinew to achieve.
Session: Topical Questions
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With two former Conservative Prime Ministers having recently contravened the ministerial code—twice, in the case of Boris Johnson—and the Radcliffe rules, in the case of his successor, the right hon. Member for South West Norfolk (Elizabeth Truss), is it now Tory party policy to routinely ignore the rules? If not, what sanctions will they face?
Context
Former Conservative Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Elizabeth Truss have recently contravened the ministerial code and Radcliffe rules.
John Glen
The hon. Lady is correct to say that the book by the former Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for South West Norfolk (Elizabeth Truss), was reviewed under the Radcliffe rules. The Cabinet Office did not clear it. The overwhelming majority of books that are submitted do comply. We will have to keep these matters under review.
Session: Topical Questions
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Is it time for a more independent system like Labour's proposed ethics and integrity commission? If not, can they call a general election?
Context
Concerns about Boris Johnson's actions post-PM tenure, including hedge fund lobbying and royal confidences in books.
John Glen
The seven principles on public life are very clear and I have set out the Prime Minister's expectations, but let me draw the hon. Lady's attention to what was said by the Committee on Standards in Public Life in 2021 that a single commission would “come with considerable disadvantages” and does not sit well in our democratic system.
Session: Ministerial Code
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My constituent Joe Stean did the right thing and switched the family car to electric, but now the cost and lack of charging points have put him into fuel poverty. What are the Government doing to encourage charging options for people who do not live in detached homes? Is it true that the new Minister voted against the zero-emissions vehicle mandate?
Context
A constituent switched to an electric car but now faces high costs and lack of charging points, leading to fuel poverty.
Justin Tomlinson
It is an important point. As a proud electric car driver, I have concerns that not all people have equal access to charging, which I have on the driveway to my house. I was therefore thrilled when the Government managed to deliver a 50% increase in EV charging points in the last year alone.
Session: Topical Questions
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Why are women facing daily intimidation from 40 Days for Life outside abortion clinics, despite MPs voting by a ratio of 3:1 in 2022 for safe access zones? Will section 9 of the Public Order Act 2023 be commenced this spring?
Context
Women nationwide face daily intimidation from the anti-choice group 40 Days for Life outside abortion clinics.
Laura Farris
It is unacceptable that anyone should feel harassed or intimidated. Section 9 of the Public Order Act 2023 will be commenced no later than spring, with a consultation on guidance published by the Home Office.
Session: Topical Questions
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High Speed 2's escalating costs are compounding local misery. The vital artery of Old Oak Common Lane will close for four to five years. What assurances can be given about funding for the Euston leg to ensure the world-class interchange promised is delivered?
Context
High Speed 2 costs have escalated, impacting local access roads such as Old Oak Common Lane.
Huw Merriman
An Old Oak Common terminus provides a great opportunity for regeneration. The spoil will be removed by conveyor, rather than by lorry. At Euston, we aim to deliver a station along with offices, jobs and homes through the largest public sector land deal in London.
Session: Rail Reform Delays Cost
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I am concerned about the estimate made for the cost to the public purse due to delays in planned rail reforms. The NAO reported that we expect to spend £400m up to March 2024, compared with plans to spend £1.2bn. What estimates has the government made?
Context
The National Audit Office report indicated significant delays in rail reform plans, estimating £400 million spent compared to the initial plan of £1.2 billion.
Huw Merriman
The National Audit Office report was clear that we expect to spend £400 million on rail reform up to the end of March 2024, compared with initial plans to spend £1.2 billion.
Session: Rail Reform Delays Cost
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Will the Government fix customs staff shortages that have led to shipments being impounded and increased storage costs for small businesses?
Context
The question was prompted by an incident involving a shipment of goods from Going Nuts being impounded due to customs staff shortages, resulting in additional costs for the company.
Steve Barclay
I will leave it to others to deduce the link to Sadiq Khan's bus. I think the hon. Lady prepared her question before the previous answer, because I just set out that we are giving £50 million of transitional labelling support.
Session: “Not for EU” Labelling
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Given the forcible displacement taking place, the demolition of homes and structures, the near famine in Gaza, and the expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied west bank worsening daily, how does the Attorney General—who has seen all this stuff with her own eyes—propose to uphold international law before it is too late?
Context
The Minister of State had previously stated that the Government respect the ICJ's independence but did not think its ruling on plausible genocide was helpful.
Victoria Prentis
The hon. Lady and I served on the Justice Committee together, and I know that she shares my deep feeling that we must do everything we can to make sure that international humanitarian law is respected in the region. The UK has repeatedly raised with Israel the need to limit operations to military targets, to protect health facilities, and to avoid harming civilians. The Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary have repeatedly raised those matters with their counterparts.
Session: International Humanitarian Law
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What recent estimate has been made with Cabinet colleagues of the cost to businesses of “Not for EU” labelling?
Context
The question was prompted by concerns about the financial impact of new labelling requirements on UK businesses.
Steve Barclay
The Department engages regularly with UK industry to understand the impact of the Windsor framework, and we encourage businesses to respond to the consultation, which is still live.
Session: “Not for EU” Labelling
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The Secretary of State is a strong supporter of green urban spaces, so will he urgently meet me to discuss the ancient Haven Green, which is currently under threat and on which he is due to make a decision soon?
Context
The MP is urging the Secretary of State to meet her urgently regarding Haven Green, an ancient green space in Ealing under threat.
Michael Gove
Obviously, I cannot speak to the hon. Lady about specific planning applications. I do cherish urban green spaces, but I also cherish more homes being built in London. It would be regrettable if she were to be a blocker, not a builder.
Session: Topical Questions
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Last July, the then Solicitor General said a new VAWG strategy would be published later in the year. That has come and gone, so can you tell us the status of the strategy, who is consulting on it, and when it will be published?
Context
The solicitor general previously stated that a VAWG strategy for 2023-2025 was being developed but not published, prompting inquiry about its status.
Victoria Prentis
A great deal of work has been done. The joint justice plan will be ready very shortly—we are saying “in the spring”, but I think she will have to wait only a few weeks.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls Prosecution
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Will the Home Secretary meet to discuss why the Public Order Act is now under review, and can he meet urgently before the January 22nd deadline?
Context
The Public Order Act 2023 was passed with an amendment ensuring safe access zones for women using abortion clinics, but a consultation may weaken this.
James Cleverly
If the hon. Lady writes on this issue, I will endeavour to find out details of her point.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The vanishing of Debenhams, Wilko and Paperchase has left huge holes in our town centres—I have lost a Wilko in both Ealing and Acton. Analysis shows that the incentivisation of out-of-town retail is the culprit. Labour has a five-point plan to revive our high streets, putting communities first. What are the Government doing about all this?
Context
The questioner noted the decline of well-known brands such as Debenhams, Wilko, and Paperchase in town centres. She highlighted that out-of-town retail incentivisation is a contributing factor to this issue.
Kevin Hollinrake
I do not accept that, although out-of-town shopping can put pressure on the high street. Local authorities have to be very careful when they give planning consent for out-of-town shopping centres that could put pressure on the high street.
Session: High Street Outlets
View All Questions -->
What steps she is taking to encourage businesses to open outlets on high streets. The vanishing of Debenhams, Wilko and Paperchase has left huge holes in our town centres—I have lost a Wilko in both Ealing and Acton. Analysis shows that the incentivisation of out-of-town retail is the culprit.
Context
The questioner noted the decline of well-known brands such as Debenhams, Wilko, and Paperchase in town centres. She highlighted that out-of-town retail incentivisation is a contributing factor to this issue.
Kevin Hollinrake
I do not accept that, although out- of-town shopping can put pressure on the high street. Local authorities have to be very careful when they give planning consent for out-of-town shopping centres that could put pressure on the high street.
Session: High Street Outlets
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Diesel Vehicles: Defeat Devices
25 February 2026
Responding: Simon Lightwood
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the widespread use of defeat devices in diesel vehicles, which has led to excessive emissions that cause respiratory illness, cardiovascular disease, childhood asthma, and premature deaths. Despite the outlawing of these devices, multiple manufacturers are accused of deceiving drivers by installing software that falsifies emission test results, resulting in real-life consequences for air quality and public health. The issue extends beyond individual companies like Volkswagen; it affects millions of cars on UK roads and contributes to significant economic losses.']
Specific Asks
['I ask the Minister to step up the investigation into defeat devices used by various manufacturers. I request information about the status, timeline, enforcement powers, and potential actions for vehicles emitting unlawfully high levels of pollutants. Additionally, I urge the Government to prioritise public health and consumer protection in its inquiry.']
Leaving the EU: UK Language Schools
19 July 2022
Responding: Kevin Foster
Main Concerns
["The sector's last normal year of trading in 2019 saw 550,000 students contributing £1.4 billion to the UK economy, supporting 35,000 jobs. However, EU student groups have dropped by 84% between 2019 and 2022. The strict regulatory framework and the presumption of guilt in issuing licences have led many schools to close or reduce operations."]
Specific Asks
['The Government should enable ID card travel for under-18s, establish youth mobility schemes with EU countries, and loosen up limited work rights for non-minor students during their English language courses. Additional relief funds similar to those provided during the pandemic should also be considered.']
Supporting Single Parents into Work
17 November 2021
Responding: David Rutley
Main Concerns
['Single parents face significant challenges in the job market due to sectors such as hospitality, high street retail, and travel being hit hard by the pandemic. The unemployment rate for single parents is double that of main carers in couples. Many single parents work part-time jobs compared to coupled parents, with 50% working part-time versus 25%. Single parents are more likely to have been furloughed longer than their coupled counterparts and less able to work from home due to the nature of their jobs.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP asks for tailored support programs for single-parent families, better childcare cost management, reinstatement of previous funding cuts, and recognition of skills mismatches in job placements. She suggests a distinctive fund for upfront childcare costs and calls for measures to address the high upfront costs that make transitioning into work difficult for parents.']
Ticket Price Regulation: Live Events
09 September 2026
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
Rupa Huq raised concerns over the impact of ticket profiteering in the resale market, particularly in the live music sector. She cited the loss of £145 million annually to touts and the detrimental ef...
Direction of Government
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
09 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mohamed argues that successive British Governments have acknowledged the illegality and harmful effects of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories but have failed to take decisive ...
Media Green Paper
24 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Equality Act 2010: Code of Practice
01 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Readiness
20 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
High Speed 2 Reset
19 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East
02 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Electronic Travel Authorisation: Dual Nationals
25 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Occupied Palestinian Territories Genocide Risk Assessment 2026-02-05
05 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Calls for the UK Government to recognise a serious risk of genocide in Gaza based on overwhelming evidence. Criticises the government's failure to meet its legal obligation under the genocide conventi...
Clarion Housing management services
22 October 2025
The petition highlights residents' concerns about poor service quality, delayed repairs, lack of transparency in service charges, and unfair allocations policies managed by Clarion Housing in the Eali...
View Full Petition -->
Clarion Housing management services
09 July 2025
The petition addresses the dissatisfaction of residents in Ealing Central and Acton who are managed by Clarion Housing, highlighting concerns over delayed repairs, lack of transparency regarding servi...
View Full Petition -->
150 years of Notting Hill and Ealing High School
13 September 2023
The petition calls for recognition of the 150th anniversary of Notting Hill and Ealing High School, an all-girls school in Rupa Huq’s constituency, which has played a significant role in supporting gi...
View Full Petition -->
London & Quadrant Housing Trust
13 March 2023
Homeowners at Acton Gardens are concerned about escalating service charges without corresponding improvements in communal repairs, utilities, and transparency from the London & Quadrant Housing Trust.
View Full Petition -->
Ocado Zoom
09 November 2021
The petition addresses the concerns of delivery drivers at the Ocado Zoom plant in Acton who have been dismissed for not accepting new, harsher terms and conditions despite being promised in-house emp...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
85.1%
80 of 94 votes
Aye Votes
29
30.9% of votes
No Votes
51
54.3% of votes
Abstentions
14
14.9% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
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
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: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
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: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
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
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 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
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 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
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 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
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
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
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
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
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: 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
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
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 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: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
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 AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
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 NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
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
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
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
8
PMQs Asked
131
Ministerial Questions Asked
144
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
13
Statements / Bills
5
Petitions Presented
94
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
+877% above average
This MP:
131
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2863% above average
This MP:
144
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+37% above average
This MP:
13
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
+104% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+24% above average
This MP:
85.1
Average:
68.8
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 Rupa Huq's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.