Rushanara Ali
MP for Bethnal Green and Stepney
Lab
6 May 2010 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I associate myself with PM's remarks on Northern Ireland. The Mildmay hospital in my constituency has been a pioneer for HIV and AIDs care since the 1980s. Diana, Princess of Wales made numerous visits to this unique charitable hospital, breaking through stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS. It provides care for patients with complex needs today yet is at risk of closure due to commissioning issues in NHS. Will the Prime Minister lend his support ahead of 30th anniversary of her death so that it can survive and thrive?
Context
The Mildmay hospital, founded in 1877, has been a pioneer for HIV and AIDS care since the 1980s.
Keir Starmer
I thank my hon. Friend for raising Mildmay Hospital, which is synonymous with extraordinary care and compassion. I will ensure she meets the relevant Health Minister to discuss concerns.
Assessment
The specific ask for Prime Minister's support was not fully addressed.
Session: PMQs
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This Labour Government’s £29 billion of investment in the NHS and £2 billion in life sciences is critical to fixing our NHS and tackling health inequalities. The Barts life sciences cluster in Whitechapel will become one of Europe’s leading NHS-centred clusters, and we have already secured £800 million in private investment. Will the Prime Minister direct the Office for Investment to co-sponsor this initiative and ensure that the National Wealth Fund co-invests, so that we can turn east London’s health inequalities into a driver for UK life sciences growth, transforming the future of healthcare in London, the UK and globally?
Keir Starmer
I am proud that Labour is investing in life sciences. I thank my hon. Friend for championing that project for over a decade. The national wealth fund is designed to co-invest, alongside private investors, and Ministers are happy to discuss those proposals with her.
Today I can announce a significant new investment by AstraZeneca, which is investing £300 million in UK life sciences, made possible by the pharmaceutical arrangement that we have struck with the United States to future-proof thousands of jobs in Macclesfield and Cambridge. That is a major vote of confidence in the UK and Labour’s plans to strengthen our economy.
Today I can announce a significant new investment by AstraZeneca, which is investing £300 million in UK life sciences, made possible by the pharmaceutical arrangement that we have struck with the United States to future-proof thousands of jobs in Macclesfield and Cambridge. That is a major vote of confidence in the UK and Labour’s plans to strengthen our economy.
Session: PMQs
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Since the outbreak of war in Gaza, over 23,000 Palestinians have been killed, including 10,000 children, and forced displacement is causing a humanitarian catastrophe. Will the Prime Minister make public the legal advice that our Government requested and received on suspected breaches of international law by Israel?
Context
Over 23,000 Palestinians have been killed, including 10,000 children, due to the conflict. There is a humanitarian crisis with forced displacement.
Rishi Sunak
We continue to call for international humanitarian law to be respected. Our current legal assessment says that Israel plans to act within international humanitarian law and has the ability to do so. But we are deeply concerned about the impact on the civilian population in Gaza, which is why we have trebled the amount of aid provided to the region.
Assessment
The specific legal advice requested was not made public.
We Continue To Call For International Humanitarian Law To Be Respected.
Session: PMQs
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I, too, congratulate the Prime Minister on her appointment. Inflation is at a 40-year high; the NHS is on its knees, with 6.6 million people waiting for treatment; thousands of victims of sexual offences and violent crime are waiting for justice—not to mention the passport delays, a summer of chaos in our airports and our beaches covered in sewage. The Prime Minister has served in every one of the Conservative Governments responsible for this mess, so why should the British public trust her to clean up the mess that she has helped create?
Context
High inflation, long wait times for treatment, delays in justice cases, passport processing issues.
Elizabeth Truss
I am determined that we deal with the issues facing us as a nation. We do have problems with our energy supply, due to the appalling war being perpetrated by Putin in Ukraine. That is why I will take immediate action to deal with the energy crisis; my Chancellor will take immediate action to reduce taxes and make sure we are growing our economy; and our new Health Secretary, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, will take immediate action to make sure that people are able to get appointments with their GP and proper NHS services.
Session: PMQs
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Threats and intimidation, bribery and blackmail, racism and Islamophobia: that is the character of the Prime Minister's Government. Every day, the Prime Minister lurches from scandal to scandal. Meanwhile, his Government have written off £4.3 billion to fraudsters. Instead of writing off loans to fraudsters, why will the Prime Minister not write his resignation letter to the Queen?
Context
The Prime Minister's Government faces daily scandals including fraud, racism, and Islamophobia. The question highlights the moral character of the current administration.
Boris Johnson
The hon. Lady talks about racism and Islamophobia. She should look at this Government; look at the modern Conservative party. We are the party of hope and opportunity for people across this country, irrespective of race or religion. We do not care what religion people affirm. All we care about is whether they are interested in ideas of aspiration and opportunity; that is what we are about.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not address the resignation request.
Changed Subject To Party Values
Session: PMQs
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Where has the money gone for PPE contracts that lack proper due diligence?
Context
Concerns over the £150 million spent on faulty masks, £120 million contracts to a Tory council, and £1 billion in contracts without due diligence.
Boris Johnson
There has been a massive investment in PPE throughout this pandemic, and billions of items have been supplied. If you have specific concerns about particular contracts, I am happy to address them if you write to me.
Assessment
Did not specify where the money went for poorly managed contracts
Write To Me
Session: PMQs
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How does she plan to fix this crippling investment gap, ensuring businesses get support they need for economic growth?
Context
Conservative under-investment in public infrastructure is harming the economy.
Kemi Badenoch (Secretary of State for Levelling Up and Communities)
Investment in nuclear infrastructure has only happened under Conservative Governments. We had a global investment summit raising £30 billion, and business investment is rising due to policies by the Government.
Session: Topical Questions
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What discussions has the Minister had with the Home Secretary about scrapping the £200 shoplifting threshold, as Labour plans to do?
Context
The £200 shoplifting threshold is causing issues for retailers.
Kevin Hollinrake (Minister for Rural Affairs and Biosecurity)
It is not true that we have decriminalised thefts under £200. The hon. lady should speak to police officers about this issue. We are working closely with the Home Office on a retail crime action plan.
Session: Topical Questions
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What specifically will the Small Business Council do and what will Ministers do to halt this alarming trend?
Context
The question highlights an alarming trend where more small businesses are closing compared to new openings, citing a 78 point drop in the UK small business index last December.
Kevin Hollinrake
We have spoken at events together many times, and she hears the positive mood in those audiences. Access to finance has been key with £1 billion of Start Up loans made to 100,000 businesses. The Budget announced a rise in the VAT threshold and introduced the growth guarantee scheme.
Session: Small Business Council
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Since the mini-Budget fiasco, food prices have soared, extreme damage has been done to the economy, and mortgages have skyrocketed. Every month 200,000 people are remortgaging, the average monthly rate has risen by £240, and 1.6 million will need to remortgage this year. After 14 years of Conservative Government, people are more than £10,000 less well off. Is it time for further support for those in mortgage distress?
Context
The supplementary question stems from concerns over the impact of the previous government's policies, including a rise in food prices and mortgages.
Bim Afolami
The Government introduced a £100 billion support package worth over £3,700 per household. Mortgage rates rose globally; our levels are lower than in many jurisdictions like the US. We have worked on the mortgage charter to help hundreds of thousands manage mortgages and need to focus on bringing down inflation.
Session: Mortgage Interest Rates Impact on Disposable Income
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What recent assessment has been made of the potential impact of changes in mortgage interest rates during this Parliament on household disposable income?
Context
The question arises from the concern over changes in mortgage interest rates during the current parliamentary term, potentially affecting household financial stability.
Bim Afolami
Mortgage interest rates have fallen by more than 100 basis points from their peak in the summer. The Government have prioritised support for households vulnerable to cost of living pressures, introducing one of Europe's largest support packages. Real household disposable income per person was just 0.5% lower in Q3 2023 compared to Q4 2019, versus a forecast of nearly 3% lower.
Session: Mortgage Interest Rates Impact on Disposable Income
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Business closures now exceed new business openings, with 345,000 businesses across the UK closing in 2022—highest ever recorded. More than 47,000 businesses are on the brink of failure this week. Former Prime Minister Johnson used an expletive to describe his party's commitment to business; his successor crashed the economy further. Is it time for a general election to let the country get back to business?
Context
There are more business closures than new openings, with 345,000 businesses closing in 2022—the highest since records began. The Financial Times reported that over 47,000 businesses are on the verge of collapse.
Kevin Hollinrake
On this side of the House, we are for business because we are from business, and we understand the needs of businesses.
Session: SMEs Operating Costs
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Business investment is lower in the UK than any other G7 country, and we rank 27th out of 30 OECD countries. There has been under-investment by Government and business amounting to half a trillion pounds. How does the Secretary of State plan to reverse this trend?
Context
The UK ranks low in business investment compared to G7 countries.
Kemi Badenoch
What the hon. Lady did not say is that business investment is increasing at a faster rate than in other countries. She did not mention full expensing policies brought by the Chancellor to tackle this issue, nor that we are the top destination for investment across financial services and many areas.
Session: International Investment in Northern Ireland
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I thank the Minister for her answer and for making that important visit. She will be aware that the UN Food Programme has announced that it has been forced to reduce rations for Rohingya refugees by 17% because of wider funding cuts. Despite her recent announcement, UK aid for the Rohingya refugee crisis has gone down by just over 80% since 2020. How can that be justified when this population has faced genocide at the hands of the Burmese military? Has she discussed with the Chancellor restoring the overall aid budget, which is the best way to ensure that we tackle refugee crises?
Context
The UN Food Programme has reduced rations for Rohingya refugees by 17% due to funding cuts. UK aid for the Rohingya refugee crisis has decreased by over 80% since 2020.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
The UK has been a leading donor to the Rohingya crisis, providing over £350 million since 2017. We will be working with our friends across the world to find funding to support the joint response plan that was published at the UN last week.
Session: Cox's Bazar Refugee Camp
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What steps his Department is taking to support those affected by the recent fire in the Rohingya refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh?
Context
A recent fire destroyed over 2,000 homes and displaced 12,000 people in the Rohingya refugee camp in Cox's Bazar. The question addresses support for those affected.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
I was able to announce a new package of funding of £5.26 million to support the Rohingya, and I met with agencies working at an incredible pace to help them rebuild their homes after the fire that affected 12,000 people.
Session: Cox's Bazar Refugee Camp
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Can the Minister assure us that the Government will put in the resources needed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to ensure that those companies are sanctioned, and that consideration will be given to sanctioning aviation fuel?
Context
The Myanmar junta continues to receive support from Russian and Burmese companies despite sanctions. The UK has provided £49.4 million in aid, including £24 million for lifesaving assistance.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
The UK Government continue to condemn the military coup in Myanmar, the violence against the people, and the arbitrary detention of members of the Government and civil society. In 2021-22, we provided £49.4 million in aid to Myanmar, including £24 million of lifesaving assistance for 600,000 people. We are committed to preventing the flow of arms to Myanmar, so we continue to impose targeted sanctions to undermine the regime's credibility and to target its access to finance and arms. As the hon. Lady knows, we continue to monitor all issues around future sanctions.
Session: Myanmar
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Why should hardworking people pay for the Prime Minister's fraud failures when he was Chancellor, and for the mini-Budget fiasco of the former Prime Minister?
Context
The Government allowed organised criminals and fraudsters to take billions of pounds of public money through covid loan fraud.
Jeremy Hunt
Of course, there are lessons to be learned about the way those schemes were administered, but I am very proud that unemployment remains at a 50-year low because of the decisions that the Prime Minister took on the furlough scheme and Government-backed loans. That was the right thing to do.
Session: Topical Questions
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In the light of these brutal attacks, will the UK Government support measures to expel Iran from the UN Commission on the Status of Women?
Context
Iran Human Rights estimates over 300 people, including children, have been killed in the protests. The protesters' demands include freedom for women.
David Rutley
The hon. Member has made some important points about the grassroots nature of the protests. As I have said, we are taking strong action against the Iranians, but I will raise her points specifically with Lord Ahmad, the Minister for the Middle East.
Session: Iran
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Women's Budget Group analysis shows that 100,000 lone parents, mostly women, and 200,000 children will be forced into poverty if the Government raise benefits in line with average wages rather than inflation. Will Ministers confirm that they will push the Chancellor to uprate benefits in line with inflation so that women are not forced into further hardship because of the Government's economic incompetence?
Context
The Women's Budget Group analysis shows potential hardship for lone parents due to benefit uprating policies.
Kemi Badenoch
The hon. Lady will know that we do not make fiscal policy in Equalities questions. She will have to wait for the Chancellor to give a statement to get an answer to her question.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Chancellor was warned that unfunded tax cuts would force the Bank of England to increase rates and that is exactly what has happened. The Bank of England has said today that, in effect, the mini-Budget has caused a material risk to Britain's financial stability. Can the Chancellor explain how people are supposed to pay their mortgages which have gone up by £500 on average and £900 in London? What is he going to do about it, because it is not acceptable that his incompetence is risking people's livelihoods?
Context
The Bank of England warned that unfunded tax cuts would force them to increase interest rates, which has happened. Mortgages have increased by £500 on average and £900 in London.
Kwasi Kwarteng
I have two points to make on that. First, the Bank of England certainly did not say that the mini-Budget increased risk. Secondly, as rates are rising throughout the world, there is exposure. That is precisely why we thought that it was absolutely right to have the energy intervention, which is for two years—let us not forget that the Labour plan was for only six months—and to reduce the burden on people by reducing taxes.
Session: Topical Questions
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An estimated 117,000 people are reported to have died while on NHS waiting lists. A record 6.6 million people are waiting on the NHS for treatment, and they are in pain and suffering and, in many cases, fearful for their lives. This is a direct consequence of more than a decade of mismanagement and incompetence. What will the new Health Secretary do to give the British people the guarantees that they need to make sure that more do not die while waiting for treatment on the NHS?
Context
An estimated 117,000 people have died while on NHS waiting lists. Currently, a record 6.6 million are waiting for treatment.
Steve Barclay
That is why we have launched a range of initiatives, such as surgery hubs and diagnostic centres, to address the very real backlog resulting from the pandemic. Indeed, the NHS has published its delivery plan for tackling the covid-19 backlog of elective care, and that is focused on four areas: increasing health service capacity, prioritising diagnosis and treatment, transforming the way that NHS provides elective care, and providing better information and support to patients.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for her answer, but Miriam Deakin from NHS Providers said there is huge pressure on beds and a lack of social care capacity means patients cannot be discharged as soon as they could. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine estimated that 57% meet discharge criteria but remain in hospitals. This puts huge pressure on hospitals like the Royal London in my constituency, which needs support from the Government to get local authorities the resources needed for discharges.
Context
The question arises from criticism of the government's response to discharge delays caused by social care capacity issues.
Gillian Keegan
Between March 2020 and March 2022, we allocated £3.3 billion to support discharge efforts, recognising the pressures during covid-19. Section 75 of the National Health Service Act allows for pooled funding across health and social care through initiatives like the better care fund.
Session: Care Setting Transfers Waiting Lists
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I am concerned about the steps taken to reduce waiting lists for people transferring to a care setting. Miriam Deakin from NHS Providers highlighted huge pressure on beds and a 57% overstay rate at hospitals like the Royal London in my constituency due to social care capacity issues, causing delays. The Government needs to step up and support local authorities with resources.
Context
The question follows reports of hospital delays due to a lack of social care capacity, impacting patients' discharges.
Gillian Keegan
Between March 2020 and March 2022, we allocated £3.3 billion to support discharge efforts, recognising the pressures faced during covid-19. Section 75 of the National Health Service Act allows for pooled funding across health and social care through initiatives like the better care fund to aid discharges.
Session: Care Setting Transfers Waiting Lists
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Match funding required for major works is unaffordable for colleges like New City College. The college has two campuses in Tower Hamlets and no longer has the facilities to provide modern workplace education because of redevelopment costs. Will the Minister meet me and the principal of New City College to discuss a way forward?
Context
The MP is concerned about the unaffordable match funding required for major works at New City College in Tower Hamlets, with a redevelopment cost of £85 million.
Alex Burghart
I was delighted to visit New City College during Education World Forum week. It received £5 million in phase 1 of the FE capital transformation fund. We continue to be in dialogue with the college into the next rounds and I am happy to talk to the hon. Lady and the principal at any time.
Session: Further Education Estate
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I am concerned about the assessment of the quality of further education buildings in England. What assessment has been made?
Context
The MP is concerned about the quality of further education buildings across England.
Alex Burghart
We want all colleges in England to be able to provide a world-class education, which is why we are delivering our manifesto commitment to offer £1.5 billion to upgrade the further education college estate over the next six years. We have surveyed the condition of FE estates—all colleges received their own survey—and we intend to publish a national overview of the results in the next academic year.
Session: Further Education Estate
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Will the Government introduce sanctions on Burmese companies that supply aviation fuel to the military and British companies involved in any aspect of the supply of aviation fuel, including shipping and insurance services?
Context
Since the Myanmar military coup, widespread public opposition has led to brutal crackdowns, displacing almost half a million people. The situation is exacerbated by airstrikes and the threat of them.
Amanda Milling
I thank the hon. Lady for her question, for everything that she does on Myanmar and for ensuring that we are having this discussion, because it is really important that we keep a focus on the situation in Myanmar. I reassure her that I have many conversations with counterparts on visits. We work closely with partners to put pressure on the regime to de-escalate the crisis, including through targeted sanctions against individuals and entities who are providing support for the military. Obviously, I cannot talk about future sanctions.
Session: Myanmar
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What recent diplomatic steps her Department has taken to help support the right to freedom, democracy and the rule of law in Myanmar?
Context
Following a military coup in Myanmar, the situation has deteriorated with widespread public opposition. Since then, almost half a million people have been displaced due to brutal crackdowns by the military.
Amanda Milling
In February 2022, to mark a year since the coup, the UK co-ordinated a joint statement agreed by 36 countries and secured a strong UN Security Council press statement that called for a return to democracy. We also sanctioned three individuals for undermining democracy and the rule of law.
Session: Myanmar
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While welcoming the work done by his Department, the questioner notes that people living in constituencies like hers are twice as likely to end up on a waiting list longer than a year compared to better-off areas due to under-investment and mismanagement. She asks for appropriate investment to address these health inequalities.
Context
The previous question highlighted under-investment leading to staffing shortages, waiting lists, and disparities in healthcare access. The Health Secretary was praised for efforts but questioned on necessary investment.
Sajid Javid
It is incorrect to suggest that current challenges are due to under-investment or a smaller workforce. The NHS has its largest-ever budget and workforce, with billions of pounds invested annually, along with unprecedented social care funding.
Session: Regional Health Inequalities
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A decade of under-investment and mismanagement have left 4.5 million people on waiting lists and staff shortages of over 100,000 even before we entered the pandemic, exacerbating health inequalities. People in constituencies like mine are twice as likely to end up on a waiting list for treatment longer than a year compared to better-off areas.
Context
There is a decade of under-investment and mismanagement leading to severe issues in health services, including 4.5 million people on waiting lists and staff shortages of more than 100,000 before the pandemic.
Sajid Javid
We have the largest NHS investment ever, with its budget this year bigger than Greece's GDP. It is also the highest workforce level in NHS history. We will publish a health disparities White Paper later this year focusing on prevention to improve health for all.
Session: Regional Health Inequalities
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With the NHS pressured by high infection rates and weekly deaths, should the Health Secretary make mask-wearing mandatory and suspend charges for lateral flow tests?
Context
The NHS is under extreme pressure due to rising covid cases and hundreds of weekly deaths, with a waiting list of 5.6 million people.
Sajid Javid
We have a plan for both the pandemic and other winter challenges, and we do not charge for lateral flow tests.
Session: Topical Questions
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I congratulate the Secretary of State on his appointment. Cases of covid rose by 30% last week compared with the previous week, and on 10 July we saw over 35,000 new cases, the highest since 22 January. By mid-August we could see 1,000 people a day being hospitalised, and up to 200 people a day could die, despite the excellent vaccination programmes. Given that the Secretary of State now considers it irresponsible not to wear masks, is it not equally irresponsible for the Government not to require people to continue to wear masks rather than leaving it as an option?
Context
Cases of COVID rose by 30% last week, with over 35,000 new cases recorded. Hospitalisations could increase significantly by mid-August due to the rising case numbers.
Sajid Javid
The hon Lady understandably talks about the link between case numbers and hospitalisation. She will know that the last time we saw cases at 30,000 and above on a daily basis, we saw a lot more hospitalisations. The reason for the difference now is the vaccine wall of defence. Masks do have an important role to play, but we think that that role can be played by moving from regulation to guidance.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for his answer. However, 60% of kids in my constituency are living in poverty and over 4.2 million live in poverty across the country. The numbers have gone up by 700,000 since 2010, and the Government's limited extension to local support grants does not make up for cuts to universal credit which will mean families are £1,000 a year worse off from September.
Context
The MP highlights the growing number of children in poverty across her constituency, referencing cuts to universal credit that will affect families financially.
Will Quince
We spent an estimated £111 billion on working-age welfare in 2020-21, including £7.4 billion on covid-related measures, and we introduced the covid local support grant which has been extended with an additional £160 million funding between 21 June and 30 September.
Session: Child Poverty
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More than half a million young people are out of work and thousands are on furlough. The delay in easing restrictions without associated support for businesses is set to further increase unemployment by 300,000. In the event of a third wave that triggers further restrictions, will Ministers commit to extending the coronavirus job retention scheme and other support that has been vital for our constituents and businesses in our constituencies?
Context
Over half a million young people are out of work, and the delay in easing restrictions without associated support for businesses is expected to further increase unemployment by 300,000.
Rishi Sunak
The hon. Lady talked about outcomes in the labour market. She will know that we have now had six consecutive months of more people in work, which is something to be celebrated. Vacancies are now running higher than they were at the start of the pandemic, which is a fantastic sign of things to come. The unemployment rate, as I highlighted earlier, is now half what was forecast: 2 million fewer people are forecast to lose their jobs, which is lower than most of our major competitor countries. She is right to highlight, as we have discussed previously, the plight of young people. Our interventions, such as the kickstart scheme and the apprenticeship incentive, will continue to provide opportunity for them up and down the country.
Session: Topical Questions
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May I first extend my solidarity with, and deepest condolences to, the HALO Trust staff who were killed in Afghanistan and to all those who were injured? Myanmar's military has been allowed to act with impunity against the Rohingya, and its assault has now widened to the whole population following the military coup earlier this year. At the same time, our Government have unfortunately slashed the budget by nearly half for the refugee camps in Bangladesh, and humanitarian cuts are likely in Myanmar. While the Foreign Secretary is listening, may I ask the Minister once again to reverse those cuts, because they are literally costing lives? Will the Foreign Secretary and the Minister also please consider formally joining Gambia on the genocide prevention case at the ICJ? If they do not agree to do so now after all that has happened and after all that the Myanmar military has done, then when will we formally join, given that we are a leading country in relation to Myanmar?
Context
The humanitarian situation has worsened with the military coup, leading to increased needs but also reductions in international funding. The questioner raises concerns about UK cuts to refugee camp budgets and calls for joining a genocide prevention case at the ICJ.
Nigel Adams
We remain a leading donor to the Rohingya response, providing more than £320 million to the Rohingya response in Bangladesh since 2017. That includes £27.6 million of new funding announced in May in Rakhine State. We have provided more than £44 million to all communities since 2017, including over £25 million for the Rohingya. The Government are providing education, nutrition, water, sanitation, health and livelihoods.
Session: Crimes against the Rohingya Accountability
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What diplomatic steps have been taken to ensure that the Myanmar military personnel responsible for crimes committed against the Rohingya are held accountable?
Context
The question arises from ongoing atrocities committed by the Myanmar military against the Rohingya, including human rights violations.
Nigel Adams
Accountability is vital. The military has committed atrocities against the Rohingya and other minorities and must be held to account. We have sanctioned 16 individuals, including the commander-in-chief, for human rights violations against the Rohingya. We have sanctioned the two largest military-economic entities, which are both a key source of revenue for the military. We have boosted our funding to the independent investigative mechanism, which preserves evidence for future prosecution.
Session: Crimes against the Rohingya Accountability
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Can he explain to the House how generous that programme is, how much is being committed and when our constituents can expect the works to be completed—both for blocks under 18 metres and blocks over 18 metres that require remedial works—so that people do not have to continue to live in potential death traps?
Context
The question is related to the uncertainty of when remedial works will be completed for residents facing serious safety defects.
Christopher Pincher
With respect to buildings over 18 metres, £1 billion has been set aside through the building safety fund; 106 buildings have begun remediation, with another 338 expected by September. For buildings below 18 metres, we are prioritising affordability and accelerating remediation where it is required.
Session: Fire Safety Buildings under 18 Metres
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What steps he is taking to support leaseholders living in buildings under 18 metres in height with (a) dangerous cladding and (b) other fire safety defects. Many leaseholders have spent their third lockdown stuck in buildings with serious safety defects and are unsure when the works will be completed.
Context
The question stems from concerns about residents living in buildings under 18 metres facing significant fire safety risks due to the presence of dangerous cladding.
Christopher Pincher
We are establishing a scheme to ensure cladding can be remediated on buildings between 11 metres and 18 metres, with leaseholders paying no more than £50 a month. For buildings over 18 metres, funds of £1 billion have been set aside through the building safety fund for dangerous cladding material; work has begun in 106 buildings and will start in another 338 by September.
Session: Fire Safety Buildings under 18 Metres
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Last year, youth unemployment went up by 420,000, reaching 600,000, and it is set to reach 1 million, yet the Government's kickstart programme has got only 4,000 young people into work, despite employers providing placements. Will the Minister explain by what date her Department's own target of 200,000 placements will be met?
Context
Youth unemployment increased by 420,000 to reach 600,000 last year. The government's kickstart programme has only facilitated 4,000 placements despite employer involvement.
Mims Davies
This Government are committed to providing support to help young people move into work and avoid the scarring effects of long-term unemployment as we recover from the pandemic. The £30 billion plan for jobs includes new youth hubs and specific interventions targeted at young people. Our DWP youth offer and the kickstart programme are designed to move young people towards meaningful and sustained employment opportunities.
Session: Youth Unemployment
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Happy International Women's Day, Mr Speaker. Last year, youth unemployment went up by 420,000, reaching 600,000, and it is set to reach 1 million, yet the Government's kickstart programme has got only 4,000 young people into work, despite employers providing placements. Will the Minister explain by what date her Department's own target of 200,000 placements will be met?
Context
Youth unemployment increased by 420,000 to reach 600,000 last year, with projections indicating it could rise to one million. The government's kickstart programme has only facilitated 4,000 placements despite employer involvement.
Mims Davies
The hon. Lady is absolutely correct: we are converting more than 140,000 job placements into starts and 30,000 jobs are currently being advertised. In her area, the London Borough of Tower Hamlets has approval for more than 500 kickstart opportunities in a variety of sectors across the borough. A virtual youth hub is also operating in Tower Hamlets to support people and we hope it will move to face-to-face contact shortly. There are 119 new work coaches in Hoxton and a new temporary Jobcentre Plus is opening in Leman Street in Tower Hamlets in April.
Session: Youth Unemployment
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With youth unemployment set to reach 1 million and 600,000 already unemployed, can the Minister provide some updates on how her Department will meet the 250,000 kickstart programme target that it stated it would meet? The numbers that the Secretary of State has set out today are worryingly low. Will she also consider removing the six-month requirement?
Context
The MP inquired about the progress of meeting the kickstart programme target and proposed changes to the six-month unemployment requirement.
Mims Davies
The young person needs to be on universal credit and working with our excellent work coaches. In respect of Hoxton and Poplar, which cover the hon. Lady's constituency, we are recruiting 27 new work coaches in Hoxton and 67 in Poplar. Since the end of September, we have been working with the new Tower Hamlets youth hub, with local employers and gateways bringing opportunities.
Session: Kickstart Scheme 2021-01-25 (2)
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What steps her Department is taking to encourage employers to participate in the kickstart scheme.
Context
The MP inquired about measures to encourage employer participation in the kickstart scheme aimed at youth employment.
Mims Davies
We continue to engage with employers of all sizes to create high-quality placements for young people, and from 3 February we will remove the 30-job minimum for job applications, giving new applicants the choice to apply directly or via one of over 600 excellent approved kickstart gateways.
Session: Kickstart Scheme 2021-01-25 (2)
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Failure to secure justice and hold Burmese Government accountable sends dangerous message; will the Minister clearly state if the UK Government will join the ICJ case? If not, can he commit to a future decision soon?
Context
The question follows previous inquiries about the UK's involvement in a legal case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice for alleged genocide. The issue has been raised multiple times due to concerns over justice and accountability.
Nigel Adams
Acknowledges work on accountability issues, supports the ICJ process for putting pressure on Myanmar. Agrees with UN fact-finding mission that 2017 events constitute ethnic cleansing. Considers genocide determination by competent courts like the ICJ.
Session: Myanmar ICJ Case
View All Questions -->
What assessment has been made of the implications for UK policies of Canada and the Netherlands formally joining the Gambia in the ICJ case on the genocide of Rohingya by the Myanmar Government?
Context
The question arises from the situation where Canada and the Netherlands are joining Gambia in a case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice for alleged genocide of the Rohingya people. This action raises implications for UK policies regarding international justice.
Nigel Adams
The UK Government supports the ICJ process and urges Myanmar to comply with provisional measures. They are aware of intentions from Canada and the Netherlands and will take a final decision once the case progresses. The government continues to monitor closely and considers whether intervention would add value.
Session: Myanmar ICJ Case
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister meet me as well to discuss this matter? How many of the 200 additional court venues have been provided and how much funding has been allocated to deal with the pandemic-induced backlog?
Context
The delays have caused trauma for victims waiting for justice, with half a million unheard cases. Additional resources are needed to address this.
Alex Chalk
Let me deal with this point about courts. Because so much money has gone into providing perspex and so on, the number of courtrooms available for trials is higher than the baseline.
Session: Court Delays Covid-19
View All Questions -->
If he will bring forward a strategy to support victims affected by court delays as a result of the covid-19 outbreak. Victims of serious violent crime like rape and sexual abuse are facing significant trauma due to these delays.
Context
The question addresses the long-standing issue of court delays caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, affecting many victims waiting for justice.
Alex Chalk
We continue to make significant progress on criminal courts' recovery. Since August, magistrates courts have consistently completed more cases than they are receiving. In the Crown court, millions of pounds have been invested in perspex screens, technology and Nightingale courts to enable thousands of hearings to be listed each week.
Session: Court Delays Covid-19
View All Questions -->
Canada and the Netherlands have formally joined the International Court of Justice case, led by Gambia, on the genocide against the Rohingya people by the Myanmar Government. Can the Foreign Secretary explain why the UK Government, despite being a penholder on the UN Security Council, for instance, in relation to Burma, have not done so, and when he plans to change that? Will he meet me and my co-chair of the all-party parliamentary group on the rights of the Rohingya to discuss this matter further?
Context
Refers to Canada and the Netherlands joining the International Court of Justice case against Myanmar for the genocide of the Rohingya.
Dominic Raab
We have a Commonwealth Foreign Ministers' meeting coming up, where we will be looking at the further amount of support we are providing to ease the humanitarian plight of the Rohingya. We have looked at the ICJ proceedings and will continue to keep those under close review.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Covid-19: Funding for Local Authorities — [Mr Philip Hollobone in the Chair]
24 November 2020
Responding: Luke Hall
Main Concerns
['Local authorities have faced significant funding cuts, with Tower Hamlets losing £200 million over the last decade. The coronavirus pandemic has added further pressures, including a £4.8 billion bill for extra costs and lower income due to covid. Local councils are struggling to balance budgets while facing additional responsibilities such as supporting schools during holidays and addressing increased demand for services like adult social care and public health.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should urgently provide additional funding to local authorities to address the financial shortfall caused by the pandemic, ensuring that communities can maintain essential services without compromising on quality or cutting back on support for vulnerable groups.']
Israel and Palestine
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill - New Clause 116
02 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I propose New Clause 116 to introduce a cap on donations from overseas contributors to political parties and candidates. This measure is necessary to ensure the integrity of our democratic process and...
Foreign Interference in UK Politics
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
G7 Summit
22 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Social Media Ban for Under-16s
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Legacy of Jo Cox
11 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I thank Jo’s family for their leadership and friendship, praising the tenacity and guts that have inspired others. I commend Kim Leadbeater for stepping into public life and continuing Jo Cox's legacy...
Foreign Financial Influence and Interference: UK Politics
25 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Youth Unemployment
17 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East
02 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Chinese Embassy 2026-01-20
20 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
85.7%
84 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
30
30.6% of votes
No Votes
54
55.1% of votes
Abstentions
14
14.3% 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
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
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
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
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: 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
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: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
6
PMQs Asked
45
Ministerial Questions Asked
130
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
19
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
+64% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+236% above average
This MP:
45
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2575% above average
This MP:
130
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+101% above average
This MP:
19
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+24% above average
This MP:
85.7
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 Rushanara Ali's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.