Shabana Mahmood
MP for Birmingham Ladywood
Lab
6 May 2010 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
I am concerned about the delays in the system and the long waits for trials, which cause huge amounts of trauma to victims who regularly tell me that they feel retraumatised by the criminal justice system when they seek justice. I have made record funding available but recognise that the system cannot carry on as it has done for all these years.
Context
The delays in the criminal justice system are causing trauma to victims. Shabana Mahmood references long waits for trials and the impact on individuals seeking justice.
Shabana Mahmood
I recognised right at the outset that the system cannot carry on as it has done for all these years. We need to ask a bigger question about the sorts of cases in our system that get a jury trial, and those that do not. This Government will pursue once-in-a-generation reform of our Crown courts.
Session: Crown Court Backlog
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Chemical suppression is a mechanism used by other jurisdictions around the world, and it has been shown to work. The previous Government sat on a pilot for years on end and did nothing. I have said that I will pull every lever at our disposal to deal with sex offending once and for all. Will the Secretary of State confirm here and now that no paedophile prisoner will be released from prison early until it has been proven that the medication has effectively castrated them?
Context
The Secretary of State recently announced that paedophiles will be castrated ahead of early release from prison, which turns out to be nothing more than taking some pills that may—I repeat “may”—reduce their libido. This has raised concerns about the effectiveness and certainty of such measures.
Alex Davies-Jones
We are committed to ensuring public safety and taking every necessary step to prevent sex offenders from reoffending. The use of chemical suppression as a mechanism is under review, and we will ensure that any measures taken are effective and based on evidence. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and make decisions based on the best available information.
Session: Topical Questions
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Report after report; failure after failure. At Parc Prison, nine people have died in just two months. At Bedford, cells were flooded with raw sewage. At Wandsworth, a suspected terrorist escaped last year, the prison is still not secure and the governor has resigned. She has taken responsibility. When will the Secretary of State?
Context
Prison conditions at Parc Prison, Bedford, Wandsworth have raised significant concerns.
Alex Chalk (Minister of State for Justice)
We take this issue incredibly seriously, investing record amounts in our estate. We have turned around prisons like HMP Liverpool and HMP Chelmsford which had scathing reports but are now safe, decent and rehabilitative.
Session: Topical Questions
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This week the chief inspector of prisons found that, at HMP Lewes, the Government's early release scheme is undermining safety and risk management. In one case, a high-risk prisoner was released early despite being a risk to children, having a history of stalking and domestic abuse, and being subject to a restraining order. Is this the Secretary of State's idea of putting public safety first?
Context
The chief inspector of prisons found that the Government's early release scheme undermines safety at HMP Lewes.
Alex Chalk (Minister of State for Justice)
We will look very carefully at that specific case. The critical point is that under our scheme, if there is a concern about an individual proposed to be eligible, the governor can impose a veto and escalate the decision to a panel as an important safeguard.
Session: Topical Questions
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Probation officers have told me that they genuinely fear not being able to keep the public safe, because they are being forced to rush through the early release of violent men in order to free up space. He will have heard the same concerns, so what is he going to do about it?
Context
The MP raises probation officers' fears about the early release of violent offenders affecting public safety.
Alex Chalk
Early release does not apply to life sentences, IPPs, extended determinate sentences, sex offenders, terrorism offenders or serious violent offenders. Our scheme allows governors discretion to block release; the Opposition's would have removed this discretion.
Session: Topical Questions
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This Conservative Government promised 20,000 prison places by 2025, but so far they have only delivered under 6,000. The Justice Secretary is letting violent offenders out up to two months early because of capacity issues. Will he level with the public about this crisis?
Context
The MP questions the Justice Secretary's management of prison capacity, highlighting his failure to deliver on promised places.
Alex Chalk
There are pressures in our prisons, but capacity is higher than under Labour's watch. We will have 10,000 places by next year. The Opposition would have let out up to 16,000 people during covid and got rid of jury trials.
Session: Topical Questions
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While prisoners are serving their sentence, they are not being allowed to leave their cell, but ironically the Government are also releasing some of them early. Despite a multitude of letters, questions and even a point-blank request from the Justice Committee, the Government are refusing to tell us how many prisoners are being released early and from where. The public and Parliament have a right to know, so will the Minister finally come clean on how the early release scheme has been used so far?
Context
Concerns over the lack of information on early prisoner releases despite multiple requests.
Edward Argar
As the shadow Justice Secretary will know, my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor has made clear that in line with other statistics, for example death in custody statistics, we will publish those figures on an annual basis.
Session: Time Spent in Cells Reoffending Rates
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Prisoners are spending up to 23 hours a day locked up in their cells as a direct result of overcrowding and the prisons capacity crisis caused by this Government. However, I hear congratulations are in order following an announcement last month, not on the Government actually delivering any of the new prisons they have promised or on even getting spades in the ground, but on their submitting yet another planning application for the Leicestershire prison that the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has already ruled on once.
Context
Discussion about prisoners spending up to 23 hours a day in their cells due to overcrowding and capacity issues.
Edward Argar
For a moment I thought the shadow Justice Secretary was referring to her own party's record when in government—7,500 prison places in three Titan prisons that failed to be built, whereas we are committed to building six new modern prisons. Two have been built, one is being built at the moment and two have planning permission.
Session: Time Spent in Cells Reoffending Rates
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That is a four-year-old announcement dressed up as something new and, given the extensive changes in the Sentencing Bill, I am afraid that it will just not cut it. Under the Conservatives, our vital probation service has been taken to the brink of collapse, and on current performance it simply cannot handle the additional pressure these measures will bring and keep the public safe. So will the Minister commit to ensuring that the measures in the Bill will not come into effect until there is not one probation delivery unit still rated as 'inadequate'?
Context
Shabana Mahmood criticises the Government for rushing through Sentencing Bill measures without ensuring that the probation service is ready and capable of handling increased responsibilities.
Gareth Bacon
I thank the hon. Lady for her question. We will keep this under review as the Bill passes through the House, and we will make further announcements on it in due course.
Session: Custodial and Community Sentences
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Many, many more offenders will be serving their sentences in the community as a result of measures in the upcoming Sentencing Bill. We all know that these measures have been rushed out due to prison capacity crises created by the Government. Given that only one of 33 probation delivery units is rated 'good' and all others are rated 'requiring improvement' or 'inadequate,' what additional resources have been put in place to ensure potentially dangerous criminals are properly monitored?
Context
Shabana Mahmood questions the adequacy of resources provided to the probation service to handle increased community sentences due to prison capacity issues.
Gareth Bacon
We have recently increased the budget for probation by £155 million and ramped up recruitment, with an additional 4,000 staff recruited over the last period of time.
Session: Custodial and Community Sentences
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How many prisoners will have to be moved across the prison estate as a result of this escape?
Context
A prisoner escaped from Wandsworth, prompting questions about security measures.
Damian Hinds
It is. The hon. Lady would not expect me to get into a running commentary on transfer arrangements when we are talking about security. I want to reassure her, the House and the public that escapes from prisons are very rare now than they used to be.
Session: Topical Questions
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Why have the Government failed to act after years of warnings about HMP Wandsworth?
Context
HMP Wandsworth has been a known problem for the best part of a decade, with overcrowding, staffing, and security issues. A prisoner escaped from Wandsworth in 2019.
Damian Hinds
We take these matters extremely seriously. The independent investigation will look at the 2019 incident to ensure that lessons were learned. There has been an increase of some 25% in staffing specifically at Wandsworth since 2017.
Session: Topical Questions
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Insurance companies are exploiting the cladding scandal by charging leaseholders extortionate prices. The Treasury and the FCA have not acted while people face financial distress. Will the Treasury ensure that the FCA investigates this matter and provides redress for constituents?
Context
Insurance companies are charging leaseholders high prices for buildings insurance due to the cladding scandal, raising concerns about transparency and regulatory action.
John Glen
The FCA has been looking at this matter, and last week my colleague wrote to the FCA to ask it to look at whether there is a market failure. Since then, it has written back with the Competition and Markets Authority, saying they are engaging with the industry and will produce a statement.
Session: Insurance Industry Regulation
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What recent discussions has he had with the Financial Conduct Authority on the regulation of the insurance industry?
Context
Discussions on how the Financial Conduct Authority regulates the insurance market.
John Glen
I hold regular discussions, usually on a six-weekly basis, with the chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority on a range of issues regarding the regulation of financial markets, including the insurance market.
Session: Insurance Industry Regulation
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I am grateful to the Minister for that answer, but he will know that the Government have ordered jobcentre staff to apply the maximum 30% deduction from universal credit for claimants who have to pay a court fine, regardless of their circumstances. This approach is failing on two fronts. It pushes vulnerable claimants further into poverty and recoups less money. The Ministry's own data shows that the amount of money recouped in respect of court fines fell by over 13% between June and August last year, when the arbitrary 30% deduction was applied to all claimants. Does the Minister accept that this is the worst of all worlds, and will he begin urgent discussions with his counterparts in the Department for Work and Pensions to follow the data and allow local decision makers a greater degree of discretion as to how much is deducted from each individual claimant to pay a court fine?
Context
Government directives to jobcentre staff to apply a uniform 30% deduction for court fines from individuals receiving universal credit have led to significant financial hardship and reduced fund recovery. The data shows a decline in recouped amounts since this policy was implemented.
Chris Philp
These deductions pay not only for fines but also for compensation to victims, so we should be mindful of that fact. Orders are ultimately made by a judge who considers circumstances when making an order. It is open to someone experiencing difficulty to go back to the court later to have the order remitted in part or in whole.
Session: Reclaiming Fines Universal Credit
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What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of court fine deductions in reclaiming fines for people in receipt of universal credit?
Context
The question arises due to concerns about the fairness and effectiveness of automatically applying a maximum 30% deduction for court fines on individuals receiving universal credit, regardless of their financial circumstances. The approach has led to an increase in poverty among vulnerable claimants and a decrease in funds recouped.
Chris Philp
Deductions from benefit orders are made by the court. When a judge makes a deduction order, they take into account the affordability and means of the person involved. Someone can apply later to remit part or all of the deduction if their circumstances have changed.
Session: Reclaiming Fines Universal Credit
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I am concerned about the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on education outcomes. What assessment has been made?
Context
Concern over the impact of the pandemic on pupils' educational progress, especially regarding the lack of a formal assessment.
Gavin Williamson
We have commissioned a study to assess the progress of pupils this academic year, initial findings from which were published last week. That study informed the development of our £1.7 billion investment to give education settings support to boost children's education.
Session: Covid-19 Education Outcomes
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The annual housing benefit bill in Birmingham for supported exempt accommodation is now a massive £200 million. Too many housing providers are exploiting the extremely weak regulations that govern the payment of enhanced housing benefit; all they have to do is show that the support they provide is more than minimal, and this is causing misery for vulnerable tenants and the communities they live in. So will the Minister meet me to discuss the situation in Birmingham, and will he bring forward urgent proposals to change the situation and get a grip of this growing national scandal?
Context
The annual housing benefit bill in Birmingham for supported exempt accommodation is £200 million. Many providers exploit weak regulations, causing misery for vulnerable tenants.
Will Quince
Although we recognise there are problem areas, it is worth noting that the majority of supported housing is provided by well-run registered social landlords. These providers are regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing or the Charity Commission as applicable. However, I do recognise a problem exists and am willing to meet the hon. Lady.
Session: Housing Benefit Supported Exempt Accommodation
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What recent assessment have you made of the effectiveness of the more than minimal test for determining housing benefit payments for supported exempt accommodation?
Context
No specific assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the more than minimal test used to determine housing benefit payments in supported accommodation. Shabana Mahmood is concerned about inconsistencies and potential misuse by providers.
Will Quince
No assessment has been made, but we are reviewing guidance to help improve consistency in decision making for supported exempt accommodation housing benefit payments.
Session: Housing Benefit Supported Exempt Accommodation
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In the west midlands, violent crime is up 27%, the homicide rate is rising and, in Birmingham, drug crime is at a six-year high. Given the rises in violent and drug crime in Birmingham, will she accept that her comments include my city?
Context
The MP raises concerns about increasing violent and drug crimes in the west midlands, citing a recent Home Secretary's admission that some communities have been neglected.
Priti Patel (Home Secretary)
I had the privilege of visiting the west midlands two weeks ago and participating in an early-morning drugs raid. The scourge of serious and violent crime is absolutely one that we have to deal with, and this Government are fully committed to that.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Building Safety Remediation: Leaseholders
22 June 2022
Responding: Stuart Andrew
Main Concerns
['Ms Mahmood is concerned about the financial impact of building safety remediation on leaseholders, including significant cost increases for insurance premiums. She cited examples where premiums increased by up to 1025%, leaving residents struggling with unaffordable costs despite their efforts to improve fire safety measures in their buildings. She also highlighted that many residents have been living without proper light and facing ongoing construction noise due to cladding remediation work.']
Specific Asks
['Ms Mahmood asks the Government to remove the cap on leaseholder contributions, provide direct assistance for those who have already paid towards remediation work, and include insurance payments within the £10,000 cap. She also seeks stronger action against insurance companies profiteering from this situation.']
Supported Exempt Accommodation
09 February 2022
Responding: Eddie Hughes
Main Concerns
['The MP is concerned about the misuse of supported exempt accommodation by rogue operators who exploit a lucrative loophole, leading to unsuitable living conditions for tenants and negative impacts on communities. She cites issues such as insufficient care, support, and supervision; poor property conditions; over-concentration in specific areas; increased crime and antisocial behaviour; forged documents; and lack of local authority oversight. The MP notes that more than 150,000 households are living in exempt accommodation, representing a 62% increase in five years.']
Specific Asks
['The MP asks the Government to tighten welfare regulations, introduce stricter legal tests for accessing enhanced housing benefits, establish robust fit-and-proper-person criteria for providers, empower local authorities to reject applications based on saturation or over-supply, and implement comprehensive inspections and enforcement mechanisms. The MP seeks decisive action to address the systemic issues in supported exempt accommodation.']
Policing in Cleveland
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Death of Ann Widdecombe
13 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Security Service Bill - Clause 1 (Designation of a body)
17 June 2026
Bill Debate
Led by this MP
The amendment seeks to introduce new section 33A into the National Security Act 2023, enabling the Home Secretary to designate bodies involved in foreign power threat activity. This is essential given...
Murder of Henry Nowak
02 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Southport Inquiry
13 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Protest Policing
11 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Consular Assistance
05 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Police Reform White Paper 2026-01-26
26 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
West Midlands Police 2026-01-14
14 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Grooming Gangs Independent Inquiry 2025-12-09
09 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Attendance
27.6%
27 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
9
9.2% of votes
No Votes
18
18.4% of votes
Abstentions
71
72.4% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
0
PMQs Asked
20
Ministerial Questions Asked
56
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
28
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
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+49% above average
This MP:
20
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1052% above average
This MP:
56
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+196% above average
This MP:
28
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-60% below average
This MP:
27.6
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Shabana Mahmood's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.