Shockat Adam
MP for Leicester South
Ind
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
My children, like millions of others, are kicking every ball of England's world cup campaign, but as a parent I am really concerned about their security in this country, along with other Muslim parents. Let me explain why. When a Sikh lady was raped in Walsall, the perpetrator repeatedly called her an effing Muslim bitch. There was no condemnation by a Minister at the Dispatch Box and no outcry from Members in this Chamber who openly call out these matters when the perpetrators are of a different colour. When we had the Unite the Kingdom march calling openly for the expulsion of Muslims in this country, there was no ministerial statement condemning such statements. This weekend, five members of the Muslim community were stabbed on the streets of Edinburgh. There was no ministerial statement of condemnation, no Cobra meeting and no solidarity. What does this silence say to my children as they wait with bated breath for Harry Kane to bring it home?
Keir Starmer
I want the hon. Member's children to feel safe in this country, and I will do everything to make sure that they are. We will all fight anti-Muslim hatred with everything that we have got. An attack on one is an attack on all of us. That is what I said at the top of PMQs, and I hope he heard it.
Assessment
The specific ask about condemning hate crimes and ensuring protection was not fully addressed
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
This week, the Israeli Government approved a plan to officially conquer Gaza. Just yesterday, Minister Smotrich vowed that Gaza will be “entirely destroyed” and that the Palestinians will have to “leave in great numbers to third countries.” This follows the extermination of over 50,000 Palestinian men, women and children, and the simultaneous expansion of illegal settlements in the west bank—something I witnessed with my own eyes last week. Will the Prime Minister now finally acknowledge that ethnic cleansing is under way and end all UK military co-operation with Israel, especially the illegal provision of F-35 fighter jet parts, or will he risk making Britain complicit in war crimes and be the Prime Minister to see Britain answer at The Hague for its role in this atrocity?
Context
The Israeli government approved a plan to conquer Gaza, and Minister Smotrich vowed the destruction of Gaza with Palestinians leaving in large numbers. This follows over 50,000 Palestinian casualties and illegal settlement expansion.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
Most of what the hon. Gentleman says is simply not right, but I want to address the position in Gaza and the west bank, because it is increasingly intolerable. I am deeply concerned, particularly with the lack of aid getting in and the impact that that is having on hundreds of thousands of individuals. That concern is something I recently reaffirmed to the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority, where I asserted again that a two-state solution is the only viable approach for peace. Our focus is on delivering peace for Palestinians and Israelis, returning to the ceasefire, getting the hostages out, and getting in the humanitarian aid that is desperately needed in greater number and more quickly.
Assessment
Did not acknowledge ethnic cleansing or commit to ending military cooperation with Israel.
Most Of What The Hon. Gentleman Says Is Simply Not Right
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Every day, pensioners in my Leicester South constituency are emailing me with one word: “frightened.” Susan, who has pulmonary fibrosis, wrote: “During winter I rarely go out as it's too cold for my lungs. I need to keep warm and the heating on. The winter fuel payment was really helpful. I want MPs to know not all pensioners are millionaires (or receive gifts from millionaires), nor do we all get the higher rate of pension”. Susan is frightened that she will not be able to keep her house warm this winter, and she is not alone. Does the Prime Minister realise how frightening it is for the 8,100 pensioners in my constituency who have lost their winter fuel payment? As the winter months start to bite, will he come to Leicester to explain to Susan why he thinks this policy is not frightening?
Context
Pensioners in Leicester South are concerned about the loss of their winter fuel payments and struggling to keep warm during colder months.
Keir Starmer
As the hon. Member knows, the No. 1 job of this Government was to get our finances back in order after the mess that the last Government made, including leaving a £22 billion black hole. We had to make tough choices. The Opposition say that they want the benefits, but cannot say how they are going to pay for them. We want to make sure that the most vulnerable pensioners get the pension credit that they are entitled to. We are driving that up, and because we are stabilising the economy we can commit to the triple lock. That means a £460 uplift in the pension next year, so every pensioner will be better off under a Labour Government.
Assessment
The response did not address the specific question about visiting Leicester but focused on general economic policies and benefits for pensioners.
The No. 1 Job Of This Government
Making Tough Choices
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
The company OpenAI has created a program called Astra, described as the most dangerous program due to its ability to hack other programs autonomously. What is the Secretary of State doing to ensure safety in this dangerous world with the government handing over NHS contracts and public service records to big American AI companies?
Context
OpenAI has recently developed Astra, a program that can autonomously hack other programs, raising concerns about security risks.
Lisa Nandy
The hon. Gentleman is right to highlight that as frontier AI develops, it poses new challenges and risks, not just in the area of hacking but by creating confusion about legal liability, safeguards and who is responsible. The Government is working to meet these expectations.
Session: Frontier Artificial Intelligence 2026-09-03
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment has the government made of the potential impact of frontier AI on society?
Context
No specific event or statistic is mentioned, but the question refers to the potential risks and impacts of AI technology.
Lisa Nandy
The recent report from the AI Safety Institute in December showed that AI's role in social interaction, online harms, cyber-security and the workplace is increasing. The government is taking the risks of AI as seriously as the opportunities, working closely with colleagues in the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade and the Cabinet Office. Companies cannot be allowed to mark their own homework.
Session: Frontier Artificial Intelligence 2026-09-03
View All Questions -->
At a recent packed talk with my Highfields residents, they told me the same thing that all my residents tell me about: the scourge of potholes. We know that councils are facing a backlog of £17 billion in road repairs, but new technology exists that can detect early cracks and seal them before they become potholes. Will the Secretary of State commit to funding the roll-out of that preventive AI-based road technology, instead of constantly chasing the problem?
Context
Councils face a backlog of £17 billion in road repairs due to potholes, and new AI-based road repair technology exists that can prevent early cracks from becoming potholes.
Simon Lightwood
We have invested over £7 billion precisely so that we can turn the corner on constantly having to react to potholes and go back to the same one time and again. We are investing £30 million on Live Labs 2, so that we can use new innovative technologies to finally turn the tide.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-16
View All Questions -->
Young people with cancer often face severe isolation during treatment. At Leicester Royal Infirmary, the Teenage Cancer Trust provides vital care supported by charitable funding. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure sustainable funding for such charities?
Context
Charities like Teenage Cancer Trust provide crucial support and care to young people undergoing cancer treatment, often funded through donations and philanthropic grants.
James Murray
The hon. Gentleman raises an important point about loneliness faced by those being treated for cancer, particularly youth whose isolation can be acute when separated from peers during treatment. I pay tribute to the work of the Teenage Cancer Trust and note that the Government aim to collaborate with this charity to provide comprehensive support including emotional care.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-14
View All Questions -->
Sadly, Leicester South is not immune to the unemployment figures for young people—1,000 young people and counting. My concern is that AI is about to make it even worse, especially as CEOs are citing lower human capital value as justification for replacing workers with AI. What is the Secretary of State's Department doing to ensure that technological advancements create opportunity, rather than unemployment?
Context
AI advancements are feared to exacerbate unemployment among young people in Leicester South, where around 1,000 young people are unemployed.
Pat McFadden
The hon. Member raises an important question, which young people themselves are alive to. AI is an all-purpose technology; it will both destroy and create jobs. The leadership task is to ensure that this country is best placed to use the technology and is a good home for investment in it, as well as ensuring that AI adds to the skills of our people.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-06-29
View All Questions -->
Constituents working at Leicester train station have raised serious concerns about security gaps, particularly the near impossibility of reaching transport police during emergencies. With nearly 80,000 offences recorded on our railways in 2023 and 2024 and the RMT reporting staff being punched, threatened, spat at and abused simply for doing their jobs, what assessment have Ministers made of whether private security contractors at railway stations have the enforcement powers they need to keep both passengers and workers safe?
Context
The MP raises serious safety concerns, particularly about the inability to reach transport police during emergencies.
Keir Mather
I thank the hon. Member for that important question. The safety of staff and passengers on our railway is of the utmost importance to this Government, and we are committed to working with the British Transport police to make that a reality. Although in some regards the statistics are positive—theft at railway stations has reduced—the hon. Member is right that there is always work to do to ensure our staff can deliver the railway services we need without fear of being assaulted. I will certainly pick up his point about security staff at stations and share whatever assessment I can make in writing.
Session: Passenger Rail Services
View All Questions -->
Many in the Muslim community are feeling bewildered, besieged and beleaguered. When they exercise their democratic right to vote and the results do not go a certain way, they are accused of sectarianism. When they take to the streets to protest peacefully against genocide, they are accused of going on hate marches.
Context
Muslim communities feeling bewildered and besieged after voting results and peaceful protests against genocide, witnessing Unite the Kingdom marches with calls for expulsion.
Sarah Jones
This Government are committed to tackling all forms of hate crime, including anti-Muslim hostility. We seek to ensure safety and protection for all individuals and communities.
Session: Unite the Kingdom Rally Policing
View All Questions -->
My constituents in Leicester South were already suffering. Labour promised to fix that, but the cost of living is just getting worse. The Minister says that the only way to protect our country is through clean, home-grown power, so what is he doing to decouple the bills from gas prices and when will my constituents feel that?
Context
Energy bills have risen by 40% in real terms since 2021, and Ofgem predicts a further increase of 13%. Leicester South constituents are struggling with high costs.
Martin McCluskey
The hon. Gentleman's constituents in Leicester will benefit from the decisions that we have already made. Those decisions take £150 off energy costs and extend the warm home discount and the warm homes plan, providing £15 billion of support. We are delinking and we are already taking action, as the Secretary of State announced last month.
Session: Household Energy Bills
View All Questions -->
What is the Secretary of State doing to suspend all military co-operation with Israel so that it stops the Gazafication of Lebanon?
Context
Israel's actions in Lebanon are causing displacement and civilian casualties, similar to the Gaza situation.
John Healey
We are urging both sides to scale down their activity and respect the ceasefire for a permanent peace agreement in the wider Middle East.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What assessment has the Minister made of the report concerning communication between the former Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron, and the International Criminal Court prosecutor, Karim Khan, regarding the court investigation into war crimes in Gaza? What steps is he taking to uphold the independence of the international judicial institutions that we set up?
Context
A report has raised concerns about the communication between Lord Cameron, the former Foreign Secretary, and Karim Khan, the International Criminal Court prosecutor. The investigation pertains to war crimes in Gaza.
Jake Richards
Some of the matters raised by the hon. Member may be more relevant for the Foreign Secretary rather than the Justice Secretary, but we clearly respect international law and uphold the rule of law in general.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Leicester South has a home ownership rate of just over 40%—nearly 23 points below the national average—in a city where the average house costs 8.5 times average local earnings. My young constituents work very hard and save responsibly to get on to the housing ladder, yet the tax system offers them absolutely nothing, while incorporated landlords deduct full mortgage interest through a company structure. Canada and Nordic countries are offering targeted tax relief for first-time buyers. Has the Chancellor considered introducing a similar relief here to ensure that young people are supported by the tax system, not left behind?
Context
The home ownership rate in Leicester South is just over 40%, nearly 23 percentage points below the national average. The city's house prices are 8.5 times higher than the local earnings.
Lucy Rigby
This Labour Government are committed to enabling more people to realise the dream of home ownership. Mortgages have become more affordable under this Government, thanks to increased economic stability and six interest rate cuts.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Leicester College faces a funding crisis, turning away young people wanting construction apprenticeships despite high employer and market demands. With local youth NEET rates at nearly 6%, 6%, what real-terms funding increase will you commit to for apprenticeship schemes?
Context
Leicester college is facing a funding crisis, with young people being turned away from construction apprenticeships despite high demand in the industry. The rate of youth not in education, employment or training is nearly 6% in Leicester, five times higher than the national average.
Pat McFadden
We listen to requests for more funding, and last year announced a construction sector skills package aimed at training bricklayers, electricians, and plumbers. We support meeting our housing targets through this training initiative.
Session: Apprenticeships
View All Questions -->
While atrocities against Palestinians occur daily including the killing of hundreds of children, it is disgusting to learn British citizens can easily purchase Palestinian land through an Israeli charity, which violates international law by claiming UK gift aid for illegal settlements. Will the Secretary of State urgently investigate and sanction any organisation involved in this illegal activity?
Context
Declassified UK revealed that Israeli charity Shivat Zion assists British citizens in buying land in illegal west bank settlements, breaching international law. The organisation claims to utilise UK gift aid.
Yvette Cooper
No one should be building illegal settlements on the west bank. We expect everyone to abide by international law. UK organisations must recognise that these settlements are illegal under international law.
Session: West Bank Illegal Settlements
View All Questions -->
On a serious note, I am deeply concerned about the number of British citizens who have already been impacted by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement detentions and the threat of visa restrictions for international teams. Furthermore, UK nationals may be required to surrender five years of personal social media data simply to obtain entry into the United States. Will the Secretary of State tell us urgently what she is doing to ensure that British fans can travel to America safely?
Context
The MP is concerned about British citizens impacted by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement detentions, visa restrictions for international teams, and social media data requirements for entry into the United States. This has raised concerns over travel safety for British fans during the upcoming World Cup.
Lisa Nandy
The hon. Gentleman raises some particular concerns. I am more than happy to look into them for him and ensure that everybody has the opportunity to go and participate in what should be a really positive and global sporting event.
Session: World Cup Support for Fans
View All Questions -->
I am sure that we are all looking forward to the world cup this summer, and that we all want the home nations to do well. On a serious note, I am deeply concerned about the number of British citizens who have already been impacted by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement detentions and the threat of visa restrictions for international teams. Furthermore, UK nationals may be required to surrender five years of personal social media data simply to obtain entry into the United States. Will the Secretary of State tell us urgently what she is doing to ensure that British fans can travel to America safely?
Context
The MP is concerned about British citizens impacted by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement detentions, visa restrictions for international teams, and social media data requirements for entry into the United States. This has raised concerns over travel safety for British fans during the upcoming World Cup.
Lisa Nandy
The Government and policing partners are in regular contact with FIFA and host country counterparts on a range of issues, including security and public safety planning for the world cup. Since I saw the hon. Gentleman's question appear on the Order Paper, I have asked officials to ensure that those arrangements are robust.
Session: World Cup Support for Fans
View All Questions -->
The MP attended the Beat the Odds event in his constituency, where 36 grassroots mental health organisations expressed a clear need for more financial support. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure these organisations receive funding to deliver frontline services that save lives?
Context
A recent event highlighted the need for more financial support from grassroots mental health organizations that help people of all ages and backgrounds who have fallen through the cracks.
Zubir Ahmed
I commend the community groups in the hon. Gentleman's constituency. There are record amounts of funding going into mental health provision under this Government, and we are committed to ensuring that funding is disseminated into the community.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Under the previous Government, youth funding was reduced by approximately 70% and universal provision was impacted the most. Although we welcome the youth strategy, I am very concerned that local government reorganisation will result in a continued reduction in youth provision in our communities. Will the Minister advise on what assessment has been made of the impact of local government reorganisation on youth provision?
Context
The MP is concerned about the reduction in youth funding and its impact under previous governments.
Alison McGovern
We are at risk of breaking out in violent agreement across the House about the importance of youth services and what the Conservative party did to them. We need to ensure that young people really do get a decent chance in life.
Session: Local Youth Services
View All Questions -->
There should be no issue about our civil service being paid their pensions, but 56,000 people are not receiving their pension from Capita. My constituent, Erral McDonald, is due to retire at the end of the month, and despite countless messages to the Department, he has not yet even received his pension quote. My team has no way to escalate this matter. What reassurance can the Minister provide that the backlog will be cleared, and that my constituent, and all our constituents, will receive their pensions in full and on time in the coming weeks?
Context
There are 56,000 civil servants not receiving their pension from Capita, and Erral McDonald, a constituent, has not received his pension quote despite numerous messages.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
There is a robust recovery plan in place. On the specific case that the hon. Gentleman raises, if he could please ask his staff to escalate it up to me, I will look at it.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister meet me and other local MPs, as well as representatives of University Hospitals of Leicester, to discuss what we can do to save Vista?
Context
A 160-year-old charity serving people with visual disabilities faces imminent closure due to a lack of funds.
Stephen Kinnock
I would be more than happy if the hon. Gentleman wrote to me so that we can look at the issue he has raised.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I refer Members to my entry on the Register of Members' Financial Interests. An acute increase in service charges of 78% has knocked the residents of Phoenix House in my constituency. The council is the freeholder, and it has overseen a complex arrangement with a private head leaseholder and various commercial managing agents below it. Due to the complexities of these arrangements, the residents have no idea where this 78% increase has come from. Will the Minister commit to introducing a duty of candour so that leaseholders know exactly what they are paying for, and will he further consider a threshold for acute service charge increases?
Context
The question concerns a sharp increase in service charges and the need for greater transparency.
Steve Reed
The hon. Gentleman will have been able to make those points through the consultation, which we launched in order to get to a position where we can simplify the system so that leaseholders know what charges they are being asked to pay and what services they are receiving for them, and to give them greater powers to challenge unfair practices of the kind he has just described.
Session: Leasehold Reform
View All Questions -->
Can the Minister support my call for appointing a dedicated Minister for tackling knife crime?
Context
A recent fatal incident involving knife crime led to calls for a dedicated Minister for tackling the issue.
Sarah Jones
I am that dedicated Minister and have campaigned on this issue, but did not provide additional specifics beyond the existing role.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
When will the Government announce the results of their British industrial competitiveness scheme consultation? The scheme will provide a discount to up to 7,000 manufacturing businesses. How can this help my constituency’s fabulous manufacturing industry and reduce its energy costs?
Context
The British industrial competitiveness scheme aims to provide significant discounts on energy costs for up to 7,000 manufacturing businesses.
Chris McDonald
The hon. Gentleman is right that the British industrial competitiveness scheme will provide a significant discount on energy costs to up to 7,000 manufacturing businesses. The Government are currently undertaking a review and we will announce the results of the consultation in due course.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Sitting down to watch a football game with my young family the other day, my wife commented, “Are you watching football, or are you watching a gambling show?” She had a point. Last October, a match between Man City and Wolves had over 5,000 visible gambling ads during the game. Gambling destroys lives and is responsible for close to 500 suicides a year. What consideration is the Department giving to addressing this pressing and devastating issue?
Context
A match between Manchester City and Wolves had over 5,000 visible gambling ads during the game. Gambling is linked to close to 500 suicides a year in the UK.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts (Ian Murray)
It is a pressing issue that has been recognised, particularly by the Premier League, which has banned shirt sponsorship from next season. A number of robust rules are already in place to ensure that adverts are not targeted at, and do not strongly appeal to, children and those at risk of harm. The Government are looking at this issue very seriously, and I hope the hon. Gentleman comes to the Westminster Hall debate this afternoon.
Session: Gambling Advertising
View All Questions -->
Failed private finance initiative schemes from the noughties in three Leicester hospitals resulted in the NHS being sued for almost £30 million, despite no work being carried out. Leicester hospitals are still without any new buildings. I ask the Minister that expensive, inefficient financial packages—£60 billion of private money costing £306 billion of taxpayers’ money—not be utilised for future projects.
Context
Failed private finance initiative schemes from the early 2000s in Leicester hospitals led to costly legal disputes without providing any new buildings for the NHS. The questioner asks about future financial arrangements for NHS infrastructure.
Wes Streeting
This Government are putting record levels of capital investment into the NHS to correct more than 14 years of Conservative failure. We are using public investment. We are certainly learning the lessons of the past in relation to PFI. We are able to do that only because people voted Labour and elected a Labour Government. I look forward to working with the city’s Labour MPs to deliver the improvements in services that it deserves.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
In addition to police officers, our police staff play a vital role in fighting crime. However, a freeze in recruitment of those staff has led to police officers being taken off the beat to fill support staff roles, meaning fewer officers on our streets. Can the Secretary of State shed some light on the situation and commit to relaxing the rules on recruiting more support staff?
Context
A freeze in police support staff recruitment has led to officers being deployed to fill these roles, reducing their visibility on the streets.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Shabana Mahmood)
That is why we have our neighbourhood policing guarantee: to get those police officers back on the beat and in neighbourhoods, providing reassurance and dealing with the types of crimes that we know are going up, which have a huge and deleterious effect on our communities. Of course, total funding for territorial police forces and counter-terrorism policing will be up to £19.5 billion, which is an increase on 2025-26.
Session: Police Efficiency
View All Questions -->
On determining awards for public contracts, what steps are being taken to prioritise UK firms in public procurement, especially for the provision of vital equipment, like personal protective equipment, in our NHS?
Context
The previous Government made progress on buying British through the Procurement Act 2023.
Chris Ward (The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
We are going to bring forward plans, hopefully in the next Session, to reform procurement rules. A big part of that, as the Chancellor has said many times, is to help people to buy British more, and to support local jobs and economies around the country. Despite all their other failings, the previous Government did make some progress on this matter through the Procurement Act 2023, and we will build on that in the next Session.
Session: Public Contracts Trade Union Recognition
View All Questions -->
Teachers across Leicester South, where, in some areas, child poverty is unfortunately near 70%, tell me that student anxiety and poor health are rising, partly driven by insecure, damp and cold housing. Schools are unfortunately being forced to act as frontline welfare services, absorbing pressures that should never fall on teachers alone, such as helping people to fill in forms. Will the Minister reassure them that the child poverty strategy, which is to be published this week, will address the link between child poverty and poor health?
Context
Child poverty is near 70% in some areas of Leicester South, with teachers reporting increased student anxiety and poor health. The MP wants to ensure the strategy addresses these issues.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
Yes, we are looking at that question and at the issue of temporary accommodation that the hon. Member raises. This is a cross-Government strategy and not for the Department for Education to solve alone, although the lifting of the two-child limit is an investment not just in our children and their life chances but in our schools and education. I have heard too many stories of teachers and staff across the country having to pick up the pieces because of wider societal failure. Ending the two-child limit rights that wrong, and invests in our young people.
Session: Child Poverty Strategy
View All Questions -->
Mr Adam questioned what the Department is doing to ensure that provisions and services for young people get support so they can play during winter months when outdoor facilities are not accessible.
Context
Youth services and clubs in Leicester South rely on indoor sports facilities but due to poor maintenance, many buildings have become unsafe. An example was given of a youth community sports hall shutting down due to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete issues.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right and makes an important point. Youth services are vital for giving young people safe, healthy and fulfilling lives. Under the last Government, 1,200 youth centres closed their doors and 4,500 youth workers lost their jobs.
Session: Youth Services
View All Questions -->
Hundreds of my constituents in Leicester South installed external cladding as part of the ECO4 scheme. Despite using TrustMark contractors, they have been left to pay hundreds of thousands of pounds in fines because those contractors failed to obtain correct planning permission. When these homeowners approach the contractors to complain, they discover that all the contractors have gone bust. These are not rich people and they now face stress and financial hardship. Will the Minister please meet me and my Highfields residents to discuss how this issue can be redressed?
Context
The ECO4 scheme, intended to provide home improvements, has left some constituents in Leicester South facing significant financial penalties due to contractors failing to obtain correct planning permissions. These contractors have since gone bankrupt, leaving homeowners with substantial debts.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Martin McCluskey)
I share the hon. Member’s concerns about this issue, which is the result of a shocking dereliction of duty by the previous Government in the oversight of these schemes. I am aware of the particular situation in Leicester, and we are undertaking specific work to engage with the community there to ensure that people take up the offer of an audit and therefore get their homes remediated. I am more than happy to meet the hon. Member and any affected Members who have this situation with ECO4 in their constituency.
Session: ECO4 Scheme TrustMark Standards
View All Questions -->
A constituent contacted me in a severe state of distress because she is a victim of sexual abuse. Unfortunately, her distress is compounded by the fact that her criminal trial date has been postponed not once but twice, while her perpetrator is walking free in her neighbourhood. This is causing her immense anxiety and impacting her mental health. Will the Solicitor General outline what support the justice system can give to my constituent and other victims of severe sexual violence, especially given long court delays, and what steps she will take to ensure that no victim is left to feel abandoned by the system again?
Context
A constituent contacted Shockat Adam in severe distress due to being a victim of sexual abuse, with their criminal trial date postponed twice. This has caused significant anxiety and impacted mental health.
The Solicitor General
I am very sorry to hear about the experience of the hon. Gentleman’s constituent, and I am sure our thoughts are with them. This Government inherited a justice system in crisis, with a record and rising Crown court caseload. Next year, we will fund the Crown courts to run at record levels to tackle the outstanding caseload, by funding 110,000 sitting days. The independent review of the criminal courts considered how to improve overall criminal court efficiency to provide swifter justice for victims, including victims of sexual offences.
Session: Support for Victims of Crime
View All Questions -->
At a recent roundtable at the Eyres Monsell club for young people in my constituency, parents told me that their young adults with learning difficulties, who volunteered for years, often with major supermarkets, still struggle to secure work. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that young people with high-functioning learning disabilities in long-term volunteering roles can access clear pathways into paid employment?
Context
The MP highlighted a roundtable discussion where parents expressed concerns about their young adults with learning difficulties struggling to secure work despite volunteering.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
The hon. Gentleman raises a very good point. He will have seen, as many hon. Members will have done, recent publicity about a particular case of this kind. At the moment, the proportion of people with severe learning disabilities who are in employment is tiny, so we are working with employers and some very good supported internship programmes in the hope of opening up opportunities for work, and I hope we will see many more opportunities in the future.
Session: Employment People with Health Conditions
View All Questions -->
What is the Minister doing to ensure that parents’ health and mental wellbeing are being prioritised in this very adversarial process?
Context
Over 50% of parents of children with special educational needs have admitted to neglecting their own health.
Georgia Gould
I, too, have heard from too many parents who have had to give up their jobs or fall behind on their health, as the hon. Member has set out, because they are having to fight in a very adversarial system. We are determined to reform the system so that support is available at the earliest opportunity for young people, so that parents can collaborate with schools and are supported, and we are rebuilding the support around families.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Youth services deliver huge benefits to our community, both socially and economically, reducing knife crime and antisocial behaviour and, in turn, saving the country £500 million a year. Yet the clubs that I meet in my constituency, including Wesley Hall youth club and Eyres Monsell club for young people, tell me that there is a real recruitment and retention crisis in the sector. With over 4,500 workers leaving in the past decade, what measures is the Minister taking to address this issue?
Context
The Member highlights the benefits of youth services and raises concerns about a recruitment and retention crisis affecting workers.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)
The hon. Member is absolutely right to outline the importance of youth services, particularly in the prevention of knife crime and other issues. Of course, we saw a 73% reduction in real-terms spending over the last 14 years under the Conservative Government. We will not be able to reverse that overnight, but that is why we look forward to our youth strategy, which will be published by the end of the year.
Session: Youth Services Funding
View All Questions -->
Every night, over 1,000 children are homeless in my city; they are either in temporary accommodation, or even worse off. Does the Minister agree that this is totally unacceptable for a modern society, and that the Government must bring forward its cross-departmental plan to tackle youth homelessness?
Context
Shockat Adam highlighted the issue of homelessness in Leicester, noting that over 1,000 children are homeless each night and living in temporary accommodation.
The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)
I refer the hon. Gentleman to what I just said to the Chair of the Select Committee, but let me confirm again that any child in temporary accommodation, particularly B&B accommodation, who has not got enough space to do their homework pays the price—not just through what they are going through today, but in the future. We cannot accept that. We cannot stand for it, and we should work together across this House to bring this to an end.
Session: Homelessness
View All Questions -->
What is the Secretary of State doing to ensure that the next generation of Palestinians can access education, alongside launching a bespoke visa system that enables students to come to study here in the UK? If not, why not?
Context
More than 660,000 Gazan children are being denied schooling for the third consecutive year due to Israeli bombardment which has destroyed more than 1,000 buildings in Gaza.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)
The hon. Gentleman is right to raise with the House the plight of children in Gaza. Yesterday I mentioned my concerns about malnourished children and what that does for their educational outcomes. Yesterday he will have heard the Home Secretary and myself undertake to do more to support students with full scholarships to come to our country.
Session: Gaza Evacuation of UK Scholarship Students
View All Questions -->
What financial commitment is the Department making to secure academic jobs, especially in subjects such as chemistry, humanities, and languages?
Context
Universities in Leicester are facing significant financial difficulties, including making hundreds of redundancies and shutting down faculties.
Bridget Phillipson
The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that universities are independent institutions able to make their own decisions about financial management. We have sought to stabilise the higher education sector, which is why we increased tuition fees. Later this year, a post-16 strategy will deal with many of his questions.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The Crown court backlog stands at approximately 73,000 cases annually, and rape and sexual assault trials in Leicester Crown court face delays of up to three years. What steps is the Department taking to reduce that backlog and ensure that serious offences are brought to trial more efficiently to prevent further trauma for victims and the miscarriage of justice?
Context
The Crown court backlog is particularly concerning in Leicester, where rape and sexual assault trials face delays of up to three years.
Shabana Mahmood (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
I will happily look at the details of the case that the hon. Lady raises. Some of that relates to charging and what the police and others are doing, but I will ensure that she gets a full response from across Government on some of the specifics. Let me observe that we make a whole range of victim support available to victims as they navigate the criminal justice system, and we will continue to do so; I recommend that she recommends some of those mechanisms to her constituent.
Session: Crown Court Backlog
View All Questions -->
A recent freedom of information request by the Royal National Institute of Blind People found that thousands of recipients whose primary health condition is listed as eye disease are set to lose out from the reforms to PIP, with referrals to the RNIB’s counselling services more than doubling since the Secretary of State announced the reforms. There are over 3,500 people in Leicester with sight impairment. What is her Department doing to help those constituents, given these harmful changes to PIP?
Context
Shockat Adam refers to his work with the all-party parliamentary group on eye health and visual impairment. He cites a recent FOI request by RNIB indicating that thousands of recipients with primary condition as eye disease will lose out from PIP reform, with referrals to RNIB's counselling services doubling.
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Liz Kendall)
I would say to the hon. Gentleman that nine out of 10 people who are claiming PIP when these changes come into place will be unaffected by them. We are going to see 750,000 more people claiming PIP by the end of this Parliament compared with when we were elected, and, even with these changes, spending will still be £8 billion higher.
Session: Severely Disabled People East Worthing and Shoreham
View All Questions -->
I recently visited the west bank and the Occupied Palestinian Territories where I saw a systematic process of one community being taken over by another, with Israeli Government building walls and fences to protect the settler community. The Secretary of State is aware that Mo Mowlam achieved peace in Northern Ireland through engagement with both sides leading to walls and fences being broken down and mutual respect. Will the Government commit to using these lessons from Northern Ireland's peace process to help secure a lasting peace in the Middle East?
Context
Shockat Adam recently visited the west bank and Occupied Palestinian Territories, witnessing a systematic process of one community taking over another, with walls and fences being built. He also noted Mo Mowlam's success in securing peace in Northern Ireland through engagement.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
I share with the hon. Member and the whole House a wish to see lasting peace in the middle east, however, what is happening at the moment is appalling and intolerable. The most important lesson from the Good Friday agreement was the courageous political leadership shown by the parties to the conflict, such as John Hume and David Trimble, sadly that same level of leadership is currently absent in the Middle East.
Session: Good Friday Agreement Lessons Learned
View All Questions -->
The right hon. Member for Hayes and Harlington (John McDonnell) raised a point of order yesterday following the Department’s failure to respond to a letter from a number of hon. Members asking the Secretary of State to come to the House to make a statement on alarming research that shows that the UK continues to send large-scale exports of lethal weaponry to Israel. May I beseech the Secretary of State to make a statement to the House on this matter? If he is not willing to do so, can he confirm that all statements that he has made in this House since September 2024 relating to arms exports to Israel have been completely accurate and fully transparent?
Context
A point of order was raised regarding the Department's failure to respond to a letter about arms exports to Israel.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)
Yes, I can.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Glaucoma Awareness
09 July 2025
Responding: Stephen Kinnock
Main Concerns
['As an optometrist, Shockat Adam highlights the silent and often undiagnosed nature of glaucoma, which affects over 700,000 people in the UK with more than half undiagnosed. He cites examples of patients who have lost significant vision without realising it until too late.']
Specific Asks
['Adam calls for increased awareness and regular eye tests to prevent glaucoma and for a shift towards community-based care, including optometrist-led services that could free up hospital appointments and save the NHS £12 million annually.']
Military Co-operation with Israel
18 March 2025
Responding: Luke Pollard
Main Concerns
["The debate centres on the recent Israeli airstrikes that killed over 400 people, potentially facilitated by British military co-operation and intelligence sharing. It highlights the violation of international law and raises questions about UK's role in enabling war crimes. The debate also addresses the denial of essential resources to Gaza and its impact on civilians."]
Specific Asks
['The lead MP asks for immediate action from the Government, including summoning the Israeli ambassador and considering economic sanctions to uphold moral responsibility and international law.']
Summer Health and Resilience
09 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Education and Skills Reform
09 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Palestine
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Economic Growth
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Health and Care Bill - Schedule 1
07 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to confer primary care functions on integrated care boards, thereby ensuring better coordination and integration of health ser...
Estimates Day - [2nd Allotted Day]Estimates Day
30 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government's response to the Select Committee’s “Game On” report acknowledged the importance of physical activity but failed to deliver on its promises due to a lack of funding and clear action. T...
Belfast: Violent Disorder
10 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East
09 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
North Belfast: Violent Attack
09 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Digital Safety: Children
08 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
50.0%
49 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
32
32.7% of votes
No Votes
17
17.3% of votes
Abstentions
49
50.0% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
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 AYE
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
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
VOTED NO
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
VOTED AYE
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
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
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
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
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
3
PMQs Asked
55
Ministerial Questions Asked
107
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+310% above average
This MP:
55
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2102% above average
This MP:
107
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-28% below average
This MP:
50.0
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 Shockat Adam's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.