Taiwo Owatemi
MP for Coventry North West
Lab
12 Dec 2019 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
My constituent Sarah's father, who is a veteran with cancer and a heart problem, had an urgent appointment delayed. She paid for private care. The NHS must do better. When will the Prime Minister call a general election?
Context
A constituent's elderly father, a veteran living with cancer, was turned away for a heart appointment due to long wait times.
Rishi Sunak
I am very sorry to hear about Sarah's father; we are investing record sums in the NHS, more doctors, nurses, diagnostic scans, and elective surgical hubs. We are seeing progress in eliminating 18-month waits.
Assessment
Calling a general election
Under Review
Considering
Session: PMQs
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Yesterday, the Prime Minister said it would be easy to build new homes without destroying green spaces. Many constituents are concerned that this will happen again with dodgy figures. As Coventry has run out of brownfield sites, precisely where does he expect those new homes to be built?
Context
Many residents in Coventry are worried about the Government's plans to build new homes, especially on green spaces. The city is running out of brownfield sites.
Boris Johnson
There is abundant brownfield space across the whole UK. In many cases, restrictions are due to cumbersome planning procedures and young people's inability to get mortgages for homes they want.
Assessment
Exact location of new home construction in Coventry
Changing Subject
Session: PMQs
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Violent crime in Coventry is rising, yet I only have 10 police officers in my constituency. As the Prime Minister makes such a big deal about his 20,000 new police officers, can he tell my constituents whether we are going to get our fair share?
Context
Owatemi raised the issue of rising violent crime in her constituency, particularly stabbings.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
The hon. Lady is right to raise stabbings and violent crime, which must come down. We are increasing the number of police officers in this country, and in the west midlands that number is going up by 366 immediately.
Session: PMQs
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I have been contacted many times each month by parents left seriously out of pocket by their ex-spouses' failure to pay child maintenance owed. What steps are the Government taking to ensure parents are able to receive their child maintenance on time so that many families are not left subjected to coercive control by their ex-spouses or left out of pocket?
Context
Parents contacting Taiwo Owatemi about late child maintenance payments leaving families in financial distress.
Mims Davies
I thank the hon. Lady for making those points. Child maintenance payments keep about 160,000 children out of poverty each year and are absolutely vital. They play a key role in ensuring both parents play their part in supporting their children whether or not they live with them. If the hon. Lady has particular cases or interests, I am happy to meet her.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister meet my constituents and me to explain exactly why that was allowed to happen, and what is being done to prevent it from happening to other families? My constituents lost parents in Melbourne House care home which CQC later deemed inadequate. The notice of decision lapsed on transfer back to original owner's family.
Context
Constituents lost parents after placement in Melbourne House care home, which was later deemed “inadequate” by CQC. Due to the lapse of notice on transfer back to original owner's family, Earlsdon Lodge operates with no improvement.
Helen Whately
I shall be happy to meet the hon. Member to look into that case, because I feel strongly about the importance of ensuring that everyone has access to good, if not outstanding, care in care homes.
Session: Notices of Decision for Care Homes Change of Ownership
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Whether he is taking steps to ensure that notices of decision for care homes do not lapse upon a change of ownership unless standards improve. Previous notices cannot legally be passed to new providers but should inform CQC's approach and assessment timing.
Context
Concerns about notices of decision for care homes lapsing upon change of ownership, affecting the quality standards review process.
Helen Whately
When a care home is taken over, the Care Quality Commission assesses and re-rates it under its new ownership. Previous notices of decision cannot legally be passed to a new provider but do inform CQC's approach to an assessment and how soon it takes place.
Session: Notices of Decision for Care Homes Change of Ownership
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What steps is the Justice Secretary taking to protect vulnerable children and ensure justice for victims?
Context
Families are being failed by our broken court system, including in handling of domestic abuse allegations and disregard of children's voices.
Dominic Raab
There is a need for safeguarding in getting domestic abuse cases to court—around 55% of cases—but the best way to ensure effective handling is through mediation and avoiding duplication.
Session: Topical Questions
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On 1 March, the Secretary of State received a letter written by 10 civic societies from Britain's biggest cities, including Coventry, about the 35% housing uplift. Given the widespread condemnation of that arbitrary target, will the Minister meet me to explain why it has been imposed on Coventry?
Context
The Secretary of State received a letter from civic societies regarding the 35% housing uplift target. The MP asks to meet with the Minister to discuss why this target has been imposed.
Rachel Maclean
I will be happy to meet the hon. Lady to discuss housing targets in Coventry. In the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill we have set out the measures under which local areas will have more power to ensure that the right housing is built in the right places.
Session: New Homes Regenerated Brownfield Land
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What steps is the Home Office taking to provide support to those affected by the earthquake in Turkey, particularly regarding family reunification through appropriate visa schemes?
Context
The Turkish community in Coventry has lost family members due to the earthquake and wishes to be reunited with them via a family visa scheme.
Robert Jenrick
Our sympathies go to all those affected. The UK Government are doing a number of things, including sending specialists to help with those who have been trapped in the wreckage. We have a range of visa options, including family reunion and visit visas.
Session: Topical Questions
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Foreign Governments are requiring British workers to certify their covid status before taking employment in their countries. That leaves people who are medically exempt from vaccination, like my constituent Mr Hussain-Khan, in limbo. Without any formal documentation, their employment is at risk. Will the Foreign Secretary explain exactly what is being done to ensure that medically exempt people can get their status certified so that they can take employment?
Context
Foreign governments require British workers to certify their COVID status before taking employment in their countries. This leaves people medically exempt from vaccination, like Mr Hussain-Khan, in a difficult situation.
James Cleverly
If I have understood the hon. Lady's question correctly, it is about the employment of British nationals in other countries. Obviously, each country is responsible for its own employment practices, rules and regulations. I was not aware of the circumstances of the case that she raises, but if she writes to me I will be more than happy to look into the details and see whether there is something we can do domestically, within the UK, to facilitate the actions of other Governments in relation to employment.
Session: Topical Questions
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When will the taskforce finish its inquiry and when will the Government start delivering better maternity care for women in this country?
Context
The Government's maternity taskforce pleaded with the Government to provide better care, yet eight out of ten refugee and migrant women still wait more than 10 weeks for their first antenatal care. Black women are four times more likely to die from childbirth.
Maria Caulfield
The hon. Lady highlighted the work of the maternity disparities taskforce, which was set up by this Government. The next meeting will focus on actions to tackle issues; from October last year, local areas produced plans targeting specific communities to improve outcomes.
Session: Maternity Outcomes Migrant Women
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What steps the Government are taking to reduce disparities in maternity outcomes for migrant women?
Context
The MBRRACE report highlights that women from black, Asian and mixed ethnic groups have worse maternity outcomes. The Government's maternity taskforce requested better care for migrant women.
Maria Caulfield
The MBRRACE report shows that women from black, Asian and mixed ethnic groups have worse maternity outcomes. That is why NHS England has published the equity and equality guidance for local maternity services, supported by £6.8 million of investment to focus on actions to reduce the disparities.
Session: Maternity Outcomes Migrant Women
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Will the Minister speak to her counterpart in the Department for Education to ensure that families in Coventry do not lose valuable away nights provided by Springfield House School?
Context
Due to government cuts, important life experiences for children with special educational needs are being lost.
Andrea Jenkyns
The Government are doing some amazing work, and I point the hon. Lady's constituents and those of MPs across the House to a fantastic website, governmentsupport.co.uk, which demonstrates the great services open to people who are having difficulties.
Session: Cost of Living Children with SEND
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In April, a first-tier tribunal decided that the Home Office had incorrectly applied its own rules and that my constituent, Mr Simon Hagos, should indeed be joined by his family. Despite this, UKVI failed to issue visas to his wife and son. Can the Minister tell me when the Home Office will finally fulfil its legal obligations?
Context
Mr Simon Hagos's case has been delayed due to a first-tier tribunal decision that the Home Office had incorrectly applied its rules.
Kevin Foster
I am happy to pick up that with the hon. Lady outside the Chamber.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the Minister for Equalities to her place. She sure has a lot to catch up on, whether that is finally addressing LGBT+ hate crime or finally publishing a women's health strategy. She will be aware that her predecessor resigned last week because of the Conservative party 'creating an atmosphere of hostility for LGBT+ people'. That is a damning charge from a sitting Conservative MP. Does the Minister agree with her predecessor?
Context
The Minister for Equalities has taken on a lot of responsibilities, including addressing LGBT+ hate crime and publishing a women's health strategy.
Amanda Solloway
The Government take all hate crimes seriously, and we have robust laws to respond to them. While police have recorded an increase in hate crimes targeting LGBT communities, the biggest drivers for this are an improvement in police recording and the increased willingness of victims to come forward. It is taken very seriously by the Home Office, and we are working with the police on it.
Session: Topical Questions
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The backlog is not just due to covid; figures show that the number of women waiting over 12 months for healthcare has increased from 66 two years ago to 25,000 today. Given that the Government's delayed women's health strategy still does not exist, what action will be taken now to reduce these unacceptable waiting times?
Context
Figures published by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists show that 25,000 women are now waiting over 12 months for healthcare in England. A constituent of Taiwo Owatemi was offered an appointment only in October 2023, more than a year from when she requested it.
Maria Caulfield
The hon. Lady has answered her own question: cases have risen in the past two years due to the pandemic. If we were under a Labour Government, we would still be in lockdown.
Session: Women’s Health Strategy
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Where is the Government's plan to help millions of people like my constituent who are struggling with mental health issues due to the cost of living crisis?
Context
Constituent struggling with energy bills and bipolar disorder after misdiagnosis, highlighting need for government action on mental health.
Gillian Keegan
We have a plan involving investment in mental health, catch-up programme, and a mental health strategy focusing on people with bipolar disorder.
Session: People with Down Syndrome
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One of my constituents, after leaving a near two-decade-long abusive relationship, reported an assault to the police, but she was then told that the statute of limitations on her case had run out, as it was not processed in time. What steps will the Minister take to reform the statute of limitations process for victims of assault in abusive relationships?
Context
A constituent reported an assault after leaving a long-term abusive relationship but was told the case had passed the statute of limitations. The six-month time limit applies to common assault charges.
Victoria Atkins
I hope that the House will understand that I must not comment on an individual case, but for offences that are triable either way—assault and occasioning actual bodily harm—or those that are indictable only, there are no such time limits. One category of offence—common assault charges—does have the traditional six-month time limit. Exactly the situation the hon. Lady has described is what we are seeking to change for the better through the police Bill. We are removing that six-month time limit—extending it to two years—so that cases of the sort she describes will not hit that legal barrier to securing justice for victims.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps is the Cabinet Office taking to clean up procurement processes going forward?
Context
There has been controversy regarding cronyism and contracts being awarded to Government friends during the pandemic.
Steve Barclay
The high priority lane was used to efficiently prioritize credible offers of PPE, ensuring frontline services had what they needed. That is what we invested in and secured during the pandemic.
Session: Topical Questions
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Black, Asian and ethnic minority women face overwhelming health inequalities in our country, as has been revealed by the recent NHS Race & Health Observatory report. The Government promised us a comprehensive women's health strategy by the end of 2021, yet we only received a vague vision document and now a taskforce to increase understanding of the problem without concrete steps to solve it. When will they take action?
Context
Black, Asian and ethnic minority women face overwhelming health inequalities in the UK as revealed by a recent report. The Government promised a comprehensive women's health strategy but have not delivered.
Kemi Badenoch
I am afraid it is not the case that nothing has been done. I have been working very closely with Ministers across Departments, looking at the very issues the hon. Lady has raised. We did launch a women's health strategy in December, and more will be coming. She may not have noticed this, but on 23 December the Government published “Our Vision for the Women's Health Strategy for England”, and there is far more detail to come.
Session: Topical Questions
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A constituent sent me the following message: “I am concerned for April 1st this year. My fire will be turned off and I will start to feel the cold. At seventy eight years, I did not expect to face, like many others, a six hundred pound rise in my gas bill which I cannot afford. How come this government is not bothered about the people?” That plea comes on top of the news that, for millions of people, the Government's new energy bill rebate will be wiped out by a real-terms cut to their pension. What will the Secretary of State say to my constituent and to all the pensioners whose hardship will be compounded by the Government's flawed energy rebate plan?
Context
A constituent has expressed concern about a significant rise in gas bills, which will be further compounded by real-terms cuts to pensions.
Therese Coffey
What I will say is that we continue to try to support pensioners through aspects of pension credit, but it was inaccurate to say that what was proposed was a statistical anomaly.
Session: Topical Questions
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Department for Work and Pensions data show that four in five black people have less than £1,500 in the bank. More worrying is that approximately one in four black British, British Bangladeshi and British Pakistani people have no savings at all. Energy bills are going up, food prices are up and taxes are up. The increased cost of living will hit minority communities hardest. What action will the Minister take to ensure that minority communities are not pushed into greater hardship this winter?
Context
Department for Work and Pensions data reveal that four in five black people have less than £1,500 in the bank. Additionally, one in four black British, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani individuals has no savings at all. The rising costs of living will disproportionately affect minority communities.
Kemi Badenoch
We have put, on average, £1,000 a year more into the pockets of the lowest earners through changes to universal credit, increasing the minimum wage next April to £9.50 an hour, and helping with the cost of fuel bills. Our multibillion plan for jobs, which was recently expanded by £500 million, will help people across the UK to find work and to boost their wages and prospects, and this will disproportionately benefit people in minority ethnic groups.
Session: Topical Questions
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Last week, the Chancellor set out in his Budget that per pupil funding in schools in England will return to the same level as in 2010. However, with teachers overstretched, class sizes growing, the attainment gap widening, school budgets squeezed for a decade and the devastating impact of the pandemic, this commitment will mean little for schools in my constituency. Can the Secretary of State honestly say to parents and teachers in Coventry that winding the clock back to 2010 is a sustainable way to fund our schools?
Context
The Chancellor's Budget announcement stated that per pupil funding in schools will return to the same level as in 2010. The questioner argues this is inadequate given the current challenges faced by teachers, increasing class sizes, and the impact of the pandemic.
Nadhim Zahawi
I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her question. I visited Coventry West Academy—I know that it is not in her constituency, but it is certainly a fantastic school that is being rebuilt with more than £30 million of investment. It will be operationally net zero and built in Coventry, not far from where the school is. Teachers have gone above and beyond in everything that they have done. I thank them as well as school leaders from the bottom of my heart for what they have done. Of course the increase of £1,500 per pupil in the core schools budget from 2019-20 is a big step forward as is the recovery funding of £5 billion.
Session: Topical Questions
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Next month, this Government will cut the £20 uplift to universal credit. However, this summer, a staggering seven in 10 UC claimants seeking support from the StepChange Debt Charity were women. StepChange also reported that from October 70% of women receiving UC will see their monthly spending exceed their income. How will the Minister respond to a callous cut that disproportionately impacts women? Better still, will she support cancelling the cut altogether?
Context
Concern about the upcoming cut in Universal Credit and its disproportionate impact on women, particularly those seeking support from StepChange Debt Charity.
Kemi Badenoch
We have had multiple debates on UC, and we have been at pains to say that this extra £20 was a temporary measure brought in because of covid. We are looking after the public finances, we are doing the right thing by taxpayers and we are doing everything we can to support vulnerable people in this country.
Session: Topical Questions
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What actions are being taken by the Government to reach out to those at risk of undiagnosed or untreated cancers over the past year and a half?
Context
Cancer Research UK estimates that nearly 45,000 fewer patients started cancer treatment in the UK due to pandemic-related NHS access limitations.
Sajid Javid
The Government is providing additional funding for diagnostics, urging people to come forward if concerned about undiagnosed cancer. More than £1 billion has been allocated towards this effort.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am sure the Minister agrees that pharmacies have gone above and beyond to deliver vital medicines and health advice to patients in their communities during the covid-19 pandemic and that their response underlines the huge potential to grow their already massive contribution to our nation's health. Pharmacies have proven themselves to be a valuable member of the NHS family, so will she prioritise looking at the potential for pharmacies to provide even better primary care? Will she bring forward a plan to unleash their potential post pandemic?
Context
Acknowledges the valuable role pharmacies played during the covid-19 pandemic and seeks further development of their primary care provision post-pandemic.
Jo Churchill
I know that the hon. Lady speaks from experience, having been a clinical pharmacist before she came to this place. That potential needs unleashing. We are working across the profession to make sure that pharmacies are enabled to play a fuller part in the primary care family. We should think pharmacy first when we have minor ailments, and pharmacies should be enabled to do everything they can.
Session: Pharmacies Primary Care
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What steps he is taking to develop the role of pharmacies in primary care provision.
Context
None specified, focusing on the current and potential role of pharmacies in providing primary care services.
Jo Churchill
We are committed to the five-year community pharmacy contract and to enabling community pharmacy to deliver more clinical services as well as being the first port of call for minor illnesses. Pharmacists are highly skilled members of the primary care team. We are making good progress with referrals from NHS 111 and general practice, with discharge medicines services from hospitals, and with 96% of pharmacies providing lateral flow tests as well as delivering vaccines.
Session: Pharmacies Primary Care
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Given that physical trade shows are taking place in the EU as early as July and no confirmation of what support will be provided to UK exporters. Can the Minister provide clarity on when his Department will publish its trade show access programme for 2021-22? Continued delays will be disastrous for UK exporters.
Context
Physical trade shows are taking place in the EU as early as July, and there has not been any confirmation of support for UK exporters.
Graham Stuart
I thank the hon. Lady for her excellent question, because trade show support is really important for putting British business on the front foot. We have worked across multiple industries to improve our digital and virtual offer, and I am delighted to say that in some areas that has led to higher levels of activity than we had before. I will make sure that the House is informed as soon as we have further to say about the plan, possibly following 21 June.
Session: Topical Questions
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With 3-6% of homeless individuals being veterans, what specific support is the Department providing to homeless veterans in Coventry North West and across the country during the covid-19 outbreak?
Context
The Royal British Legion estimates that between 3% and 6% of homeless people are from an armed forces background. The question asks about support provided to homeless veterans.
Johnny Mercer
The Department has worked with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to ensure that homeless veterans receive proper care. We have commissioned studies from King's College to assess the impact of the pandemic on veterans.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Secretary of State commit to arranging a meeting with colleagues and I to discuss further how to improve the Turing programme?
Context
The Turing scheme is replacing Erasmus, but concerns have been raised about its potential improvements.
Gavin Williamson
The Minister for Universities is delighted to meet the hon. Lady and her colleagues on the all-party parliamentary group to see what more can be done to expand these opportunities right across the United Kingdom.
Session: Topical Questions
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The 2015 defence review highlighted all the things that can go wrong when a Government fudge funding figures. This mistake opened up a £30 billion black hole in the defence budget. It also led to a monumental failure to secure the recruitment of troops that the UK needs, leaving us 12,000 short of strength. Will the Secretary of State tell the House what lessons the Government have learnt from the past review?
Context
The defence review highlighted a £30 billion funding shortfall and recruitment shortfalls of 12,000 troops.
Ben Wallace
If the hon. Member has been an avid attender of Defence questions, she will have heard me say on a number of occasions that the lessons of the past for both Governments—including Labour Governments; I refer her to the National Audit Office report of 2010—are that we should not over-promise, be over-ambitious or underfund.
Session: Topical Questions
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I have received numerous emails from parents and students worried about school closures and new spikes of infection. Could the Secretary of State let us know what steps he is taking to ensure that schools have increased access to testing and staff are in a safer working environment?
Context
Parents and students are concerned about whether schools will remain open or closed during lockdown.
Gavin Williamson
We prioritise school opening. We had over 1.6 million children back in school before summer holidays and 99% of schools are open now. We take safety and security seriously and continue to ensure schools remain safe environments.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituents in the more rural parts of Coventry North West often have to contend with bus services that are late and routes that are routinely missed out, made worse by the fact that they have to contend with being unable to board buses due to a lack of capacity. I am proud of the fact that the bus drivers are doing all that they can to ensure that social distancing measures are in place. However, will the Government commit to increasing bus services so that my constituents who use them, many of whom are essential workers, can safely get from one place to another without worrying about being late or being unable to enter the bus?
Context
Residents in the rural areas of Coventry North West face challenges with late and missed bus routes, exacerbated by social distancing measures leading to capacity issues on buses.
Rachel Maclean
The Government have increased funding to subsidised bus services in the hon. Lady's constituency throughout the pandemic, but more than that, we are publishing a national bus strategy to address all these issues. We want to see bus services improved across the country.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituent Rebecca launched a new business, Purdy's Pet Shop, in Coventry North West just before the lockdown. Rebecca was told that she was ineligible for the self-employment income support scheme and faced a frustrating few weeks until she was eventually granted a coronavirus business interruption loan. That is just one business among many that fell through the gaping holes of the first self-employment income support scheme. Now it, and many other businesses in my constituency, will also fall through the gaps in the new extension. Constituents have contacted me about how anxious they feel about how they will survive now that support has dropped to just 70%. Can the Minister tell me how adequate he believes the extension of the self-employment income support scheme is? What will he do to support my constituents who are falling through the gaps of the current scheme and are worried about the reduced financial support it offers?
Context
The MP's constituent Rebecca, who started a business before lockdown, faced delays and was ultimately granted a coronavirus business interruption loan. She is concerned about reduced financial support.
Jesse Norman
I salute the hon. Lady's constituent for setting up a new business and for showing the entrepreneurship and aspiration that characterise British business at its best. As she will be aware, we are engaged in the process of supporting vulnerable businesses and people. In the self-employment area, we are doing that through the extension to the job support scheme.
Session: Self-employed People Covid-19
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What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the extension of the self-employment income support scheme. The scheme was recently extended but constituents are worried it may not be adequate for their needs, especially with reduced financial support.
Context
The MP is concerned about the adequacy of the extension to the self-employed income support scheme.
Jesse Norman
The Government have taken unprecedented steps to support the self-employed, as the House will be aware. So far, the Government have paid out £13.4 billion of support through the self-employment income support scheme.
Session: Self-employed People Covid-19
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Last week marked the long-awaited return to schools for many students and young people across Coventry North West. However, this was a time marked by anxiety for parents, students and teachers about what school would look like during the pandemic. I have had a number of constituents contact me about being cramped into small spaces and a lack of support for students with pre-existing medical conditions that put them at greater risk of contracting and responding badly to coronavirus. What allowances or provisions have the Government given schools to keep students with pre-existing medical conditions safe, and will they stop passing the buck to schools and make face coverings compulsory in communal areas in secondary schools?
Context
Concerns about the safety of students returning to school during the pandemic, including those with pre-existing health issues and the need for better control measures.
Gavin Williamson (Secretary of State for Education)
At every stage—when we saw over 1.6 million children return to school before the summer holidays, and as we see the full return after the summer holidays—every precautionary measure that can be taken has been taken to ensure that the needs of children of all ages, including those who suffer disabilities, are properly catered for. If the hon Lady would like to write to me about specific issues, I would be happy to look at them in detail.
Session: School Safety Covid-19
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The questioner asks for a commitment from the Secretary of State to provide funding for the charity sector throughout lockdown and beyond the crisis period.
Context
Coventry City Council, local community groups, and charities have worked hard to support people in the city during the crisis. Many charities are facing financial pressure due to reserves being depleted.
Oliver Dowden
A £750 million package has been provided, and an additional £200 million is available through the national lottery to support small and medium-sized charities.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Family Court Reform and CAFCASS
22 March 2023
Main Concerns
["CAFCASS is failing in its duty to safeguard children's welfare, with issues such as poor handling of domestic abuse allegations and an obsessive pro-contact culture that prioritises unfit parents' demands over children's best interests. The Ministry of Justice report from 2020 highlighted CAFCASS's failures across all areas, including the rise of false parental alienation accusations which can result in vulnerable children being placed with abusive parents. One constituent case exemplifies these failings where a child was removed from an exemplary mother and placed with an abuser due to unqualified 'experts' supporting false alienation claims."]
Specific Asks
['The Minister should outline steps to increase funding for legal aid, update on the civil legal aid review, ban unqualified experts in family courts, and publish guidance for judges on parental alienation allegations. The Minister should also meet to discuss specific constituent cases further.']
New Developments on Green-belt Land
12 October 2022
Responding: Lee Rowley
Main Concerns
['Taiwo Owatemi is concerned about the impact of new developments on greenbelt land in Coventry, highlighting that vital green spaces are being lost to housing developments. The MP notes inaccurate house building targets and a lack of accountability for developers who ignore local housing needs. Residents in her constituency overwhelmingly oppose proposed changes to planning laws which would make building on green belt easier. A survey she conducted revealed 92% of residents believed elected representatives should have proper say over new development proposals, yet current planning rules often work against the best interests of local communities.']
Specific Asks
['Owatemi calls for a complete overhaul of the planning system to give more power to local communities and government. She suggests halting building on green-belt land around Coventry while accurate figures are calculated. She also requests developers be made accountable, ensuring new developments include necessary infrastructure and services.']
Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
01 November 2021
Responding: Maria Caulfield
Main Concerns
['The hon. Member is concerned about the lack of funding for research into endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affect over 3 million women in the UK, or one in ten women. She notes that both conditions vary widely in severity and can cause symptoms other than chronic pain, such as obesity, excess facial hair, and chronic acne. The hon. Member also highlights the need for better GP training to diagnose these conditions accurately without gaslighting patients and the importance of creating more streamlined diagnostic practices.']
Specific Asks
["The hon. Member asks the Government to urgently invest in research projects for endometriosis and PCOS, create facilities for carrying out this research, and establish independent funding bodies for both conditions. She also enquires about the progress made on a strategy to improve women's health research."]
HS2 — [David Mundell in the Chair]
13 September 2021
Responding: Andrew Stephenson
Main Concerns
["The Member is concerned about the environmental and economic costs of HS2. The project's cost has risen from £37.5 billion in 2009 to over £100 billion by 2020, with no guarantee that the costs will not continue to rise further. There are concerns about the destruction of ancient woodlands, loss of connectivity, and whether HS2 will contribute to social mobility if it is only accessible to the wealthiest individuals. The Member also highlights the mismanagement of the project and the impact on public trust. Ms Leadsom is concerned about HS2's failure to recognise the impact on communities and its escalating costs. She noted that the project's original cost estimate was £32 billion, but it has now risen to over £100 billion. The project also promised proper sound barriers for villages like Radstone but these issues remain unresolved after years of campaigning by local residents. Ms Leadsom highlighted that HS2 has taken a significant toll on her constituents' mental health and livelihoods."]
Specific Asks
['The Member asks the Government to explain their plans for continuing with HS2 given the rising costs and environmental concerns, as well as whether they will adjust their calculations in light of the goal of all electric vehicles by 2040. The Member also requests information on job creation and economic benefits promised by HS2. Ms Leadsom calls for a fresh vote on the continuation of HS2 given its substantial increase in costs and negative impact on communities.']
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (Third sitting) 2026-02-05
05 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill will make crucial updates that build on the NIS regulations by expanding their scope to cover data centres, large load controllers, and managed service providers. It introduces powers for reg...
Backbench Business
16 October 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Support for Bereaved Children
14 September 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Ms Jardine calls on the Government to develop a protocol to ensure that bereaved children are made aware of and have access to practical and emotional support through public and third sector agencies....
Coventry City of Culture Trust
14 June 2023
General Debate
Led by this MP
The collapse earlier this year of Coventry City of Culture Trust has resulted in a significant loss of public funds and reputational damage. The celebrations themselves were positive, but the manageme...
Recovering Access to Primary Care
09 May 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Chinese Police Stations in UK
19 April 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Machetes: Consultation
18 April 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ways and Means
16 March 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The reality of yesterday’s Budget is clear: long-term growth downgraded, household incomes falling, public services on their knees. Families are facing the biggest hit to living standards since record...
Childcare and Early Years
08 March 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government should increase investment in early years education to support children's development, reduce the gender pay gap and boost productivity. The current funding increase of £52 million is i...
NHS: Long-term Strategy
11 January 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
58.1%
50 of 86 votes
Aye Votes
23
26.7% of votes
No Votes
27
31.4% of votes
Abstentions
36
41.9% of votes
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
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
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
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 NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
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
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
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
03 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
3
PMQs Asked
34
Ministerial Questions Asked
57
House of Commons Debates Involved
4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
86
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+154% above average
This MP:
34
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+59% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1073% above average
This MP:
57
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 (%)
-16% below average
This MP:
58.1
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 Taiwo Owatemi's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.