Sorcha Eastwood
Alliance - Lagan Valley
2,959 (6.0%) majority - 2024 General ElectionFirst elected: 4th July 2024
1 APPG Officer Position (as of 20 Oct 2025)
Stem Cell Transplantation and Advanced Cellular Therapies3 APPG Memberships
Ireland and the Irish in Britain, Environment, Gaps in Covid-19 Financial SupportDivision Voting information
Debates during the 2024 Parliament
Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
Sparring Partners
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
(5 debate interactions)
Department Debates
(13 debate contributions)
(8 debate contributions)
(7 debate contributions)
(6 debate contributions)
Legislation Debates
(1,722 words contributed)
(1,369 words contributed)
(225 words contributed)
(86 words contributed)
Lagan Valley Petitions
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
of 209,219 signatures (0.43%)
of 55,977 signatures (0.19%)
of 2,925,131 signatures (0.17%)
of 88,705 signatures (0.16%)
of 2,925,131 signatures (0.17%)
of 209,219 signatures (0.43%)
of 1,002,594 signatures (0.09%)
of 488,668 signatures (0.12%)
of 257,993 signatures (0.13%)
Latest EDMs signed by Sorcha Eastwood
Conduct of Prince Andrew
Tabled by: Stephen Flynn (Scottish National Party - Aberdeen South)That this House calls on the Government to take legislative steps to remove the dukedom granted to Prince Andrew.
(Most recent: 23 Oct 2025)
Signatures by party:
Scottish National Party: 9
Plaid Cymru: 4
Green Party: 4
Independent: 4
Liberal Democrat: 2
Labour: 2
Alliance: 1
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 1
Five-year indefinite leave to remain pathway for Skilled Worker visa holders
Tabled by: Neil Duncan-Jordan (Independent - Poole)That this House recognises the vital contribution of Skilled Worker visa holders to the UK economy and public services, including sectors facing critical shortages such as health, engineering, and social care; notes that these individuals pay taxes, contribute to their communities, and have no recourse to public funds; further notes …
(Most recent: 23 Oct 2025)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 17
Independent: 10
Green Party: 4
Plaid Cymru: 4
Liberal Democrat: 3
Scottish National Party: 2
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 1
Alliance: 1
Commons initiatives
These initiatives were driven by Sorcha Eastwood, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.
MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.
Sorcha Eastwood has not been granted any Urgent Questions
Sorcha Eastwood has not been granted any Adjournment Debates
Sorcha Eastwood has not introduced any legislation before Parliament
6 Bills co-sponsored by Sorcha Eastwood
Youth Mobility Scheme (EU Countries) Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - James MacCleary (LD)
Child Poverty Strategy (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Kirsty Blackman (SNP)
Political Donations Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Manuela Perteghella (LD)
Elections (Proportional Representation) Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Sarah Olney (LD)
Water Safety Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Lee Pitcher (Lab)
Treatment of Terminal Illness Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Siobhain McDonagh (Lab)
Latest 50 Written Questions
(View all written questions)1 Other Department Questions
Conversion practices are abuse. Such practices have no place in society and must be stopped.
As outlined in the King’s Speech, this Government is committed to bringing forward a full, trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices.
We continue to work cross government on this important issue with a view to publishing our draft Bill later this session.
The extension of the Armed Forces Covenant Legal Duty will require the Cabinet Office to have due regard to the principles of the Covenant across a wide range of new policy areas. A full assessment of the impact of the extension on the Cabinet Office will take place once the necessary legislation is progressing through Parliament.
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
I refer the Hon Member to the answer of 31 July 2024, Official Report, PQ 1251.
Minister of State (Education)
As the Prime Minister announced recently, the Hillsborough Law is a priority for this Government. Discussions have already begun between officials in the Cabinet Office and those in the devolved governments. I will continue to ensure that Ministerial colleagues in the devolved governments are engaged on this policy.
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
The Infected Blood Compensation Authority is responsible for making payments to those eligible under the scheme, and they are carefully considering all options around payments, including the prioritisation of any payments. For those who are infected, the Government expects the Infected Blood Compensation Authority to begin making payments before the end of 2024. The Authority is working on developing a service that balances speed with ease of use.
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
Where a person who would have been eligible to apply to the Scheme as an infected person has tragically died, the personal representatives of the deceased person’s estate can apply for compensation on behalf of the estate of the deceased infected person. Where compensation is payable to someone who lacks capacity, including due to health issues, the award will be paid to the person with power of attorney or other legal authority to act on the person’s behalf. In both cases, the acting representative must make the application to the Scheme. In line with the Inquiry’s recommendation, where an affected person has died it is not possible for the personal representatives of their estate to apply for compensation.
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
Where a person who would have been eligible to apply to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme as an infected person has died, the personal representatives of the deceased person’s estate may apply for compensation on behalf of their estate. People who are affected, such as bereaved partners, can claim compensation in their own right in addition to any claims on behalf of the estate.
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
Compensation paid through the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme will be calculated in line with tariffs and based on the severity of infection and negative impacts suffered by victims - both infected and affected - in different aspects of their lives. All eligible affected persons will be able to claim in their own right under the Injury Impact and Social Impact categories of award. The care award is not available for affected persons to claim in their own right, as the care awards will be paid to infected persons. However, this can be paid directly to affected persons at the request of an infected person or their estate representative. Where the infected person has very sadly died, the financial loss awards will be paid to affected dependents, which may include bereaved partners.
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
Given the historic nature of the infected blood scandal, the Government recognises that not all medical records will still be available. The Scheme has been designed to minimise as far as possible the burden on those applying, and as set out in the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme Regulations 2024, eligibility for the Scheme will be determined based on the balance of probabilities. The Infected Blood Compensation Authority will provide assistance to those who believe their medical records have been lost or destroyed.
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
The Infected Blood Compensation Authority will aim to ensure that appropriate advice and support is available to assist people with managing their compensation awards, accessing financial services, and accessing benefits advice where relevant. Sir Robert Francis KC recommended in his report that legal support is available to people who want to claim compensation. The Government accepted this recommendation and is working with IBCA to develop a package of support services.
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
The Inquiry is independent of Government and the conduct of the Inquiry is a matter for the Chair. Since it began, the Inquiry sat to hear evidence for 290 days from 374 witnesses, including people with hepatitis B. In total, the Inquiry has received 5,570 witness statements, including 4,265 statements from people infected and affected.
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
People who received contaminated blood or blood products which resulted in a chronic Hepatitis B infection will be eligible to claim compensation under the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme. The estates of those who died from an acute Hepatitis B infection during the acute period will also be eligible to claim compensation. The Infected Blood Compensation Scheme will be delivered by the UK-wide delivery body, the Infected Blood Compensation Authority, which is separate to the current support schemes.
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
Anyone with an eligible Hepatitis B infection will be able to claim compensation calculated under five categories of award including a financial loss award. The financial loss award recognises the past and future financial losses suffered as a result of infection. This includes both financial loss and loss of services. Financial Loss award calculations take into account a person’s average loss of earnings in the years prior to the establishment of the Compensation Scheme, as well as future loss of earnings up to healthy life expectancy and will disregard whether or not an individual received Infected Blood Support Scheme payments prior to 31 March 2025.
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
On 8 May the UK government announced a landmark economic deal with the United States, making the UK the first country to reach an agreement with President Trump.
We are continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal which will look at increasing digital trade, increasing access for our world-leading services industries and improving supply chains.
Protecting people online has never been up for negotiation in these talks. The Online Safety Act is already law and being implemented.
Secretary of State for Scotland
On 13 November, the Post Office Chair Nigel Railton announced a Transformation Plan, which aims to create a long-term sustainable future for Post Offices in communities all across the UK. Through the Transformation Plan, Post Office aims to deliver a "New Deal" for Postmasters, which includes increases to renumeration.
The government welcomes both the ambition to put postmasters at the centre of the business, and in particular recent announcements about increases to remuneration, which historically have not kept up with inflation. We will continue to work with the Post Office on their plans including further payments to postmasters.
Sir Wyn Williams is committed to progressing matters as swiftly as he can. Now that the final Phase of gathering oral evidence is complete, Sir Wyn will look to deliver his report on what happened, what went wrong and why. He said in December 2024 that publication would take “many months”. Once the report is published, the Government will respond in due course.
The Government is supporting small businesses to understand and comply with the new General Product Safety Regulation.
We have published guidance on the new Regulation in Northern Ireland, which we will keep under review, and we are continuing to engage directly with businesses, including through regular drop-in sessions. Firms exporting to the EU should note that EU guidance is now available and may also wish to contact the Government’s Export Support Service.
The Department will be monitoring the application of the new General Product Safety Regulation in Northern Ireland and will keep the guidance on the Regulation under review to ensure we are supporting businesses to trade freely across the UK.
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is committed to implementing the Windsor Framework in good faith and are constructively working with all stakeholders, including consumer groups, to protect the UK Internal Market. HM Government continues to support businesses in ensuring a smooth flow of goods between Northern Ireland (NI) and the rest of the UK. This includes through the provision of guidance and advice, as offered through the Trader Support Service and published online.
It is important that we consider consumer views when developing policy. As such, DBT meets consumer representatives from across the UK, and works with the NI Department for the Economy to support people in Northern Ireland.
Secretary of State for Scotland
The International Investment Summit on the 14th October sought to drive investment across the entirety of the UK. The announcement on 8th of October by bus operator Go Ahead, saw £500 million investment, supporting up to 500 UK manufacturing jobs, to decarbonise its fleet, including creating a new dedicated manufacturing line and partnership with Northern Ireland based bus manufacturer Wrightbus. Furthermore, this investment will accelerate the transition to greener buses across the country including in Plymouth, Gloucestershire, East Yorkshire, London and the Isle of Wight.
Minister of State (Home Office)
The Secretary of State shared an update on the discussions with Harland and Wolff through a Written Ministerial Statement on 22nd July. The statement can be found here: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2024-07-22/hcws15
11 Department for Science, Innovation & Technology Questions
(View all Sorcha Eastwood's DSIT questions)In December 2024 DSIT commissioned a feasibility study into research to understand the impact of smartphones and social media on children. The report will be published in due course.
The government keeps all legislation under review and engages regularly with experts – including Chief Scientific Advisors - to gather evidence of where updates are needed. The government has not proposed changes to digital age of consent or a consultation on this, at this stage.
Where there is evidence that more needs to be done to protect children online the government will not hesitate to act.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
In December 2024 DSIT commissioned a feasibility study into research to understand the impact of smartphones and social media on children. The report will be published in due course.
The government keeps all legislation under review and engages regularly with experts – including Chief Scientific Advisors - to gather evidence of where updates are needed. The government has not proposed changes to digital age of consent or a consultation on this, at this stage.
Where there is evidence that more needs to be done to protect children online the government will not hesitate to act.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
In December 2024 DSIT commissioned a feasibility study into research to understand the impact of smartphones and social media on children. The report will be published in due course.
The government keeps all legislation under review and engages regularly with experts – including Chief Scientific Advisors - to gather evidence of where updates are needed. The government has not proposed changes to digital age of consent or a consultation on this, at this stage.
Where there is evidence that more needs to be done to protect children online the government will not hesitate to act.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
In December 2024 DSIT commissioned a feasibility study into research to understand the impact of smartphones and social media on children. The report will be published in due course.
The government keeps all legislation under review and engages regularly with experts – including Chief Scientific Advisors - to gather evidence of where updates are needed. The government has not proposed changes to digital age of consent or a consultation on this, at this stage.
Where there is evidence that more needs to be done to protect children online the government will not hesitate to act.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
Ministers and officials engage regularly with a range of experts and stakeholders on issues relating to children’s online safety and wellbeing. While there have been no recent formal discussions with the Chief Medical Officer specifically on the digital age of consent, we will continue to draw on expert advice as we review the evidence in this area.
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
We have added measures to the Data (Use and Access) Bill to strengthen data protection standards for children. Any changes to the age of digital consent would require public consultation.
We continue to consider further options for protecting children online and commissioned a feasibility study to further explore the impact of smartphones and social media use on children’s wellbeing to help inform our next steps. We do not have a timetable for completing this work.
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
When Information Society Services, such as social media or live streaming sites, rely on consent to process children’s data, consent is only lawful in respect of children under the age of 13 when parental authority has been granted. The current age of consent was set by Parliament in the Data Protection Act 2018. We will continue to keep the evidence for and against change in this area under review.
The AI Opportunities Action Plan sets out how we will achieve our AI ambitions by laying the foundations for AI growth, driving adoption and building UK capability at the frontier. The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology engaged with Northern Ireland’s Ministerial representatives about the Action Plan. We will continue to engage widely as government takes the Action Plan forward.
Fraud offences are designated as priority under the Online Safety Act, which means that user-to-user and search services in scope of the Act must implement measures to prevent users encountering scams and frauds via their services.
Additional duties to have systems and process in place to prevent users from encountering paid-for fraudulent advertising will also apply to Category 1 and 2A services (user-to-user and search services over designated thresholds).
These measures are designed to prevent a range of online frauds, including social media scams.
The cancer detection initiatives announced on 06 October 2024 were part of UK-wide funding calls led by the Office for Life Sciences (OLS), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Northern Ireland companies and universities are engaged in collaborations with the recently announced MANIFEST cancer immunotherapy platform and the National Healthcare Research Hub for Advanced Long-acting Therapeutics. The Government is funding these cancer detection initiatives with a view to these being deployed across the UK, including Northern Ireland.
6 Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Questions
(View all Sorcha Eastwood's DCMS questions)Television licences are issued on an annual basis and households can choose a variety of payment plans to spread the cost of the licence, including monthly and quarterly payment plans.
New joiners to TV Licensing’s monthly direct debit scheme pay for their first licence over 6 months. This front-loading of payments is a requirement set out in legislation. After the initial 6 months of joining the scheme, households pay towards their next licence through payments spread over 12 months. This is intended to reduce the BBC’s exposure to unexpected changes in its income that could result from households stopping their fee payments part-way through the year, and which could impact the BBC’s ability to deliver its services for the public.
The Government recognises the financial difficulties faced by some households. This is why we announced a significant extension to the Simple Payment Plan to support more households by enabling them to split up the annual licence fee payment into more manageable fortnightly and monthly instalments. This payment plan does not require front-loading. The changes, which came into effect in February 2025, make a greater number of households eligible for the Plan.
The Secretary of State is a strong supporter of the BBC and has been clear that the BBC must be funded by a model that is sustainable and fair to all those that are paying it. The Government is keeping an open mind about the future of the licence fee, and the forthcoming Charter Review will provide an opportunity for the Government to consider the best possible funding model to set the BBC up for success long into the future.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
Television licences are issued on an annual basis and households can choose a variety of payment plans to spread the cost of the licence, including monthly and quarterly payment plans.
New joiners to TV Licensing’s monthly direct debit scheme pay for their first licence over 6 months. This front-loading of payments is a requirement set out in legislation. After the initial 6 months of joining the scheme, households pay towards their next licence through payments spread over 12 months. This is intended to reduce the BBC’s exposure to unexpected changes in its income that could result from households stopping their fee payments part-way through the year, and which could impact the BBC’s ability to deliver its services for the public.
The Government recognises the financial difficulties faced by some households. This is why we announced a significant extension to the Simple Payment Plan to support more households by enabling them to split up the annual licence fee payment into more manageable fortnightly and monthly instalments. This payment plan does not require front-loading. The changes, which came into effect in February 2025, make a greater number of households eligible for the Plan.
The Secretary of State is a strong supporter of the BBC and has been clear that the BBC must be funded by a model that is sustainable and fair to all those that are paying it. The Government is keeping an open mind about the future of the licence fee, and the forthcoming Charter Review will provide an opportunity for the Government to consider the best possible funding model to set the BBC up for success long into the future.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
Television licences are issued on an annual basis and households can choose a variety of payment plans to spread the cost of the licence, including monthly and quarterly payment plans.
New joiners to TV Licensing’s monthly direct debit scheme pay for their first licence over 6 months. This front-loading of payments is a requirement set out in legislation. After the initial 6 months of joining the scheme, households pay towards their next licence through payments spread over 12 months. This is intended to reduce the BBC’s exposure to unexpected changes in its income that could result from households stopping their fee payments part-way through the year, and which could impact the BBC’s ability to deliver its services for the public.
The Government recognises the financial difficulties faced by some households. This is why we announced a significant extension to the Simple Payment Plan to support more households by enabling them to split up the annual licence fee payment into more manageable fortnightly and monthly instalments. This payment plan does not require front-loading. The changes, which came into effect in February 2025, make a greater number of households eligible for the Plan.
The Secretary of State is a strong supporter of the BBC and has been clear that the BBC must be funded by a model that is sustainable and fair to all those that are paying it. The Government is keeping an open mind about the future of the licence fee, and the forthcoming Charter Review will provide an opportunity for the Government to consider the best possible funding model to set the BBC up for success long into the future.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
Television licences are issued on an annual basis and households can choose a variety of payment plans to spread the cost of the licence, including monthly and quarterly payment plans.
New joiners to TV Licensing’s monthly direct debit scheme pay for their first licence over 6 months. This front-loading of payments is a requirement set out in legislation. After the initial 6 months of joining the scheme, households pay towards their next licence through payments spread over 12 months. This is intended to reduce the BBC’s exposure to unexpected changes in its income that could result from households stopping their fee payments part-way through the year, and which could impact the BBC’s ability to deliver its services for the public.
The Government recognises the financial difficulties faced by some households. This is why we announced a significant extension to the Simple Payment Plan to support more households by enabling them to split up the annual licence fee payment into more manageable fortnightly and monthly instalments. This payment plan does not require front-loading. The changes, which came into effect in February 2025, make a greater number of households eligible for the Plan.
The Secretary of State is a strong supporter of the BBC and has been clear that the BBC must be funded by a model that is sustainable and fair to all those that are paying it. The Government is keeping an open mind about the future of the licence fee, and the forthcoming Charter Review will provide an opportunity for the Government to consider the best possible funding model to set the BBC up for success long into the future.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
Northern Ireland Command Papers are a matter for the Parliamentary Archives.
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.
Meeting the skills needs of the next decade is central to delivering the government’s mission. To support business and boost opportunity, the department will transform the existing Apprenticeship Levy into a more flexible Growth and Skills Levy. This will allow employers to invest in a wider range of training and empower them to upskill their workforces for current and future challenges.
The department has already established Skills England which will work closely with employers, training providers, unions, Mayoral Combined Authorities and others across the skills landscape to identify the training for which the Growth and Skills Levy will be accessible.
The cross-Government Motor Insurance Taskforce met for the first time on 16 October 2024. It met again on 28 April 2025 and most recently met on 21 July 2025. The taskforce is expected to publish its final report in the autumn.
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
The Integrated National Transport Strategy will be published later this year and set the long-term vision for transport across England. As the strategy continues to develop, we are looking at all modes to understand how transport should be better designed, built and operated to meet the needs of people who use it.
To achieve the goals of the strategy, we have conducted a series of engagement activities to gather insights from transport stakeholders and members of the public. This has included a public Call for Ideas and an 11-stop Regional Roadshow where we spoke with motorcyclists and motorcycle user representative groups about their experiences of transport in England and what could be done to improve it. Everything we heard through our engagement has been considered to support strategic development.
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
The cross-Government Motor Insurance Taskforce met for the first time on 16 October 2024. It met most recently on 28 April 2025 and further meetings are being planned.
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
The Department will announce a date for the next meeting of the Motor Insurance Taskforce in due course.
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
The cross-Government Motor Insurance Taskforce met for the first time on 16 October 2024. The Government will provide updates on the Taskforce’s work in due course.
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
Ending all forms of homelessness is a priority for this Government, and we are committed to tackling youth homelessness. My department plays a key role and works closely with homelessness stakeholders including Centrepoint, who provide invaluable support to young people.
I have met Centrepoint previously and would welcome the opportunity for further discussions.
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
We acknowledge there is a challenge arising from the interaction between Universal Credit and Housing Benefit, particularly for young people living in supported and temporary accommodation, including the different income tapers used by each benefit.
Currently, a broad spectrum of customers receive their rent support through Housing Benefit. This includes pensioners, residents in Supported or Temporary Accommodation and customers who have not yet migrated to Universal Credit. Any amendment to the Housing Benefit taper rules would apply to all these groups.
We are considering options to improve work incentives for residents of supported housing and temporary accommodation, while considering the views of stakeholders. Any future decisions on DWP housing support will be taken in the round and measures which best meet Government goals, within the current fiscal environment, will be prioritised.
It remains the department’s priority to ensure that those who can work are supported to enter the labour market and to sustain employment.
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
We acknowledge there is a challenge arising from the interaction between Universal Credit and Housing Benefit, particularly for young people living in supported and temporary accommodation, including the different income tapers used by each benefit.
Currently, a broad spectrum of customers receive their rent support through Housing Benefit. This includes pensioners, residents in Supported or Temporary Accommodation and customers who have not yet migrated to Universal Credit. Any amendment to the Housing Benefit taper rules would apply to all these groups.
We are considering options to improve work incentives for residents of supported housing and temporary accommodation, while considering the views of stakeholders. Any future decisions on DWP housing support will be taken in the round and measures which best meet Government goals, within the current fiscal environment, will be prioritised.
It remains the department’s priority to ensure that those who can work are supported to enter the labour market and to sustain employment.
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)