Taiwo Owatemi

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Parliament's party history for this member: Labour (12 Dec 2019 – present).

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Latest on this tracker 32

1. 10 Nov 2026·Parliament·Taiwo Owatemi

   Antisocial Behaviour

   It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Ms Butler. I thank the hon. Member for Birmingham Perry Barr (Ayoub Khan) for securing this debate. Antisocial behaviour is one of the most significant issues in my inbox. One of the areas impacted in my constituency is Spon End, Sherbourne. That is truly heartbreaking, because there is so much to look forward to in Sherbourne. The area is going through significant regeneration: the City Centre South development, which has regenerated 250 affordable homes; Naul’s Mill underpark; and the opening up of the River Sherbourne, which showcases the heritage and beauty of the area. It is also home to Langar Aid, a charity that, last year, provided more than 1 million meals to the most vulnerable people across our country. Sadly, all that is overshadowed by antisocial behaviour. Recently, I held a coffee afternoon with residents in the area, and I visited one of the local schools. What I heard was truly shocking: drug dealers targeting vulnerable people near schools, people passing out and defecating on the streets, and e-scooters and e-bikes being driven recklessly. There was one incident where a man under the influence walked into a local primary school during pick-up time, and all the kids could see it. Following that incident, I held a roundtable with Langar Aid, Change Grow Live, Coventry city council, West Midlands police and Coventry and Warwickshire integrated care board to address it. I understand that two arrests have been made by the police, but there is so much left for us to do. I want to ask the Minister three clear questions. First, what support is being provided to schools to ensure that they have an allocated police contact for incidents like this? Secondly, is the Minister considering expanding respect orders outside of high streets and city centres to more hidden areas such as Spon End in my constituency? Finally, when will my constituents start to feel the impact of investment in local policing on their streets?

   Hansard source
2. 3 Nov 2026·Parliament·Taiwo Owatemi

   Budget Resolutions

   It is lovely to be back speaking in the Chamber in a debate on a welcome Budget for the life sciences. If you will indulge me, Madam Deputy Speaker, I would like to put on my pharmacy hat and geek out a bit about the life sciences announcements in this Budget. We have more than £1 billion of private investment in the sector, backed by nearly £70 million of Government funding, supporting 1,000 jobs. We have £500 million in a new research hub in Manchester for Convatec, which makes stoma care products. We have £300 million in a research facility in Oxfordshire for Vertex. We have £200 million in Loughborough for manufacturing respiratory medicines, including the new generation of inhalers. Closer to home, just yesterday Ministers announced £21 million for the west midlands clinical commercial catalyst, with Coventry University among the partners. That is investment in British research, in manufacturing, and in skilled people who work in both sectors. I also welcome the Chancellor’s decision to remove VAT on orphan drugs—rare disease treatments—providing direct care for compassionate use and early access schemes. That will make it easier for people to access new treatments and continue their care. However, access is not only about the newest treatments; it is also about people’s ability to get the medicines on which they already depend. We heard recently that Europe’s last fully integrated medicine factory, in Austria, is considering closing down, due to Chinese competition. That should make us think carefully about where our medicines come from, because in Britain we rely heavily on medicines and active ingredients from India and China. With tariffs returning and global supply chains becoming increasingly uncertain, we cannot afford to depend on a handful of countries or factories for medicines that patients simply cannot afford. We have seen supply problems with Creon, the pancreatic enzyme treatment used by people with cystic fibrosis and pancreatic cancer; with particular formulations of sodium valproate, lamotrigine and phenobarbital, medicines used to treat epilepsy; and with ramipril, a common drug used by millions of people to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions. As any pharmacist knows, missed treatments can have an impact on health, and can mean that a condition being managed at home ends in an emergency admission. That is worse for patients, and it costs the NHS more. Although I applaud the work that the DWP is doing to help more people with health conditions into work—and I look forward to the Milburn review—if someone with epilepsy cannot reliably get their anti-seizure medication, how can we expect them to work, let alone to be productive? If someone cannot get the medicine they use to keep a heart condition stable, and as a result they become too unwell to work, how can we talk about improving Britain’s productivity? Ensuring that people can manage their health conditions, stay in work and contribute to our economy must be part of that conversation as well. I welcome the Government’s £520 million life sciences innovative manufacturing fund and the Chancellor’s additional £20.4 billion of financial capacity for the National Wealth Fund and the British Business Bank. The Government have made a strong start in attracting investment, but we also need to be strategic and proactive about where that investment goes. I therefore ask Treasury Ministers, Health Ministers and Business Ministers to work together to establish which essential medicines and ingredients are more critical, where our supply chains are most vulnerable, and where manufacturing in Britain can make the biggest difference. Let us then use some of that finance to attract private investment and build up our manufacturing capacity before the next shortage becomes a crisis. We have excellent scientists and researchers; let us make sure that we have the capacity to make and reliably supply the medicines on which patients depend. Finally, I want to say a little about what the Budget means for my constituents. More than 40,000 local people are set to benefit from the £100 payment towards their energy bills this winter, and that help is very welcome. For those working in our shops, pubs and care homes, the increase in the national living wage to £13.21 next April will mean more money in their pockets. I particularly welcome the additional business rate relief for our high streets, supporting the independent shops, cafés and pubs that are so important to our communities, along with the removal of the relief from vape shops. Our high streets are about more than shopping; they are places where neighbours meet, where local people make a living, and where we take pride in our communities.

   Hansard source
3. 7 Jul 2026·Parliament·Taiwo Owatemi

   Human Rights in Kashmir

   It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Mrs Harris. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Bradford East (Imran Hussain) for securing the debate, and all Members who contributed. I also thank my hon. Friend the Member for Bradford West (Naz Shah), who could not be here today, but who has continually raised this issue with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. It is clear from the debate that there remains strong interest across the House in the situation in Kashmir, and deep concern for the welfare, rights and aspirations of people living on all sides of the line of control. As we have heard again today, the issue continues to resonate strongly with many communities across the United Kingdom, including those with family, cultural and emotional ties to the region.

   Hansard source
4. 7 Jul 2026·Parliament·Taiwo Owatemi

   Human Rights in Kashmir

   I thank my hon. Friend for raising that issue. The communication blackout is an issue of concern, which is why the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr Falconer), met the Pakistani Government in June to raise the Government’s concerns. Let me begin by setting out the Government’s current policy and position. The UK has strong and long-lasting relationships with both countries and has consistently encouraged both sides to maintain dialogue and pursue lasting political solutions that support regional stability and security. That is why the Government’s position remains that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting political resolution to the situation in Kashmir, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people. It is not for the UK to prescribe a solution or act as a mediator. This has remained the position of successive UK Governments.

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5. 7 Jul 2026·Parliament·Taiwo Owatemi

   Human Rights in Kashmir

   The UK has remained steadfast in its position since the 1970s, and it retains that stance today. A number of hon. Members have raised concerns regarding recent events in parts of Pakistani-administered Kashmir, known locally as Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The Government are concerned by reports of unrest, loss of life and injuries during a recent protest in the region. We have followed developments closely and discussed them with Pakistani authorities. We are also aware of concerns relating to communications restrictions in the region, which have been especially concerning for British nationals and members of the British-Kashmiri diaspora seeking contact with friends and family. The safety and welfare of British nationals remain one of our highest priorities. In the light of developments on the ground, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has updated its travel advice and currently advises against all but essential travel to the region. Those already in the region should leave to avoid potential disruptions. More broadly, whenever allegations of human rights violations arise, whether in Indian-administered Kashmir or Pakistani-administered Kashmir, our position is clear. We encourage all Governments to ensure that their domestic laws and practices are consistent with international standards. Any allegations of human rights abuse should be investigated thoroughly, promptly and transparently. Effective engagement with affected communities is essential.

   Hansard source
6. 7 Jul 2026·Parliament·Taiwo Owatemi

   Human Rights in Kashmir

   I agree that the issue in the region is concerning, especially in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. As I said to my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham East (Nadia Whittome), that is the reason why the Minister for the Middle East is continuing to raise the issue with the Pakistani Government. Several hon. Members have spoken about human rights in Indian-administered Kashmir. We regularly raise human rights concerns with partners around the world, including India and Pakistan, and we continue to encourage all states to uphold their international obligations. The Chamber has also heard calls for the United Kingdom to play a more direct role in resolving the dispute. I understand the strength of feeling behind those views, but the Government believe that durable progress can be achieved only through peaceful engagement by those directly concerned. Our role is to encourage dialogue, support stability, advocate for human rights and reduce the risk of escalation. Recent events have also served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining calm in a region that has experienced periods of heightened tension. The United Kingdom has consistently encouraged de-escalation, restraint and diplomacy. We will continue to engage with partners across the region in support of peace and stability. Many Members raised concerns about communications restrictions, such as my hon. Friends the Members for Bradford East, for Leeds East (Richard Burgon), for Stoke-on-Trent North (David Williams), for Stoke-on-Trent South (Dr Gardner), for Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley (Tahir Ali) and for Slough (Mr Dhesi). I understand that communications restrictions are particularly concerning for those with ties to the region, and these issues have also been raised by my constituents in Coventry North West. The continued use of some internet restrictions is worrying, and the United Kingdom is clear on the importance of rights being fully respected. It is important to ensure effective and constructive dialogue with the communities affected and, as I said earlier, that is why the Minister for the Middle East raised those concerns with the Pakistani Government. On human rights abuses, which were raised by my hon. Friends the Members for Rochdale (Paul Waugh) and for Luton South and South Bedfordshire (Rachel Hopkins), we strongly support individuals’ rights to freedom of assembly and expression, and to peaceful political protest. We have consistently emphasised that any human rights violation should be fully investigated in line with international human rights law. Our overseas networks continue to monitor human rights issues across the country and raise them when appropriate with the Government of Pakistan.

   Hansard source
7. 7 Jul 2026·Parliament·Taiwo Owatemi

   Human Rights in Kashmir

   The UK’s position has been clear since the 1970s that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting resolution to the situation in Kashmir, taking into account the views of the Kashmiri people.

   Hansard source
8. 7 Jul 2026·Parliament·Taiwo Owatemi

   Human Rights in Kashmir

   I thank the hon. Member for raising that point, but I think I have been clear. I know that this is an issue that many Members feel strongly about, but the current position of the FCDO is clear, and it is abiding by the position it has had since the 1970s. The hon. Member also asked when the Minister for the Middle East last met the Pakistani Government. In June, he met the Interior Minister and the Minister responsible for law and human rights to discuss the issue. During his visits, our Minister also heard from a number of civil society organisations about the biggest challenges in Pakistan’s human rights landscape. The hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) is an advocate for freedom of religious belief and has been chair of the all-party parliamentary group for international freedom of religion or belief for quite a long time. The UK Government are committed to defending freedom of religion or belief for all and to promoting respect between different religious and non-religious communities. UK programmes promote the rights of religious minorities by facilitating interfaith dialogues, supporting the Pakistani Government to develop progressive legislation, and combating hate speech against marginalised religious communities online. We will continue to urge the Government of Pakistan to guarantee the rights of all people, including those from religious minority communities, in accordance with international standards. Lastly, there was a question about when the Prime Minister last met the Pakistani Government. He met the Pakistani Prime Minister in April to raise concerns—many of the concerns that have been raised today. In conclusion, our Government remain committed to supporting human rights, encouraging peaceful dialogue and supporting British nationals. We will continue to monitor developments closely and to raise concerns where we have them, and we will continue to encourage a peaceful and lasting resolution that takes into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

   Hansard source
9. 5 Feb 2026·Parliament·Taiwo Owatemi

   Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (Fourth sitting)

   I am sorry, but this is not in scope.

   Hansard source
10. 23 Oct 2025·Parliament·Taiwo Owatemi

    Black History Month

    It is an honour to speak in today’s debate. We have celebrated 60 years of change, and we have spoken honestly about the range of challenges faced and to be overcome as we go forward. Before responding to some of the points raised today, I would like to pay tribute to those who make up the most diverse Parliament ever. When the Race Relations Act was passed in 1965, Parliament looked very different. There were zero ethnic minority MPs and 234 fewer women sitting on these Benches. It is a testament to how we have grown as a nation that so many groups are now represented in the House. My grandmother could never have imagined that her granddaughter would one day speak from the Front Bench of the House of Commons, closing a debate on race and equality, so it truly is an honour to be here with everyone today. I have listened intently and I thank all right hon. and hon. Members for their thoughtful and heartfelt contributions to this important debate. One theme in particular has stood out: the power of storytelling. It is through stories that we understand our past, give meaning to our present and inspire others to build a better future. I thank right hon. and hon. Members from across the House for speaking passionately about the themes of this Black History Month: “Standing Firm in Power and Pride” and “Legacies of Action: understanding 60 years of change and challenge”. We have heard many stories pointing to the importance of history, and about crucial issues that I would like to address. The Mother of the House, the right hon. Member for Hackney North and Stoke Newington (Ms Abbott), raised the Windrush compensation scheme. We recognise the importance of speeding up the process and the role of the Windrush commissioner in ensuring the delivery of the compensation scheme. Since the end of August this year, the Government have paid over £116 million to over 3,000 applicants; 93% of applicants have received final decisions. Hon. Members raised maternal health—an issue that, as a young black mother, I am very passionate about. I am glad to represent a Government who aim to tackle racial inequalities for both women and babies. Frankly, it is indefensible that race should have any bearing on how we bring children into the world. We have launched an independent investigation into NHS maternity and neonatal services to understand the systemic issues around why so many women, babies and families experience unacceptable care. The investigation will deliver an interim recommendation by December, and publish further findings by spring 2026.

    Hansard source

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