MP for Belfast South and Mid Down
“Centre-left SDLP MP and Northern Ireland affairs specialist, noted for strong party loyalty and a voting pattern that often opposes immigration controls and certain rights-related measures.”
Claire Hanna is a Social Democratic & Labour Party (SDLP) Member of Parliament representing Belfast South and Mid Down. She was first elected in December 2019 and currently sits on the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee (from October 2024). She has previously served on NI-focused committees, including work on the British Citizenship (Northern Ireland) Bill and the Northern Ireland (Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern) Bill.
She has 100% party loyalty and a voting attendance of 31% (slightly below the party average of 34%), with no rebel votes. She has generally voted for Universal Credit, while generally voting against tighter immigration controls, the asylum system, VAT changes, and the Rwanda deportation scheme. Her positions on regulation and rights are mixed, but she has generally voted against transgender rights and protest rights, as well as against stricter prison sentencing.
Generated 21 February 2026
How this MP participates in parliamentary votes. These numbers describe activity, not effectiveness.
How often this MP votes
Social Democratic & Labour Party average: 34%
The percentage of parliamentary votes (divisions) this MP participated in. MPs may miss votes for legitimate reasons including ministerial duties, constituency work, or illness.
How often this MP votes with their party
Social Democratic & Labour Party average: 100%
Estimated from voting record, not self-declared. This is a simplified model — real politics is more complex than a single axis.
4 positions
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
Since Oct 2024
British Citizenship (Northern Ireland) Bill
Mar 2024 - Apr 2024
Northern Ireland (Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern) Bill
Jun 2021 - Jul 2021
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
Mar 2020 - May 2024
No registered financial interests. Learn more about the register
Privilege
AYENorthern Ireland Troubles Bill: Carry-over (Motion)
AYENorthern Ireland Troubles Bill
Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill: Govt Motion to insist on Amdt 38J and disagree with Amdts 38V to 38X
NOChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026
Pensions Schemes Bill: Govt motion relating to Lords Reason 88D
AYEDraft Energy Prices Act 2022 (Extension of Time Limit) Regulations 2026
AYENorthern Ireland Affairs Committee
Parliamentary role · 28 Oct 2024
British Citizenship (Northern Ireland) Bill
Parliamentary role · 20 Mar 2024
Northern Ireland (Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern) Bill
Parliamentary role · 28 Jun 2021
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
Parliamentary role · 2 Mar 2020
The percentage of votes where this MP voted the same way as the majority of their party. High loyalty is typical; most MPs vote with their party on most issues.
Rebel votes
Times this MP voted differently from the majority of their party. This can reflect independent judgement, but context matters — some rebel votes are on procedural matters, others on major policy.
