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Question
The hon. Member paid tribute to Bristol Rovers' victory and congratulated them, expressed disappointment about the Queen's absence in addressing Parliament, criticised the lack of measures for renters, victims, women at work, closing gaps affecting women, and rising child poverty rates in the Queen’s Speech, also mentioned Labour's call for an emergency Budget to address cost of living issues and urged the release of documents on Lord Lebedev’s appointment.
Minister reply
The Minister joined in congratulating Bristol Rovers, noted that the Queen’s absence is due to her dedication. He emphasised the significant legislative agenda proposed in the Queen’s Speech with 33 Bills aimed at community support, economic growth and safety measures post-covid. The Minister defended against criticisms of a lacklustre performance in local elections, noting Labour's poor gains compared to past performances. On the Lord Lebedev documents, he confirmed that security challenges exist but information will be released soon.
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Question
Pays tribute to councillors elected in the London borough of Harrow, where the Conservative party made gains for the first time since 2006.
Minister reply
Agrees and pays tribute to all those elected, regardless of political party. Acknowledges Harrow's strong leadership under Bob Blackman.
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Question
Questions the lack of an emergency budget in light of economic contraction and inflation. Criticises the Government for focusing on trivial matters.
Minister reply
Reflects on UK's robust economy post-pandemic, acknowledges global challenges due to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Announces £22 billion support for cost-of-living issues.
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Question
Requests Government time to debate workplace improvements and the constitutional sexism in the House of Lords.
Minister reply
Supports Harriet Baldwin's efforts, mentions her private Member’s Bill. Welcomes Speaker's announcement on improving treatment of members.
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Question
Congratulates Gateshead Football Club for its promotion and calls for urgent introduction of governance provisions in football.
Minister reply
Celebrates the success of Gateshead FC, acknowledges the positive impact of football on communities.
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Question
Asks about steps to deliver neonatal leave and pay after employment Bill was not included in Queen’s Speech.
Minister reply
Encourages Luke Hall to pursue private Member's Bill, offers other routes for discussion with Ministers.
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Question
Inquires about the fountain in Parliament and suggests a debate on waste disposal issues.
Minister reply
Confirms plans to make the fountain operational for the platinum jubilee, acknowledges waste challenges and commitment to reduce waste.
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Question
Calls for a debate on corruption in local government, specifically citing an incident in Crawley Borough Council.
Minister reply
Supports Henry Smith's pursuit of alleged corruption, suggests raising the issue with Secretary of State at Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities questions.
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Question
Requests a debate on worsening economic and civil rights issues in Sri Lanka.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the situation in Sri Lanka, suggests raising the matter at Foreign Office questions.
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Question
Does the Leader of the House agree that funding for railway improvements should be a priority to ensure all platforms and trains are accessible by all passengers? She also mentioned her campaign for lifts at Sandbach station.
Minister reply
The minister paid tribute to Fiona Bruce's campaign and acknowledged the Secretary of State for Transport’s efforts in addressing accessibility issues with funding opportunities. He encouraged her to raise the matter directly with the Minister at transport questions.
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Question
The MP expressed concern over post office closures in North East Fife, highlighting specific locations and the lack of a dedicated vehicle for a mobile service. She requested a debate on this issue.
Minister reply
Mark Spencer acknowledged the importance of post offices but stated that 99% of the UK population should be within three miles of a post office outlet to ensure accessibility. He offered to pass her concerns to the relevant Minister.
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Question
The MP asked how they can thank nurses in Watford and across the country, especially on International Nurses Day.
Minister reply
Mark Spencer acknowledged Dean Russell's appreciation for the NHS and its importance to constituents. He encouraged the recognition of nurses' work through their contributions in the House.
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Question
The MP congratulated Manchester United on a recent victory but shifted focus to a constituent's experience with a faulty Hotpoint tumble dryer. He requested a debate on manufacturer accountability for appliance faults.
Minister reply
Mark Spencer acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, noting that products should meet safety regulations and suggested further debate on this matter.
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Question
The MP highlighted delays in elective orthopaedic surgery at Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital and requested a debate on NHS accountability.
Minister reply
Mark Spencer thanked Lucy Allan for her work and referred to the Health and Care Act 2022, emphasising efforts to tackle the elective backlog with £8 billion over three years.
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Question
The MP questioned the Northern Ireland protocol's impact on politics and economy, inquiring about government plans to legislate directly if necessary.
Minister reply
Mark Spencer acknowledged the ongoing issue and stated that the Foreign Secretary would continue efforts for a resolution. He emphasised the need to protect the Good Friday agreement.
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Question
The MP raised concerns about leasehold mis-selling, inquired about the CMA investigation's progress and requested a debate on retrospective solutions.
Minister reply
Mark Spencer welcomed the CMA’s actions against potential mis-selling and suggested that Andy Carter could raise the issue at DLUHC questions.
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Question
The MP questioned the police and crime commissioner's commitment to road safety given recent speeding infractions.
Minister reply
Mark Spencer stated that speeding should be condemned, referring to ongoing measures by local authorities and the Government to reduce speeds around schools.
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Question
The MP criticised poor planning in roadworks leading to traffic gridlock and requested a debate on long-term strategic planning for roads budgets.
Minister reply
Mark Spencer acknowledged the frustration and encouraged Robert Largan to raise the issue at DLUHC questions.
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Question
As May is Melanoma Awareness Month, can the Leader of the House join me in lobbying the Chancellor to reclassify sun cream as an essential healthcare item to make it more affordable?
Minister reply
Mark Spencer wishes Florence Nightingale and the MP a happy birthday. He acknowledges melanoma's seriousness and agrees with her request to the Chancellor who will consider this at a future Budget.
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Question
During Mental Health Awareness Week, can we have a debate on tackling loneliness, considering the work done by local organisations?
Minister reply
Mark Spencer thanks Liz Twist for raising the issue of loneliness and suggests that a Westminster Hall or an Adjournment debate would be appropriate to discuss this matter further.
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Question
Can we have a statement from the Secretary of State regarding leaseholders suffering from high insurance premiums due to issues with cladding and the EWS1 process?
Minister reply
Mark Spencer informs Daniel Zeichner that the Secretary of State will address such questions at DLUHC questions on Monday, highlighting the Government's efforts through legislation like the Building Safety Act 2022.
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Question
Can we have an urgent question from the Attorney General regarding the legal basis for invoking article 16 of the Northern Ireland protocol?
Minister reply
Mark Spencer thanks Barry Gardiner and clarifies that there are currently no plans to trigger article 16, but the Government would update the House if changes were made.
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Question
Can we have an urgent statement on speeding up Syrian refugee resettlement programmes due to long wait times and tragic cases like Firas's?
Minister reply
Mark Spencer expresses sympathy for the situation described by Stuart McDonald, offering to assist in pursuing the specific case mentioned.
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Question
Can we schedule a debate on the importance of arts and culture sectors like the David Livingstone birthplace museum which documents Scotland’s role in history?
Minister reply
Mark Spencer joins Margaret Ferrier in celebrating the museum and suggests that a Westminster Hall debate would be appropriate.
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Question
Can we condemn recent violent clashes between Muslims and Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia and ask for timely investigations into these attacks?
Minister reply
Mark Spencer thanks Jim Shannon for his work on religious freedom, confirming the condemnation of the attacks and highlighting Jim's ongoing advocacy.