Backbench Business

The MP discusses the negative impact of ULEZ expansion on London residents, highlighting issues such as affordability, accessibility, and safety. He also criticises a proposed development project called Edgware Towers for its scale, infrastructure strain, and disregard for public opinion. The MP expresses support for Susan Hall to become the next Mayor of London in opposition to the current mayor's policies.

The hon. Member expressed her deep sorrow over the loss of her sister Margaret, who died from a glioblastoma brain tumour. She criticised the current treatment for glioblastoma in the NHS as outdated, noting that the standard drug temozolomide has not improved outcomes significantly since its introduction in 2005. McDonagh highlighted the stark contrast between survival rates for other cancers like lung cancer and breast cancer which have seen significant improvements over the years, while brain tumours have received little to no progress. She proposed a four-point plan: increasing clinical trials involving new drugs for glioblastoma patients; repurposing existing drugs from other treatments for brain tumour research; ensuring that neuro-oncology multidisciplinary teams include medical oncologists who specialise in brain tumours; and mandating training on brain tumours for all medical oncologists. She concluded by quoting Einstein, urging the need to break away from ineffective methods.

The hon. Member expressed condolences to Siobhain McDonagh for her loss and praised her dedication in caring for her sister Margaret during her illness and her efforts since then to advocate for better treatment of glioblastoma.

Crouch discusses her personal connection with the issue through the loss of her sister, Margaret, who passed away from glioblastoma. She expresses support for Siobhain McDonagh's campaign regarding glioblastoma care. The speech then shifts to focus on the badger cull policy, where Crouch criticises the Government's change in strategy and the effectiveness of the culling methods. She cites statistics indicating that 95% of culled badgers were found to be free of bTB, questioning the necessity and humaneness of the cull.

Winterton thanks Tracey Crouch for her kind words regarding Siobhain McDonagh's sister. She also acknowledges Crouch's work in raising funds for breast cancer research by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

Mr Lloyd congratulated his hon. Friend on her contribution and expressed concern over deep-sea mining, emphasising the potential risks to marine life and carbon sequestration, urging for a moratorium based on scientific advice. He also criticised global inaction on climate change and highlighted the importance of HS2 for northern England's economic development and environmental impact reduction.

Mr Lopresti discussed issues related to public transport, antisocial behaviour, and rebuilding Ukraine. He highlighted concerns over cuts in school bus services funded by the £105 million Bus Service Improvement Plan and urged for more effective use of funds to support children's travel. He also addressed rising antisocial behaviour in his constituency, including vandalism and reckless driving, and suggested solutions for post-war reconstruction in Ukraine involving asset transfer and tax incentives.

Ms Vaz raised several issues, including the inaccessibility of Bescot Stadium station for disabled people, the closure of ticket offices at Walsall station, the funding uncertainty for school renovations due to Building Schools for the Future cancellations, concerns about the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Sprint bus project and its impact on travel time and safety, policies regarding foreign national offenders and their deportation rights, and the dangers posed by aggressive dogs. She also paid tribute to Glen Barnham, a former councillor and public servant, and acknowledged the contributions of Sir John Bercow to Parliament.

Welcomed £5 million funding for Congleton War Memorial Hospital's expansion, which includes a new diagnostic centre. Highlighted concerns about car parking charges in smaller towns and villages within the constituency due to their potential negative impact on local economies. Also celebrated local residents who were granted freedom of their towns for significant community contributions.

He detailed the ongoing issues at Damask Court, a block of flats in his constituency, where residents have faced structural problems such as swaying floors and roof leaks since its completion in 2014. He criticised multiple parties involved for failing to address these issues adequately over several years.

My hon. Friend emphasised the importance of ensuring Parliament has accurate information, particularly in light of how misinformation can quickly spread on social media and harm public discourse.

Pays tribute to the history and heritage of Newcastle-under-Lyme, marking its 850th anniversary. Highlights contributions from local leaders, historians, and community members. Emphasises the town's economic transformation through traditional industries like mining and pottery, and recent developments in service sectors and high-tech industries. Acknowledges challenges such as the decline of town centres and the impact of internet shopping but highlights government initiatives like the future high streets fund and town deals to regenerate Newcastle-under-Lyme. Mentions ongoing issues like Walleys Quarry pollution and calls for accountability from regulatory bodies.

Describes the challenges faced in her constituency, including flooding issues with old-style Bazalgette system causing decades-long problems. She mentions leading a water action taskforce to address these issues with over £500,000 investment already made and further planned investments. Discusses law and order issues such as antisocial behaviour and fly-tipping, noting improvements due to new community policing measures supported by the government. Highlights healthcare challenges including the closure of phlebotomy services at Deal hospital and the subsequent campaign to reinstate these services with over 14,000 residents supporting petitions. Emphasises that blood tests are essential for early diagnosis and intervention.

The Government's commitment has led to significant investments in Blackpool, including £39.5 million for the largest towns deal; a new sports village at Revoe; upgrades to the Illuminations; and job creation at the Blackpool enterprise zone. Additionally, there are initiatives addressing educational challenges, healthcare improvements, homelessness, and flood defences.

Mr. Daly emphasises the importance of community facilities and symbols of civic pride, using examples such as Bradley Mills cricket club and Bury football club to illustrate how these institutions can foster a sense of identity and unity within communities. He argues that investment in local sports clubs and cultural centres is crucial for social cohesion and community spirit. Mr. Daly criticises the tendency of politicians to focus solely on monetary benefits, advocating instead for leveraging shared experiences and collective pride as a means to improve areas. He highlights the success of Bury football club's resurrection with £1 million from the Government, demonstrating how such initiatives can bring communities together.

The Member of Parliament for Peterborough raised several issues affecting his constituency, including the influx of homeless individuals from other areas due to housing shortages in those regions. He highlighted specific challenges such as pressures on local schools and healthcare services in communities like St Michael’s Gate. Paul Bristow also discussed concerns about park home residents facing unfair commission rates when reselling their homes. Additionally, he mentioned issues with excessive use of fireworks disturbing the peace and mental health awareness for bipolar disorder.

Responded to Paul Bristow's speech by providing context on homelessness in London, noting that there are currently 104,510 homeless families with 131,370 homeless children. She highlighted the immense pressure faced by local councils trying to meet their legal responsibilities towards housing and caring for these vulnerable individuals.

The SNP member raised concerns over the removal of train ticket offices and the consultation process regarding these closures. He also expressed solidarity with striking newspaper workers affected by the cost of living crisis, urging the House to focus on addressing income inequality when it reconvenes. Stephens further highlighted issues faced by asylum seekers due to eviction practices by Mears.

Smith thanked the hon. Member for Harrow East for leading today’s debate, acknowledging contributions from other MPs and reflecting on colleagues who have recently passed away. He spoke about Ann Clwyd's expertise in foreign policy and her gentle yet strong character, sending condolences to her family. Smith highlighted various issues discussed by other MPs, including brain tumour treatment, badger culls, seabed exploitation, local hospital campaigns, poor-quality housing, and historical contexts of constituencies. He briefly touched upon his own constituency’s challenges, paying tribute to community initiatives like the Sirhowy food share and Ebbw Valley brass band. Smith criticised the Conservative Government's 2022 Budget for its negative impact on ordinary working people and emphasised Labour’s commitment to national renewal with a focus on clean energy and job creation.

Winterton thanked everyone who paid tribute to Sir John Benger, expressing gratitude for his service to the House and wishing him well in his new endeavours.

Responding to the debate, Marcus Jones acknowledges his role as Deputy Chief Whip and thanks several Members for their contributions. He highlights the Government's achievements including passing 37 Government Bills and supporting 23 private Member’s Bills. He discusses various topics such as brain tumour treatment, road resurfacing, ULEZ charges in London, housing issues, and local historical recognition. He also addresses issues like speed limits, antisocial behaviour, and the importance of trade deals with fast-growing economies.

As shadow Deputy Leader of the House, Nick Smith paid tribute to Ann Clwyd, a former Member. He discussed issues raised by his party members including speed limits in Wales, NHS waiting lists, ULEZ charges in London, and council bankruptcy in Birmingham.

Thanked Members who spoke in the debate, highlighted contributions from across Back Benches, corrected misinformation about the Mayor of London's vehicle exemption, expressed gratitude to staff and constituency workers for their hard work, and looked forward to future debates after a conference recess.