Business of the House 2025-01-09

The Government's actions are damaging key parts of the economy, especially with measures that hurt retail and hospitality sectors. The Employment Rights Bill is counterproductive. Government should take responsibility for their own credibility issues rather than blaming others.

Condemned the Tories for voting down the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. Emphasised Labour's commitment to economic stability, sound public finances, tackling structural problems in the economy such as low growth, poor productivity, and investment deficits.

Called for an independent inquiry into the British Government's involvement in the 1984 storming of the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar during the Indian Government’s operation. The Sikh community expects transparency and justice on this issue.

Community pharmacies are fundamental to our healthcare system but many are facing closure due to NHS underfunding. Since 2015, 1,200 pharmacies have closed with nearly 500 closures in the past year alone. The National Pharmacy Association warns of pharmacy deserts in rural and deprived areas leading to a health inequality crisis. We need Government action for long-term viability and sustainability.

Acknowledges the importance of community pharmacies but states that the Government are committed to extra investment, including record levels allocated in the Budget for NHS services. The Secretary of State will continue to support pharmacies as part of early intervention services.

Raises concerns about safety issues at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, including risks of fire and electrical failure. Asks for a meeting with a Health Minister to ensure constituents have access to safe secondary care.

Requests Government time for debates on various issues including the performance of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, Holocaust Memorial Day, and proscription of entities linked to Islamist terrorist groups in the UK. Asks if these debates can be facilitated.

Asks for a Government statement on the future of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme which helps with restoration of religious buildings and is set to end in March. Requests that the scheme continues.

Concerns about pensioners applying for winter fuel payments due to plummeting temperatures. Assures constituents will receive payments on time and highlights various support measures available.

Asks when legislation might be brought forward to implement the BBNJ agreement which the Government intend to ratify by June 2023. Requests clarity on legislative timeline and form of legislation.

Raises Hugh's law, which proposes removing the three-month qualifying period for disability living allowance for young cancer patients and calls for day one financial support. Asks for Government time to debate this issue.

Responding to various requests for debates on topics such as developers' accountability, local government changes, debt relief, green belt protection, fire safety regulations, Ukrainian conflict support, DBS checks for MPs, Scottish Labour's stance, pandemic financial exclusion, and devolution in Gloucestershire. Emphasises the planning and infrastructure Bill and the need for comprehensive policy discussions.

Calls for a debate on local government reforms announced just before Christmas, noting limited democratic engagement from constituents and potential implications of cancelling elections. Requests time to discuss the issue in detail.

Proposes a debate on debt relief for low-income countries ahead of the 2025 jubilee year, highlighting the significant impact of excessive debt service costs on health and education funding.

Requests a debate on the pressures placed on green belt land due to conflicting demands from different Government Departments such as energy supply, infrastructure, and housing targets.

Marks the 95th anniversary of the Glen cinema disaster in her constituency and emphasises the importance of fire safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies. Mentions Martyn’s law, which addresses fire hazards.

Expresses condolences for a constituent killed while serving as a medic in Ukraine and calls for support against Putin's aggression. Asks the Leader of the House to endorse this sentiment.

Suggests that all Members should undergo DBS checks before taking their place in Parliament, emphasising safety and trust from institutions visited by MPs.

Critiques Scottish Labour for abstaining on the SNP's budget proposal and requests a statement outlining UK Government priorities in Scotland. Questions whether this action supports change or endorses the status quo.

Asks for time to debate the exclusion of nearly 4 million self-employed workers from financial support during the pandemic, emphasising the need to address these individuals' ongoing struggles.

Adds his voice to calls for a debate on potential democratic outrages related to cancelling elections and merging districts in Gloucestershire against local will. Requests broader discussion on this issue.

Expressed concern over mental health issues, emphasising the importance of speaking openly about them.

Called for a comprehensive regulatory framework for nannies, including mandatory background checks and standardised training. Requested a meeting with the children and families Minister to discuss this campaign by his constituent Maria Culley.

Raised concerns about the failure of social media companies, specifically Elon Musk's company, to provide necessary information for prosecuting a stalker. Requested a debate on what measures can be taken against perpetrators.

Critiqued the cancellation of the community ownership fund, highlighting its impact on local projects such as Much Marcle community shop and Pencombe parish council's attempt to buy a local pub. Asked for an explanation from the Government.

Celebrated Deeplish community centre in Rochdale, which has provided services for 35 years and retains its Sure Start status under Labour's previous government. Asked for recognition of the centre’s contribution to the local community.

Requested a statement on self-determination for all British citizens, including those in territories like the Falkland Islands and Chagos Islanders. Highlighted Margaret Thatcher's role in defending the rights of Falkland Islanders.

Asked for a debate on supporting heritage railways, specifically mentioning the Museum of Scottish Railways and its role in preserving railway history and attracting visitors.

Called for protection of small retailers, restaurants, and pubs from increased national insurance rates and cuts to small business rates relief. Requested a debate on the future of British high streets.

Congratulated the Firebreak scheme for providing alternative learning environments for young people struggling in mainstream education. Suggested a debate on how to support such interventions and help them thrive in their education.

Joined concerns over the closure of the community ownership fund, specifically mentioning an application by East Neuk community. Requested a debate on the future of community assets.

Discussed animal welfare issues such as ending trail hunting, phasing out animal testing and abolishing snare traps. Welcomed the Government’s pledge to introduce measures for better animal welfare.

Responded to multiple MPs with details on government pledges including manifesto commitments, bus service reform Bill, support for grassroots organisations, ADHD services and budgets for special educational needs. Discussed the need for improved flood defence measures.

Complained about one-hour delays on First Bus’s 22 bus service in his constituency, causing missed lessons and a serious medical operation. Requested time for debate on public transport issues including reopening Wellington station.

Asked to secure a meeting with the Home Secretary regarding justice for survivors of historical abuse at Medomsley detention centre from 1961-87.

Highlighted issues faced by park home owners selling property and required to pay a high percentage to the site owner. Requested debate time for addressing these rights and fixing issues.

Praised South East Harlow Sports and Youth Association for supporting young people in his community through sport access. Asked for a Government time debate on how to support such grassroots youth organisations.

Addressed the crisis in ADHD services with no adult specialised commissioned services available, long waiting lists and medication shortages. Requested a debate on national ADHD services.

Reported concerns about antisocial behaviour affecting businesses and community confidence in Aylesbury town centre with over 750 incidents recorded yearly. Sought support to tackle this challenge and promote positive, respectful behaviour.

Described severe attacks on Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh, including deaths, rapes, mob lynchings and arbitrary arrests. Requested the Government to raise these violations with Bangladeshi authorities.

Welcomed £123 million for pothole repairs in Yorkshire and Humber but requested an urgent debate on the need to help local authorities spend this money quickly for residents' benefit.

Expressed concern over recurring flooding affecting a constituent's property in Loughborough despite Prime Minister’s visit and flood defence funding. Requested assurance of government support for community protection.

Noted deep unease among grassroots rugby clubs due to current governance issues, threatening the financial stability of these communities across Cornwall. Requested debate time on this national sport issue.

Cited London Councils report highlighting issues in special educational needs provision and workforce capacity. Welcomed new Government’s financial commitment but expressed concern over Hillingdon council's proposed £7 million cut to schools.

Committed to lowering the voting age to 16, referencing a school referendum at Friary School. Suggested a debate on this topic in Parliament.

Congratulated Emma and highlighted that votes at 16 is a Government manifesto commitment which will be enacted when parliamentary time allows.

Asked the Leader of the House to assure constituents about flood prevention efforts due to recent poor weather conditions causing river flooding in their area.

Acknowledged the impact of climate change on flooding, outlined steps for tackling climate change and ensuring flood resilience and support for communities.

Complained about poor local bus services in his constituency, highlighting examples where elderly people and those with children have to walk long distances or take taxis. Suggested a debate on the importance of local bus services.

Agreed that local bus services are important and highlighted steps being taken by this Government in England, while criticising Scottish Government for lack of support in their constituency.

Called for a debate on managing incinerator projects due to concerns over the Sinfin waste treatment centre project which has been ongoing without success and is estimated at £150 million wasted.

Acknowledged the need for tough decisions where there are legitimate local, environmental and financial concerns regarding incinerator projects. Suggested getting a Backbench Business debate on waste incinerators.

Highlighted issues in his constituency with asylum hotels that put pressure on the NHS due to complex medical needs of refugees and asylum seekers. Asked for a debate about support for NHS workers dealing with this legacy.

Acknowledged difficulties inherited from previous government, committed to ending use of asylum hotels but highlighted it will take time while tackling small boats and putting record funding into NHS.

Called for a debate on prostate cancer screening due to its high costs to the NHS and lack of early diagnosis opportunities, citing an avoidable cost of over £93 million annually.

Agreed with the need for targeted screening programmes for prostate cancer and highlighted a review by the UK national screening committee due soon.

Discussed worries about ketamine use among young people, noting an increase in serious harm from this drug, and asked for a debate on tackling such issues.

Agreed to condemn criminals who peddle drugs like ketamine to children and highlighted actions taken by the government to address rising use of ketamine among young people.

Paying tribute to Criss Connor, a long-standing member of Labour Party, former borough councillor and an honorary alderman. Suggested debate for tributes.

Agreed with the importance of such tributes and highlighted value of councillors in communities across the country.

Congratulated young women who took part in CyberFirst girls competition, especially winners from her constituency. Highlighted importance for girls to pursue careers in cyber security.

Agreed with the significance of encouraging girls into computing and cyber security fields.

Expressed concerns about political interference by Indian government affecting safety for Sikhs in UK, referencing recent deaths. Asked for representations to be made on this issue.

Acknowledged the importance of the raised issues and committed to ensuring Ministers hear them and update the House accordingly.

Called for a debate on challenges faced by those with Parkinson's in accessing treatment, highlighting reforms and investment announced by Health Secretary.

Agreed to support high-quality care for people with diseases like Parkinson’s through social care reform and investment.

Asked for a debate on the issue of overpaid taxes owed by special educational needs teachers due to gridlock between HMRC and local authorities.

Acknowledged this as an important issue and committed to ensuring Ministers look into it and provide a full response.

Congratulated Barry Hyde on his British empire medal for voluntary contributions in community. Asked for a debate on the value of volunteer sector.

Congratulates Audrey Mutongi-Darko, founder of the No. 1 Befriending Agency, who is to receive the British Empire Medal for services to tackling loneliness and isolation in older people in Scotland. Asks the Leader of the House to arrange an urgent debate on how the Government can help vulnerable older people and tackle loneliness.

Raises concerns about homes being repurposed into houses in multiple occupation without planning permission. Requests a debate on ensuring a level playing field across the country for HMO planning requirements.

Calls on the Government to extend the ban on trail hunting as per the manifesto commitment, urging swift action due to its negative impact on rural communities and encouragement of antisocial behaviour.