Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Business of the House 2025-01-23

23 January 2025 · 33 other contributors

Opened by Jesse Norman Con Hereford and South Herefordshire

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

At a glance

Jesse Norman raised concerns about business of the house 2025-01-23 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Labour party economic policies face criticism for incompetence
  • Treasury Committee member criticizes Chancellor's Office for Value for Money as understaffed
  • Concerns raised about potential conflicts of interest for the Attorney General

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Jesse Norman Con Hereford and South Herefordshire

The Labour party has been offering regular evidence of its incompetence, particularly regarding economic policies like reviving the third runway at Heathrow despite opposition from colleagues. The Chancellor's Office for Value for Money was criticised by a Treasury Committee member as understaffed and poorly defined. Additionally, there are concerns about serious issues in law involving potential conflicts of interest for the Attorney General.

Other contributors (33)
  • Jesse Norman Con Hereford and South Herefordshire

    Labour's economic policies lack seriousness, including its failure to liberalize trade or reduce immigration. There are doubts about the Government’s theory of growth due to a series of regulatory measures that may hinder rather than promote economic growth.

  • The House and country are with victims' families from the Southport tragedy, for which an independent public inquiry is ongoing. The Attorney General has properly declared his interest as a senior barrister according to Bar association rules and rigorous conflict of interest processes.

  • James Frith Lab Bury North

    Residents in Bury North are facing issues with Residential Management Group, including overpricing and non-compliance with safety standards. These practices by rogue management companies need to be addressed under Labour's governance.

  • Marie Goldman LD Chelmsford

    Welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza, raised concerns about maternity services at Broomfield Hospital downgraded to 'inadequate' by CQC. Questions the adequacy of the time taken for CQC reports and seeks a debate on better resourcing for CQC.

  • Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett

    Congratulated Everyturn charity on opening a new mental health hub in Newcastle, asked for a Government time debate on making mental health support accessible.

  • Bob Blackman Con Harrow East

    Announced upcoming debates including one on Government support for coalfield communities and raised concerns about threats to film screenings of 'Emergency' by Khalistani terrorists. Requested a statement from the Home Secretary on ensuring peaceful viewings.

  • Ian Lavery Lab Blyth and Ashington

    Cited research showing wage gap between London and north-east England, requested a debate on Labour's policy to bridge this gap.

  • Simon Hoare Con North Dorset

    Opposed proposed night-time car parking charges in his constituency, fearing it would harm local market towns' economies. Requested a Government time debate on supporting rural market towns.

  • Claire Hughes Lab Bangor Aberconwy

    Raised concerns about the impact of broken mains water pipes affecting 40,000 people in her constituency and asked for a meeting to discuss better use of data during emergencies.

  • Pete Wishart SNP Perth and Kinross-shire

    Asked for a debate on the current state of EU relations and whether the UK is doomed to hard Brexit due to previous rejections by UK Government.

  • Ravi Beharani Con Slough

    Expressed concerns over the delay in rebuilding Royal Berkshire Hospital and highlighted a maintenance backlog of £400 million, urging for future debate opportunities on this matter.

  • Defended government's decision to push hospital rebuild timelines citing previous unfunded promises from the previous government. Emphasised the deliverable and funded nature of current plans.

  • Clive Efford Lab Eltham and Chislehurst

    Asked for a statement on Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment givinostat, highlighting its availability in NHS but need for financial assistance to hospitals to roll it out quickly.

  • Wendy Morton Con Aldridge-Brownhills

    Critiqued Labour's decision regarding Aldridge police station closure, questioned compatibility with the Prime Minister’s intention of strengthening neighbourhood policing.

  • Sally Jameson Lab/Co-op Doncaster Central

    Celebrated Active Fusion charity and asked for a debate on supporting charities to deliver mental and physical health activities for young people.

  • Sarah Dyke LD Glastonbury and Somerton

    Highlighted poor ambulance service waiting times in Somerset, requesting a Government time debate on this issue.

  • Katrina Murray Lab Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch

    Asked for a debate on the need for bus services in local communities highlighting issues faced by her constituents.

  • Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley

    Critiqued Bradford council's financial management, requesting an urgent debate to address failures leading to high council tax increase.

  • Dave Robertson Lab Lichfield

    Shared a constituent’s success story in securing education for a special needs child and asked the government to address delays in SEND decisions.

  • Ben Maguire LD North Cornwall

    Called for a debate on freeholders' rights to challenge fees when property management companies provide poor service.

  • Warinder Juss Lab Wolverhampton West

    Proposes a general debate on autism and the inequalities faced by autistic people, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and support. Asks for Government time to ensure this issue is prioritised.

  • Ben Obese-Jecty Con Huntingdon

    Expresses concern over rising knife crime among teenagers, emphasising that kitchen knives are the primary cause of fatal stabbings. Urges for a debate on understanding and addressing the root causes of such violence.

  • Antonia Bance Lab Tipton and Wednesbury

    Concerned about the closure of local pubs, requests support from the Government to hold a debate highlighting the importance of pubs in community life and their role as social hubs.

  • Lincoln Jopp Con Spelthorne

    Questions the Leader of the House's statement about not pursuing quick economic growth, given that the economy has not grown since the Government was elected. Celebrates her understatement and asks for clarity on their growth strategy.

  • Mark Sewards Lab Leeds South West and Morley

    Raises concerns about mesh implant health consequences, urging the Government to hold a debate on supporting those suffering long-term effects from such implants.

  • Tom Gordon LD Harrogate and Knaresborough

    Requests an urgent debate on the closure of type 1 diabetes pilot services that provide preventive care, stressing the risk to vulnerable patients if these services are shut down in March.

  • Lee Pitcher Lab Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme

    Recognises the work of volunteers supporting Doncaster Sheffield Airport and requests Government support for reopening this vital local project.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Condemns the violent killings of Christians in Nigeria, urging the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to address escalating violence against religious minorities.

  • Graeme Downie Lab Dunfermline and Dollar

    Highlights road safety concerns for young children walking or cycling to school, congratulates a six-year-old pupil on her initiative and asks the Government to work with Scottish authorities on ensuring safer routes.

  • Raises the issue of safe walking routes to school, encouraging young people to walk safely and highlighting the importance of road safety.

  • Jo Platt Lab/Co-op Leigh and Atherton

    Discusses her work at Leigh Spinners Mill during her political break, emphasising its role in supporting local businesses, especially those owned by women. She asks the Leader of the House for support on research and debate to nurture future women entrepreneurs and requests a debate on women in business.

  • Welcomes Jo Platt back to Parliament and acknowledges her work at Leigh Spinners Mill, praising its positive impact on women entrepreneurs. Supports the idea of a debate on nurturing future women entrepreneurs.

  • Neil Duncan-Jordan Lab Poole

    Raises concerns about Sunseeker International in his constituency, which has issued temporary lay-off notices to workers without clear communication or assurances for their return. Requests confirmation that the Employment Rights Bill will protect worker rights and a debate on shipbuilding's role in the UK economy.

Government Response

Responded to concerns about CQC reports, praised Everyturn charity's work, addressed car parking charges impact on market towns, offered a meeting for discussing emergency response improvements, and responded to questions regarding EU relations. Acknowledges various issues raised by MPs, including autism support funding (£4.3 million provided), plans for a draft leasehold reform Bill, commitment to halve knife crime over the next decade, reduction of alcohol duty on draught products, and measures against type 1 diabetes pilot service closures.

Shadow Response

None

Confirms support for workers' rights through the Employment Rights Bill, addressing concerns about fire and rehire practices and expressing readiness to discuss these issues during Report stage of the Bill.

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