Business of the House 2025-02-13

The Government failed to anticipate economic challenges, leading to a downgrade in growth forecasts. The Chancellor’s anti-growth Budget exacerbates the issue. Additionally, there are contradictions between the Attorney General's statements on international law and domestic policy.

Inflation is down, mortgage rates are coming down, wages are growing at their fastest rate in three years, business investment is at the highest level for 19 years, and Britain will be Europe’s fastest-growing major economy. The Attorney General is an asset to the Government.

Women's centres provide vital support for women facing issues including isolation, domestic abuse, health problems, and navigating the social security system. There should be a debate on securing funding for organisations that support women in society.

Local government reorganisation is causing uncertainty. Woking council has £2 billion of debt with no plan to pay it off, and Thurrock's debts are around £1.5 billion largely due to investments in a non-existent solar farm.

Mr Lavery criticised Northumberland county council for wiping individuals off the housing waiting list, calling it a simple and callous attempt. He asked for a debate on how to ensure those in need of affordable housing are not cast aside.

Mr Blackman announced upcoming debates on International Women’s Day, political finance rules, the future of farming, and knife crime among children. He also raised a concern about a hate preacher speaking in the country and requested that the Home Secretary ban him.

Ms Butler suggested having a British-Jewish culture month to celebrate multicultural elements within the Jewish community, encouraging Government time to discuss it further.

Mr Sunak commended volunteers for the Driving Ukraine charity who take modified vehicles to Ukraine for humanitarian purposes. He thanked Lucy Powell for giving an opportunity to commemorate their efforts.

Mr Baines requested recognition for rugby league, noting that no player has ever received a knighthood or damehood despite many worthy candidates. He sought advice on how best to raise this issue.

Ms Chowns expressed concern over updated Home Office guidance preventing citizenship for those arriving through dangerous journeys, requesting a debate in Government time to reconsider the policy's implications.

Asked about the impact assessment on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, noting that it is a private Member's Bill and the Government remains neutral but committed to its workability.

Complimented the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity during Wear It Red week, appreciating their voluntary efforts in support of her constituents and the wider midlands region.

Welcomed announcements on Doncaster Sheffield airport management services from Munich Airport International and discussed National Apprenticeship Week, emphasising the need for skilled job creation through local projects.

Called for a debate on defence spending trends during and after the Cold War, arguing that current defence spending is too low and should be closer to 5% as per President Trump's suggestion.

Requested a debate on Thames Water mismanagement, highlighting misuse of funds intended for environmental measures and suggesting unfit management practices.

Discussed repeated cladding safety issues in his constituency, calling for accountability from developers and freeholders to ensure public sector building safety compliance.

Brought up budget cuts affecting York’s Belfrey and National Railway Museum projects under the listed places of worship grant scheme, seeking reassurance on project funding continuity.

Promoted a coastal wildlife trust project for sand dune restoration in his constituency using buried Christmas trees, inviting the Leader to visit and discuss local environmental initiatives.

Called for a debate on updating planning legislation to enable energy-efficient changes like double glazing in conservation areas and listed properties to help meet net zero CO2 emissions targets.

Requested a statement from the Government on Thames Water, advocating for public ownership over regulatory oversight to address environmental issues and service quality.

Rosindell raises concerns about Sanctuary housing association failing Romford residents with long delays to urgent repairs and malfunctioning lifts. He requests a statement from the Minister for Housing and Planning on this issue.

Minns criticises the Conservative party's political broadcast that used taxpayer-funded ministerial cars and was filmed on parliamentary estate, in contravention of House rules. She asks for a full investigation into this matter.

Mundell highlights the importance of HIV testing and funding from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. He asks for a statement on UK's approach to fund replenishment.

Josan welcomes the reception celebrating semiconductors in the Palace but notes that the industrial strategy only mentions semiconductors once. He emphasises the importance of a reliable supply chain for green energy, defence and other sectors.

Moore seeks Government support for projects aimed at improving interconnectivity between Ilkley train station and local buses, as well as provision of toilets.

Akehurst raises concerns about poor bus services by Go North East affecting constituents' daily life. He requests a debate on the reliability of bus services and measures to hold operators accountable.

Lamont invites time for a debate on the importance of small businesses in the rural economy. He congratulates Scottish Borders finalists of the Countryside Alliance awards.

Ingham celebrates the Bird in Hand pub being one of 31 finalists for community pub hero awards and invites a debate on the importance of pubs to local communities, requesting Powell visit the Bird in Hand.

Sewards highlighted a constituent's experience of waiting over 66 weeks for a hip operation, illustrating the ongoing challenges in NHS waiting times. He requested a debate to discuss the urgent need to utilise allocated funding effectively to reduce these waitlists.

Fox brought up a tragic case of a constituent's daughter killed by a drunk driver and expressed dissatisfaction with the sentencing outcome. He asked for a debate on sentencing policies to address what he perceived as insufficient punishment.

Bloore praised Redditch United FC's community engagement and proposed a Government-led discussion on how the state can support such local football clubs which are vital for their communities.

Foody discussed concerns raised by Year 4 pupils about river pollution in their area. She sought a debate to address these environmental issues and clean up the waterways for future generations.

Shannon highlighted the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a prisoner of conscience in Nigeria. He requested that the government raise concerns about blasphemy laws and their economic implications with Nigerian officials.

Morris discussed the closure of bank branches in his constituency, highlighting the growing issue of 'banking deserts.' He sought a debate to address access to cash services for both elderly individuals and businesses in rural areas.

Dean celebrated National Apprenticeship Week by mentioning the success of apprenticeships at Hertford regional college. He requested a debate on how to expand apprenticeship opportunities for young people in his community.

Baxter reported an outbreak of avian influenza near a nature reserve in her constituency. She asked about the UK Government's engagement with the Scottish Government on this issue to support conservation efforts.

Barros-Curtis proposed a debate on the importance of community-focused sports programmes and wished for his local team, Caerau Ely AFC, success in an upcoming Welsh cup match.

Raises concerns about Dudley Town FC playing away from their home constituency and calls for a debate on grassroots football.

Discusses the importance of healthy eating in schools, highlighting questions raised by children regarding access to fruits like watermelon and strawberries at lunchtime.

Proposes a debate on attracting major international sporting events to the UK to support local growth, investment, jobs, and community pride.

Critiques poor communication from Staffordshire county council regarding roadworks and requests for government oversight to ensure compliance with administration and planning regulations.

Acknowledges the reduction in antisocial behavior due to increased funding and police efforts, and thanks community members who report crime and share intelligence.

Highlights health issues faced by nuclear test veterans and requests for a debate or update on recognising and compensating them properly, including medical records access and compensation.

Supports the announcement of an inquiry into a tragic killing in Nottingham and calls for debates to ensure that lessons are learned immediately from the mental health homicide review.

Opposes proposed cuts to care services by Derbyshire county council, particularly concerning elderly couples like Alan and June being separated.

Supports the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill but calls for a debate on safe and legal routes for asylum seekers after securing border security.

Argues for long-term funding security for further education colleges like Corseford, which cater to people with complex needs.

Emphasises the significance of supporting local businesses in his community and requests a debate on this matter.

Asked the Leader of the House to ensure that apprenticeship schemes are embedded in infrastructure projects and called for action on increasing access to apprenticeships.

Emphasised the importance of apprenticeship reform, announced plans for functional English and maths, and mentioned the upcoming Skills England Bill. She also expressed concern over Hampshire county council's decision regarding disabled individuals' bus passes before 9:30 am.

Called on Hampshire county council to reconsider its decision to remove the ability of disabled people to use their concessionary bus pass before 9.30 am and requested a debate in Government time to discuss this issue.

Celebrated the 10th anniversary of local independent news organisations, Rye News and Hastings Independent Press, for their significant contributions to community journalism.