Sir David Amess Summer Adjournment 2025-07-22

Mr. Blackman discussed the necessity of making Stanmore station step-free due to its inaccessible layout, raised concerns over the closure of police front desks amid rising crime rates in London, expressed opposition to the Broadwalk redevelopment plan citing safety risks and lack of transport infrastructure, supported Israel's right to self-defence while advocating for civilian protection in Gaza, called for urgency in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill passage to prevent youth exposure to heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches, and highlighted the need for space allocation for breakfast clubs in primary schools.

Sir John Hayes interjected briefly but did not provide a full contribution in the provided transcript.

The MP emphasised the transformational changes made by the Conservative council in Harrow, highlighting investments of £14 million per year to improve infrastructure. They mentioned a significant decrease in fly-tipping and improvements in bin collection rates, as well as expanding green flag parks and introducing free parking hours to support local businesses.

Twist highlighted the creation of a new hospital in Consett to replace Shotley Bridge and thanked various groups for their efforts. She mentioned changes in employment rights, increases in minimum wage rates, investment in schools and GP practices, and initiatives like free breakfast clubs. Twist also emphasised the need for better bus services and discussed local concerns such as road safety.

Rises to talk about Lord Anderson’s report on Prevent and the death of Sir David Amess, expressing dissatisfaction with how the Home Secretary has handled the situation. Criticises the Government for not providing a full statutory public inquiry into the incident and highlights that lessons have not been learned from previous cases like Southport.

Pays tribute to Sir David Amess by discussing his advocacy for hepatitis patients, highlighting the importance of World Hepatitis Day and the WHO’s goal of eliminating hepatitis C as a public health concern by 2030. Emphasises the need to eliminate stigma and complacency in tackling this issue.

Delighted to be called in the debate, acknowledging that it is now traditionally known as the Sir David Amess debate after his fallen comrade and friend.

Called for a separate public inquiry or amendment to the Southport inquiry terms of reference to address the Amess family's concerns. Mentioned that the cost would be miniscule and the family could have their say.

Discussed the fate of a dilapidated Co-op supermarket site in Wickford, constituency issues with planning delays and false claims from Labour party. Called for Basildon borough council to pass planning application for Heriot's new store or sell the site to an alternative developer.

Raised concerns about devolution and local government reform in Essex, noting lack of public demand for changes. Criticised Government’s proposal for a mayor model based on London, highlighting confusion among councils over unitary authority configurations.

Celebrated the expansion of school-based nurseries in her constituency. Mentioned investment for an energy academy expansion and its impact on job creation. Advocated for removal of power cables over the Tyne to facilitate renewable energy projects. Recognised the Shepherd family’s contribution to local industry. Welcomed Walker North's inclusion as a trailblazer neighbourhood. Highlighted concerns about smoking cessation efforts plateauing and encouraged accurate information dissemination in upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill. Congratulated Dame Norma Redfearn for her educational work and Gary Kent for his parliamentary service.

Associated himself with the call for a public inquiry for Sir David from the Father of the House. Raised concerns about private management companies managing housing estates in Grimsby, highlighting onerous fees residents are required to pay.

Argued against private estate charges on new housing estates, citing high costs for tree works (£3,110), planting works (£2,989), site management inspections (£11,664), and contractor costs of £45,000. Called for the Government to address these issues following CMA recommendations. Emphasised the need for better transport connections in northern Lincolnshire to support local economies.

Celebrated improvements under a Labour government, including free breakfast clubs at primary schools and school-based nurseries. Highlighted the positive impact on families with affordable childcare and the reopening of ceramics industries in his constituency after closures. Emphasised ongoing efforts to support local heritage buildings for housing needs.

It is an honour to speak in the Sir David Amess summer adjournment debate. The story about Sir David visiting Julian Ware-Lane, a late friend of mine, who was often Labour candidate against him and never had chance to visit Parliament, shows how he put party politics aside for humanity. Thanked Health Secretary for lobbying on behalf of Harlow's UK Health Security Agency location decision. Celebrated securing the jobs and careers of future with the agency coming to town. Mentioned investment in education institutions like schools and colleges and secured a new hospital timeline under Labour Government.

Paying tribute to Sir David Amess and Ian Gow, highlights first year's achievements such as securing reopening of Eastbourne DGH for births, direct trains from Eastbourne to London Bridge, reforming domestic abuse law, saving Linden Court day centre, protecting Sovereign Centre pools, securing £20 million in neighbourhood funding. Addresses ongoing challenges like temporary accommodation catastrophe due to housing shortage, SEND crisis, and Southern Water's foul stench issue. Beyond shores, calls for Government action on Israel-Gaza situation including pushing hostage release, aiding Gaza unobstructed, banning arms sales to Israeli Govt., recognising state of Palestine, further sanctions on infringing international law.

Responded with a humorous anecdote about being mistaken for the speaker, sharing a story from the Members' dining room. Joked about settling bills and the WhatsApp group they are part of.

Praised Luton's diverse community and faith leaders, highlighting efforts to improve safety around schools and support local over-50s forums. Mentioned significant investments in the local economy and ongoing work on Palestinian issues.

Focused on community engagement efforts, including summer surgeries and access to cash services. Criticised windfarm developments and council decisions affecting nurseries and public facilities. Celebrated local volunteers and highlighted the achievements of a young cyclist competing in the Tour de France.

Rosindell called for a statutory public inquiry into the death of Sir David Amess, criticised the treatment of the Amess family by the Government, and expressed regret over the denial of Essex devolution to Romford and Havering.

Rodda paid tribute to Reading FC's new owner Rob Couhig for rescuing the club from a previous irresponsible owner, thanked the Government for their work on the Football Governance Bill, and praised local players and fans for supporting the club through difficult times.

Van Mierlo highlighted the closure of Marsh Lock horse bridge and called for additional funding for the Environment Agency. He also discussed the Thame to Haddenham greenway campaign, advocating for compulsory purchase orders for active travel projects. Additionally, he raised concerns about ADHD services in Oxfordshire.

Gosling celebrated the progress made in Nuneaton, including the promotion of Nuneaton Town FC and the support for George Eliot hospital. She also mentioned the work of Mary Ann Evans hospice and praised Mayor Bhim Saru, a Nepalese-Gurkha advocate. Gosling highlighted improvements in job prospects, education, and community sports initiatives.

Discussed the local community's efforts in tackling mental health issues, including Andy’s Man Club, Nebula Girls’ Group, AWARE and Missing Peace Wellbeing. Mentioned hosting a forum with stakeholders to discuss challenges facing younger people. Highlighted local events such as Beat-Herder festival and Silsden Proms on the Farm. Also discussed the Oxenhope straw race and its fundraising for local charities. Emphasised the importance of youth sports clubs like Switch Hitters boxing club in providing confidence to young people.

Expressed concern about the situation in Gaza, highlighting starvation deaths and Israeli military attacks. Discussed local events such as Burntisland highland games and the celebration of Kinghorn’s Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeboat's diamond jubilee. Mentioned efforts to improve accessibility at Burntisland train station and congratulated Cowdenbeath Rotary club on its centenary. Emphasised the importance of Fife council investing in Kirkcaldy’s town centre and seafront through the new growth mission fund. Congratulated Growing Kirkcaldy for being nominated for a Britain in Bloom award.

Discussed access to health and social care, mentioning delays for NHS appointments and the importance of mental health support. Congratulated local organisations such as Hector’s House and Youth Talk on their work in mental health care. Highlighted environmental concerns regarding sewage dumping into chalk streams and welcomed Government proposals for action on upgrading Markyate's sewage works.

High streets and small businesses are struggling due to employment costs, national insurance costs, rents and other factors. Businesses like Temptation in Berkhamsted, Threads of Harpenden and Almar in Tring are questioning their ability to stay open. Hertfordshire county council faces a reduction in grant funding which poses a direct threat to social services and transport services. I urge the Government to rethink proposals and support high streets and small businesses.

Celebrated Norfolk Day, highlighting health research work at the University of East Anglia and Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. Campaigning for a new dental school to tackle endometriosis and improve women’s health. Welcome investment in local NHS services but need reform of the dental contract and better mental health services. Welcomes £34 million investment for affordable homes via Anglia Square site and Renters’ Rights Bill. Pushes for clean aviation and energy opportunities for constituents.

Highlights road safety concerns on rural roads in Lewes, including crowdfunded feasibility studies by communities due to lack of national government support. Criticises poor planning decisions and underused sites for affordable housing. Raises Talland Parade Seaford as an example of developers banking brownfield sites without community benefits. Objects to the exclusion of Plumpton from direct rail service between Eastbourne and London Bridge.

Paid tribute to the memory of Sir David Amess, mentioned a permanent memorial for him at Chalkwell lifeguards station, discussed efforts to give special recognition to St Mary’s church in Southend, recognised the 25th anniversary of Trust Links charity, expressed condolences on two recent tragedies (death of Leonna Ruka and plane crash at Southend airport), thanked emergency services and community members for their support.

Called for a renewed emphasis and focus on the redevelopment and regeneration of coastal rural economies, highlighted demographic challenges with ageing populations in his constituency, emphasised the importance of small businesses to local economies, suggested reintroducing 'rural-proofing' in policy development, advocated for a dedicated strategy for rural area growth, mentioned concerns about inheritance tax changes affecting agricultural property relief, touched on the role of higher education institutions in supporting local jobs.

Paid tribute to Sir David Amess, discussed efforts to deter and prevent intimidation of candidates and elected officials, highlighted the importance of engaging young people with politics through events like 'pitch your policy', mentioned the challenges faced by younger generations such as lack of home ownership opportunities and job security.

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Welcomed the Rail Minister to Ashford for the opening of a new career and skills hub. Emphasised support from the Government for returning international rail services to Kent. Criticised the reintroduction of Operation Brock on the M20. Disapproved of the increase in Dart Charge tolls, acknowledging their necessity but highlighting difficulties faced by constituents with limited travel options. Noted potholes as a significant issue and welcomed additional funding of £500 million for highway maintenance across the country.

Discussed the Roman dig in Carlisle, revealing significant historical findings including bathhouses, artefacts, and potential presence of Emperor Severus. Acknowledged contributions from volunteers and funding sources such as the Government, Cumberland council, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Acknowledged his father-in-law's death and criticised current voting rules. Highlighted achievements in tackling Walley’s Quarry landfill site and addressing special educational needs and disabilities issues. Noted road repairs as a priority and urged county council to use allocated funds effectively. Advocated for holding the Netanyahu regime accountable and recognising Palestine. Congratulated Keele university graduates and paid tribute to Professor Trevor McMillan. Urged support for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and local ceramics industry, opposed job cuts by FedEx, and supported farmers.

Called for legal maximum working temperatures to address workplace heat issues. Advocated for including the phrase 'Printed in Dunstable' on books printed at Amazon's Bedfordshire site, highlighting local economic benefits.

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Described the resilience of his constituency despite facing neglect and hardship, highlighting issues such as high rates of child poverty, concentrated crime, health inequalities, and disinvestment in public services. Emphasised the need for targeted action at a neighbourhood level to address these challenges.

Spoke about Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a rare inherited disorder that affects connective tissue. He highlighted the high misdiagnosis rates and lack of NHS treatment for conditions like craniocervical instability, citing Connor Edwards' case as an example. Called for a parliamentary debate on EDS and urged colleagues to support those waiting for diagnosis and treatment.

Discussed the struggles of grassroots musicians due to streaming services eroding revenue streams, leading to pay-to-play environments where bands cannot afford to play. Highlighted the decline in band numbers due to economics and called for support from MPs to see and buy merchandise from small acts.

Celebrated local community projects such as a resource project opening, the possibility of restoring the Falmouth freight rail line, and expansion plans for docks and yachts in her constituency. Mentioned support for those with endometriosis and welcomed community right to buy initiative from the Government.

I pay tribute to Sir David Amess and speak about the immense opportunity that Cornwall has in its future, recognised by the Labour Government. Cornwall's vast assets in renewable energy and critical minerals are strategically important for our economic growth and net zero ambitions. I highlight tin, lithium, geothermal and ground source heat, offshore wind, onshore wind, solar and tidal energy opportunities. These opportunities come with barriers such as health inequality and poor educational attainment.

I speak about my first year serving constituents in this place and highlight the challenges of managing a large constituency with diverse villages, towns and natural landscapes. I express concern over public anger and frustration, noting emails from those who see me as complicit in issues such as Palestinian children's murder or Pakistani rape gangs. I emphasise that we must be disruptors on these Benches.

I pay tribute to Mrs Ann Blakey, a retiring headteacher in Sunderland and speak about the city's progress with its football team. I mention investment in Sunderland including businesses moving jobs there and Government decisions bringing further investment and rebalancing council and NHS spending.

I speak about the beauty of Bury St Edmunds and its historical significance, including St Edmund's miracles. I highlight achievements such as securing funding for a new West Suffolk hospital, saving local bus routes, fixing potholes, sorting out GP surgeries, fixing dangerous roads corners and opening breakfast clubs in schools.

It has been a privilege to speak in this debate honouring the legacy of Sir David Amess—an MP who tirelessly advocated for his constituents. I could feel how all colleagues who have spoken are also deeply passionate about their communities, and it is a privilege to be part of the debate. Residents from across my Guildford constituency have spoken clearly, urgently and passionately about the crisis facing our environment. Sixty-five per cent of Surrey residents do not think the Government are doing enough on climate and nature. Polling by Surrey county council’s resident insight unit shows that climate change and environmental policy consistently rank in the top five public concerns alongside healthcare and NHS privatisation. Zero Carbon Guildford, a community actions group, is doing work in my constituency that we should back at a national level. They are testing our precious waterways to monitor sewage pollution. Evidence already shows that insulating and retrofitting homes could slash energy demand by six nuclear power stations equivalent, cut household bills by a quarter, save the NHS £1.5 billion a year and prevent nearly 10,000 deaths caused by cold and damp housing annually. I am pushing for a new train station in Guildford because residents are asking for better, greener transport options.

It is a great pleasure to close the Sir David Amess Adjournment debate on behalf of His Majesty’s loyal Opposition. Sir David is remembered not only with great affection but with admiration for his tireless commitment to his constituents and the causes he championed. The opposition would like to see a full public inquiry into the Prevent programme, bringing together cases to understand what went wrong and how the system can be improved. I have seen that my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman) is doing a brilliant job of opening the debate, mentioning Sir David managing to raise 27 different topics within five minutes. The hon. Member for Blaydon and Consett (Liz Twist) talked about mining and industry, health and transport. I thank the hon. Member for Easington (Grahame Morris) for his kind words about Sir David. He raised the dangerous effects of hepatitis C and the work needed to eradicate it.

Celebrated Eastbourne and its community spirit, highlighting the impact of recent events on local morale.

Emphasised the importance of supporting local businesses in her constituency.

Focused on the issue of access to cash in his area, advocating for banking hubs as a solution.

Discussed local health services and championed inclusive education policies.

Called for a public inquiry into the Prevent programme, honouring Sir David Amess's legacy and urging accountability.

Paid tribute to Reading football club and discussed plans for redeveloping disused prison facilities locally.

Talked about the importance of upgrading river infrastructure in his constituency.

Celebrated local football achievements, particularly highlighting the first official Lionesses match held in her area.

Supports Sunderland AFC for the next season, noting that Cardiff needs to improve their performance.

Highlights the positive impact of free breakfast clubs on his constituents.

Commits to ensuring books printed in her constituency are labelled as such, showcasing local support for businesses.

Pays tribute to the work of constituents and organisations in her constituency.

Acknowledges the contributions of local organisations and residents in Norwich North.

Expresses gratitude for the work done by constituents and organisations in Lewes.

Commemorates the efforts of residents and organisations within Rugby's constituency.

Praises the contributions made by local organisations and constituents in Ashford.

Honours the dedication of residents and organisations within his constituency.