House of Commons · General Debate
11 December 2025 · 47 other contributors
Opened by Richard Graham Con Carshalton and Wallington
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Richard Graham raised concerns about business of the house 2025-12-11 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Mr Graham highlighted the difficulties faced by businesses due to recent tax rises, particularly in hospitality and retail sectors. He mentioned specific examples from his constituency such as Wallington Cycles and the Sun pub and emphasised the disparity between Harrods' rate reduction and an average pub's increase of £1,400 annually.
Sir Alan Campbell responded by highlighting government initiatives to lower rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties with a rateable value under £500,000. He also mentioned the spending of £2 billion this year to cap increases for many businesses.
Mr McKenna reported violent scenes at Swale borough council involving intimidation and vandalism, expressing concern about the growing levels of violent intimidation against councillors and MPs. He asked for support in addressing this issue.
In response to Mr McKenna's concerns, Sir Alan Campbell condemned the violence and highlighted efforts by Operation Ford and the defending democracy taskforce to ensure effective policing of such incidents.
Mr Blackman informed about upcoming debates in Westminster Hall and expressed concern over a flu vaccine issue raised by one of his constituents. He requested for a statement from the Health Secretary regarding the availability and restrictions on flu vaccines.
Sir Alan Campbell acknowledged Bob Blackman's work and offered to look into the vaccine case he presented, expressing hope that doctors would not go on strike during the current flu situation.
Pet owners are facing significant financial pressures with vet fees increasing by 63% since 2015, far outpacing inflation. The Competition and Markets Authority has proposed remedies to address this issue. She requests a debate on the cost of living pressures for pet owners.
A constituent who is an 89-year-old Ukrainian refugee, disabled and bed-bound due to a stroke, faces difficulties in renewing her visa with the Home Office. The process lacks compassion and does not accommodate her personal circumstances.
She honours Emma Webb for raising awareness about suicide prevention following the tragic death of her daughter Brodie in 2020, urging the Leader of the House to support more debate on this issue.
He expresses disappointment with the Scottish Government's stance against nuclear power, highlighting a strategic partnership for green energy development at the former Chapelcross site.
She discusses the issue of litter in her constituency and calls for devolving additional powers to local authorities, such as requiring larger bins from fast food outlets or landlords to keep properties clean.
He requests a debate on capital expenditure in the NHS, citing an example of delayed elective day surgery and poor conditions in hospitals.
She thanks everyone involved in the “Everyone Deserves” campaign that provides Christmas hampers to families in need across south Wales, starting from her kitchen table nine years ago.
He raises a case of an elderly resident at a local care home who was denied dental treatment for a serious abscess, urging the Leader of the House to clarify the situation.
Forty-one MPs have signed a motion concerning the humanitarian crisis of Palestinian prisoners in hunger strike, demanding humane treatment and upholding their human rights. He seeks an urgent response from the Justice Secretary and an emergency debate.
Expressed deep concern over the situation at Queen’s hospital in Romford, citing that the A&E unit is dealing with double the number of patients it was built to serve. Lamented that despite raising this matter with relevant ministers, no action has been taken and lives could be at risk.
Celebrated a recent event honouring deaf talent and achievement, advocating for a debate on widening opportunities for disabled people across all sectors. Emphasised the need to break down barriers preventing successful careers for those with disabilities.
Congratulated the Link Visiting Scheme in Wokingham, which has spent 27 years helping over 1000 elderly people and received charity of the year at a local awards event. Highlighted the importance of tackling loneliness among older people.
Requested a statement on UK's response to Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka, which has caused severe flooding and resulted in over 600 deaths and affected over 2 million people. Acknowledged the existing levels of hardship in Sri Lanka.
Called for a debate on the quality of parcel delivery services, particularly issues faced by customers in rural areas at Christmas time. Highlighted the exceptional service provided by Rachel McVitie from Patrington's Evri delivery.
Acknowledged community efforts leading up to Christmas, including volunteers who ensure festive activities take place. Proposed a debate on recognising the contributions of these staff and volunteers.
Discussed Carnegie UK’s 2025 report on democratic health in the UK, scoring only 41%. Mentioned The Economist's model predicting potential election outcomes under first past the post system. Supported the Elections (Proportional Representation) Bill.
Mourned the loss of her constituent Henry Nowak, 18 years old and recently started university. Asked about government support for victims of knife crime and requested a debate on this issue.
Celebrated Spelthorne Dementia Support's achievement in receiving the King’s award for voluntary service. Suggested an annual debate to highlight such achievements of charities across the country.
Highlighted issues with personal protective equipment being based on outdated, non-specific measurements impacting women, people with disabilities, and those with religious requirements. Sought a statement on the British standard BS 30417 for inclusive PPE.
Concerned about the situation facing Palestine Action hunger strikers in prison, requesting that the Secretary of State for Justice addresses these serious issues.
Participated in raising points of order concerning the situation facing Palestinian hunger strikers in prison.
Welcomed child poverty strategy but criticised SNP-controlled city council for funding cuts to community organisations, highlighting the need for stable funding and addressing underfunding of local authorities.
Asked about prison guidelines regarding books being sent into prisons, emphasising the importance of prisoners having access to books.
Celebrated securing grit bins for local residents on new estates during cold weather and called for greater protections for those living on unadopted estates.
Raised concerns about maternity care in England, highlighting systematic failures and disparities affecting women from black and Asian backgrounds.
Highlighted the work of Courtyard Pantry Enterprise in establishing community markets and advocated for a debate on support for local markets, small producers, and community-led food initiatives.
Expressed concern over the impact of changes to agricultural property relief on cider makers and requested a meeting with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Praised Dave Taylor and volunteers at the Royal British Legion for their exceptional work during the poppy appeal and advocated for a debate on their contributions to supporting veterans.
Called for action from His Majesty’s Government to challenge violations of freedom of religion or belief in Saudi Arabia, protecting online expression for religious minorities and non-believers.
Celebrated the announcement that vehicle tax will be scrapped for search and rescue vehicles and called for a debate on further support for mountain rescue teams.
Celebrated the lifesaving work done by mountain rescue teams and welcomed changes to vehicle excise duty announced in the Budget.
Raised concerns about roadworks on the A58 causing delays and misery for residents. Sought a debate on changes needed in law to address this issue.
Highlighted financial challenges faced by UK universities, resulting in course closures and redundancies, and sought a debate on the subject.
Reported successful police action against burglaries targeting an RSPCA shop and requested a debate on providing more resources for the police.
Thanked everyone involved in the Wolves Orange campaign to raise awareness about violence against women and girls, and sought a debate on tackling stigma and strengthening support for victims.
Expressed concern over an orchestrated filibuster in the other place regarding the assisted dying Bill and requested action to respect the will of the elected Chamber.
Requested full information on progress and a debate on any proposals brought forward regarding compensation for women affected by changes to the state pension age.
Celebrated Atherstone’s Dickens night event and requested a debate on the importance of volunteering in communities.
Requested a debate to send a clear message that racism has no place in public life after the resignation of Staffordshire county council leader due to white supremacist views on social media.
Sought a debate to discuss making care experience a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, highlighting early mortality rates and mental health conditions among care leavers.
Asked about UK’s opposition to illegal settlements in the West Bank and requested a debate on the region’s future, given the concern over violations of UN resolutions.
On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. Further to the question from my constituency neighbour, my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent North (David Williams), Staffordshire has been in the news this week not for the skills, smarts and successes of our wonderful people from Newcastle-under-Lyme to Tamworth and from Stafford to Stoke, but for the disgusting, disgraceful and deeply sickening social media posts of the now former Reform UK party leader of Staffordshire county council. Madam Deputy Speaker, what advice can you provide to me and my Staffordshire colleagues on how we can ensure our people and our county are not tarnished by the disgusting views of a fringe minority?
Government Response
Government initiatives to lower rates for certain businesses, spending £2 billion this year to cap increases, and condemning violence against councillors. He also committed to looking into the vaccine case raised by Bob Blackman. The Government will consider remedies proposed by the Competition and Markets Authority’s final report next year. The Leader of the House supports securing a debate on veterinary costs, litter management in local authorities, and capital expenditure in the NHS. He expresses sympathy for mental health concerns raised and offers to help with specific cases. Concerning nuclear power, he welcomes the strategic partnership for green energy but shares frustration over attitudes towards new projects in Scotland. In relation to dental care in care homes, he notes that specialised services are available and emergency hubs are being developed. Responded to various issues raised by Members of Parliament, providing updates on government initiatives and commitments to discuss concerns with relevant Ministers. Addressed specific requests such as facilitating meetings with Health Ministers, supporting discussions on inclusive PPE, and promoting recognition for voluntary services. Responded to various issues including prison guidelines, child poverty funding, maternity care, community markets, cider makers' tax relief, Royal British Legion volunteers, religious freedom in Saudi Arabia, and mountain rescue teams. Provided reassurance on monitoring of situations, expressed disappointment at SNP's funding cuts, emphasised the importance of local businesses, offered support for small business plan, acknowledged the need to address concerns about maternity care, encouraged further discussion through Adjournment debates or taskforce reports. Responded to various issues raised by Members such as doubling fixed penalty notices for street work offences, supporting efforts to protect victims of violence against women and girls, urging respect for the will of the elected Chamber on assisted dying legislation, keeping House informed on state pension compensation review, highlighting importance of volunteering, condemning racism in public life, advocating for care leavers under indirect discrimination provisions, opposing illegal settlements and pressing Israeli Government adherence to international law.