Business of the House 2026-01-22

Discussed the launch of a new autonomous robotics degree at his constituency's university, criticised the hon. Member for Clacton for attending Davos, raised concerns about the costs associated with green energy policies and their impact on taxpayers, and questioned the Government's North Sea oil and gas strategy.

Responded to Jesse Norman’s points by praising his work in higher education, defended the Government's green energy policies, and announced new measures for online safety, a water White Paper, and plans for home upgrades.

Asked when the Government would proscribe and ban the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation due to their role in persecuting protesters in Iran.

Critiqued the Leader of the House for not addressing the feud in the Beckham family, raised concerns about delays in delivering St Helier hospital improvements, and mentioned the National Audit Office's assessment regarding potential further delays.

The hon. Member for Crewe and Nantwich has raised the need for more modern hospitals and the RAAC replacement scheme, which is now part of a major Government plan to rebuild and refurbish NHS hospitals. This will enhance digital technology and improve emergency performance. He also acknowledged that previous government plans lacked funding.

Commends GOAT sports bar in Nantwich for fundraising efforts to install defibrillators after a tragic incident, highlighting the importance of community-led initiatives for public safety. Suggests a Westminster Hall debate on this topic.

Acknowledges reform progress in estimates day debates and requests early warning about upcoming debates. Raises concerns over Al-Masirah TV channel's potential national security risks due to its association with proscribed organisation Houthis, urging the Security Minister for a statement.

Demands inclusion of 'Cornish' identifier tick box in 2031 census to properly represent Cornish identity. Calls on ONS consultation feedback before its closure.

Raises the issue of canal bridge maintenance by Canal & River Trust in his constituency due to collapsed bridges, requesting a debate on the topic.

Urges collaboration between Departments and funding support for Oxford's Kennington bridge replacement project to secure critical transport links and flood alleviation. Suggests a debate on this issue.

Discusses the need for police and crime commissioners to take full responsibility in cases of poor policing conduct, specifically referencing West Midlands police following an incident involving Maccabi Tel Aviv football match.

Requests a debate on the importance and challenges faced by village schools in his constituency, highlighting Albury primary school's potential closure under Liberal Democrat-led council. Emphasises their role in rural life.

Raises concerns about changes to income tax reporting impacting childminders, suggesting wear and tear allowance or alternative support mechanisms are needed to address the daily reality of providing home-based childcare.

Urges for Sasha’s law to be considered under the Victims and Courts Bill, allowing victim families more time to apply for unduly lenient sentence reviews. Emphasises Labour's commitment to victims' rights.

The hospitality industry is anxious since the Budget. The Treasury and Chancellor have promised a package but no details have been released yet. He asks for the Chancellor to come to the House next week to clarify the situation.

A constituent's pension application is delayed, causing significant concern about retirement planning and timely resolution of civil service pensions. He urges Capita for urgent resolution and seeks Ministerial support to address delays.

Delays at the Child Maintenance Service are causing harm, with the longest delay being four months and 20 days. She requests a debate in Government time for the Secretary of State to address these issues.

Celebrates YMCA Norfolk's work addressing youth homelessness over 170 years and seeks support for a debate on how best to help vulnerable young people access safe, secure housing.

Asks for a debate on the right of self-determination for Chagos islanders, addressing past and present Government failures in providing justice for this community.

WASPI women are still waiting for justice. He requests a debate to urge the Government to propose concrete solutions regarding the impact of this issue on affected constituencies.

Asks for a Home Office statement on Monday regarding asylum seekers moved into Crowborough barracks, seeking clarity and updates from relevant Ministers.

Advocates for mandatory CCTV in local nurseries with secure monitoring to prevent future abuse of children. She urges the Government to consider this measure to safeguard children's safety.

Highlights the impact of the cost of living crisis on his constituents, particularly noting increases in staple food prices like eggs, milk, butter, and chocolate. He requests a debate to discuss tangible solutions.

Supports Community Dental Services' roll-out of supervised toothbrushing programmes but notes that several schools are declining participation. She seeks Government time for a debate on improving uptake and efficacy of these programmes.

Concerned about the affordability of fish and chips, he requests guidance on how to address this issue in Parliament, highlighting its importance across various government departments.

The Member of Parliament who opened the debate raised concerns about the rising price of fish and chips, arguing that all those involved in providing this popular dish deserve fair compensation. He emphasised the importance of fishing as a dangerous profession.

Concerned about FIFA's deepening ties with the gambling industry, Dr Cooper urged the Government to review this matter urgently, citing severe gambling harms affecting at least 1.5 million adults in the UK.

Ramsay highlighted the recent national security assessment warning about biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse's threat to UK security and prosperity, questioning why the report was delayed from October. He requested a debate on the Government's preparedness for these risks.

Ryan addressed Burnley’s local bus fare increase affecting young people and families, demanding a Government-led debate to discuss lowering fares further and restoring local bus tickets.

Vickers raised concerns about the 3,500 homes planning application in North East Lincolnshire, questioning how developers will ensure that necessary infrastructure like schools are adequately staffed despite local input relaxation.

Lavery discussed Royal Mail's failure to meet its USO obligations, leading to late mail delivery causing distress in his constituency. He requested a Government debate on this issue.

Jones highlighted the 12-14 month waiting time for paediatric ENT treatment, expressing concern about long-term damage to his constituent’s hearing and urging a debate on addressing these waiting times.

Atkinson raised the national shortage of welders and other critical manufacturing skills, advocating for a debate on strengthening apprenticeships and supporting highly skilled British jobs.

Davies reported delays in civil service pension payments handled by Capita, urging the Government to facilitate a debate on resolving this issue affecting multiple constituencies.

Athwal brought up the case of Ahmad and his wife Israa in Gaza, where biometrics enrolment for spousal visa applications is impossible due to closed centres. He requested alternative arrangements to be considered by the Home Secretary.

Residents and developers in Portsmouth are facing repeated delays from the council planning department. Despite clear assurances from the council, the Tipner East development has stalled again, leading to an increase in houses in multiple occupation and damaging Portsmouth's reputation while holding back action on the housing crisis.

A tribute was paid to Councillor Manjula Sood MBE for her invaluable work, including 25 years as a Labour councillor and becoming the UK’s first female Asian Lord Mayor in 2008.

Unacceptable waits for audiology services in Doncaster, with some people waiting years for basic hearing tests and hearing aid support, impacting constituents who face long waits, repeat appointments and are left without working hearing aids.

Acknowledged the Leader of the House’s Burns night greetings and congratulated the Nuclear Industry Association for the success of the fifth Nuclear Week in Parliament. Called for a debate on the benefits that the nuclear industry brings to England and Wales in terms of jobs, economic growth and energy security.

Called for support from Conservative-run Bromley council to ensure Melvin Hall remains a community space after unjust rent hikes led to its closure. Supported by over 1,000 people in the community.

Asked for Government time to debate sovereign AI capability and how to change procurement policies to enable British firms to bid for important elements of Government mechanisms.

Concerned about PFI contracts coming to an end, impacting schools in his constituency with increased costs and potential bankruptcy issues for the company responsible. Requested a debate on PFI contracts' impact on public services.

Expressed worry about business rates impacting local pubs in Rochdale and Littleborough, requested assurance for an urgent Government package of support to ensure pub survival.

Asked the Foreign Secretary to set out what representations have been made regarding persecution and intimidation of Christians in Mexico.

Suggested consideration for successful social democratic policies from Denmark, particularly a change to pension context ensuring manual labour workers can take voluntary early retirement schemes.

Discussed the impact of Israel preventing international NGOs from operating in Palestine, leading to critical aid delays and suffering in Gaza. Called for a debate on UK's involvement through Civil-Military Co-ordination Centre.

Raised concerns about delays in pension payments by Capita, affecting retirees like Mrs Costello. Requested a statement or debate on the matter to address unacceptable delays.

Expressed worry over Felixstowe school's decision not to continue sixth-form provision, causing concern for students and parents. Asked for a meeting with the relevant Minister urgently.

Critiqued proposals by local authorities in Scotland to cut vital public services like Zetland Park maintenance and Grangemouth sports complex closure, highlighting their impact on residents. Pledged support for campaigns against the cuts.

Highlighted the importance of housing co-operatives such as Hawthorn Housing Co-operative in his constituency and requested a debate on supporting the co-operative housing sector.

Praised Pilgrim Hearts Trust for its 25 years of support to homeless people in Bracknell Forest. Asked for Government measures against rough sleeping and poverty.

Described the defacement of Ilkeston's No.1 tourist attraction, the NatWest hole, by a metal pole. Requested a debate on protected status for local heritage sites.

Described plans to enhance Dunfermline's potential as Scotland’s newest city and requested the Leader of the House visit and debate on the importance of towns and smaller cities.

Commemorated the achievements of Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity, providing lifesaving services to 5 million people. Requested a debate to secure future funding for such services.

Welcomed Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council's approval of AFC Bournemouth’s plans to expand Vitality stadium. Called for continued Government support for football.

I recently witnessed a proposal for the merger between two multi-academy trusts which received over 100 letters and more than 2,000 signatures in opposition within a week. This highlights the need to ensure that parents’ voices are at the centre of such decisions moving forward.

It is crucial that the views of parents and those impacted by trust mergers are considered. I commend my hon. Friend for bringing this matter to light today. When trusts consider voluntary transfers, they must engage openly with parents and the wider community. If further discussion is needed, I will facilitate a meeting between him and the relevant Minister.