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Christmas Adjournment 2025-12-18
18 December 2025
Lead MP
Bob Blackman
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
TaxationHousingNorthern Ireland
Other Contributors: 39
At a Glance
Bob Blackman raised concerns about christmas adjournment 2025-12-18 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Conservative MP for Harrow East highlighted improvements in local governance, including increased spending on roads and highways, introduction of free parking, and efforts to combat fly-tipping. He also mentioned the delay in building a special educational needs and disabilities school promised by the previous Labour Government and criticised the Mayor of London for breaking promises regarding police front counters. Additionally, he discussed ongoing issues related to step-free access at train stations, homelessness, and Home Office case processing delays.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
The Conservative MP for Harrow East highlighted improvements in local governance, including increased spending on roads and highways, introduction of free parking, and efforts to combat fly-tipping. He also mentioned the delay in building a special educational needs and disabilities school promised by the previous Labour Government and criticised the Mayor of London for breaking promises regarding police front counters. Additionally, he discussed ongoing issues related to step-free access at train stations, homelessness, and Home Office case processing delays.
Steve McCabe
Lab
Newport East
Newport has a rich heritage including Roman and industrial elements alongside its Chartist history. Current developments include major investments in semiconductor clusters, tech jobs creation, battery storage projects, cyber-security expertise, and artificial intelligence growth zones. These efforts are supported by strong local governance from Newport council and the wider UK Labour Government.
Mark Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
Riverside medical centre in Rayleigh will soon receive a GP annexe, converting a Barratt Homes sales office to accommodate more doctors. This is in response to increased demand due to new housing estates. In contrast, the Co-op supermarket site closure remains unresolved despite multiple failed attempts at redevelopment with major retailers.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent West
National Parks and landscapes are losing potential funding through biodiversity net gain exemptions for smaller sites, which undermines their ability to attract private finance. The Clean Air Act 1956 anniversary should prompt renewed action against air pollution, given the thousands of annual deaths it causes. Additionally, there is a need to end feudal leasehold practices that exploit tenants.
Josh Babarinde
Liberal Democrats
Eastbourne
Homelessness in Eastbourne has increased dramatically, particularly outside the train station. A taskforce aims to address this issue, but requires Government funding for support services and transitional housing projects like those run by Kingdom Way Trust. Also highlighted was Southern Water's poor management leading to water pollution issues around Eastbourne.
Ian Caws
Con
Bishop Auckland
Celebrates three fantastic community organisations: Chance Drama in Ferryhill, St Paul’s centre in Spennymoor, and Lifeline Community Action in Newton Aycliffe. He highlights the positive impact these organisations have on young people's skills, confidence, and experiences. Emphasises the need for support for local community centres and their volunteers.
Andrew Rosindell
Con
Romford
Brings greetings from constituents in Romford and highlights issues such as traffic congestion at Gallows Corner roundabout, reduction of police counter hours, HMOs boom, poor housing conditions on the Oldchurch estate, and building safety concerns with cladding. Requests action to address these issues.
Noah Law
Lab
St Austell and Newquay
Discusses the ongoing war in Ukraine, highlighting Russia's hybrid warfare tactics and the importance of a rules-based order. Acknowledges Labour Government actions such as compelling Abramovich to pay up and new probe into foreign interference. Emphasises the critical nature of supporting Ukraine.
Bath
Celebrates community organisations in Bath, including VOICES for domestic abuse services, local cultural events, independent shops, and workers during festive periods. Highlights challenges faced by businesses due to rising costs and limited Government support.
Jon Trickett
Lab
Normanton and Hemsworth
Expresses concern about the future of young people in 23 former mining villages in Yorkshire, highlighting the lack of public transport, services cuts, and absence of youth services. Hopes that Government will build on Budget announcements to support young people.
A hunger striker, Heba Muraisi, is on day 46 of a strike. The MP expresses concern about the varying reports regarding her medical treatment and requests that she receives the necessary healthcare.
The museum in Wakefield celebrates Yorkshire's mining heritage, with 100,000 miners dying underground in the last century. A strike has been ongoing for almost 90 days, and the MP supports the striking workers while criticising the board of directors for failing to resolve the dispute.
Reflected on the Christmas story emphasising faith, hope, and divine intervention. Emphasised that regardless of one's situation, God sees everyone and provides guidance and support.
Discussed key areas affecting Blackpool: pride in the town, job security, tourism business rates discount, a proposed arena for entertainment, dietary health, crime reduction through sports, and community projects.
Addressed the need to replace footbridges damaged in floods, supported a potential munitions factory and green energy hub. Mentioned community projects such as the Bank of Scotland's branch sale to Peebles Community Trust.
Celebrated diverse cultural events in her constituency, including St Patrick’s Day, Eid, Desi Fest, TurkFest, Windrush Day, religious festivals, and Diwali celebrations.
Iain Stewart
Con
Milton Keynes South
Expressed appreciation for community events in Luton and south Bedfordshire, highlighting the importance of unity against racism and hate. Mentioned local celebrations and historical significance of next year's 150th anniversary of Luton as a borough.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Discussed conditions of remand prisoners undergoing hunger strikes, emphasising the need for medical support and fair treatment under British judicial principles. Raised concerns over delays in medical assistance and communication with families.
Adnan Hussain
Ind
Blackburn
Supported Jeremy Corbyn's statement on remand prisoners' conditions, highlighting the severity of their situation and the need for fair treatment under presumption of innocence.
Alex Mayer
Lab
Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard
Highlighted issues such as lack of post boxes in rural areas, praised local Christmas tree growers, and emphasised community volunteerism and youth involvement. Mentioned the success of a youth scheme at the Leighton Buzzard Railway.
Expressed support for Christmas trees and their positive impact on wildlife and carbon dioxide absorption.
North Norfolk
Discussed local protests against the demolition of a historic bus shelter in Sheringham, highlighting the council's failure to engage in constructive dialogue. Praised residents for standing up against unfair practices and national media attention.
Adam Jogee
Lab
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Wished Christmas greetings, acknowledging the difficulties many face during the holiday season, including those mourning or working in emergency services. Highlighted improvements since the closure of Walleys Quarry but noted ongoing work needed.
Not Specified
Welcomed action on the British Coal staff superannuation scheme in the Budget. Called for Staffordshire county council to improve road safety, fix potholes and address issues with special educational needs provision.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Celebrated £80 million of levelling-up projects in Keighley. Highlighted the need for Bradford council to speed up project delivery, particularly mentioning problems with valuations by the Valuation Office Agency.
Josh Newbury
Lab
Cannock Chase
Acknowledged Baroness Batters’ profitability review which is expected to bring positive changes for farmers in 2026. Paid tribute to Danny Emmott, a young farmer who tragically took his own life.
Shockat Adam
Ind
Leicester South
Emphasised the importance of community cohesion against rising division and hate speech. Mentioned initiatives such as “Cake Not Hate” by Joshua Harris, Ruth Sinhal’s Leicester Schools Linking Project, and Salma Ravat’s One Roof Leicester.
Amanda Martin
Lab
Portsmouth North
Highlighted achievements in Portsmouth North including saving the Cosham post office, securing average-speed cameras on Portsdown hill, removing abandoned taxis from Tangier Road, and action on houses in multiple occupation. Mentioned the securing of £20 million for the city's development.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Discussed the importance of religious faith in society and criticised far-right activists who claim to be protectors of Christianity. Suggested that the Church should focus more on spreading the Gospel.
Luke Myer
Lab
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
Emphasised the spirit of community support in Brotton after a devastating fire, highlighting local efforts to help affected families. Discussed the importance of community solidarity during challenging times.
John McDonnell
Lab
Hayes and Harlington
Called for discussions with hunger strikers' representatives and urged Great Ormond Street hospital governing board to resolve disputes. Also addressed issues faced by security guards at the House who are on industrial action.
Dave Robertson
Lab
Lichfield
Criticised Royal Mail for failing to meet delivery targets, leading to missed appointments and bills. Highlighted post office workers' dedication despite systemic issues.
Chelmsford
Celebrated the work of voluntary organisations in her constituency, including the Chelmsford Litter Wombles, Open Road drug and alcohol support service, and the Independence Project. Pledged to champion volunteer efforts.
John Lamont
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Wished a happy Christmas and prosperous new year. Noted that Scotland’s Borders have not yet been mentioned in the debate.
Underlined the great work that the Conservatives are doing on Harrow council and highlighted the failures of the Labour Mayor of London.
Member for Newport East
Labour Party
Discussed important work going on in her constituency without providing specific details, highlighting her advocacy role.
Emphasised the importance of Christmas and its central message. Mentioned concerns about hunger strikes involving prisoners in Northern Ireland.
Stressed the importance of Christmas, focusing on the birth of Christ and its significance. Highlighted local community engagement efforts.
Discussed an energetic campaign for his communities and important investment secured under the last Conservative Government.
Government Response
Closed the debate, thanked all Members who contributed. Noted the legacy of Sir David Amess and Jo Cox. Highlighted the importance of volunteer work and community organisations. Discussed ongoing issues like prisoner welfare and hunger strikes in Northern Ireland.
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Assessment & feedback
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