← Back to House of Commons Debates
Easter Adjournment 2025-04-08
08 April 2025
Lead MP
Bob Blackman
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Other Contributors: 31
At a Glance
Bob Blackman raised concerns about easter adjournment 2025-04-08 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
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 first quarter of this year has been busy, with debates in Parliament and constituency activities. The Backbench Business Committee chairmanship was recently taken up, leading to a long waiting list for debates. Lifts in London tube stations are needed, especially at Stanmore station, which is officially step-free but practically inaccessible due to steep stairs and a car park without pavement. The situation in the Middle East is concerning with terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel, resulting in a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Support for Israel's right to defend itself against security threats while urging for a ceasefire and aid provision is expressed.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Supports the two-state solution but believes peace can only be achieved if Hamas is not part of it. Criticises Hamas' actions, which include firing rockets into Israel despite civilians in Gaza being in desperate need of a ceasefire.
Alan Strickland
Lab
Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor
Praised Spennymoor Town football club's victory against Rochdale, celebrating their FA Trophy final. Highlighted Coxhoe village hall’s community pantry and fitness classes for local families. Recognised Friends of the Stockton and Darlington Railway for promoting the bicentenary of the world’s first public passenger railway.
Rebecca Paul
Con
Reigate
Discussed neighbourhood policing in Redhill, focusing on the Safer Redhill initiative which includes drug operations at train stations and seizures of drugs. Praised East Surrey YMCA for supporting young people at risk of offending or becoming NEET. Addressed pavement parking issues and called for clearer enforcement guidelines.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent East
Critiqued the Gambling Act 2005 as unfit for purpose, citing issues with permitting licences and increased gambling establishments in her constituency. Called for reform of the act including categorisation of gambling premises and consideration of household debt in planning.
Kaan Oighton
Lab
Brent East
The MP for Brent East argued against the proliferation of gambling establishments in his constituency, noting that there are more gambling venues than supermarkets and schools. He expressed hope that devolution would give local authorities the power to limit such establishments.
Vikki Slade
LD
Mid Dorset and North Poole
Ms Vikki Slade highlighted the issue of wildfires in Dorset, emphasising their frequency and intensity due to climate change and human activity. She called for better funding for fire services and proposed a ban on disposable barbecues.
Navendu Mishra
Lab
Stockport
Mr Navendu Mishra discussed the closure of bank branches by NatWest, underfunding in Stockport’s school system, job losses due to Sky's decision to close contact centres, and the need for improved flood defences.
Honiton and Sidmouth
Mr Richard Foord addressed South West Water’s poor performance in sewage management and excessive billing practices. He cited specific examples of constituents struggling with increased water bills and criticised the company's lack of investment.
Julie Minns
Lab
Carlisle
Ms Julie Minns mentioned a global movement known as 'yarn bombing' but did not provide substantial details or arguments within her contribution.
Llinos Medi
PC
Ynys Môn
Wylfa nuclear site development in north Wales is critical for clean energy, job creation, and economic growth. Despite previous promises, the site has been sidelined by government policy changes. The Government must reinstate Wylfa as a preferred site to support developers and ensure long-term employment.
Josh Newbury
Lab
Cannock Chase
The British Coal staff superannuation scheme needs its investment reserve returned to boost members' pensions, especially given the scheme's substantial surplus. Transferring the final £2.3 billion payment would provide justice for coal industry contributors and address gender inequality.
South Devon
Residents face challenges in accessing NHS dentistry, with long wait times and unaffordable private options. There are not enough NHS dentists in Devon to meet demand, despite Labour's manifesto promise to tackle the crisis.
Title Not Provided
Devon
Discussed the Government's promise to roll out extra urgent dental appointments, highlighting the challenges faced by NHS Devon. Raised concerns over routine dental care being impacted due to higher rates for urgent care. Emphasised the need for a system change to make NHS work more attractive.
Lee Pitcher
Lab
Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme
Focused on community sports clubs, heritage, and local volunteer efforts in Doncaster Sheffield. Acknowledged local councillors' achievements in securing road safety measures and affordable services for residents.
Gideon Amos
LD
Taunton and Wellington
Addressed the crisis in NHS dentistry access in Taunton and Wellington, citing a survey showing over half of respondents unable to see an NHS dentist. Urged the Government for urgent reform and action to bring dentists back into the NHS.
Alex Mayer
Lab
Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard
Discussed issues related to cage-free versus battery-caged hens in egg production, welcoming a £22 million fund for higher welfare standards but expressing concerns about low-welfare imports undercutting UK farmers.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Moore thanked several organisations in his constituency, including Joze school of dance, Silsden Association Football Club, Keighley Albion rugby league team, and the Ilkley business awards committee. He emphasised the importance of grassroots sporting organisations and their impact on young people's confidence and skills.
John Lamont
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Lamont agreed with Moore about the importance of volunteers in community groups and highlighted how these organisations teach life-long skills to young people.
Jon Pearce
Lab
High Peak
Pearce criticised Derbyshire county council for failing its residents, mentioning issues like potholes, special educational needs funding cuts, and care home closures. He supported Labour’s plan for local government reform to streamline structures and cut costs while improving delivery of services.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Vickers appealed to the Government about the future of the steelworks at Scunthorpe, warning that shutting down furnaces could lead to job losses and negative impacts on local communities.
Adam Thompson
Lab
Erewash
Shared a personal story about the loss of a friend and the importance of friendship among young men, advocating for a supportive culture that encourages openness and mutual support. Highlighted the challenges faced by young people today due to toxic online cultures.
Graeme Downie
Lab
Dunfermline and Dollar
Stressed the importance of investing in youth skills amid global security threats, advocated for better collaboration between educational institutions and businesses. Criticised Scotland's skills agenda as failing young people.
Amanda Martin
Lab
Portsmouth North
Expressed gratitude for constituents' warm reception and the importance of visibility and engagement in representing them effectively. Mentioned assistance provided to over 2,000 people since July.
Rebecca Paul
Con
Reigate
Highlighted local issues such as antisocial behaviour, praised Surrey police for their support.
Zöe Franklin
LD
Guildford
Discussed the impact of infrastructure works on RHS Wisley and Ockham Bites. Called for legislative changes to provide compensation beyond property value losses during multi-year projects.
Gen Kitchen
Lab
Wellingborough and Rushden
The hon. Member for Wellingborough and Rushden thanked the Backbench Business Committee and paid tribute to Sir David Amess, acknowledging various contributions from Members of Parliament regarding their local communities' issues such as antisocial behaviour, gambling effects on families, fire service challenges, cash access restrictions, water infrastructure, nuclear power, mineworkers’ pensions, dental care deserts, community sports clubs, hen welfare, independent businesses, local government restructuring, steel industry support, growing the skills agenda, water legislation, and more. He also referenced his own constituency's issues.
Lee Pitcher
Lab
Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme
The hon. Member for Doncaster East spoke about community sports clubs and local heroes in his constituency, highlighting the importance of recognising those whose work often goes unacknowledged.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
The hon. Member for Keighley and Ilkley emphasised the significance of local dance schools in his constituency, noting that access to these is not limited to those aspiring to join the Royal Ballet but also helps with physical development and social skills.
Jon Pearce
Con
High Peak
The hon. Member for High Peak advocated for smaller, more localised unitary authorities over county-wide super councils, urging flexibility from the Government below their 500,000 threshold where appropriate.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
The hon. Member for Brigg and Immingham discussed the social and economic impact on an area when it loses its core industry, specifically mentioning Scunthorpe's steel industry and urging flexibility from the Government regarding net zero targets to support affected workers.
Bob Blackman
Con
Ealing North
Expressed gratitude to House staff and congratulated the Whips. Wished everyone a happy Easter.
Shadow Response
None
Shadow Response
Responded to multiple Members' contributions, highlighting local issues such as Safer Redhill initiative, impact of gambling establishments on town centres, public duty in sampling local beer.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.