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Business of the House 2026-01-15
15 January 2026
Lead MP
Jesse Norman
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EconomyTaxationEmployment
Other Contributors: 48
At a Glance
Jesse Norman raised concerns about business of the house 2026-01-15 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 MP expressed concern over the lack of full costing in the strategic defence review, resulting in delays to the Defence Investment Plan. He highlighted issues faced by local businesses such as the Bay Horse Inn due to rising business rates, energy costs, national living wage increases, and higher national insurance contributions. The MP called for a debate addressing these challenges across different government policies.
Alan Campbell
Con
The Leader of the House acknowledged concerns about Iran and pledged to ensure security briefings for opposition members regarding defence matters. He also addressed hospitality issues, noting that the Government provided £4.3 billion in support over three years and implemented measures like easing licensing laws, maintaining alcohol duty cuts, and capping corporation tax to assist pubs.
Meg Hillier
Lab/Co-op
Hackney South and Shoreditch
The MP congratulated Hackney council for its work in improving hospital productivity and facilitating the provision of new general practices, aiming to ensure people receive better primary care to reduce hospital admissions.
Bobby Dean
LD
Carshalton and Wallington
The Liberal Democrat spokesperson clarified rumours about joining another party. He discussed the positive narrative around immigration in the UK, emphasising respect for those who have built their lives here while following rules.
Will Barkham
Lab
Highlighted the negative impact of Home Office policies on visa holders, criticised the long waiting times and poor service standards. Called for a review of these practices and urged more respect from the government.
Alan Campbell
Con
Harrow East
Defended the government's approach to immigration, acknowledged progress in reducing decision backlogs but noted pre-existing issues. Agreed to raise specific cases with relevant ministers. Acknowledged concerns over taxi licensing deregulation and pledged to consider further legislative options.
Louise Haigh
Lab
Sheffield Heeley
Critiqued the deregulation of taxi licensing laws, highlighted issues related to safeguarding, market competition, and service standards. Requested time in Parliament's second session for legislation on cross-border hiring.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Provided updates on upcoming business sessions and debates. Raised concerns about the situation in Bangladesh regarding free elections and protection of minorities, requesting a statement from the Foreign Secretary.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Gower
Expressed frustration with ongoing child maintenance issues and requested steps to prevent delaying tactics by high-income non-resident parents.
Mims Davies
Con
East Grinstead and Uckfield
Described water supply shortages in Sussex and Kent, demanded accountability from South East Water. Requested Government time for discussions on compensation and performance challenges.
Jim McMahon
Lab/Co-op
Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Welcomed the possibility of a support package for pubs but urged for wider hospitality industry support.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Requested time for debate on religious persecution listed in the Open Doors report.
Shaun Davies
Lab
Telford
Reported long delays in Royal Mail delivery affecting residents, requested an urgent statement from the relevant Minister.
Clive Jones
LD
Wokingham
Asked for time allocation for debates on the upcoming national cancer plan to improve survival outcomes.
Clapham and Brixton Hill
Sickle cell anaemia is the UK’s fastest growing genetic condition, with nearly 300 babies born with it every year. She raised concerns about the sickle cell day unit at the Royal London hospital facing a questionable six-month trial closure which will put significant pressure on neighbouring services and place patients at serious risk.
John Lamont
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
The Scottish Borders are being inundated with new energy infrastructure projects due to the planning framework in Scotland which allows these projects despite local concerns. He requested a meeting between the UK Government Energy Minister, the Scottish Government and himself to provide protection for local communities and the environment.
Michael Payne
Lab
Gedling
There has been an unchecked rise in houses in multiple occupation in his constituency which is undermining community cohesion and affecting housing availability. He urged the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to reverse the last Conservative Government’s change to legislation allowing HMOs without any local planning process.
John Glen
Con
Salisbury
Duncan Grocock from Salisbury came to see him about South Western Railway trains being late, with passengers needing compensation for standing on three-carriage trains. He requested a statement from the Department for Transport colleagues on whether commuters can be compensated.
Knowsley
After 14 years of Conservative austerity, councils are left with deep cuts and rising demand. She urged the Government to fund councils based on their need but highlighted that Knowsley’s provisional local government settlement does not meet its pressures.
David Mundell
Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
He congratulated Lord Forsyth on his election as Lord Speaker. He highlighted the redevelopment of Chapelcross nuclear power station in his constituency which requires an extensive connection to the grid but NESO is conducting a review preventing these connections.
Glasgow West
A constituent lost job offers due to delays at DVLA while waiting for verification from his hospital consultant. She questioned whether a debate about DVLA delays was now appropriate and requested the Leader of the House to raise her case with Ministers.
Tom Gordon
LD
Harrogate and Knaresborough
He expressed concerns regarding rumours that the assisted dying Bill might not return before the King’s Speech. He urged the Government to ensure adequate time for the bill to pass, noting public support.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
She praised Luton Town football club for calling out racist online comments directed at its black players. She requested a statement on the progress of the Online Safety Act 2023 in addressing such issues.
Alan Campbell
Con
Ilchester
Defended local authorities' autonomy over parking decisions but acknowledged concerns. Stressed that if constituents are unhappy with their representatives, they can take action through democratic processes.
Gareth Snell
Lab/Co-op
Stoke-on-Trent Central
Asked for commitment to use British industry in the restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster. Emphasised the importance of supporting local manufacturing and craftsmanship.
Nick Timothy
Con
West Suffolk
Expressed opposition to the cancellation of county council elections, accused the government of attempting to blame others for their decision, requested a prompt statement from the government on this matter.
Liz Twist
Lab
Blaydon and Consett
Invited Members to participate in Brew Monday event with Samaritans. Requested debate on the importance of talking and listening to others for suicide prevention, highlighted government’s £3.6 million investment.
Ann Davies
PC
Caerfyrddin
Inquired about support for those affected by CES closure and requested a debate on ECO4's failure to deliver benefits for Welsh households. Asked the Leader of the House to facilitate a meeting with relevant Minister.
Amber Valley
Celebrated Amber Valley’s best pubs and welcomed government support but requested assurance on further measures to protect community hubs from rising valuations. Highlighted specific pubs in Amber Valley.
James Wild
Con
North West Norfolk
Requested a debate on the Government's road safety strategy, focusing on increasing penalties for dangerous driving and protecting horse riders. Cited 1,600 deaths last year as an argument for stronger measures.
West Dunbartonshire
Inquired about the Secretary of State's update on the decision regarding WASPI women and their pension age changes communication. Stressed the urgency for resolution affecting nearly 6,000 constituents.
Charlie Dewhirst
Con
Bridlington and The Wolds
Congratulated Driffield rugby club on its centenary and invited the Leader of the House to join a charity match at Twickenham. Emphasised the importance of local rugby clubs in engaging youth.
Mary Kelly Foy
Lab
City of Durham
Called for urgent government intervention on business rates for hospitality businesses struggling with survival, highlighting visits to various establishments in her constituency. Requested sector-wide support from the Treasury and Department for Business.
Sarah Dyke
Lib Dem
Glastonbury and Somerton
Expressed concerns about dairy farmers competing against cheaper imports without origin labelling, leading to a collapse in milk prices. Requested a meeting with a Minister to discuss supply chain fairness for both farmer and consumer confidence.
David Baines
Lab
St Helens North
Paying tribute to Sue and Dave Cook for their fostering services, encouraging people in St Helens North to consider becoming foster carers.
Andrew Rosindell
Con
Romford
Expressing concern over the potential scrapping of the older persons' freedom pass by London Councils and requesting Government time for his private Members’ Bill's Second Reading.
Rachel Blake
Lab/Co-op
Cities of London and Westminster
Raising concerns about building management companies using in-house insurance brokers, impacting service charges, and seeking parliamentary debate on the issue.
Ashley Fox
Con
Bridgwater
Describing issues faced by residents managed by FirstPort in Cossington, requesting an urgent statement on holding failing management companies accountable.
Sally Jameson
Lab/Co-op
Doncaster Central
Addressing the long wait times for basic hearing tests and hearing aid needs met in Doncaster's audiology services, and seeking a debate to raise awareness of this issue.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Concerned about reports of deterioration in security situation for religious minorities in Bangladesh ahead of the parliamentary elections, requesting steps taken by the Government to ensure civilians are protected.
Perran Moon
Lab
Camborne and Redruth
Discussing the need for lessons learned from Storm Goretti's impact on Cornwall, specifically addressing mobile connectivity issues and requesting a discussion with Department of Science Ministers about communications resilience.
Emma Foody
Lab/Co-op
Cramlington and Killingworth
Highlighting significant repair problems in Places for People properties and seeking a debate on social housing repairs and oversight.
Samantha Niblett
Lab
South Derbyshire
Concerned about retrospective planning permission granted underhand through unauthorised work, requesting a meeting with relevant Minister to discuss the matter.
Fiona Onasanya
Lab
Peterborough
Expressed concern about the lack of Government grants for wildfire events and suggested widening the farming recovery fund to cover such incidents. Raised the example of the Langdale moor wildfire which covered 10 square miles.
Paul Waugh
Lab/Co-op
Rochdale
Called on Biman Bangladesh Airlines to restore its direct flight from Manchester to Sylhet, highlighting the importance for families and businesses. Emphasised the high costs of alternative travel routes through London.
Derby North
Discussed the closure of a temporary bridge at Darley Abbey Mills due to riverbank deterioration, impacting local businesses and residents. Sought Government support for essential infrastructure when no legal liability is clear.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Bournemouth East
Highlighted issues with the Department for Work and Pensions concerning arrears in child support payments and delays in employment and support allowance applications. Stressed the need for clearer communication to assist constituents effectively.
Chris Bloore
Lab
Redditch
Critiqued Worcestershire county council’s failures in meeting statutory duties towards children with special educational needs and disabilities, suggesting a debate on the effectiveness of intervention powers available.
Jo Platt
Lab/Co-op
Leigh and Atherton
Celebrated Billy Higgins' work at Howe Bridge leisure centre, highlighting his contributions to young people’s confidence, resilience, and sense of belonging through karate sessions.
Government Response
Defended government's approach, acknowledged progress in reducing backlogs and pledged further legislative considerations. Addressed concerns over water supply shortages, taxi licensing deregulation, child maintenance delays, and Royal Mail delivery issues. Responded to various concerns, offering meetings with Ministers for energy infrastructure and rail compensation. He also highlighted the Government’s commitment to funding councils based on need and praised football clubs for fighting racism. Responded to each MP's concerns, providing reassurances and acknowledging issues such as foster carers funding support (£44 million), audit service issues, planning permission abuse, and communication resilience in Cornwall. Offered meetings with relevant Ministers where necessary. Responded to each MP's concerns with commitments to facilitate meetings with relevant Ministers, acknowledge the importance of local issues, and emphasise government initiatives such as a national resilience wildfire adviser. Suggested further opportunities for debate on SEND system reforms.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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