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Business of the House 2026-01-08
08 January 2026
Lead MP
John Lamont
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
ImmigrationPolicing & ResourcesCrime & Law EnforcementNHSTaxationTransportForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 57
At a Glance
John Lamont raised concerns about business of the house 2026-01-08 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 dissatisfaction with the Government’s practice of making significant policy announcements when Parliament is not sitting. He cited several examples of U-turns on policies related to inheritance tax, welfare reform, national insurance, and more. John Lamont also criticised the Labour Party's handling of these issues and highlighted the impact of high taxes on pubs and hotels.
John Lamont
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Critiques the Government for making policy announcements outside Parliament, citing specific instances such as U-turns on inheritance tax, welfare reform, national insurance, and winter fuel payments. He also mentions local constituency concerns regarding pub closures due to high taxes.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent West
Requests an urgent intervention from the Leader of the House regarding a constituent's case where she is in prison and on a hunger strike, seeking a transfer to another prison closer to her home for visits by her disabled mother.
Bobby Dean
LD
Carshalton and Wallington
Responded briefly to the criticism of Arsenal's performance mentioned earlier, expressing hope that Arsenal do not win the league this year.
At my local hospital, St Helier, the situation is worse than the national average, with over 80%—the vast majority —of people remaining in the emergency department for longer than is deemed medically necessary. This is, of course, down to a multitude of reasons, including the inadequacy of social care, bed capacity in hospitals, which we know is worse in the UK than in comparable economies, and the condition of the estate.
Alan Campbell
Con
Dumfros and Galloway
We are committed to investing in the NHS not just for today but for the future, to improve waiting times and access to care. Spending will increase by £29 billion in real terms by 2028-29. We are committed to cutting waiting lists, which have fallen for the first time in years, and we are investing £450 million in our urgent and emergency care plan.
Jim McMahon
Lab/Co-op
Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
High street banks have left many towns high and dry, leaving whole communities and businesses without even basic banking facilities. The roll-out of banking hubs is welcome, but our ambition should be for every town to have a bank, including Chadderton and Royton, where postmasters at the post office are ready and willing to take on that challenge.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
At this time of year, sadly we often have to report on deaths, including those of Martin Chivers and Terry Yorath. Indeed, Kevin Keegan is facing a fight against stomach cancer. I am sure the whole House will wish their families a long life, and Kevin Keegan a swift recovery.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent East
In common with my neighbour, my hon. Friend the Member for Brent West (Barry Gardiner), I have a constituent who I would like to talk to the Leader of the House about. The Chair of the Backbench Business Committee mentioned today’s very worrying report about the Met police. In addition, the Met informed me last year that only half of its police are on the Met’s DNA database, when that should be 100%. Can that be included in the investigation?
Andrew Rosindell
Con
Romford
I would like the Leader of the House to know that I am very concerned to hear that several police and community support officers, who are currently under transport policing command in the Metropolitan police, are being forcefully redeployed to a private contractor within Transport for London. That has caused a tremendous amount of upset for those concerned, including one of my constituents whose only other option is to resign.
Andy MacNae
Lab
Rossendale and Darwen
Despite much-needed investment, including from the Pride in Place programme, Rossendale remains the only borough in the north with no commuter rail link. The fragmented nature of Lancashire politics has held that back for years, but the local government reorganisation that this Government are delivering now finally gives us the chance to give this project a fresh start.
Jess Asato
Lab
Lowestoft
Called for a debate on coastal flooding, citing potential devastation from major flooding events and the lack of formal tidal flood defences in Lowestoft.
South Cambridgeshire
Raised concerns about transnational repression targeting political dissidents in the UK, specifically mentioning an attack on a constituent. Requested further measures to protect such individuals and suggested a debate on this issue.
Emma Foody
Lab/Co-op
Cramlington and Killingworth
Highlighted the importance of involving young people in politics, referencing meetings with school children who had raised various issues. Suggested that ensuring young people's voices are heard is crucial.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Questioned the Labour Party’s commitment to increasing police numbers, citing a funding gap and fewer officers in her constituency under a Labour-led PCC. Challenged how this delivers Labour's promise of more police on the streets.
Meg Hillier
Lab/Co-op
Hackney South and Shoreditch
Expressed concerns about bus services, particularly focusing on the proposed curtailment of the No. 38 bus route in London to Holborn instead of extending it to Victoria and theatreland.
Sarah Pochin
Reform
Runcorn and Helsby
Asked for consideration of her Bill addressing national security risks posed by individuals convicted abroad, or a statement on the threat and potential actions regarding such individuals.
Nick Smith
Lab
Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
Inquired about the fuel finder scheme to address high petrol prices in his constituency. Requested information from Ministers on when this scheme would be launched.
Andrew Snowden
Con
Fylde
Questioned why Fylde was not included in the Pride in Place scheme and sought a statement on attracting investment for areas left out of the scheme to improve their towns and villages.
Jeevun Sandher
Lab
Loughborough
Asked for assurances that the Government would do everything possible to help rebuild Gaza following violence, ensuring aid gets through despite ongoing ceasefire issues.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Called for a debate on the powers of agencies like Natural England, which can overrule local authorities, highlighting an issue with road maintenance in East Halton due to badgers.
Sarah Edwards
Lab
Tamworth
Asked for time to debate rural healthcare services and GP access, citing a proposal to reduce services at Westgate surgery from five days to three days per week.
Clive Jones
LD
Wokingham
Called for a debate on cancer care variation, emphasising the scarcity of clinical nurse specialists according to a Breast Cancer Now survey.
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
Sought time to discuss issues with managing agents in the leasehold sector and proposed malpractice by companies like FirstPort.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Requested a debate on spending allocated money for community asset maintenance, citing unspent funds for Hawarth village hall repairs from 2021.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Reported a reduction in knife attacks by 23% and sought progress updates on the coalition to tackle knife crime and the Labour manifesto's knife crime action plan.
Tom Gordon
LD
Harrogate and Knaresborough
Asked for support and promotion of martial arts, particularly taekwondo, in local communities after recognising honours awarded to martial artists.
Paul Waugh
Lab/Co-op
Rochdale
Congratulated Maria Brierley and the community on raising over £6,000 for charity through a Christmas lights display in Wrenbury Drive.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Asked for action to raise human rights violations, including religious persecution in Nicaragua, with the Nicaraguan authorities at Foreign Office oral questions.
Mark Sewards
Lab
Leeds South West and Morley
Requested a debate on clarifying new indefinite leave to remain rules for families of highly skilled immigrants who fear disqualification from eligibility.
Nicola Richards
Lab
Dudley North
Disappointed by the scrapping of part of the 215 bus service serving Sledmere but is delighted that it has been reinstated after lobbying. Requests for a debate on the importance of protecting bus routes where other forms of transport are not available.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Bournemouth East
Critiques Evri's customer service during Christmas, highlighting poor treatment by chatbots and lack of response from the CEO. Asks for meaningful redress for his constituents facing such issues.
Phil Brickell
Lab
Bolton West
Describes solicitor Andrew Milne's bullying behavior towards leaseholders in Bolton West, demanding action by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and requesting a debate on this issue.
Rachel Blake
Lab/Co-op
Cities of London and Westminster
Highlights community meetings where residents report issues with open drug dealing and aggressive harassment. Requests support for additional investment in neighbourhood policing to ensure the safety of Victoria, London.
Jas Athwal
Lab
Ilford South
Raises concerns about avoidable deaths due to delayed medical treatment for people with learning disabilities, requesting an urgent statement on measures taken by the Government to address these issues.
Glasgow West
Welcomes the announcement of £140 million in local growth funding for Scotland and praises the record Budget settlement provided by the Scottish Government, highlighting its importance for improving living standards across Scotland.
Baggy Shanker
Lab/Co-op
Derby South
Critiques rip-off private operators imposing unfair parking fines on drivers in Derby and welcomes the government's consultation on fairer parking rules, urging a timely response to end such practices.
Luke Myer
Lab
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
Reports serious fires in his constituency and raises concerns with fire brigade funding formula, requesting the Government look into this matter to ensure proper resources are allocated.
David Williams
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent North
Acknowledges efforts by the Government to protect retail workers but highlights ongoing issues such as shoplifting and calls for further measures, including ending immunity granted to those who shoplift goods worth less than £200.
Derby North
Honours the commitment of a 100-year-old volunteer named Ernie at Derby athletic club and requests recognition for grassroots sport volunteers, celebrating their contribution to local communities.
Perran Moon
Lab
Camborne and Redruth
Discusses historical underfunding of education in remote coastal areas like Cornwall and requests a meeting with the Secretary of State for Education to discuss funding models suitable for such regions.
Anna Gelderd
Lab
South East Cornwall
Offers greetings and a happy new year but does not provide specific contributions or positions in the given text.
Unspecified MP
Lab
The opening statement was not explicitly attributed to a single lead MP. The debate covers the impact of Tamar bridge and Torpoint ferry tolls on local residents, the importance of community groups like Alloa Athletic football memories group for people with dementia, concerns about proposed tip closures in Glossop affecting waste disposal and increasing fly-tipping risks, anti-Sikh hate incidents near Guru Nanak gurdwara, support for flood prevention measures against Reform-led council restrictions, recognition of Burton addiction centre's recovery work, homelessness issues in Blackpool and the need for long-term solutions, difficulties with wheelchair provision through AJM, lack of accessibility at Mill Hill Broadway station affecting mobility-impaired individuals, youth provisions in growing market towns like Wymondham, and tributes to Colin Brookes for his contributions to Halesowen Town FC.
Sandra Gidley
Lab
Filton and Bradley Stoke
She raised concerns about the impact of tolls on local residents and businesses of the Tamar bridge and Torpoint ferry, emphasising the need for a Westminster Hall debate to highlight these issues.
Brian Leishman
Lab
Alloa and Grangemouth
He invited the Leader of the House to recognise the Alloa Athletic football memories group, which supports people living with dementia through camaraderie and community spirit.
Jon Pearce
Lab
High Peak
Pearce raised concerns about Derbyshire county council's proposed closure of local tip facilities in Glossop, noting the increased risks of fly-tipping and litter if residents are forced to travel long distances for waste disposal.
Sarah Coombes
Lab
West Bromwich
Coombes highlighted an anti-Sikh hate incident near Guru Nanak gurdwara in West Brom, urging a debate on protecting places of worship and celebrating Sikh contributions to society.
Michelle Welsh
Lab
Sherwood Forest
Welsh raised concerns about local flood prevention efforts being hindered by Reform-led Nottinghamshire county council due to liability issues, seeking support for local flood groups protecting homes from flooding risks.
Jacob Collier
Lab
Burton and Uttoxeter
Collier congratulated the Burton addiction centre on its recovery work and asked the Leader of the House to recognise the importance of residential rehab services for addiction treatment.
Chris Webb
Lab
Blackpool South
Webb paid tribute to local council teams and charities supporting homeless individuals in Blackpool, seeking Government commitment to long-term solutions addressing homelessness.
Dave Robertson
Lab
Lichfield
Robertson highlighted difficulties his constituent Lisa faced accessing wheelchair services through AJM contracted by the NHS, urging a written statement on new wheelchair quality framework standards.
Hendon
Pinto-Duschinsky called for step-free access at Mill Hill Broadway station to improve accessibility for mobility-impaired individuals, requesting Government time for a debate on the issue.
Ben Goldsborough
Lab
South Norfolk
Goldsborough sought discussion on youth provisions in growing market towns like Wymondham, including access to affordable leisure and youth clubs, to ensure support keeps pace with town growth.
Alex Ballinger
Lab
Halesowen
Ballinger paid tribute to Colin Brookes for his dedication to Halesowen Town FC over 25 years, celebrating the impact of non-league clubs on local communities.
Richard Baker
Lab
Glenrothes and Mid Fife
Requests the Leader of the House to allocate time for a debate on tackling child poverty, highlighting the work of Multibank charity. Mentions the OBE awarded to Bob Garmory for his contributions.
Josh Newbury
Lab
Cannock Chase
Critiques Reform UK's plans to cut £1 million from concessionary travel in their first budget, arguing that this affects vulnerable people who rely on such services. Requests a debate on the importance of concessionary travel.
Darren Paffey
Lab
Southampton Itchen
Highlights accessibility issues at Woolston station for disabled passengers, suggesting a need for further debate to improve rail access across Britain as Great British Railways is rolled out.
Torcuil Crichton
Lab
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Discusses the impact of journalist strikes on Scottish news programming, expressing concern over proposed cuts to northern edition coverage and loss of editorial jobs. Argues for protecting local journalism.
Government Response
ImmigrationPolicing & ResourcesCrime & Law EnforcementNHSTaxationTransportForeign Affairs
Government Response
Welcomed the new year and acknowledged the passing of Sir Patrick Duffy. He expressed disappointment at the absence of the shadow Leader of the House and highlighted several Government initiatives including road safety, free breakfast clubs, neighbourhood police officers, community diagnostic centres, and rights for renters and workers. The minister also addressed concerns about policy announcements and welcomed the farming community's reaction to recent changes. Provided responses and commitments on various topics including coastal flooding investment, transnational repression cases, youth engagement in politics, police funding under Labour's leadership, bus services concerns, national security risks, fuel finder scheme progress, areas left out of the Pride in Place scheme, and aid for Gaza reconstruction. Responded to various concerns raised by MPs, including providing figures and assurances regarding Gaza reconstruction aid (£116 million), the government's commitment to addressing challenges faced by rural areas and increasing GP capacity, tackling variation in cancer care through the NHS plan, protecting leaseholders from poor service managing agents, ensuring allocated funds for community assets are spent appropriately, acknowledging progress on knife crime reduction and plans for further measures, recognising local sport contributions and aspirations for further support, thanking MPs for Christmas charity events, expressing concern over Nicaragua's human rights violations, and addressing changes to indefinite leave to remain rules. Commends constituents for their efforts to highlight issues such as bus services, parcel delivery quality, solicitor misconduct, community safety, healthcare for people with learning disabilities, local growth funding for Scotland, private parking rules, fire brigade funding, retail security, grassroots sport volunteers, and education funding in remote coastal areas. Supports the need for debates on these issues and commits to facilitating meetings or providing updates from relevant Ministers. The Minister responded to various issues raised by MPs, emphasising the Government’s commitment to addressing concerns such as anti-Sikh hate incidents, youth provisions, flood prevention measures, and wheelchair provision difficulties. He also highlighted investments in community safety and infrastructure accessibility. Acknowledges the importance of concessionary travel, supports local journalism's distinct voice, and commits to addressing child poverty when relevant legislation is debated in the House. Also mentions £280 million allocated for Access for All projects over four years.
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