Supports the Government’s work to support elite athletes, noting that inspirational Olympians motivate new generations to participate in sports.

Acknowledges the growth of para sport as an opportunity for increased accessibility and inclusivity. Emphasises the importance of a lasting legacy ensuring disabled people have access to physical activity.

Expresses concern over childhood obesity in Derbyshire, stressing the need for elite sport benefits to reach schools across the country.

The Conservative party congratulates the athletes who participated in the Paris Olympics and Paralympics. It acknowledges the contributions of national lottery funding, the legacy of the London 2012 Olympics, investment in grassroots sport facilities, improvements in women's participation in sports, and the importance of community support for sports venues.

Challenged the Conservative government's legacy by highlighting that physical education hours decreased by 45,000 under their tenure. He pointed out a significant gap emerged between state and independent schools in team sports participation during the same period.

Paid tribute to Paralympians and Olympians after the summer’s success, highlighted local sports achievements in Reading, called for the owner of Reading football club to speed up the sale of the club which is a significant issue affecting the community.

Sport can boost the economy, close equality gaps, and help reduce crime and reoffending. Local authorities have struggled to maintain facilities due to defunding, leading to clubs crowdfunding for repairs. The 'feed Cheltenham' leisure card gives free access to those in need through partnerships with food banks and charities. Free-to-air coverage of sports should be extended to inspire young people.

Supports the idea that more playing fields are needed for grassroots sport in Twickenham, highlighting the need for a change in planning laws to allow communities to bid successfully for derelict sites like Udney Park.

Discussed the importance of community ownership for local sports clubs and other community assets. Emphasised the need to support local businesses, industries like Novelis and DriveWorks, and grassroots rugby league in Warrington South. Called for a system that allows communities to take control of essential assets such as sports clubs, community centres, pubs, music venues, libraries, ensuring people have a say in their governance.

Expressed wishes for the MP's husband to have a happy birthday, noting it might improve her standing with him. Called the previous Sports Minister but did not provide further details in this extract.

Welcomed the hon. Member for Warrington South to the House and congratulated her on a very eloquent, gracious and personal maiden speech. Emphasised the hard work involved in being Sports Minister and highlighted the role of championing disability sports, women’s sports and lower league sports around the country. Praised his predecessor's efforts during the pandemic in getting sport up and running again. Acknowledged the success of UK Olympians and Paralympians and thanked everyone involved for their contributions to the global reputation of British sports. Highlighted funding as a fundamental aspect of this success.

Expressed gratitude towards Emily Craig, a gold medallist from her constituency in Mark Cross, who recently had a tea party organised for her by Rotherfield. Implied that the Minister could win a medal if she visited her constituency.

Emphasises the importance of expanding access to tennis facilities across Britain through a £30 million investment programme by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, which aims to transform park courts and increase participation. Expresses disappointment at the concentration of professional tennis events in London and south-east England, urging for wider distribution of such events. Advocates for creating a lasting legacy from Andy Murray's career.

Congratulates the hon. Member for Warrington South on her sentiments about children who are beneath the radar; recounts a family memory of visiting the London Paralympics in 2012, which inspired her children's passion for sport; highlights Charles Bennett as Britain’s first track and field Olympic gold medallist from her constituency; discusses her journey to becoming an MP, including encouragement from Dame Annette Brooke; praises Michael Tomlinson for his legislative roles and love of cricket; emphasises the special character of communities in Mid Dorset and North Poole linked by their landscape and natural beauty; mentions initiatives like the restoration of Dorset’s heathlands and eco-tourism; celebrates local sporting achievements, including Wimborne Town football club's promotion and AFC Bournemouth's training facility; acknowledges volunteer coaches and charities helping children thrive despite challenges in education and social care systems; calls for proper funding from the Government to support these initiatives.

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. It is an honour to make my maiden speech today in a debate that recognises the contribution of sport to our national life, and to follow two such inspiring maiden speeches. For most people, when they hear the words “West Bromwich”, the next word they think of is “Albion.” Unfortunately, that did not prove true for the Boundary Commission, which put The Hawthorns in the next-door constituency. But that does not change the special place that West Bromwich Albion holds in the hearts of my constituents. Our historic club puts us on the map, is one of the 12 founding members of the football league and, until last Tuesday night, was top of the championship table—let’s not talk about what has happened since. In West Bromwich, we are rightly proud of our industrial history, and that legacy lives on today in the vibrant manufacturing businesses in the area, from the fourth-generation family steel press company, William King—which supplies one of our midlands greats, Jaguar Land Rover—to Robinson Brothers, a chemical company that manufactures the tasty aroma you can smell when you open a jar of coffee. After the war, Britain needed workers from across the empire to staff our factories, foundries and newly formed NHS. People from all over the world—India, Pakistan, the Caribbean and more—answered that call. They made their homes in West Bromwich, Oldbury, Tividale, Rowley and Great Barr. They put down roots, often against the odds. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to another parkrunner, my predecessor, Nicola Richards. Nicola worked really hard for the area—from her steadfast support for Albion fans and championing of an English football regulator, to arranging careers fairs for young people—and she was well respected for it. Sandwell is a great place to live and work, but we face real challenges. Deprivation and poverty are too high, with families working hard but not being able to make ends meet. Almost half of children in Sandwell are leaving school without the qualifications to get an apprenticeship or go to college or university, and of all the boroughs in the UK, ours is the one with the highest proportion of people with no qualifications at all.

I am honoured to give my maiden speech as the Member for North Cornwall, where I will continue fighting for transport infrastructure and well-paid jobs. I note that my area remains neglected with housing shortages and an overabundance of second homes, a situation echoed by previous MPs. My inbox is full of crises affecting our NHS, schools, fisheries, farmers, and the environment. Despite these challenges, there are inspiring community initiatives in North Cornwall. To address local issues effectively, I advocate for devolution to a Cornish legislative assembly and proper voting reform.

I adhere to the procedural correctness of cream first and jam second regarding Ben Maguire's maiden speech about North Cornwall.

Acknowledged the power of Cindy Ngamba's story, expressing awe and appreciation for her achievements.

Enjoyed hearing about local successes contributing to national achievements. Emphasised the importance of making sports accessible through free-to-air coverage. Highlighted concerns over inclusivity in women's football and diversity among elite athletes from various backgrounds. Paid tribute to David Weir, a six-time paralympic gold medallist, for his advocacy on behalf of Paralympic athletes. Advocated for greater support for disability sports, noting barriers faced by disabled individuals in accessing venues and participating in physical activity.

Honoured to make his maiden speech in a debate on sport following the success of UK Olympians and Paralympians. Highlighted local sporting achievements, including Paula Radcliffe's marathon world record and Poppy Maskill's five medals at the Paralympics. Paid tribute to predecessors who have represented parts of Mid Cheshire over many years, acknowledging their work in public service. Emphasised the rich history and economic significance of salt mining in the area, noting modern uses such as storing national archives and hydrogen production. Praised community events and local businesses that contribute to the vibrant culture of Northwich, Winsford, and Middlewich. Highlighted the innovative spirit of Mid Cheshire, with companies addressing industrial legacies and promoting environmental sustainability. Emphasised the compassionate and proud nature of local residents who volunteer and support their communities.

The hon. Member Jim Shannon praised the athletes who won medals in recent Olympics, emphasising their dedication and heart. He highlighted that despite Northern Ireland's population of only 1.8 million people, it achieved four gold medals among other distinctions this year. He also congratulated Rhys McClenaghan for his pommel horse gymnastics victory and Jack McMillan for being part of the gold medal-winning relay team. Shannon emphasised the importance of encouraging young athletes to strive for their dreams and mentioned Mary Peters' long-standing work in inspiring children. Additionally, he stressed the need for funding sports development and supporting athletes and their families.

I am proud to have the Belfry golf course in my constituency, which encourages young people into golf. I aim to ensure that sporting bodies work with organisations to push for more physical activity and opportunities at local and professional levels. Sport has immense potential to open doors for young people and break down barriers to opportunity; every child should be given a chance to find a sport they enjoy. The number of hours of PE taught in secondary schools has fallen by 13% since 2011, but investment is needed in local sports facilities, lighting for outdoor facilities, and renovation of old leisure centres. Sport can become more inclusive if we prioritise inclusivity.

I highlight the diversity of sport in Leigh and Atherton, including rugby league, football, cricket, boxing, and water polo. Our constituency boasts successful athletes like Tom Aspinall, Ella Toone, Paddy Hewitt, and Keely Hodgkinson who are supported by local clubs and schools. The steadfast support from community leaders and the passion of coaches create an environment where young athletes can thrive regardless of their background. We must ensure equal access to sports in schools and communities so that everyone has the opportunity to pursue their dreams.

I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Cheshire on his inspiring speech and commend those who have delivered their maiden speeches recently. It is an honour to be the newly elected MP for Mansfield, a constituency with a rich history of dedicated representatives like Sir Alan Meale, Don Concannon, and Bernard Taylor. My family's background includes my grandfather being locked out of Cwmtillery colliery after the 1926 strike, reflecting a commitment to labour rights. I am proud to represent Mansfield, which has evolved from coalmining to international businesses like Linney and Power Saving Solutions. Our football club, Mansfield Town, is based in the oldest ground in the Football League. I congratulate local Paralympians Charlotte Henshaw, Sam Hynd, and Ollie Hynd for their achievements. My priorities focus on ensuring every child has a life of opportunity, informed by my journey from a pit village to becoming a scientist and business leader.

I pay tribute to my predecessor and previous MPs, mentioning the achievements of my constituency in sport, healthcare, industry, culture, and community services. I highlight challenges such as the loss of maternity and paediatric services at Alexandra hospital and the need for adequate provision for children with special educational needs (SEND). I emphasise the importance of a national care service that provides cradle-to-grave healthcare and the responsibility to ensure equal opportunities for all in society.

I am honoured to make my maiden speech in the House of Commons, expressing gratitude towards my predecessor Barbara Keeley. I also acknowledge the support from my family and highlight the rich industrial heritage of my constituency, Worsley and Eccles, which includes historical sites like mills, canals, mining museums, and art installations by L.S. Lowry. The community is known for its generosity, as exemplified by volunteers in various projects such as food distribution, support groups, and grassroots sports initiatives. I am committed to representing my constituents' interests and supporting the new Labour Government's initiatives, including improvements for working people through affordable childcare, support for communities and high streets, and measures against antisocial behaviour.

Mr. Barron congratulates those who gave maiden speeches, pays tribute to his predecessor Tom Pursglove, and thanks Andy Sawford for advice. He speaks about the heritage of his constituency, including Raunds' 1905 strike and Corby's steel industry history. He discusses issues such as in-work poverty (40% of children living in poverty have at least one working parent) and advocates for work to be a route out of poverty rather than perpetuating it. Mr. Barron also mentions the importance of supporting local businesses, schools, and community events like highland games. He highlights his personal commitment to representing Corby's people and addresses specific issues such as restoring bus services and ensuring fair treatment for workers with terminal diagnoses.

I thank the Deputy Speaker for calling me to deliver my maiden speech. I congratulate other hon. Members who spoke passionately about their constituencies. I express gratitude towards my predecessors, especially Dr Lisa Cameron, Michael McCann, and Adam Ingram. My constituency is home to a thriving sporting sector including professional basketball teams and disability football clubs. East Kilbride's history as Scotland’s first post-war new town symbolizes progress for working families escaping overcrowded Glasgow. I honour the legacy of workers from Rolls-Royce who stood against injustice in Chile, and Strathaven's role in Scottish history is celebrated. My constituents seek basic public services, jobs, safe homes, and financial stability. Addressing civil disorder and hate online, particularly through my work as chair of the all-party parliamentary group against antisemitism, is a priority.

Danny Beales, the newly elected Labour MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, pays tribute to his constituents' perseverance in waiting over two years for a Labour representative. He acknowledges his predecessor Steve Tuckwell's work during his short tenure and notes the constituency’s rich heritage and diversity, including contributions from armed forces personnel and its innovative spirit with local businesses and educational institutions. Beales expresses commitment to championing service families, supporting small businesses, and enhancing green spaces while addressing challenges such as healthcare needs, homelessness, housing crises, and public services cuts. He emphasises the importance of hard work paying off for all residents in terms of housing and education quality.

It is an honour to speak today as the first ever Labour MP for Bournemouth East, one of two Labour MPs for Bournemouth and one of many first-time Labour MPs in coastal seats won for the first time, working with our first Labour Government for 14 years. I am delighted to follow such fantastic maiden speeches by so many hon. Friends and colleagues from all parties and parts of our country. Listening to the speeches, it is clear that we have an amazing country with so many brilliant places to live, visit and work. However, regrettably, lamentably and unhappily, I must disagree with some of the wonderful maiden speeches, because Bournemouth alone is truly the best place in our country. On the point of this debate, we have an outstanding variety of sports teams, including a premier league team, the Cherries. Moreover, we have Queen’s Park Ladies, who hit the headlines six months ago for winning a league dominated by boys’ teams without losing a single match. Many will rightly know and love Bournemouth for our sunshine, sandy beaches and sparkling sea, but what truly makes Bournemouth so special is our fantastic people. Working together, I am convinced that there is nothing Bournemouth cannot do and will not achieve. We are already the home of world-leading film, TV, music and video effects. If hon. Members are “Bridgerton” fans—why would they not be?—they will be able to see scenes made in Bournemouth by our video effects companies. The strength of our society is measured in its capacity to deal with shocks—we have seen plenty of those in recent years—but it is also measured in our ability to maintain our values. Caring equally for the health of all, regardless of income and background, is a fundamental expression of those values. When I was growing up in the late ’80s and early ’90s as a young carer to two disabled parents on low incomes, I learned that the first to suffer when our NHS is cut back are those with the greatest vulnerability and the smallest amount of money. Equally, I saw that the people who flourish when the NHS is reformed and sustainably funded, as it was by the last Labour Government, are people like my parents. In good times and bad for our health service, I have seen what our NHS meant to my parents and the security it gave them. Healthcare is a marker of who we are, and I will play my part in supporting my local community to receive the care they deserve. I feel blessed by my upbringing in Salford. I know that life is more than a zero-sum game in which what you gain, I lose. When teachers stayed late after the school day to give me the education I needed, they did not see my gain as their loss. I have served as a councillor for 10 years, and as a domestic abuse and mental health charity chief executive for five years, and I am here today because I believe that we must never lose hope and never lose sight of our ambition to make this country a fairer and more equal society. This is how we will make Bournemouth and Britain better and fairer. We all take our approach to service differently. My own approach is best summed up by a song that my late father loved. I will not try to sing it, but the lyrics are these: 'We can work it out / We can work it out'. In that spirit, I look forward to working together cross-party to shape the change that all of us will bring with this new Government and this new Parliament. Finally, I will work tirelessly every day to ensure that everyone in Bournemouth East gets the very best, because that is what they deserve; it is what our town deserves.

I pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth East (Tom Hayes) for that moving speech, and indeed to all Members who have made such amazing maiden speeches this afternoon. I particularly associate myself with the tribute paid by my hon. Friend the Member for East Kilbride and Strathaven (Joani Reid) to Tessa Jowell. Let me also offer my congratulations to Liam McGarry from Dartford on his fine achievement in taking fifth place in the 107 kg powerlifting at the Paralympics, and on showing us the greatest example of someone who strives to be the best he can in his discipline. I want to praise the national lottery for its continued investment in our Olympic and Paralympic athletes. We should not be starting from a point at which school sport, for 90% of our population, has been decimated over the past 14 years, and nearly a third of children and young people are now inactive. We should not be starting from a point at which children and young people from the least affluent families remain the least active and are falling further behind. There are so many reasons why becoming a more active nation is vital for our country’s future. We can reduce the burden on the NHS by cutting spending on preventable disease by £1 billion per year. More important, we can take up the challenge laid out by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care by shifting the focus from treating disease to preventing it. To make those transformative steps forward a reality, we need to protect public and national lottery funding for grassroots community sport, recreation and physical activity so that the sector can continue to focus efforts on driving up participation, supporting its volunteers and reducing inequalities. We need to incentivise growth in participation by simplifying and enhancing tax arrangements for sports clubs, gyms, pools and leisure centres. Let us build on the amazing legacy of our elite sports teams and the huge commitment of our grassroots sports infrastructure, such as Dartford football club, Dartford Valley community rugby club, Dartford cricket club and our great basketball clubs. Let us give our huge commitment to these grassroots sporting organisations to transform the UK into the fit, active and healthy country that we can and need to become.

We live in the greatest elite sporting nation. The Lionesses are Euros champions and our Olympians have brought us success through the ages. However, grassroots participation is not translating well enough into this success. Children and young adults from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are less physically active. We need to champion active lifestyles to reduce NHS spending on preventable diseases by £1 billion annually. Sport unites communities. I will work to ensure opportunities for physical activity and aim to make us the most active nation in the world.

Praises the success of Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes, highlighting their economic contributions and community impact. Urges for a robust and inclusive talent pipeline to sporting excellence. Local authorities play crucial roles in ensuring physical activity opportunities but have faced significant cuts since 2010. Encourages multi-year funding settlements for local councils and collaboration with the NHS to promote social prescribing.

Commends the success of Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes, and highlights the transformative power of sport in communities. Praises ATF's work using sport to heal divides and bring people back into the fold. Emphasises how sports can intervene positively for young people at risk and those with troubled pasts.

Warmly congratulates the debate and honours the maiden speech of Tom Hayes. Celebrates achievements such as Joe Root becoming England’s leading run scorer in test cricket, and Harry Brook's triple century against Pakistan. Emphasises Women in Sport's 40th anniversary and highlights past inequalities women faced in sport. Urges Members to reassert commitment to equality in sports for girls and women, encouraging them to challenge stereotypes about gender and sport. Discusses World Cerebral Palsy Day and the achievements of Paralympian Anna Nicholson from Carlisle, who won a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics. Highlights community-based sporting activities like walking netball and village hall offerings in north Cumbria. Acknowledges the importance of support for grassroots sport.

Congratulates athletes, especially Toby Roberts for his gold medal in sport climbing. Praises the inclusion of new Olympic sports such as mountain biking, BMX, skateboarding, and surfing which inspire a new generation. Stresses the importance of local facilities for initial engagement in sport but notes that austerity has led to closures of swimming pools and leisure centres. Mentions that more than one third of adults do not meet minimum physical activity requirements, affecting 12.4 million adults and 2.3 million children. Highlights inequalities in provision in deprived areas and the need for local accessibility. Urges investment via health, policing, social security budgets to deliver long-term benefits from sport.

Emphasises the benefits of sports broadcasting on public platforms, highlighting the achievements of Team GB and ParaGB. Mentions the importance of physical education curriculum and grassroots organisations in promoting sport engagement among young people. Discusses Channel 4's role in changing perceptions around para-sport through high-profile coverage.

Celebrates the achievements of his constituent Kayleigh Haggo, a Paralympian and six-time world record holder. Highlights her perseverance in switching to boccia after frame running was not included in the games.

Highlights inequalities of access to sport and physical activity, noting that one third of Team GB medallists went to private schools. Criticises school field closures and reductions in PE hours. Discusses the importance of sports for mental health and social interaction.

Congratulates Kayleigh Haggo on her wedding day, acknowledging that she has more important matters to attend than watching parliamentary speeches.

The debate saw a record number of maiden speeches from new Members celebrating local sporting achievements. Louie French expressed disappointment that the Government has yet to confirm future funding for sport, urging Ministers to provide certainty regarding the next Olympic cycle leading up to 2028. He stressed the need for clarity and support for athletes, coaches, football clubs, horseracing, and gambling industries.

Foxcroft thanked those who contributed to the debate, mentioning individual contributions such as Alex Yee MBE's gold medal win in the men’s triathlon. She highlighted achievements of other athletes and the Government's commitment to multi-year funding for sports and physical activity programmes. She also acknowledged the impact of sport on young people and its role in creating safer communities.

Davies intervened, recognising the contributions of community trusts affiliated with football clubs such as Derby County and Chesterfield, which fill gaps left by local authorities due to budget cuts affecting youth provision.