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Debate on the Address
18 July 2024
Lead MP
John Healey
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Other Contributors: 31
At a Glance
John Healey raised concerns about debate on the address 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 right hon. John Healey, in his capacity as a Labour MP, discussed the strategic defence review, aiming for 2.5% of GDP for national security, and touched on the conflict in Gaza, emphasising the need for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid.
Mitcham and Morden
The hon. Siobhain McDonagh intervened to inquire about the strategic review's recommendations on defence spending beyond 2.5% of GDP, and questioned the Secretary of State regarding the UK’s support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
The hon. Tan Dhesi intervened twice to discuss the conflict in Gaza, urging for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid, and questioned the Government's stance on international law judgments concerning Israel’s actions.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Mr Corbyn congratulated the Secretary of State but urged the government to push harder for a ceasefire in Gaza, questioning the sincerity of the UK's efforts and the willingness to suspend arms sales to Israel. He also raised concerns about international court judgments needing action.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The hon. Jim Shannon commended the Secretary of State for his role in opposition and government, questioning the Government’s stance on proscribing the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps due to its influence across multiple conflict zones.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
Mitchell discussed divisions in public discourse and debated hardening, emphasising the need for leadership in the international system. He expressed support for cross-party cooperation on Ukraine and endorsed continuing aid to Israel during the conflict with Hamas. Mitchell cautioned against performative politics regarding the recognition of Palestine and urged the Government to maintain accountability towards regimes committing atrocities worldwide.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Byrne asked if the Opposition supports remaining a member of the European Convention on Human Rights, seeking clarification on Mitchell's stance regarding international human rights frameworks.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Evans inquired about food security measures in opposition to ensure protection against global agricultural threats affecting domestic communities. He sought advice from the shadow Foreign Secretary on how to hold the Government accountable for ensuring food security.
Deirdre Costigan
Lab
Ealing Southall
Expressed gratitude for the opportunity to make maiden remarks on the King's Speech and outlined her support for Labour’s policies, including flexible workplaces for women, equal pay laws, protection of diverse communities, revitalisation of high streets, stronger anti-fly-tipping measures, investment in NHS services, and plans for Great British Energy to address climate concerns.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Welcomed the new member, congratulated the government team and paid tribute to armed forces families. She expressed concerns over global instability due to conflicts in Ukraine, Taiwan, and Gaza, supporting NATO support and the 0.7% development budget. Emphasised the need for a ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian aid, and recognition of Palestine's statehood along 1967 borders without preconditions. Critiqued illegal settlements and called for sanctions on Israeli Ministers involved in human rights violations.
Lee Pitcher
Lab
Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme
Mr. Lee Pitcher discussed his background, reflecting on childhood hardships that motivated him to serve his constituents. He emphasised the importance of community support, local traditions like Haxey Hood, and economic development through clean energy jobs. He also addressed social issues including NHS appointments, police recruitment, mental health services, housing shortages, and education for special needs children.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
The speaker discusses the importance of NATO, defence reviews, Russia's actions in the Arctic, and the need to address recruitment issues within the armed forces. He also addresses the issue of accommodation for service personnel as a key part of their operational readiness.
Joe Powell
Lab
Kensington and Bayswater
As a newly elected Member of Parliament for Kensington and Bayswater, Joe Powell thanked the NHS staff for their care during his twins' birth. He paid tribute to his predecessors Felicity Buchan and Dame Karen Buck, commending them on their work with the Homes for Ukraine programme and tackling poverty and housing crisis respectively. Powell emphasised the need to address inequality in Kensington and Bayswater, highlighting a 19-year gap in life expectancy between Notting Dale and Holland Park. He also addressed the issue of anonymous property ownership that harms local businesses and schools. Powell welcomed the duty of candour law for public servants and called for robust oversight of recommendations from inquiries like Grenfell Tower.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
The Conservative MP assured his right hon. Friend that there are bells and whistles from across the House in the international development White Paper.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
The Labour MP welcomed the employment rights Bill, which aims to ban exploitative zero-hour contracts and end fire and rehire practices. He also praised the concept of fair pay agreements imported from New Zealand and the introduction of a single status of 'worker' for precarious workers. He emphasised the need for public sector pay restoration and outsourcing reform.
Carla Denyer
Green
Bristol Central
I am most grateful to you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for calling me to speak in today’s debate. Good afternoon, colleagues... The challenges that we face together, and that our constituents face daily, are too important for us to fall victim to political tribalism. As Bristol Central’s many firsts illustrate, all our choices today will become part of history. As a Green MP, I feel that responsibility on my shoulders. I will do everything I can to carry it responsibly and repay the enormous trust put in me by the people of Bristol Central.
Navendu Mishra
Lab
Stockport
Congratulates new MPs, acknowledges Labour's transition to government. Addresses housing crisis in Stockport, advocating for more affordable homes and rent control. Discusses NHS dentistry crisis and hospital funding. Mentions rail services and accessibility issues at local stations. Welcomes the commitment to Great British Railways and public ownership of train operators. Supports employment rights Bill.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Allister highlighted his role as the new representative for North Antrim and expressed gratitude to his constituents. He emphasised the importance of representing a constituency rich in urban, rural, and tourist attractions. He criticised the King's Speech for lacking significant content regarding Northern Ireland, particularly concerning laws that govern 300 areas which are now under the jurisdiction of foreign entities due to the protocol and Windsor framework arrangements. Allister argued this situation resembles colonialism and urged the Government to address it immediately.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
The Member welcomed the new MPs and highlighted the importance of diversity, reflecting on his own constituents' journey from the '60s. He criticised the previous Conservative government for creating economic issues and exacerbating poverty in Bradford. He supported the King's Speech but urged the Government to scrap the two-child limit and uphold international law. Hussain emphasised the need for peace efforts in the Middle East, particularly addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Christchurch
The Member expressed disappointment at self-regulation not working and called on MPs to limit their speeches to four or five minutes each for the rest of the debate. He interrupted the flow with a plea for better regulation without presenting his own views on the King's Speech.
Cameron Thomas
Lib Dem
Tewkesbury
It is an honour to follow the hon. Member for Bradford East and his impassioned words... I invite fellow Members in the Chamber to renew UK politics through respectful discourse, regardless of our differences, and by dedicating this parliamentary term to public service.
Kirsty McNeill
Lab Co-op
Midlothian
Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. Let me start by congratulating my hon. Friends the Members for Ealing Southall, for Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme, and for Kensington and Bayswater, and the hon. Members for Bristol Central and for Tewkesbury on their maiden speeches... It is possible—indeed, it is necessary—to approach disagreement with a spirit of curiosity and care.
Ellie Chowns
Green
North Herefordshire
I congratulate the hon. Member for Midlothian on her passionate advocacy for children and young people, and all new Members who have made their maiden speeches today. I thank staff at the House of Commons for making me feel welcome. My career has been in international development and I will focus on foreign affairs and defence during this Parliament. Focusing on North Herefordshire, my constituency which is known for its market towns, distinctive black and white villages, farming, apples, and cider production, as well as the River Wye and Malvern hills. Farming is central to life in North Herefordshire and I am proud of our cattle and apples. The people are creative, innovative, entrepreneurial, and deeply caring. During my election campaign, I focused on renewing the economy, repairing the NHS, and restoring rivers. To renew the economy, we need urgent action on home insulation and sustainable economic transformation. For the NHS, investment is needed to repair local services and address social care issues. Restoring our rivers requires enforcement of pollution rules and investment in genuine solutions. I will work with farmers for nature-friendly farming and call for necessary investment.
Martin McCluskey
Lab
Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West
I am honoured to speak in this debate and follow the hon. Member for North Herefordshire, who spoke with passion. My constituency of Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West is a part of Scotland rich in history and resilience, with communities that have played significant roles in maritime defence and providing refuge during crises. It has also faced economic challenges due to the decline of shipbuilding industries but now aims for sustainable growth through initiatives like GB Energy and the Government’s national wealth fund, which could revitalise manufacturing and defence sectors. The constituency values strong trade union rights and high-quality jobs provided by local businesses such as Bridge of Weir Leather and James Walker Devol. I also pay tribute to my predecessors who have served with distinction.
John Cooper
Con
Dumfries and Galloway
Congratulated the hon. Member for Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West on his maiden speech, expressed pride in Dumfries and Galloway's military service members and veterans, emphasised the importance of supporting the UK’s world-class defence industry, criticised the phrase 'punching above our weight', paid tribute to Alister Jack, highlighted the economic challenges facing rural areas including depopulation, tourism opportunities, agriculture, and history. He concluded with a reference to Kipling's poem “If”.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Welcomed the King’s Speech under a Labour Government for the first time in decades, reflected on the previous Conservative government’s failures including poverty and healthcare issues, supported the new deal for working people, welcomed measures to ban MPs' second jobs, raised concerns over child poverty and called for scrapping the two-child benefit cap, emphasised respect for international law particularly regarding arms sales to Israel, underlined the moral imperative of stopping such sales, celebrated his re-election with an increased majority, promised to work night and day for constituents.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
Mr Mayhew expressed concern about the disconnect between the Government's words and actions regarding defence spending, highlighting that despite acknowledging a more dangerous world, there is a reduction in defence expenditure. He also criticised Labour's plans to reduce the status of the veterans Minister from Cabinet member to junior minister within the Ministry of Defence. Finally, he pointed out the inconsistency in Labour's stance on overseas development aid budget which they once opposed reducing but now plan to maintain at 0.5%.
Jamie Stone
Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Mr Stone congratulated new MPs and emphasised the importance of building relationships across political parties for defence issues. He shared personal experiences related to the joint expeditionary force Foreign Ministers meetings before Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Mr Stone stressed the need for international cooperation against Russian aggression, the current strain on military recruitment due to the size of forces, and expressed hope for continued consensus in defence debates.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Welcomed the maiden speeches of several MPs, expressed concerns about the Government's commitment to reaching 2.5% GDP defence spending by 2030, questioned the timetable for achieving this goal, and highlighted the potential impacts on munitions funding and major defence programmes such as nuclear deterrent and global combat air programme.
Anneliese Dodds
Lab Co-op
Oxford East
The Minister of State for Development, Women and Equalities closed the debate by highlighting the Government's vision for a progressive future. She emphasised the need to reconnect Britain with the world after years of disengagement, focusing on areas such as security, climate change, human rights, and international law. The Minister acknowledged the critical role of development in supporting the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. She also addressed criticism from the opposition regarding previous governments' impact on the development budget, stating that uncontrolled costs had led to cuts in programmes for some of the neediest people around the world. Additionally, she outlined plans to support Ukraine with £3 billion annually in military aid and to set a clear path towards spending 2.5% of UK GDP on defence.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
Asked the Minister whether they have thought through when we might see the return to the 0.7% commitment for overseas development aid.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
Attempted to intervene but did not receive a response from the Minister.
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Assessment & feedback
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