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Backbench Business
19 December 2024
Lead MP
Bob Blackman
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
DefenceHousingCommunity Security
Other Contributors: 34
At a Glance
Bob Blackman raised concerns about backbench business 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 MP thanked those who contributed to the year's activities and highlighted issues such as Transport for London's poor management, defence spending delays, antisemitism, homelessness, smoking eradication efforts through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, improvements at Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, and commemorations for Holocaust Memorial Day. He emphasised the importance of addressing these matters to ensure peace, health, prosperity, and societal progress.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
The MP thanked those who contributed to the year's activities, highlighted Transport for London’s poor management and delays in refurbishment projects. He also addressed defence spending commitments, antisemitism rise due to Middle Eastern tensions, homelessness during winter months, smoking eradication through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, improvements at Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, and commemorations for Holocaust Memorial Day.
Judith Cummins
Lab
Bradford South
Ms Cummins raised several issues affecting her constituency, including accessibility at Bescot railway station for disabled people and parents with pushchairs; high emergency admissions for bowel cancer in Walsall and Bloxwich; the potential closure of Sneyd community school and the need to expand existing schools rather than build new ones; the threat to the leather museum in Walsall; international support for Alaa Abd el-Fattah, a British citizen imprisoned in Egypt; and the promotion of reading through a year of reading initiative.
John Lamont
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Mr Lamont celebrated and recognised the work of various organisations and volunteers in his constituency, including those supporting healthcare such as the Margaret Kerr fundraising team at Borders general hospital; community campaigners for better rail services like the Campaign for Borders Rail; Men’s Shed network promoting wellbeing; Escape Youth Services aiding young people; sustainable groups preserving environment; and local teams promoting high streets. He also expressed gratitude to armed forces, NHS staff, emergency service workers, hospitality workers, and small business owners working during festive periods.
Alan Strickland
Lab
Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor
I have highlighted key issues in my constituency, including the Hitachi train factory which has been a source of pride for its workers and local economy. I expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, FirstGroup, Angel Trains, and others who secured a £500 million deal to support the factory's future. This ties into the 200th anniversary celebration of the world’s first passenger railway line in my constituency next year. Additionally, I praised efforts to secure a semiconductor factory which is crucial for defence capabilities and discussed opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the defence sector. I also mentioned participating in the RAF strand of the armed forces parliamentary scheme and thanked our armed forces for their ongoing work.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
I raised concerns about headlight glare from modern vehicle headlights, citing a study by the Royal Automobile Club that showed 89% of drivers think some or most headlights on roads are too bright. I called for research to conclude rapidly so new regulations can improve road safety. Additionally, I discussed ongoing efforts to restore direct train services from my constituency to King’s Cross and highlighted issues with the limited rail service between Gainsborough, Brigg, Grimsby, and Cleethorpes.
Southend West and Leigh
I have met many people and organisations over the last five months, including the Music Man Project which provides music education and performance services to individuals with learning disabilities. The Southend food bank has seen a 36% increase in the number of parcels it is distributing. St Vincent’s charity offers hot meals and recovery programmes for homeless individuals. I also recognise Andy's Man Club as a space for men to discuss mental health.
Steffan Aquarone
Lib Dem
North Norfolk
I highlight the case of Patricia, a young woman with an eating disorder whose treatment needs are not being met. Despite national guidance requiring coordinated care, her transitions between services have been uncoordinated and she has been denied care based on her disability and mobility needs. Her case reveals systemic issues within the eating disorder treatment system where some patients are deemed untreatable and excluded from lifesaving treatment.
Suffolk Coastal
Riddell-Carpenter detailed the story of Edward, a homeless individual who found hope through the Salvation Army’s support, which included providing him with a new coat and temporary accommodation. She stressed that food banks are operational in every town within her constituency, alongside rising housing waitlists resulting in 188 children living in hotels or bed-and-breakfasts over Christmas.
Llinos Medi
PC
Ynys Môn
Medi called for a debate on the UK-wide impact of the closure of Holyhead Port following Storm Darragh. She pointed out that the port, providing the main sea route between north Wales and Ireland, has suffered significant damage and is closed until January 15th at the earliest. This closure has led to job losses in local businesses such as Royalty Recruitment and Holyhead Truck Service, pushing families into financial hardship. Medi argued for a UK Government recognition of the economic significance of the port and proposed setting up a hardship fund to support affected businesses and families.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Hopkins thanked her constituents, including those in newly added parts of south Bedfordshire such as Kensworth and Studham. She also acknowledged the presence of Whipsnade zoo and Appledown rescue and re-homing kennels within her constituency, highlighting the contributions of local charities and organisations like Luton food bank, NOAH, Signposts, Women’s Aid, and others supporting those in need. Hopkins praised Luton Town FC's new stadium plans and thanked public service workers for their sacrifices.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Moore celebrated the allocation of £33.6 million to Keighley through the towns fund, mentioning projects like Providence Park's opening in early next year, improvements at Keighley train station and fire station, new hubs for skills, manufacturing, engineering, tech, health and wellbeing, as well as support for local small businesses such as Within the Wood, Clara’s Closet, Raymond Town Menswear, and Isherwood’s butchers. He also acknowledged progress on Airedale hospital and the district of culture initiative in Bradford.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
Rodda congratulated Reading FC fans for their support despite poor ownership issues, advocating for a new owner to invest in the club's future. He also mentioned plans to redevelop Reading gaol into an arts hub and recognised local small businesses and charities for driving economic growth and community support.
Will Forster
Lib Dem
Woking
Congratulates McLaren on winning the constructors’ championship, emphasises the importance of British high-quality manufacturing, highlights McLaren's contribution to Woking and Surrey, and discusses how attracting more businesses like McLaren can help the UK economy.
Jim Dickson
Lab
Dartford
Expresses Christmas wishes for Dartford residents including gridlock solutions and development projects, thanks community groups, faith groups, and local businesses in his constituency, and expresses gratitude to his staff and the emergency services.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Shares a message of hope for those struggling during Christmas, reflects on the significance of the Christmas story, highlights acts of kindness by volunteers and community groups, and wishes everyone in the UK a happy Christmas.
Zöe Franklin
Lib Dem
Guildford
Raised the issue of the crisis in special educational needs, highlighting difficulties families face in getting support for their children. Emphasised that this is creating distress and even considering suicide among parents. Cited specific examples to illustrate how urgent the situation is.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Expressed concern over rising inequality, poverty, food banks, lack of investment in public services like housing and education, and the impact of racism on migrants and refugees. Advocated for public ownership of the water industry to prevent exploitation by private companies.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Discussed Disability History Month and highlighted the importance of third sector support in Bath, especially for disabled people and unpaid family carers. Criticised the Government's budget cuts to charities which will lead to significant financial burdens on these organisations.
Bobby Dean
Lib Dem
Carshalton and Wallington
I thanked the hon. Member for Harrow East for opening the debate, focusing on local issues in Carshalton and Wallington including progress with the NHS trust, cost of living through Treasury Committee work, and environmental efforts regarding the Wandle river. I highlighted Christmas-themed contributions from other MPs, touching on food banks, headlight glare, port drinking, and sports such as football and Formula 1.
Paul Holmes
Con
Hamble Valley
Holmes thanked House staff, particularly those in the Tea Room and Doorkeepers, for their support. He emphasised the importance of decency and shared ideals within the House and expressed hope for a peaceful break and productive return in 2025.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Blackman mentioned his election as Chair of the Backbench Business Committee, praised the Leader of the Opposition, criticised Labour's plans for directly elected Mayors, and emphasised his commitment to holding Sadiq Khan accountable.
Valerie Vaz
Lab
Walsall North
Vaz highlighted the issue of accessibility funding for railway stations and requested updates on feasibility studies promised by the previous Government.
John Lamont
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Lamont paid tribute to volunteers in his constituency, particularly those supporting the NHS and armed forces, and mentioned men’s shed charities for mental health support.
Alan Strickland
Independent Democrat
Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor
Strickland discussed housing policy and encouraged members to participate in the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Goole
Vickers raised issues regarding direct train services to King’s Cross, emphasising his consistent efforts since 2011 to address this matter.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South
Hopkins mentioned animal welfare in her constituency and highlighted the importance of long-term care for pets.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley
Moore discussed local initiatives to fund growth, paid tribute to Ian Hayfield, and highlighted Clara’s Closet as a community resource.
Gregory Forster
Lab
Woking
Forster championed McLaren and the economic benefits of F1 businesses in his constituency.
Jim Dickson
Con
Dartford
Dickson made puns about Christmas lyrics, although Holmes advised him to focus on constituent issues.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Shannon offered a message of hope at Christmas and emphasised the importance of thinking of others during this time.
Zöe Franklin
Con
Guildford
Franklin discussed volunteers and special educational needs in her constituency, highlighting her ongoing efforts to address these issues.
Anna Turley
Lab Co-op
Redcar
Pays tribute to the hon. Member for Harrow East and other MPs, expresses gratitude for parliamentary staff, emphasises the importance of democracy, thanks her constituents and colleagues, highlights the Government's legislative programme including rail reform, minimum wage increases, house building revolution, carbon capture on Teesside, and more.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Congratulates the Lord Commissioner of His Majesty's Treasury, acknowledges contributions from Back-Bench speakers highlighting their importance in representing constituents' concerns. Corrects a previous reference error regarding an hon. Friend and wishes everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Expresses gratitude to the parliamentary family, including Doorkeepers, Sergeant at Arms, Clerks, catering staff, security personnel, and mentions hairdressers for their service. Thanks Godfrey and Margaret explicitly and extends thanks to Kelly and Jackie in the hairdressers.
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