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Debate on the Address
17 July 2024
Lead MP
Peter Dowd
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
NHSDefenceEconomyClimate
Other Contributors: 54
At a Glance
Peter Dowd 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
I beg to move, that an humble Address be presented to His Majesty. The motion acknowledges the Gracious Speech and welcomes a legislative programme based on security, fairness and opportunity for all, investment, stability and reform, service to communities, economic growth, raising living standards, planning reform, quality infrastructure, recognising climate change challenges, harnessing technology and clean energy transition, delivering attainment in education, supporting victims of crime, protecting borders, enhancing renters’ rights, offering a new deal for working people, reinvigorating the NHS, championing our armed forces and their families, and implementing the Hillsborough law.
Peter Dowd
Lab
Bootle
The motion acknowledges the Gracious Speech. It welcomes a legislative programme based on security, fairness and opportunity for all, investment, stability and reform, service to communities, economic growth, raising living standards, planning reform, quality infrastructure, recognising climate change challenges, harnessing technology and clean energy transition, delivering attainment in education, supporting victims of crime, protecting borders, enhancing renters’ rights, offering a new deal for working people, reinvigorating the NHS, championing our armed forces and their families, and implementing the Hillsborough law.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
It is an honour to follow my hon. Friend and to second the Loyal Address, not only for me but for my constituents across Vauxhall and Camberwell Green. The constituency has significant cultural and historical landmarks such as the National Theatre, British Film Institute, Southbank Centre, Young Vic, Old Vic, and London Eye. I emphasise the importance of addressing violent crime, particularly the abuse of gang-associated girls, and welcome the Home Secretary's commitment to halving rates of violence against women and improving support for victims. The cost of living crisis and climate change are urgent issues; hence, I welcome the Government’s investment in clean energy transition and their plans to build 1.5 million new homes, including council houses. Additionally, I support banning no-fault evictions by immoral landlords. Lastly, I advocate for eradicating HIV and AIDS and appreciate Sir Elton John's work over 40 years.
Rishi Sunak
Con
Richmond and Northallerton
Pays tribute to His Majesty the King, honours Tony Lloyd for his long service in Parliament. Welcomes new Members of Parliament. Discusses the assassination attempt on President Trump, criticises violence and intimidation in politics. Praises Peter Dowd's speech, highlights his record and achievements as a Member of Parliament. Compliments Florence Eshalomi for her work against gang violence and her community representation. Mentions challenges facing democracy due to online abuse and threats of physical violence. Advises Labour Members on the fast-paced nature of government positions. Outlines Opposition principles: sound public finances, limited state intervention, effective public services, strong education system, secure borders, and robust national defence. Supports Martyn’s law and smokefree generation plans. Emphasises the importance of defence spending and NATO support against authoritarian threats. Discusses illegal migration policies and legal immigration measures. Addresses economic issues with inflation and unemployment data, acknowledges Labour's inherited economy on an upward trajectory. Critiques proposed employment legislation and technology regulation, advocating for a balanced approach to AI safety and growth. Calls for welfare reform plans that balance compassion and fairness towards taxpayers. Supports faster housing construction but warns against ignoring local people's opinions in the planning process. Highlights UK’s progress in decarbonisation while growing its economy, urging caution on net zero targets. Criticises proposed House of Lords reforms, suggesting a cross-party approach instead.
Lindsay Hoyle
Speaker
Chorley
Called the Prime Minister to speak.
Keir Starmer
Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Paid tribute to King Charles III, President Trump, Sir David Amess, Jo Cox, and the England football team. Emphasised Labour's commitment to national renewal through public service rather than populism, promised a King’s Speech focused on economic growth and improving lives for all. Mentioned Tony Lloyd as an exemplary figure of Labour politics and thanked the Leader of the Opposition for setting high standards in recent exchanges.
Sarah Owen
Lab
Luton North
Asked for reassurances that the Prime Minister personally takes child poverty seriously and will address it within his Government's programme.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Asked how many children will remain in poverty while the taskforce works on its strategy, questioning if they would ultimately propose to scrap the two-child benefit cap as Labour has suggested.
Graham Stuart
Con
Beverley and Holderness
Expressed concern about the lack of focus on rural communities and farming in the King's Speech, questioning the Prime Minister to reassure those communities that their concerns will be addressed.
Lindsay Hoyle
Speaker
Chorley
Called for respect among members during the debate, emphasising the importance of a positive start and calling on the leader of the Lib Dems to speak.
Edward Davey
Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Davey emphasised the need to address major crises such as health and care, cost of living issues, climate change, sewage pollution. He also stressed the importance of restoring public trust through political reform including stronger protections for whistleblowers and proportional representation. He highlighted the international challenges facing the UK.
Paul Holmes
Con
Hamble Valley
Holmes intervened to remind Davey about Eastleigh borough council's debt situation due to Liberal Democrat leadership, which is now pushing for house building to pay off debts.
Neil Coyle
Lab
Bermondsey and Old Southwark
Coyle asked how much the right hon. Gentleman regrets his role in creating delays and waiting times in the NHS and social care during his coalition with the Conservatives for five years.
Meg Hillier
Lab Co-op
Hackney South and Shoreditch
Hillier highlights the previous government's failures including inadequate school conditions, under-delivered hospital projects, and a defence budget gap. She also discusses child poverty in Hackney, with nearly one fifth of children living in absolute poverty and over 40% in relative poverty after housing costs. Additionally, she addresses the housing crisis in inner London where social housing is essential for many residents due to high median house prices exceeding £610,000 compared to a median household income of around £36,500.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Mr Flynn congratulated the Prime Minister on his first King’s Speech and expressed disappointment with some aspects of it. He highlighted the two-child benefit cap policy, which he described as iniquitous and retaining hundreds of thousands of children in poverty across the UK. He proposed an amendment to scrap this policy but noted that there was no indication when a taskforce would be created or what timeframe it would conclude in. Mr Flynn also questioned Scottish Labour Members on their stance regarding the two-child cap, stating that they supposedly agree with the SNP that the policy should be scrapped. Additionally, he expressed hope for GB Energy’s placement in Aberdeen and requested more details about its budget and ambitions. He also called for increased migration to enhance economic output and productivity and suggested rejoining the European single market and customs union.
Hayes and Harlington
The Labour Party must address the pressing issues facing constituents, including child poverty, housing crises, wage stagnation, and underfunded public services. He emphasised the need to scrap the two-child limit welfare cap, reform employment laws, reinvest in public services, and discuss wealth distribution measures such as aligning capital gains tax with income tax. Additionally, he advocated for co-production of service delivery by frontline staff and recipients, and called for immediate steps to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Jenkin argues that despite some good aspects in the King's Speech, there are many issues such as enhanced employment rights threatening job creation. He also criticises the establishment of new quangos like Great British Railways and Great British Energy, suggesting they recycle old failed ideas. Additionally, he highlights infrastructure investment but expresses concerns over projects like the Norwich-to-Tilbury pylons.
Derek Twigg
Lab
Widnes and Halewood
Twigg welcomes the Labour Government's programme for government after 14 years of Tory rule, highlighting their focus on growth through an industrial strategy. He addresses serious issues such as NHS crises, productivity problems, and public service underfunding. Twigg also supports bringing rail services into public ownership, establishing Great British Railways, and introducing a Hillsborough law to foster transparency in the public sector. He discusses mental health reforms, high street challenges, bus service reform, NATO commitments, defence reviews, and Ukraine's situation. Finally, he emphasises the need for focused work over time to transform the country.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Shannon commends Twigg on his comments about the armed forces and questions whether extra funding should be made available for Northern Ireland's recruitment needs in both regular and territorial forces.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Welcomes the debate on the Loyal Address, paying tribute to His Majesty's recovery and commending new Members. Stresses the importance of uniting in the House while representing constituents' interests. Acknowledges the previous Government's achievements in public finances, job creation, economic growth, health care improvements, education, and law enforcement. Criticises attempts by the new Government to rewrite history through slogans without addressing governance responsibilities. Highlights continued work on immigration, crime, and border security. Praises international law enforcement agencies and expresses concern about early prisoner release affecting victims' rights. Emphasises the expansion of renewable energy generation under the previous Government. Addresses concerns over National Grid's plans for overhead power lines across East Anglia, advocating for alternatives like offshore grids or tunneling to preserve local amenities and community facilities. Discusses the need for a balanced approach in housing development projects, supporting economic growth while ensuring constituent voices are heard.
Kirith Entwistle
Lab
Bolton North East
I express gratitude towards colleagues and staff for their warm welcome, noting the potential of the King’s Speech to unite Members in addressing national issues. Emphasising my predecessor's commitment to improving local transport connectivity—specifically the Metrolink project—and expressing hope to work with the Greater Manchester metro mayor to advance this vision. I also highlight historical figures like Sir Cyril Fullard Entwistle, an early advocate for women’s rights and a former MP for Bolton, noting our shared roots in the town. My ambition includes supporting initiatives such as the Pregnant then Screwed campaign and closing gender and ethnicity pay gaps. I celebrate local female entrepreneurs and the Octagon theatre’s community assets, expressing pride in my role as the first woman and Sikh to represent Bolton North East.
Robert Jenrick
Reform
Newark
Welcomed new Members to the House, acknowledged his constituents for re-electing him despite a difficult general election. Defended the achievements of the previous Conservative Government while also acknowledging areas where they fell short. Critiqued the current Labour Government's policies on energy, economy, and immigration, emphasising the need for economic growth through entrepreneurship, concern over job losses in oil and gas sectors, and worries about mass migration impacting public services and housing.
Mark Hendrick
Lab Co-op
Preston
Welcomes the King's Speech, particularly the announcement of a new publicly owned energy company called Great British Energy. Emphasises the importance of community energy companies based on the Co-operative model and clean energy generation to cut energy bills and create jobs. Criticises the previous government for creating an energy insecurity crisis and exposing constituents to sky-high prices due to their failure in energy management. Supports a windfall tax on oil and gas giants making excessive profits from energy insecurity, aiming to lift the burden off the public through investment in renewable energy such as doubling onshore wind power, tripling solar power and quadrupling offshore wind capacity by 2030. Advocates for accelerating investment in carbon capture, hydrogen, marine energy and green technology infrastructure. Strongly supports the urgent transition towards clean energy and net zero to address climate change as a security issue.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Mr Deputy Speaker, you know that the election brought with it some challenges. We do not have two of our colleagues that I would have liked to have been here with us today—I thank both Ian and Paul for their contribution and service to national politics and to politics more broadly in Northern Ireland—but we are not without hope, and it is very clear that the additions to the parliamentary team, even though not of our party, will make a significant contribution to life in their constituencies in Northern Ireland and to this place. In responding to this Loyal Address and Gracious Speech, the first thing to say is that we hold His Majesty responsible for not one bit of it—it is, of course, the agenda of this Government—and if you were to ask someone in rural Ireland for directions, you might find them responding, “I wouldn’t start from here.” As I read through the King’s Speech, I welcome the commitment to repeal the provisions of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023; and I say that as somebody who, over the last nine years and alongside colleagues who have been here for longer, has been consistent in our approach to issues of legacy in Northern Ireland. That is not something that everyone in this Chamber can say. Over the last number of years, we appreciated the opposition that those on the Labour Benches offered in the face of the Conservative Government’s pursuit of the legacy Act. We appreciated the response from Labour colleagues, when they recognised that the removal of the pursuit of justice was obnoxious to victims—people who lost the opportunity to pursue answers and outcomes on behalf of their loved ones. But the corruption of justice in Northern Ireland commenced decades ago: the early release of prisoners was a corruption of justice; the on-the-runs legislation, ill-fated though it was, was a corruption of justice; and the letters of comfort, indicating to terrorists that they would not face prosecution, was a corruption of justice. I am very grateful to my hon. Friend for that comment. Moving on to public services, over the last number of years we have been campaigning about the fact that public services in Northern Ireland are constrained because the Barnett formula has not served us well and we have been getting less than what the Independent Fiscal Commission for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council have accepted that we need. Therefore, year on year public services are being reduced in Northern Ireland and year on year we are not getting the sort of uplift required to ensure that our constituents benefit from devolution.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
When it comes to responsibility, the Republic of Ireland should be held accountable for the fact that it gives sanctuary to the IRA terrorists who murdered my cousin, in December 1971, and Lexie Cummings, and escaped across the border. There is something wrong with the Government in the Republic of Ireland in particular if they can give sanctuary to IRA murderers and killers—and they think they can get away with it.
Warinder Juss
Lab
Wolverhampton West
The MP expresses deep concern over the housing crisis in Wolverhampton West, highlighting a significant drop in new home starts and completions in England. He echoes Prime Minister David Lloyd George's 'homes fit for heroes' sentiment, calling for a substantial boost to house building, particularly council housing. Juss also touches on various aspects of Wolverhampton's history and current issues, including manufacturing, charity work, sports, healthcare, and cultural facilities.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Saville-Roberts welcomed the positive proposals in the King's Speech, such as employment rights improvements and reforming the House of Lords. She highlighted Plaid Cymru's call for a fairer funding deal for Wales, including securing billions owed from HS2 and obtaining powers over natural resources to build a green economy. She emphasised the need for security of supply at Port Talbot and criticised Labour for not addressing immediate child poverty needs through scrapping the two-child benefit cap. Saville-Roberts also discussed Plaid Cymru's amendment for reforming Wales’s fiscal framework, including replacing the Barnett formula and restoring Welsh budget levels from 2021. She noted the importance of strengthening devolution in England but expressed disappointment that similar promises were not made to Wales. Lastly, she mentioned raising issues about relations with Ireland and Palestine.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
I congratulate my hon. Friends the Members for Bolton North East and for Wolverhampton West, who gave outstanding maiden speeches. I highlight the economic performance of the past 14 years which has led to low living standards, a cost of living crisis, and low growth. The GDP would be £140 billion higher had we maintained the growth of the last Labour Government. Growth under Conservative leadership was so poor that it resulted in high interest rates even two years later due to the mini-Budget disaster of Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng. The Gracious Speech emphasised economic stability with a Budget responsibility Bill, planning reforms for infrastructure and housing, skills reform, and investment in transport. My constituency benefits from NHS improvements, additional teachers, breakfast clubs, and justice for Hillsborough victims. Mersey Care NHS foundation trust seeks investment in mental health diagnostics and research. Liverpool city region is well placed to lead clean energy initiatives, including offshore wind, solar farms, hydrogen projects, carbon capture, storage, tidal power, green transport, and decarbonising glass production. This commitment to growth and public services will address the climate crisis and sustain G7 highest growth.
Christchurch
Called Sir Roger Gale to speak in the debate.
Roger Gale
Con
Herne Bay and Sandwich
Congratulates colleagues on their speeches, acknowledges the transfer of power with dignity, praises the King's Speech for its commitment to defence, NATO support, and a two-state settlement in the Middle East. Expresses concern over proposed reforms of planning law, particularly regarding farmland loss, local democracy removal, and land use for food production. Raises issues about energy projects like the Sea Link solar farm project, emphasising the need for sustainable alternatives. Also notes disappointment at the absence of animal welfare measures in the King's Speech.
Patrick Hurley
Lab
Southport
Pays tribute to his predecessor Damien Moore and mentions William Gladstone’s history with Southport. Expresses comfort that he represents a smaller constituency than Gladstone did, noting the additional stresses of email correspondence in modern times. Discusses historical research on Southport's boundaries within the West Derby hundred and Hundred End hamlet. Promises to work towards unity among towns and villages for national renewal, focusing on economic growth, housing, transport links, and addressing local issues like the town pier closure.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Called for a time limit of seven minutes to be imposed on speeches due to the number of Members wishing to speak.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Congratulated maiden speakers and praised the handling of power transfer following the election. Emphasised the importance of enjoying parliamentary career, regardless of the possibility of being a Back Bencher throughout one's career. Discussed planning presumptions, conversion therapy legislation, demonstrations outside abortion clinics, and proposed an amendment to the Justice and Security Act 2013 to protect the independence of the Intelligence and Security Committee.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Congratulated new and returning Members, emphasised the importance of representing constituents effectively. She highlighted economic initiatives such as job creation in York Central through advanced rail technologies, biosciences, and green-collar jobs via BioYorkshire. Maskell also mentioned Labour’s employment rights Bill to address issues like fire and rehire, minimum service level agreements, and proposed a private Member’s Bill to outlaw workplace bullying. She discussed the need for co-operative growth, community energy, and local asset ownership. She advocated for housing reforms, regulation of short-term holiday lets, and improved NHS services including dentistry. Maskell also called for reform in education, focusing on nurturing approaches, well-being, curriculum review, and accountability in academy trusts.
Karen Bradley
Con
Staffordshire Moorlands
Expressed gratitude to her constituents and praised maiden speeches made by new Members. Acknowledged the progress in Bills addressing domestic abuse, spiking, mental health, safety measures after the Manchester Arena attack, race equality, and Hillsborough inquiry outcomes. She highlighted her involvement with international parliamentary bodies such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union and Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK, stressing cross-party support for resolving issues like Northern Ireland legacy. Bradley also mentioned the importance of tackling global disruptors in Middle East conflicts and expressed concerns over the unique status and identity of her constituency.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Newport West and Islwyn
It is a real honour to speak in this debate on the King’s Speech. I commend our new Labour Prime Minister for setting out clearly that this Government are here to serve the country. As a former trade union officer, I am pleased about the new deal for working people which will ban exploitative practices and enhance employment rights. Legislation to reform rail franchising is welcome as it ensures fair investment across the rail network and fair deals for passengers. The introduction of Great British Energy in Scotland is also welcomed, though I hope future debates could consider a similar initiative based in Wales. Measures to strengthen community policing, deal with antisocial behaviour, and improve victim support are essential. Additionally, plans to increase the age at which people can buy cigarettes and impose limits on vape sales are crucial given the health risks associated with smoking and vaping. The reform of the House of Lords is also mentioned as a long-awaited change, with the abolition of hereditary peers within this term. However, I was disappointed not to see any animal welfare legislation in the King’s Speech.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Mr. Corbyn congratulated new Members on their maiden speeches and thanked his constituents for voting him in as an independent MP. He noted the Labour party's strong parliamentary majority but also pointed out that the total vote for Labour was lower than in previous elections, highlighting societal discontent reflected in the election result. He emphasised issues such as falling living standards, increasing poverty, homelessness, mental health stress, and the risk of a turn towards far-right politics if these problems are not addressed. He called for concrete actions like ending the two-child benefit cap to improve living standards and outlined housing concerns, advocating for regulation of the private rented sector and investment in council housing. Mr. Corbyn also criticised water industry privatisation, arguing that public ownership would ensure reasonable pricing and infrastructure investment rather than profit-taking. Lastly, he addressed the war in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire and an end to arms supply to Israel.
Marie Rimmer
Lab
St Helens South and Whiston
Congratulates colleagues, especially those newly elected. Highlights issues in social care and NHS integration, emphasising the need for adequate funding and staffing support. Advocates for a national care service to ensure dignity and comfort for elderly patients.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Corrects misinformation about Sinn Féin's representation. Congratulates the Government on their election success while stressing the need to strengthen the Union, particularly addressing issues arising from Northern Ireland’s post-Brexit relationship with the EU. Critiques the economic impact of net zero policies and environmental initiatives.
Neil Coyle
Lab
Bermondsey and Old Southwark
In his speech, Neil Coyle emphasises the relief felt by his constituents after the change in government, highlighting issues such as the scrapping of the Rwanda policy, economic incompetence under the previous Conservative government, and the need for improvements in areas like housing rights, NHS, and mental health services. He also mentions positive steps taken by the new Labour Government, including lifting the ban on onshore wind and addressing house building targets.
Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey
Mr Leadbitter thanked the electorate for sending him to represent Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey. He highlighted his constituency's diverse geography from coastal areas to mountainous regions, including towns such as Elgin, Rothes, and Grantown. He mentioned the importance of the green freeport in Ardersier, which is projected to create 750 jobs within a decade, contributing significantly to just transition efforts. The MP also discussed key issues affecting his constituency, such as labour shortages due to Brexit, the need for affordable housing, and the significant economic contributions from food, drink, and fashion brands alongside distilleries and breweries. Additionally, he emphasised the importance of military bases and service personnel welfare, civilian aerospace and space sectors like Orbex in Forres, and agriculture challenges faced by crofters and hill farmers.
Kim Leadbeater
Lab
Spen Valley
Leadbeater discussed the changes brought by the Labour Government, including a new political culture focused on restoring public trust and fostering respectful debate. She highlighted the importance of addressing issues such as affordable housing, safer streets, education, reliable transport, mental health support, and social care for vulnerable populations. She also supported the Chancellor's call to prioritise getting the nation’s finances in order.
Siân Berry
Green
Brighton Pavilion
I congratulate the hon. Members for Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey, Bolton North East, Wolverhampton West and Southport on their maiden speeches. I am honoured to be part of a new group of Green colleagues. Listening to my constituents during the election highlighted the urgency around climate emergency, social justice and public services. Brighton Pavilion is known for its rich cultural heritage and commitment to social issues like LGBT+ rights and asylum seekers. The constituency has a history of dedicated MPs, most notably Caroline Lucas who held the seat since 2010. I will work on supporting young people's mental health initiatives and advocating for their voting rights.
Luke Charters
Lab
York Outer
Charters spoke about his background in education, military history, economic contributions from SMEs, dedication to NHS staff, and combating fraud. He dedicated part of his speech to the victims of financial scams targeting local pensioners and highlighted the importance of community services such as St Leonard’s hospice and Wilberforce Trust.
Seamus Logan
SNP
Aberdeenshire North and Moray East
Introduced himself, congratulated other new Members, expressed ambition for his constituency's future. Emphasised the economic strengths of Aberdeenshire North and Moray East in farming, fishing, food and drink production, oil and gas industries, and renewable energy. Highlighted significant poverty and child poverty issues despite prosperity, with 5,500 children living in serious poverty. Called for an end to harmful two-child benefit cap and rape clause. Promised to defend interests of local industries, protect public services, help realise potential of renewable energy, and be a voice for the disadvantaged.
Salford
Welcomed new Members, discussed Labour's challenges after 14 years of Conservative rule. Praised Gracious Speech but requested immediate action on child poverty and lifting children out of poverty by scrapping the two-child limit in universal credit. Urged Government to settle debt of honour to women born in the 1950s with pension injustice, citing ombudsman's report confirming maladministration and urgent need for compensation. Advocated for recognition and compensation for nuclear testing veterans and their families, highlighting increased rates of miscarriage, birth defects, and genetic damage similar to Chernobyl clean-up workers.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Welcomed the Prime Minister’s goal of taking the brakes off Britain, but emphasised that this responsibility applies equally to the whole United Kingdom. He called for urgent action on the Harland & Wolff contract and highlighted the need for economic growth in Northern Ireland. He also welcomed Labour's priority on wealth creation and expressed hope for its spread across the UK. Shannon discussed the importance of strengthening Northern Ireland’s position within the Union, including securing adequate funding, addressing the protocol remnants, and ensuring fair treatment regarding shopping, post, imports, and border controls.
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
As the new Member for Lancaster and Wyre, I thank my predecessor Ben Wallace for his service to the country, particularly in his role as Secretary of State for Defence. The King's Speech highlights plans for planning reform to 'get Britain building' and includes measures such as allowing local leaders to control bus services and bringing rail back into public ownership. I am pleased with these initiatives but concerned about the need for better infrastructure alongside housing developments. In my constituency, Stagecoach has increased the price of under-19s DayRider tickets, leading to significant backlash from constituents. Additionally, I support proposals in the King’s Speech related to sewage dumping and Ofwat's regulatory powers. Concerning democracy, I am deeply worried about voter turnout and the accuracy of our electoral roll. I urge the Government to address issues with ID requirements and consider automatic voter registration. Furthermore, I advocate for a public conversation on voting systems and question the Electoral Commission's independence after its strategy changes. Finally, I call for action on sodium valproate compensation.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
I support my hon. Friend's views on electoral roll accuracy, particularly highlighting the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee's report from the last Parliament which proposed measures to improve registration rates. This committee looked at Canada’s system, achieving near 97-98% registration accuracy, and found that some 8 million people could not vote in our election due to missing from the electoral register.
Paula Barker
Lab
Liverpool Wavertree
Welcomes new Members to the House and praises the Government's commitment to planning reform and tackling stalled housing schemes. Calls for regulation of houses in multiple occupation, an end to Section 21 evictions, a Renters Reform Bill, and support for renters facing cost-of-living pressures.
Olivia Blake
Lab
Sheffield Hallam
Welcomes the climate change agenda, the plan to make Britain a green energy superpower by 2030, and the importance of tackling nature depletion. Supports the Government's Bills for passenger railway services and better buses, as well as measures against water pollution.
Chris McDonald
Lab
Stockton North
Thanking hon. Members for their first speeches, Chris McDonald highlights the new way of governing proposed in the Gracious Speech as one that focuses on service, change and action. He discusses his constituency's industrial heritage and its current status as a hub for sustainable aviation fuel, small modular reactors, and carbon capture projects. He acknowledges his predecessor Alex Cunningham’s significant contributions to promoting opportunities for young people through education and health, particularly in the context of anti-smoking measures. McDonald also pays tribute to Ashok Kumar, another former member known for his work in chemical engineering and political campaigning.
Dan Carden
Lab
Liverpool Walton
Welcoming the first Labour King’s Speech in a long time, Dan Carden expresses appreciation for measures that support bereaved families of Hillsborough victims, repeal anti-strike legislation, and protect renters from no-fault evictions. He discusses his constituency's high unemployment rate and child poverty, emphasising the need for controlled rents and greater tenant protections. Carden also highlights social issues such as loneliness, mental health problems, drug addiction, and the impact of social media on community cohesion. He calls for a Labour Government to limit market greed, curb the worst excesses of global capitalism, and support local trades and producers.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
Welcomed the commitment to build 1.5 million new homes, emphasising the need for a substantial contribution from councils and housing associations. Highlighted the importance of social housing and cited an example in his constituency where local authorities and developers are collaborating on affordable housing projects. Emphasised the challenges faced by local councils and called for sustainable financing systems. Also discussed opportunities for growth in his constituency through small modular reactors, hydrogen support, and aviation fuels.
Sarah Edwards
Lab
Tamworth
Welcomed the King's Speech and announced legislation focusing on crime and policing, ending asylum hotel use, flood resilience taskforce plans, children’s wellbeing Bill, renters’ rights, and English devolution. Mentioned concerns about police front desk closure in Tamworth, daily abuse faced by shopworkers, loss due to shoplifting, flooding risks, NHS struggles, George Bryan Centre closure, and the need for action on soaring rent prices.
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