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Valedictory Debate
24 May 2024
Lead MP
Harriet Harman
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 46
At a Glance
Harriet Harman raised concerns about valedictory debate 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
In her concluding remarks, Harriet Harman reflected on her 42-year tenure in the House of Commons, thanking her constituents for their support and expressing pride in being a Labour MP. She emphasised the importance of representation and the growth of women's presence within Parliament, advocating that they are not a privilege but an essential part of democracy. She encouraged young women to enter politics despite challenges, acknowledging her own experiences and the role she played in fostering change from within her party.
Harriet Harman
Lab
Camberwell and Peckham
In her speech, Harriet Harman celebrated her 42 years in Parliament, highlighting her consistent voting record and the importance of cross-party collaboration. She acknowledged the evolving representation within the House, noting that women now make up 30% compared to just 3% when she first entered as an MP. Harman emphasised the necessity for a more representative democracy with voices from diverse backgrounds being heard.
Theresa May
Con
Maidenhead
She acknowledged the importance of democracy worldwide but expressed concern about its fragility and the growing support for leaders who may undermine it, especially among young people. She highlighted her experience as a Member of Parliament and emphasised the role of MPs in being a voice for those without power.
Barry Sheerman
Lab
Huddersfield
Mr. Sheerman reflected on his long-standing career in Parliament, including his roles as a Select Committee Chair and the author of successful private Member’s Bills like the one banning children from being carried in the front seat without restraints. He also emphasised the importance of universities for economic development and the need to address climate change through collective effort and innovation.
Ian Blackford
SNP
Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Mr Blackford thanked Mr Wallace for his role as Defence Secretary and for regularly briefing members across the House on matters of national security.
Ms Winterton expressed her gratitude towards Mr Speaker and Deputy Speakers, acknowledged staff contributions to the effective functioning of the House, highlighted her 27 years of service as a Member of Parliament for Doncaster, and thanked constituents for their support.
Nigel Evans
Con
Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire
Expressed appreciation for Margaret Hodge's contributions and wished her well upon retirement.
Matthew Hancock
Con
West Suffolk
Hancock starts by thanking those who inspired him in politics, including Margaret Hodge and Dr Michael Hart. He mentions the importance of public service and the role of special advisers, highlighting an instance where a tweet from an American statistician helped save thousands of lives during the pandemic. Hancock also discusses his work on technology, the NHS, and the challenges faced by politicians today.
Nigel Evans
Ind
Cannock South
Evans briefly thanks Matthew Hancock and expresses appreciation for the National Health Service.
Ian Blackford
SNP
Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Highlights the privilege of representing a remote constituency. Discusses past interactions with ministers on Scottish agriculture support and Gaelic broadcasting. Acknowledges the importance of respectful debate across political lines and regrets societal polarisation. Reflects positively on being elected to Parliament in 2015, noting initial struggles but positive reception from colleagues. Addresses Scotland's place within the Union post-2014 referendum, discussing economic growth opportunities for an independent Scotland. Emphasises challenges related to Brexit, mortgage market weaknesses, and public service improvements. Expresses regret over missed opportunities during previous Parliaments, such as staying in the single market and customs union.
Robert Halfon
Con
Harlow
Halfon emphasises the importance of being an MP for public service and serving constituents. He talks about his personal journey, highlighting the challenges he faced as a child with disabilities and how becoming an MP allowed him to help others. He also mentions specific policies he championed such as the living wage, apprenticeships, and skills development.
Paid tribute to Robert Halfon and welcomed Julian Knight's speech.
Julian Knight
Con
Solihull
Expressed gratitude for constituents, staff, and the privilege of representing Solihull. Highlighted securing a £60 million investment in the local hospital, advocating for schools, fighting police service cuts, and chairing the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee from 2020 to 2023. Criticised the toxicity of the working environment in Parliament and was involved in a wide-ranging criminal investigation involving conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, fraud, forgery. Believes he was targeted due to his work against racism at Yorkshire County Cricket Club and lack of high-level support within the party.
Responded with 'Hear, hear!' multiple times throughout the debate.
Bob Stewart
Con
Beckenham
Expressed gratitude for his time in Parliament and his military background. Mentioned a humorous incident where he mistakenly said 'spank my hon. Friend' instead of 'thank my hon. Friend.' Acknowledged colleagues, office staff, and his wife Claire Podbielski.
Paid tribute to Bob Stewart, calling him a true friend and expressed love for him.
Jo Churchill
Con
Bury St Edmunds
Expressed gratitude towards her team, constituents, staff in Parliament and the House of Commons. She thanked all those who have served with courtesy and kindness to ensure that democracy is upheld.
Gave a brief comment thanking Jo Churchill for her service.
Alok Sharma
Con
Reading West
Expressed gratitude towards his constituents, staff and colleagues who supported him throughout his tenure. He thanked everyone involved in the success of various local projects such as schools, train stations, flood alleviation schemes, road upgrades, and campaigns for stronger sentences.
Tracey Crouch
Con
Chatham and Aylesford
She shared personal stories of her achievements and challenges over the past 14 years as an MP, including securing a wheelchair for a young boy, working on mesothelioma legislation with Paul Goggins, and addressing loneliness through collaboration with Kim Leadbeater. She emphasised the importance of cross-party work and thanked her staff, parliamentary colleagues, and various support staff for their contributions.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
She intervened to ask Tracey Crouch about an incident where question marks were placed behind the Leader of the Opposition's seat on the Benches, inquiring if it was her team or unnamed colleagues who supported her in this action.
He thanked Tracey Crouch and suggested that it would be appropriate to hear from Andrew Percy next.
Andrew Percy
Con
Brigg and Goole
Expressed gratitude to the Speaker, colleagues, constituents, family, friends, and staff for his 24 years in elected office. Mentioned significant contributions to local community projects such as reducing Humber bridge tolls, introducing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, setting up a first-responder scheme, supporting NHS volunteering, securing flood defences funding, establishing the bid writing service that secured £2.5 million for his area, and providing ambulances for Ukraine.
Nigel Evans
Con
Chorley
Welcomed Chloe Smith to speak and expressed his friendship with her, mentioning his support for her during the election campaign.
Chloe Smith
Con
Norwich North
Acknowledged responsibility for the snap election due to her legislation; thanked constituents, staff, friends in Parliament, and her office team. Mentioned personal challenges and stepping back from politics at 42 years old after serving as an MP since age 27. Emphasised pride in her employment project 'Norwich for Jobs' and securing investment for East Anglia's train carriages. Praised the passing of the British Sign Language Act 2022 across party lines, urging accessibility in campaigning for sign language interpreters at major events. Highlighted the importance of public finances, constitution, democracy, public services, science, innovation and technology, and maternity leave policies. Noted serving under six Prime Ministers including Gordon Brown. Shared anecdotes about being mistaken for other MPs (James Brokenshire and Caroline Lucas). Paid tribute to various colleagues and mentors including Theresa May and Baroness Shephard.
Nigel Evans
Con
Crewe and Nantwich
Evans thanked Nickie Aiken for her service and recognised the importance of staff in supporting MPs. He expressed hopes to see Aiken and her husband in the UAE.
Bob Neill
Con
Bromley and Chislehurst
Neill recounts his political journey from local government to serving as a Minister for community pubs and Chair of the Justice Committee. He discusses his involvement in Gibraltar, the arts, and stroke care initiatives, expressing appreciation for colleagues and staff throughout his career.
Nigel Evans
Con
Folkstone and Hythe
Evans pays tribute to Bob Neill and extends well wishes to David Jones, acknowledging his Welsh background despite being a Londoner. He expresses hope for more leisure time now that Jones is stepping down.
Jones reflects on his 19-year career in the House of Commons, discussing his early ambition and connections to both London and north Wales. He highlights the significance of Ruthin receiving £11 million from the levelling-up fund for restoring civic pride and boosting the visitor economy. He advocates for improved transport links, especially the electrification of the north Wales coast main line. Jones also calls for a review of the constitutional settlement in Wales to promote cooperation between Westminster and Cardiff. Additionally, he speaks about his experience during Brexit and expresses pride in contributing to the process of leaving the European Union.
Stephen Hammond
Con
Wimbledon
Mr Hammond thanked colleagues and staff for their support throughout his career. He noted that while political discourse can be coarse, it is important to focus on positive contributions. He also acknowledged the challenges of balancing local representation with national scrutiny.
Tim Loughton
Con
East Worthing and Shoreham
Recalled his time in Parliament, highlighted the importance of defending democracy globally, acknowledged resilience among Conservative MPs compared to Labour MPs from the 1997 intake, apologised for heckling and noise in the House, emphasised the privilege of serving constituents, thanked staff, civil servants, families, and mentioned unfinished business like investigating stillbirths.
Mark Menzies
Con
Fylde
Mr Menzies reflects on his unconventional entry into politics, influenced by Margaret Thatcher and his personal experiences. He discusses the challenges of building relationships in a constituency and the importance of parliamentary staff. He highlights his achievements as trade envoy for Latin America and Saudi Arabia, including securing major infrastructure deals and promoting British businesses. Mr Menzies emphasises the need to care about MPs' wellbeing and urges support for health and wellbeing initiatives. He expresses gratitude towards colleagues and friends who supported him throughout his career.
Robin Walker
Con
Worcester
Expresses gratitude to family for support during his political career and highlights his passion for education. Acknowledges the importance of school funding debates, citing progress made by the Government but also stressing ongoing challenges. Emphasises recommendations from the Education Committee regarding teaching assistants' funding and the need for better special educational needs funding in future. Commends staff at Select Committees, particularly Clerks, for their hard work on producing cross-party recommendations. Discusses the report on screen time and social media dangers, urging the next Government to engage with its recommendations. Ends by thanking his constituents and colleagues.
Dehenna Davison
Con
Bishop Auckland
Davison reflects on her time in the Commons, highlighting the importance of teamwork and acknowledging the support from various colleagues, including Doorkeepers, catering staff, Clerks, security, cleaners, and personal stylists. She also pays tribute to her team at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and expresses gratitude towards her family, partner Tony, and constituents who have supported her throughout her career.
Will Quince
Con
Colchester
Honoured to serve as Colchester’s Member of Parliament for nine years, during which he achieved significant local and national milestones such as securing £40 million in town deal funding and introducing parental bereavement leave legislation. Expresses gratitude towards his team, constituents, and colleagues.
James Duddridge
Con
Rochford and Southend East
Reflects on 20 years of service in Parliament, including nine years as a Minister under three different Prime Ministers. Mentions achievements like the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, defence spending debates, and his work as Africa Minister. Expresses gratitude to his staff and family.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Intervened to express personal appreciation for James Duddridge's support and loyalty in bringing her into Parliament, highlighting the importance of such mentorship for women in politics.
John Baron
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Reflecting on his 23 years in the House, John Baron thanked all those who have supported him and praised the parliamentary system for its effectiveness. He highlighted improvements such as family-friendly hours and an increase in female MPs but also noted concerns about narratives suggesting that the system is broken. Baron emphasised the importance of telling the truth, perseverance, and humility in achieving change. He discussed his successful campaigns and disappointments, including interventions in Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan, and the amendment on the Northern Ireland backstop. He advocated for careful consideration of reforms to avoid harming democracy.
Steve Brine
Con
Winchester
Mr Brine reflects on his time as Member of Parliament for Winchester and Chandler’s Ford, expressing gratitude towards colleagues, staff, constituents, and family. He highlights key achievements such as the establishment of Pharmacy First, writing the cancer plan, extending HPV vaccinations to boys, and chairing the Health and Social Care Committee. He emphasises that despite boundary changes breaking up his constituency, he will remain committed to serving Winchester.
Andy Carter
Con
Warrington South
Expresses his gratitude towards colleagues and constituents for the past four and a half years. Mentions improvements in public transport, healthcare, broadband, flood defences, job fairs, and skill training academies. Praises local councillors and teachers in Warrington South, highlights opposition to green belt developments, and thanks his team at Westminster and Warrington. Emphasises the importance of standing up for one's constituency.
Greg Clark
Con
Tunbridge Wells
Mr Clark reflected on his 19 years in Parliament, highlighting achievements such as the dualing of A21 and the construction of a new hospital at Pembury. He praised the vigorous voluntary sector in Tunbridge Wells and thanked organisations like the Tunbridge Wells Mental Health Resource, the Sea Cadets, and the Hospice in the Weald for their work. He expressed gratitude to his constituents for consistently returning him to Parliament over five general elections and acknowledged the support of his office teams, including Diane Talbot, Oliver Gill, Fiona Lloyd Williams, Annie Jack, Sam Howard, Rachel Godfrey, Matthew Dickens, Adam Hignett, Peter Franklin, David Mercier, Alexine Bullett, and Joanna Garner. He also thanked Mr Speaker and staff for their kindness and support, as well as the civil servants who worked with him during his tenure in government.
Richard Bacon
Con
South Norfolk
Discusses the importance of MPs in uncovering and addressing government failures, highlighting issues such as the Child Support Agency and Rural Payments Agency scandal. Mentions his work with Dame Margaret Hodge on Public Accounts Committee and stresses the need for transparency and accountability in governance.
Matthew Offord
Con
Hendon
Honoured to be the last speaker on the Back Benches, thanking constituents for re-electing him four times with his highest number of votes in 2019. Emphasised Hendon's diversity including Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Chinese, and Iranian communities. Highlighted development projects like Stonegrove estate, Grahame Park estate, Beaufort Park, West Hendon, Upper Fosters, and the Peel Centre. Discussed issues of antisemitism, education, and Israel-Palestine relations, supporting the idea that a ceasefire in Gaza would not resolve the issue without removing Hamas's control over 80% of Gaza’s support base. Criticised Ireland, Norway, and Spain for recognising an independent Palestinian state, considering it as rewarding terrorism. Shared personal experiences with political figures such as Lord Cameron in Israel and Saddam Hussein's palace in Baghdad. Mentioned regret over voting for military action in Libya which contributed to the current immigration crisis.
Nigel Evans
Con
Ribble Valley
Nigel Evans acknowledges the emotional impact of Eleanor Laing vacating the Chair and calls for winding-up speeches.
Lucy Powell
Lab Co-op
Manchester Central
Expresses admiration for departing MPs, acknowledges the emotional significance of their departures, and highlights the importance of cross-party working. Mentions specific contributions and legacies left by various MPs such as Harriet Harman, Theresa May, Graham Jones, Ian Blackford, Robert Halfon, Bob Stewart, Jo Churchill, Alok Sharma, Tracey Crouch, Chloe Smith, Nickie Aiken, Robert Neill, Mark Menzies, Mr Walker, Dehenna Davison, Will Quince, James Duddridge, Bill Baron, Steve Brine, Andy Carter, Greg Clark, and others. Also mentions colleagues who have passed away during the Parliament.
Marcus Jones
Con
Northampton North
Payed tribute to several colleagues who have not spoken, acknowledging their dedication and contributions. Highlighted work of Craig Mackinlay, John Howell, David Duguid among others. Emphasised the significant roles played by former Prime Minister Theresa May and other long-standing MPs in shaping democratic processes.
Nigel Evans
Con
Fylde
Expressed gratitude and farewell to colleagues who are standing down. Mentioned friends like Rosie, Eleanor, Lindsay, John Howell, David Duguid, Craig Mackinlay, Jim Shannon, and others by name. Highlighted the positive experiences of working together and praised their resilience and positivity. Wished all friends good luck for the future.
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