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Debate on the Address
07 November 2023
Lead MP
Robert Goodwill
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
NHSEducationDefenceHousingTransportDemocracy & ElectionsCulture, Media & Sport
Other Contributors: 42
At a Glance
Robert Goodwill raised concerns about debate on the address in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
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
Moves the Humble Address to King Charles III, reflecting on the late Queen's reign and the significance of Yorkshire. He emphasises the importance of HS2 funds being redeployed for local development projects like dualling the A64. Goodwill also highlights the economic benefits of mining in his constituency and the cultural heritage of Scarborough and Whitby. Additionally, he discusses the impact of by-elections on political careers, mentions recent electoral history, and expresses support for the Government's legislative agenda while acknowledging ongoing international challenges.
Robert Goodwill
Con
Scarborough and Whitby
Moves the Humble Address to King Charles III. Reflects on his political journey, highlighting the significance of Yorkshire in British politics. Advocates for the redeployment of HS2 funds towards local infrastructure projects. Emphasises the economic importance of mining in his constituency and the cultural heritage of Scarborough and Whitby. Discusses the impact of by-election results on political careers and mentions recent electoral history. Supports the Government's legislative agenda, particularly measures against unlicensed pedicabs and live animal exports for slaughter. Acknowledges international challenges like the conflict with Hamas and the war in Ukraine.
Siobhan Baillie
Con
Stroud
Seconding the Loyal Address, Siobhan Baillie discussed her personal journey and the privilege of serving as an MP for Stroud. She highlighted the importance of public service despite political challenges, emphasising the need to support constituents with casework and correspondence. She also mentioned the focus on security challenges, economic growth, and actions to protect homeowners from rogue property management companies. Additionally, she expressed hope for town regeneration, the NHS workforce plan, further education reforms, and action against biodiversity loss as outlined by King Charles III.
Keir Starmer
Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Critiqued the King's Speech as lacking a serious plan for growth and national renewal. Highlighted issues such as crumbling schools, rising waiting lists, environmental degradation, cancelled infrastructure projects, early release of violent criminals, high mortgage costs, low economic growth in G7 next year, and high taxes since World War II. Called for radical improvement in housing supply through national targets and a planning Bill to reduce red tape. Also highlighted the need for modern industrial strategy and employment Bill.
Rishi Sunak
Con
Richmond and Northallerton
The Prime Minister emphasised the UK's support for Israel’s right to defend itself while stressing the importance of humanitarian aid. He also highlighted the Government's plans outlined in the King's Speech, focusing on economic growth, societal change, and national security measures aimed at building a better future for Britain.
Robert Goodwill
Con
Scarborough and Whitby
The Prime Minister paid tribute to Sir Robert Goodwill’s contributions, highlighting his support for the Government's plan to protect renters and praising his introduction of roadside drug tests which have saved numerous lives.
Siobhan Baillie
Con
Stroud
The Prime Minister commended Siobhan Baillie’s work on childcare provision, noting her significant impact in improving childcare policies that will benefit millions of families across the country.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Asked the Prime Minister if he agrees with the Home Secretary's statement that homelessness is a lifestyle choice. He also questioned whether the Prime Minister would dismiss her for this stance.
Questioned the Prime Minister about his energy policies, specifically regarding new oil and gas licences and their impact on energy security and household bills. She accused him of governing by gimmick rather than addressing real issues like home insulation programmes.
Rishi Sunak
Con
Richmond and Northallerton
Defended the Government's stance on various policies, including smoke-free legislation, NHS investment, education reforms, housing market reform, transport infrastructure development, law and order measures, support for armed forces veterans, and national defence. He criticised Labour's approach to these issues.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Mr Flynn expressed support for the Ukrainian people and condemned Hamas's actions in Israel and Gaza. He also criticised the UK government's economic policy, arguing that it needs to expand working age migration, improve access to the EU single market, and enact measures like an employment Bill to stimulate growth. Mr Flynn emphasised the need for investment in net zero technologies and pointed out the lack of tangible support for Scotland’s energy sector from the current policies. He also advocated for devolution of economic powers to Holyrood and highlighted the benefits of Scottish governance compared to Westminster.
Peter Bottomley
Con
Worthing West
Expressed scepticism about the Scottish National party's prospects in the next general election, noting that Barnett formula funding for local government is appreciated by his constituents. Welcomed leasehold reform for England and paid tribute to Gavin Barwell for recognising the problem of unfairness in leaseholds. Raised concerns over ongoing violence between Israel and Hamas, advocating for an end to hostilities and protection against religious hatred. Called for a review of the proposal for the holocaust memorial's location, proposing a meeting with Baroness Deech and Anita Lasker-Wallfisch to discuss alternatives. Emphasised the need for Parliament to handle investigations without interference and suggested reviewing all-party parliamentary groups.
Edward Davey
Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Paid tribute to King Charles III for delivering his first King’s Speech, noting its historic significance. Criticised the current Government's lack of unity and strength in addressing global crises such as the attacks by Hamas on Israel and the war in Ukraine. Highlighted that people are struggling with high taxes, energy bills, and mortgage payments. Called for action to ensure Britain's energy security and to invest in renewable energy rather than relying on expensive fossil fuels. Criticised the Government’s attitude towards older people during the pandemic, suggesting it reflects a broader callousness towards addressing various crises. Concluded that the British people will not accept their fate under this weak Conservative Government and will seek change through an upcoming election.
Robert Buckland
Con
South Swindon
Agrees with Theresa May's point about ending the elision of autism, neurodiverse conditions, and mental health in a new Act.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Commends the right hon. Lady for her speech and highlights the need to include Northern Ireland in the contract for difference scheme for net zero figures.
Vicky Ford
Con
Chelmsford
Agrees with Theresa May's emphasis on the pathway to net zero, welcoming the King’s Speech reference to transforming decision-making speed about new power coming onto the grid.
Jamie Stone
Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Highlights the need to pass skills for constructing massive structures to the next generation as time is of essence for green economy contributions.
Meg Hillier
Lab Co-op
Hackney South and Shoreditch
The King’s Speech offered by the Government lacks substantive measures to address poverty, homelessness, and housing insecurity. In Hackney, one in two children lives in poverty, social housing is severely overcrowded, and the waiting list for council housing is over 8,000 households. The speech also fails to deliver on promised reforms like abolishing no-fault evictions, which could provide stability for tenants but are delayed due to court backlogs caused by underinvestment by the Government.
Meg Hillier
Lab Co-op
Hackney South and Shoreditch
Responded by pointing out the significant drop in public service productivity and questioning the lack of capital investment in medical equipment during David Davis's tenure, which has led to a deterioration in healthcare services.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Emphasised the importance of research and development in improving cancer diagnosis and treatment, citing recent advancements at Queen’s University Belfast as an example.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Mr. Wilson congratulates the King on his first speech and expresses appreciation for the Government's commitment to defend nations under attack, such as Ukraine and Israel. He supports the Government’s willingness to grant licences for oil and gas exploitation, arguing it is necessary for energy security and job creation. He criticises legal challenges to these policies due to net zero targets. Wilson also praises leaving the EU, citing increased trade figures and manufacturing growth, but expresses concern over the Union's integrity and Northern Ireland's position within it. He concludes by questioning the logic of age-specific smoking bans.
John Redwood
Con
Wokingham
Mr Redwood emphasised the importance of changes to the Windsor framework for Northern Ireland and welcomed the King's Speech emphasis on UK oil and gas production. He argued that developing existing fields would help lower costs and increase tax revenues, supporting public services. He proposed temporary tax cuts on energy to reduce inflation and boost growth, suggesting selling NatWest shares as a funding source. Mr Redwood also suggested reverting to pre-2017 IR35 rules to encourage self-employment and easing VAT registration thresholds for small businesses. Lastly, he advised the Government and Bank of England to learn from the European Central Bank's approach to bond sales.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
The speech criticises the lack of substance and direction in the King's Speech regarding economic growth, industrial strategy, and energy policies. The speaker emphasises the importance of investing in renewable energy to drive down costs for households and businesses while reducing emissions. It highlights failures in supporting vital industries like steel, particularly concerning decarbonisation efforts and recent closures impacting local communities. Griffith argues that without a robust industrial plan, companies will invest elsewhere, leaving Britain behind.
Jacob Rees-Mogg
Con
North East Somerset
Welcomed the King's Speech, highlighting its reintroduction of traditional practices and emphasis on growth through free trade. He endorsed legislation for the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), stressing the importance of free trade in reducing global poverty and encouraging unilateral tariff reduction to benefit consumers. Rees-Mogg also called for a more aggressive use of Brexit opportunities, advocating for deregulation in areas like financial services and agriculture. He criticised existing regulations such as REACH, arguing they are used covertly for protectionism rather than safety. Regarding the King's Speech provisions on net zero burdens, he felt these did not go far enough to ease regulatory burdens on industries like car manufacturing and energy production. Rees-Mogg also addressed issues of migration control and policing, emphasising the need to protect ancient liberties such as warrantless entry.
Alex Cunningham
Lab
Stockton North
Criticised the consecutive Tory-led Governments for failing on economy, immigration, poverty, health services, crime and policing. Cited statistics indicating an increase in child poverty, homelessness, waiting times in NHS, and violent crimes. Emphasised need for investment in public health measures to tackle smoking and vaping among young people without additional costs. Highlighted the inadequacy of primary care services such as GP appointments and dental access. Raised concerns about mental health support and dementia services. Noted an increase in police-recorded crimes and a decline in police numbers since 2010, particularly male officers. Welcomed British Steel's investment plans for Teesside but urged more ambitious sustainable industrial strategy focusing on clean steelmaking.
Chris Grayling
Con
Epsom and Ewell
He emphasises the importance of free trade, supporting the signing up to CPTPP. He also criticises policies that might harm Scotland’s oil and gas industry and raises concerns about the sustainability of biomass energy from Drax power station. Chris Grayling supports reforms on leasehold and freehold tenure to prevent exploitation by developers. Additionally, he advocates for secondary legislation under the Environment Act 2021 to address illegal deforestation globally, including due diligence requirements for financial services institutions investing in companies involved in illegal deforestation. He also calls for progress on sustainable aviation fuel production within the UK.
Anna McMorrin
Lab
Cardiff North
Intervened to ask if investors and companies are demanding secondary legislation under the Environment Act 2021, similar to Chris Grayling's view on due diligence measures for financial services institutions.
Julie Elliott
Lab
Sunderland Central
Ms. Elliott expressed her sentiments towards the King's Speech, highlighting mixed emotions due to Queen Elizabeth II's long reign and the new challenges for King Charles III. She agreed with certain points made by other MPs on net zero and deforestation but criticised the current government for lacking a clear plan to address issues such as cost of living, education, and investment in communities. She pointed out specific negative impacts on her constituency, Sunderland, noting reductions in school block funding and local council support while child poverty and taxes have increased since 2015. Ms. Elliott also criticised the Government's approach to infrastructure projects, particularly regarding HS2 and northern transport issues. Despite these criticisms, she welcomed certain measures such as media reform legislation and a football regulator proposal, but was concerned about delays in implementing the latter. She expressed worry over the reintroduction of the Economic Activities of Public Bodies Bill due to the sensitive situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on freedom of expression for public bodies. Ms. Elliott concluded by emphasising that the Conservative government is out of ideas and failing to improve people's lives, advocating for a Labour Government as a better option.
Theresa Villiers
Con
Chipping Barnet
Congratulates fellow Members on starting the debate and highlights her entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. Supports the Data Protection and Digital Information (No. 2) Bill, which aims to modernise data regulation and protect privacy while encouraging business growth. Emphasises the importance of leasehold reform for constituents suffering distress and financial hardship. Welcomes measures to ban new house sales on a leasehold basis and improve transparency in leaseholder rights but calls for scrapping the presumption that leaseholders pay freeholder legal costs when challenging poor practices. Supports Renters (Reform) Bill aimed at helping renters and encouraging stable tenancies, stressing the need for fair treatment of responsible landlords. Advocates action against crime, particularly antisemitism and hate crimes, and criticises London Mayor Sadiq Khan's handling of police recruitment and performance. Calls for a ban on import of trophies from endangered animals due to its manifesto commitment and support among MPs. Urges support for the Bill banning live export of animals for slaughter and fattening as a historic step in animal welfare.
Ian Blackford
SNP
Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Critiques the lack of vision and hope in the King's Speech. Emphasises the need for support to Ukraine and condemnation of Hamas' actions in Israel. Discusses the financial crisis of 2008 and its aftermath, highlighting the decline in real wages and living standards. Questions the absence of concrete economic plans from the Government. Advocates for investment in renewable energy as a means to boost economy and achieve net zero emissions. Highlights Scotland's potential for green industrial revolution with up to 325,000 jobs.
Iain Stewart
Con
Milton Keynes South
Echoes the points made about Ukraine, welcomes leaseholder reform proposals but adds that service charges for common grounds and landscaping should be addressed. He commends the Government's focus on technology development and mentions Bletchley Park's global AI summit which had a significant economic impact. Discusses the automated vehicles Bill and its importance in providing regulatory certainty to investors for further innovation, highlighting pavement robots, e-scooters, and maritime automation as key areas. Welcomes the draft rail reform Bill as it provides much-needed certainty to the railway industry.
Newcastle upon Tyne North
Critiques the Government's programme, highlighting its lack of ambition and vision for economic growth. She mentions leasehold reforms that do not go far enough and criticises the government for cancelling rail infrastructure projects while maintaining a £2 bus fare subsidy which is insufficient to address transport issues. McKinnell also discusses the issue of graduate underemployment in Newcastle and calls for investment in clean energy and electric car manufacturing. She concludes by urging for change and suggesting that a Labour Government would better serve the country.
Mary Robinson
Lab
Cheadle
Welcomes the measures in the King’s Speech to give the police more powers but highlights that whistleblowers often face high risks and are ignored. Emphasises the need for a legal duty of candour for all public servants, backed up by whistleblower protections, and calls for legislation to protect contractors, volunteers, trustees, and families of employees who may have witnessed or have evidence of wrongdoing. Criticises PIDA as not fit for purpose and highlights the lack of success in whistleblowing cases. Discusses various examples where whistleblowers faced negative consequences and suggests incentivising positive behaviours instead of just deterring criminal behaviour.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Doughty criticises the King's Speech for being inadequate, short, and not addressing the challenges facing the country. He highlights the contrast between the Conservative government at the UK level and Labour-led governments in Wales. Doughty mentions new school buildings, further education colleges, hospital facilities, and housing developments in his constituency under a Labour administration. He also discusses concerns about energy bills, local GP services, climate change initiatives, leaseholder reform, conversion therapy ban, Russian state assets seizure for Ukraine reconstruction, and international issues such as the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Agreed with the assessment of the right hon. Member for Ross, Skye and Lochaber on the situation in the Middle East and supported maintaining domestic steel production due to supply chain vulnerabilities. Advocated for review and reform of funding formulae for rural areas to ensure greater equity. Emphasised the importance of difficult long-term decisions for national interest rather than party advantage. Highlighted proposals for education, including the advanced British standard to merge technical and academic routes into a single qualification. Raised concerns about grid capacity affecting economic growth in Dorset and stressed the need for energy security through domestic production. Supported free trade benefits but disagreed on race-to-the-bottom standards. Emphasised the importance of unionism and shared values among the four nations of the UK. Welcomed renewed focus on vaping dangers for public health.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
In response to the King’s Speech, Ms. Maskell condemns the violence in Israel and Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and justice for those affected by the conflict. She urges the Government to take a humanitarian pause and provide necessary supplies such as food, water, medical aid, and resources to Gaza. Additionally, she supports measures against further supply of defence weapons into the conflict zone and calls for the Government to step up its humanitarian response.
She also discusses the lack of a serious legislative programme addressing current crises in the UK and criticises the Government's failure to introduce legislation on mental health rights and housing policies. She welcomes the regulation of the vaping industry but expresses concern over new vapers, especially among young people. Ms. Maskell highlights the need for radical reforms in leasehold transactions and advocates for a legal definition and framework for commonhold property ownership.
Furthermore, she addresses the issue of flooding and supports extending the Flood Re scheme to leaseholders. She also outlines plans to introduce legislation on workplace bullying through her private Member’s Bill process.
Kevin Foster
Con
Torbay
The MP highlighted several key areas of the King's Speech and upcoming legislation, including tobacco control, vaping regulation, leasehold reforms, media reform, football governance, crime justice, immigration, environment, housing planning, and animal welfare. He praised initiatives to ban smoking in future generations, welcomed changes to e-cigarette regulations, and addressed issues with unfair leasehold practices. Additionally, he supported measures to repeal section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013 and improve football governance through the fan-led review's recommendations. On crime, he advocated for judicial reform to ensure offenders face their sentences in court. For immigration, Foster emphasised both illegal migration control and legal migration balance. He also called for legislative ratification of the global ocean treaty, criticised restrictive planning laws, and expressed disappointment about missed opportunities on animal welfare legislation.
Gareth Thomas
Lab Co-op
Harrow West
The hon. Member for Harrow West criticises the King's Speech, arguing that it fails to address the NHS crisis with meaningful action despite promises from the Prime Minister. He highlights rising waiting lists and underfunded NHS facilities in his constituency, such as closed walk-in centres and a lack of ICU expansion at Northwick Park Hospital. Additionally, he expresses concern over uncertainty around Mount Vernon Hospital's future due to dilapidated infrastructure and inadequate funding. Furthermore, Gareth Thomas discusses the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, condemning Hamas’s attacks on Israel while advocating for humanitarian aid and efforts towards peace.
Vicky Ford
Con
Chelmsford
Expressed gratitude towards His Majesty for ensuring stability during the transfer of the Crown. Discussed global security concerns and the need for Israel to defend its citizens, emphasising the Government's approach in the King’s Speech. Highlighted local successes such as infrastructure development and cost-of-living support funded by taxpayers. Advocated for domestic energy production to ensure supply security while maintaining climate leadership. Emphasised the importance of recruiting and retaining NHS staff through apprenticeships and training schemes. Welcomed initiatives on innovation, digital markets, and tackling digital-enabled crime.
Patrick Grady
Lab
Glasgow North
Patrick Grady criticises the King's Speech for its lack of ambition and failure to address critical issues such as cost of living, energy prices, and the impact of Brexit. He highlights the importance of devolution in Scotland and calls for action on animal welfare and rights of asylum seekers. He also addresses the Israel-Hamas conflict, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and peace negotiations.
Apsana Begum
Lab
Poplar and Limehouse
Critiques the King’s Speech for its lack of commitment to securing a ceasefire, condemning war crimes, recognising Islamophobia, and addressing human rights violations in Palestine. Expresses concern over the high number of Palestinian civilian deaths, particularly children, due to military bombardment. Calls out the UK Government for failing to reflect responsibility towards international law and peace. Also discusses personal experiences of hate crime and intimidation as a Muslim woman MP.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Expressed concerns about security, particularly targeting of women MPs. Mentioned the King's Speech theme of security and interfaith work. Highlighted domestic housing issues including leasehold provisions, rough sleeping, food banks, rental sector challenges, high street closures, and social housing shortages. Emphasised the need for more homes to alleviate overcrowding and provide hope for future generations.
Anna McMorrin
Lab
Cardiff North
The speech criticises the King’s Speech for lacking a clear plan and exacerbating existing issues such as poverty, energy crises, and climate change. It highlights cases of constituents struggling with evictions due to rent hikes, drastic cuts in pension support, and mental health difficulties exacerbated by debt and high costs. The speaker emphasises the need for Labour's plan to restore economic stability, lift living standards, make work pay, rebuild public services, invest in homegrown businesses, and address climate change through renewable energy investment. It also calls out the Government’s lack of meaningful action on violence against women and girls, energy security, and environmental issues, contrasting this with local efforts like Cardiff Money Advice and tree planting initiatives to combat climate change.
Government Response
NHSEducationDefenceHousingTransportDemocracy & ElectionsCulture, Media & Sport
Government Response
That is the simple choice: a Government on the side of hard-working people or an Opposition and the hon. Lady on the side of the eco-zealots. He went on to outline the Government's policies including smoke-free legislation, NHS investment, education reforms, housing market reform, transport infrastructure development, law and order measures, support for armed forces veterans, and national defence.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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