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Backbench Business - Christmas AdjournmentBackbench Business
16 December 2021
Lead MP
Bob Blackman
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
TaxationHousingTransportForeign AffairsParliamentary Procedure
Other Contributors: 22
At a Glance
Bob Blackman raised concerns about backbench business - christmas adjournmentbackbench business 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
Expressed grief for Sir David Amess and discussed local issues such as rejected planning applications, theft of catalytic converters, immigration casework delays, potholes, illegal houses in multiple occupation, support for the Iranian opposition, Holocaust Memorial Day, Equitable Life compensation, homelessness, rough sleeping, private rent debts, Azerbaijani visit. Also highlighted the need for 90,000 to 100,000 new social homes annually.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Agreed that catalytic converter theft should be treated as organised crime by Serious and Organised Crime Agency.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Expressed disappointment about worsening delays in immigration caseload cases and the lack of an Afghan resettlement scheme, questioning its narrowing down over time.
Backed up Bob Blackman's point on Equitable Life compensation promises made by the Government a long time ago.
Sarah Owen
Lab
Luton North
Agreed with Everyone In project but questioned why similar political will cannot be sustained outside of a pandemic context to reduce rough sleeping.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Expressed joy at community Christmas events and highlighted the work of local organisations like Circus House and schools. Emphasised the contributions of Black and Asian community groups in Manchester, Gorton. Acknowledged Sir Richard Leese's leadership in the City of Manchester and called for support to secure a long-term future for the covid memorial wall. Paid tribute to the late Sir David Amess and thanked his staff for their hard work during the pandemic.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
Raised concerns about the tragic death of 12-year-old Louis Watkiss at an indoor ski slope. Emphasised that a helmet could have saved his life and proposed mandating the use of helmets for snow sports activities in the UK, referencing successful examples from New Jersey and Europe. Called for either legislative changes or a code of practice to ensure operators insist on protective headgear when people participate in these activities.
Margaret Ferrier
SNP
Renchford
Expressed gratitude towards other MPs, House staff and thanked colleagues for their assistance in securing a private Member’s Bill. Highlighted the challenges faced by veterans and the need for continued support from the Ministry of Defence. Mentioned the difficulties arising from the withdrawal from Afghanistan and highlighted the struggles faced by constituents trying to secure support for Afghan families left behind. Celebrated local community initiatives like St Charles’ Primary School’s efforts in making Newton station more environmentally friendly, volunteer litter pickers such as Cleaning up Cambuslang and SOC (Supporting Our Community), mental health organisations including Samaritans and Place2Be, and addiction recovery groups like The Beacons. Emphasised the importance of food banks and tenants’ associations in her constituency.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Expressed serious concern about the situation in Bosnia and urged for Britain to stand on the right side of history. Stressed the importance of ensuring no return to past violence and suffering.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
Complimented Bob Stewart's speech, expressing gratitude for his compelling argument. Emphasised Britain's deep roots in the region and its ability to influence disputatious parties positively. Encouraged the Foreign Office to recognise Britain’s potential role.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Agreed that Republika Srpska cannot break away as it would legitimise ethnic cleansing and genocide. Highlighted the importance of maintaining Bosnia's territorial integrity to prevent such atrocities.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Ms Hopkins highlighted the significant impact of local charities in Luton, such as Level Trust which helps with education costs through clothing exchanges and home learning packs. She also mentioned Discover Islam's Curry Kitchen initiative to provide hot food to those in need. Ms Hopkins praised various community organisations for their work with homeless individuals and victims of domestic abuse, including Women’s Aid and the Luton Homeless Partnership. She requested a debate on increasing Government support for grassroots charities during challenging times.
Paul Holmes
Con
Hamble Valley
Honoured the memory of Sir David Amess and thanked health workers for their tireless efforts. Raised concerns over housing developments by Eastleigh Borough Council, citing issues with lack of consultation and unsustainable borrowing practices. Proposed changes to planning legislation to prevent local authorities from self-awarding planning permissions without checks and balances. Mentioned the judicial review concerning Southampton airport's runway extension application and called for reform in legal processes affecting large-scale infrastructure projects. Criticised Cemex's proposed gravel pit development in Hamble, highlighting inadequate consultation methods and environmental concerns. Advocated for Eastleigh to host Great British Railways headquarters due to its railway heritage and potential economic benefits. Called for accessibility improvements at Hedge End station.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Pays tribute to Sir David Amess and expresses gratitude for support from fellow MPs. Mentions her two-year anniversary as an MP and highlights the contributions of volunteers in her constituency, particularly those supporting NHS booster programme and community projects during the pandemic. Advocates for banning plastic in wet wipes through a ten-minute rule Bill and welcomes recent call for evidence on single-use plastics. Supports diplomatic action to prevent conflict in Bosnia and calls for clarity regarding Afghan citizens resettlement scheme. Addresses concerns of Ahmadiyya Muslim community in her constituency, advocating recognition of their marriage certificates in immigration applications. Raises issues concerning Transport for London funding settlement and Hammersmith bridge closure, urging immediate action from the Transport Secretary. Questions the lack of debate on Brexit's impact and requests an official report. Discusses housing issues including homelessness, damp properties affecting children’s health, temporary accommodation placement, and cladding crisis impacting leaseholders.
David Johnston
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Expressed sadness at Sir David Amess's absence, focusing on three key issues: AEA Technology pensioners, Appleford relief road, and the A420. He detailed the pensioners' plight, urging for redress as they were given assurances that turned out to be false. Discussed concerns about a proposed relief road near residents’ homes, advocating for its relocation due to noise and pollution issues. Highlighted safety concerns on the A420, emphasising the need for improvements such as safe crossing points and bike lanes.
Sarah Owen
Lab
Luton North
Commends fellow MPs for their contributions and highlights the resilience of her community during difficult times. She discusses the impact of the Afghan resettlement scheme, the role of local charities in supporting vulnerable people, the importance of small businesses, and the need to address inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic. Emphasises the importance of education, protecting BTECs, and ensuring a better future for young people. Also mentions the critical work done by community organisations like Discover Islam, Luton Town football club, Sundon Park Baptist church, Age Concern, Active Luton, and others during challenging times.
Tom Hunt
Lab
Ipswich
Mr. Hunt shared his views on the absence of Sir David Amess and highlighted his personal achievements in parliament, focusing primarily on local issues such as funding for special educational needs and disability services in Suffolk. He also addressed national concerns including dyslexia support, cladding issues with buildings, and the mental health impacts of lockdowns due to COVID-19. Additionally, he spoke about child cruelty cases like Arthur's tragic death, advocating for a thorough investigation into failures within children's services during the pandemic. Mr. Hunt concluded by expressing his concern over potential restrictions impacting this Christmas season.
Chris Stephens
SNP
Glasgow South West
Supported the Backbench Business Committee's request to name the Summer Adjournment debate after Sir David Amess. Emphasised the need for the Government to support businesses and workers during the pandemic, particularly mentioning the 3 million people excluded from financial aid. Highlighted local community organisations such as Govan HELP, Crookston Community Group, SWAMP, G53 Together, Threehills community supermarket, and Drumoyne Community Council which have assisted vulnerable groups. Advocated for an employment Bill to address workplace indignities. Called for the Government to fix social security issues and implement the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme. Stressed the importance of proper language when discussing immigration and refugees, mentioning the Show Racism the Red Card initiative's work on educating children about asylum seekers, refugees, and economic migrants. Criticised recent Government difficulties including sleaze, arrogance perception, cost-of-living crisis, and shrinking economy. Hoped for an assessment of Brexit realities and support for Scottish independence after the pandemic ends. Acknowledged the hard work of constituency office staff as heroes during challenging times.
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
Ms Morden praised fellow Labour Members such as Afzal Khan, Rachel Hopkins, Fleur Anderson, Sarah Owen, and others for raising important issues. She also highlighted the disproportionate impact of covid on disadvantaged groups and called for better engagement with MPs from departments like the Home Office and HMRC.
Stuart Andrew
Con
Daventry
Acknowledged the contributions of various MPs and raised several issues including the abuse faced by MPs, Christmas lights, COP adoption in schools, homelessness statistics, Afghanistan resettlement scheme, housing issues, vaccine distribution challenges, and security for MPs and staff. Emphasised the hard work done by MPs and their staff.
Chris Stephens
SNP
Glasgow South West
Called for recognition of abuse faced by constituency office staff and urged for better protection measures.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Asked the Minister to find a way to rename the summer recess Adjournment debate after Sir David Amess, suggesting it as an annual event.
Nigel Evans
Con
Falkirk West
Evans paid tribute to Sir David Amess, noting his characteristic ability to cover numerous issues within time constraints. He supported Amess's campaign for Southend city status and a statue of Dame Vera Lynn on the white cliffs of Dover. Evans suggested renaming the summer recess debate in honour of Sir David. He extended Christmas wishes to all staff members who contribute to the functioning of the House, including cooks, cleaners, and Clerks.
Government Response
TaxationHousingTransportForeign AffairsParliamentary Procedure
Government Response
Responded to various constituency issues and thanked all involved in community work. Addressed points raised by other MPs on renaming the summer recess Adjournment debate after Sir David Amess.
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Assessment & feedback
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