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Summer Adjournment
22 July 2021
Lead MP
Ian Mearns
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
TaxationBenefits & WelfareStandards & Ethics
Other Contributors: 35
At a Glance
Ian Mearns raised concerns about summer adjournment 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
Moving a debate on matters to be raised before the House's summer recess, focusing on issues such as industrial heritage preservation at Dunston coal staiths in Gateshead, urging the Chancellor to reconsider cutting the £20 per week uplift to universal credit due to its impact on households in the north-east of England, expressing concern over the Newcastle United takeover saga and calling for transparency from the Premier League, raising concerns about ongoing covid cases and deaths in Northumberland, Durham, and Tyne and Wear.
Ian Mearns
Lab
Gateshead
Called attention to industrial heritage preservation at Dunston coal staiths, highlighted the detrimental impact of reducing universal credit benefits on households in the north-east, discussed concerns about Newcastle United's takeover and transparency issues within the Premier League, and urged constituents to remain vigilant against the ongoing threat of covid-19.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Discussed Stanmore station planning application, called for justice for the election of Ebrahim Raisi in Iran, supported compensation efforts for Equitable Life policyholders, championed for the homeless and tobacco control, advocated for amendments to Building Safety Bill.
Emma Lewell-Buck
Lab
South Shields
Critiqued Government's handling of the pandemic, highlighted community support in South Shields including fundraising efforts and delivery of food essentials by volunteers, praised local businesses and keyworkers for their contributions during the crisis.
David Amess
Con
Southend West
Called for no disparity in care costs between private self-payers and council-placed residents, emphasised the need for accompanying infrastructure in new housing developments, raised concerns about single-use plastics, proposed amendments to the Environment Bill, celebrated the platinum jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II by highlighting tree donations from Maldives and local businesswoman, urged a ban on live export of animals for slaughter and cages, expressed concern over pension ombudsman complaints system, promoted a book on working with vulnerable children, supported memorial fund-raising for Vera Lynn, wished athletes success in upcoming games.
Lilian Greenwood
Lab
Nottingham South
Critiqued East Midlands Railway's new timetable that failed to deliver promised services, questioned Government’s role in holding operators accountable, called for prioritising the midland main line electrification under transport decarbonisation plan, challenged rumours about HS2 eastern leg being delayed.
Liam Fox
Con
North Somerset
Welcomed measures in Building Safety Bill to address cladding issues, emphasised no EWS1 form for buildings under 18 metres and increased rights of redress for leaseholders, expressed concern over ongoing bills for affected residents, stressed the importance of green belt protection and build-out proposals, wished everyone a happy and safe recess.
John Cryer
Lab
Dagenham
Raised concerns about cladding issue affecting constituents, criticised Government's building safety fund exclusion criteria, advocated for help from the Government to registered social landlords in pursuing builders, proposed raising statutory sick pay rate closer to living wage, expressed environmental worries over London City airport expansion.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Raised concerns about e-scooter regulations, supported heritage rail tourism, advocated for changes in voting system to aid the blind and partially sighted, welcomed freeport status for Humber ports, praised local plans and levelling-up agenda, and called for three unitary authorities in Lincolnshire.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent East
Critiqued the Government's handling of the pandemic, highlighted corruption and authoritarianism, discussed class issues, exposed government cronyism and lack of support for NHS staff. Quoted youth writer Manal Nadeem on anti-racism and survival as a birthright. Mentioned Peter Stefanovic’s video about Prime Minister's false claims.
Judith Cummins
Lab
Bradford South
Called for reflection on words and withdrew remarks after being asked by the Chair to do so, but no substantial contribution is provided in the given text.
Celebrated Historic County Flags Day in Parliament Square, highlighted modern flag designs such as those of Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. Emphasised the diversity of county flags across the United Kingdom.
Meg Hillier
Lab Co-op
Hackney South and Shoreditch
Reflected on the loss of scrutiny during the pandemic, highlighted housing challenges faced by constituents including overcrowding, temporary accommodation issues for health workers, high rent prices compared to income levels. Raised concerns about childcare costs and staff absences due to app notifications.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Expresses opposition to HS2 due to uncertain post-covid rail demand, high costs and environmental destruction. Also opposes East West Rail project for similar reasons. Criticises government's plans for a new prison near HMP Spring Hill citing disruption to rural roads and green space.
Judith Cummins
Lab
Bradford South
Calls Jon Trickett to speak, does not provide detailed position.
Jon Trickett
Lab
Normanton and Hemsworth
Highlights economic disparities in constituencies such as Normanton and Hemsworth due to rapid deindustrialisation, inequality generated by the economy. Calls for radical change against neoliberal policies that have exacerbated regional inequalities and poverty.
Thanks Newbury Racecourse staff and volunteers for their vaccination efforts. Pays tribute to Ruth Saunders for her marathon walk raising £50,000 for the Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Advocates for a bus route linking Newbury and Oxford via Harwell science park to support workers. Expresses concern over chalk stream pollution and seeks resolution through Environment Bill.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Critiques the UK Government for its handling of universal credit, contract awards during pandemic, and Brexit's impact on Aberdeen. Focuses largely on climate change and energy issues, criticising government lack of action in transitioning North Sea oil industry towards renewable energies.
Fiona Bruce
Con
Congleton
Discussed her role as the Prime Minister’s special envoy for freedom of religion or belief, highlighting the UK's leadership in securing a statement from alliance members on religious freedom and human rights violations in Myanmar. Emphasised the importance of supporting faith communities who pursue peace in Myanmar. She also presented an in-depth report on human rights violations in North Korea, urging colleagues to support early-day motion on this issue. Mentioned horrendous violence in Nigeria and cited Bishop of Truro's comment.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Expressed gratitude towards those who have helped deliver the covid vaccination programme, thanking community groups such as Lions boxing club and “Black Country Blokes” podcast for their support during the pandemic. Announced plans for his seventh annual jobs fair in Dudley South to help people back into jobs and develop new skills. Emphasised the importance of protecting green-belt sites and advocated for equal opportunities across different parts of the country.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Called for a debate on human rights abuses in Kashmir, highlighting the lack of Government time provided since last year. Criticised the impact of the Indian Government’s Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019 and demanded UK Government involvement through diplomacy to tackle human rights violations. Urged support from all parties for multilateral efforts to end such abuses.
Elliot Colburn
Con
Carshalton and Wallington
Pays tribute to NHS staff, volunteers, community leaders for their efforts during the pandemic. Addresses concerns raised by constituents including crime, antisocial behaviour, public transport issues, local economy support, environmental issues, schools and education, healthcare improvement at St Helier Hospital and Epsom Hospital.
Blackley and Broughton
Raises concerns about the Health and Care Bill, highlighting potential risks to patients and staff. Criticises the bill for removing social care needs assessments before hospital discharge and allowing big business involvement in decision-making boards. Emphasises that the NHS belongs to the people.
Lia Nici
Con
Great Grimsby
Expresses gratitude towards essential workers during the pandemic, including NHS staff, teachers, port and logistics workers, energy workers, and others. Highlights progress in Great Grimsby due to levelling-up agenda and green plan, with over £300 million private investment.
Steven Baker
Con
Wycombe
Expresses thankfulness for the Government’s programme but also looks forward to difficult decisions ahead, especially regarding NHS capacity management and food insecurity. Mentions that Wycombe is the most food-insecure place in the UK according to a recent survey.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Maskell criticises the Government's handling of the pandemic, particularly highlighting the Prime Minister's actions during the spike in infections. She calls for a change in leadership to public health professionals and an immediate start to a public inquiry into the pandemic. She also urges people to adhere to safety measures.
Daly discusses the importance of preserving local cultural assets, using Bury football club as an example. He expresses concern about the impact of strategic planning documents on green belt areas and advocates for cross-party efforts to support community development.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Anderson raises urgent issues such as nursery school closures due to staff isolation, aid cuts in Tigray, Ethiopia, maintaining the universal credit uplift, returning the green homes grant and stopping the privatisation of the NHS. She thanks vaccine centres and local charities for their efforts.
Johnston focuses on housing as a key factor in social mobility, addressing concerns about affordability, infrastructure, and environmental impact due to high levels of house building in his constituency.
Navendu Mishra
Lab
Stockport
Pays tribute to key workers in Greater Manchester, criticises government for ignoring the north during pandemic, supports Mayor Andy Burnham's call for continued use of face coverings. Emphasises that 60% of hospital admissions are unvaccinated and encourages vaccination. Raises concern over employers using 'fire and rehire' tactics, highlighting it as a national scandal. Discusses cancer backlog due to delays in diagnosis and treatment caused by the pandemic, urging Government to set out a proper plan. Mentions Macmillan Cancer Support's work and thanks them for their support. Condemns deportation of individuals to Zimbabwe despite human rights abuses.
Highlights the situation of leaseholders in St Francis Tower, Ipswich. Criticises Block Management’s decision to cover the tower block with shrink-wrap and install window bars without consultation, resulting in poor living conditions for residents during a pandemic. Urges Government to intervene and hold Block Management accountable to ensure remediation work is done sensitively.
Chris Stephens
SNP
Glasgow South West
The hon. Member discussed issues such as Building Safety Bill, sick pay, poverty, holiday hunger, industrial action disputes at the DVLA and freedom of peaceful assembly. He praised organisations combating holiday hunger and thanked staff for their hard work.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The hon. Member raised concerns about the persecution and discrimination faced by 309 million Christians worldwide, urging the House to address this issue at its core.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Acknowledged contributions from various MPs on topics such as social care, environment, HS2 and East West Rail, the situation in Kashmir and Ethiopia, homelessness, cladding issues, housing shortages, covid vaccination efforts, pandemic failures, ministerial contracts during the pandemic, NHS winter preparedness, community events, grassroots football, Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, and Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Emphasised the need for an inquiry into the Government's handling of the pandemic and called for a political and diplomatic boycott of the Beijing games.
Stuart Andrew
Con
Daventry
Acknowledged contributions from various Members on diverse topics such as the pandemic, football governance, Stanmore station issues, investment in railways, planning and cladding concerns. Addressed accusations of cronyism and corruption against the Government, defending his record on supporting the NHS and poorer families. Emphasised support for town centre deals and trade deals to create jobs.
Expressed agreement with the sentiment for a happy recess.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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