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February Adjournment
13 February 2020
Lead MP
Jack Lopresti
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Transport
Other Contributors: 37
At a Glance
Jack Lopresti raised concerns about february 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
Mr. Lopresti discussed three key issues affecting his constituency: the proposal for a new arena in the Brabazon hangar, transport infrastructure improvements, and the need for better funding and conditions in local schools. He highlighted the economic benefits of the proposed arena, which is forecasted to create 500 jobs and attract £1.5 billion to the local economy without costing taxpayers. Additionally, he pointed out the importance of restoring a regular rail service to Pilning station due to its proximity to a new inland surfing lake and advocated for a park-and-ride facility at Severn Beach railway station to reduce traffic congestion. Lastly, he emphasised the need for increased funding in underfunded schools like Patchway Community School to ensure children study in adequate environments.
Jack Lopresti
Con
Filton and Bradley Stoke
Mr. Lopresti discussed three key issues affecting his constituency: the proposal for a new arena in the Brabazon hangar, transport infrastructure improvements, and the need for better funding and conditions in local schools. He highlighted the economic benefits of the proposed arena, which is forecasted to create 500 jobs and attract £1.5 billion to the local economy without costing taxpayers. Additionally, he pointed out the importance of restoring a regular rail service to Pilning station due to its proximity to a new inland surfing lake and advocated for a park-and-ride facility at Severn Beach railway station to reduce traffic congestion. Lastly, he emphasised the need for increased funding in underfunded schools like Patchway Community School to ensure children study in adequate environments.
Gareth Thomas
Lab Co-op
Harrow West
The MP discussed the fourth university fair he organised in Harrow, focusing on health services in north-west London. He raised concerns about the future of Northwick Park Hospital and Mount Vernon cancer centre, including maintenance backlogs, financial deficits, staffing issues, and the lack of a clear strategy for the future of these facilities.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Evans highlighted his medical background as a GP and paid tribute to his predecessor, David Tredinnick. He mentioned meeting various Ministers to lobby for improvements in infrastructure and public services, such as the A5 road and broadband connectivity. Evans expressed his commitment to using his experience on the Health Committee to improve healthcare nationally while fighting for the rights of his constituents.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Congratulates the hon. Member for Bosworth on his excellent peroration and supports his views on empowerment and choice. Discusses health-related issue involving protesters disrupting clinic work at British Pregnancy Advisory Service in her constituency. Calls for buffer zones around clinics to protect women's rights and privacy during stressful decisions. Criticises local authority limitations under current laws, including the public spaces protection order (PSPO). Requests the Minister to speak with the Home Secretary about updating legislation to decriminalise abortion and provide for buffer zones. Urges calm discussions in Parliament on issues of free speech versus protection of women's dignity.
Sarah Atherton
Con
Wrexham
As the first Conservative MP for Wrexham, Sarah Atherton emphasised her commitment to representing all constituents regardless of how they voted. She highlighted the strong Welsh identity and industrial heritage of Wrexham, including its resilience following mining disasters and transition into other industries. Atherton also mentioned the town's diversity with significant Polish and Portuguese communities. She celebrated local traditions like football and brewing, and acknowledged her predecessor Ian Lucas’s service. The MP noted concerns about the Welsh Labour Government's management of health services but expressed optimism for Wrexham's future regeneration efforts.
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
Jessica Morden highlighted the opportunities and challenges presented by HS2, particularly for steel production and train manufacturing in Wales. She urged Ministers to support local industries such as Newport-based CAF Rail UK, which could benefit from the project. However, she also pointed out the disparity in rail infrastructure investment between Wales and other regions of the UK, questioning the Government's commitment to 'levelling up'. Morden raised concerns about benefits for terminally ill individuals and criticised the current system as unfit for purpose. She also discussed issues related to the roll-out of IR35 off-payroll tax and called for a review and engagement with contractors.
Introduction of Angela Richardson making her maiden speech.
Guildford
I am honoured to make my maiden speech and express gratitude for the support I have received. Guildford, a diverse constituency with rich history and culture, encapsulates the essence of community spirit and economic potential. The constituency is home to numerous charities and businesses that contribute significantly to its vibrant local economy and social welfare. As an advocate for apprenticeships and inward investment in infrastructure, I pledge to work on both cross-party and governmental levels to address issues such as homelessness and rough sleeping while fostering opportunities for youth development and job creation.
Carolyn Harris
Lab
Neath and Swansea East
I urge the Government to urgently reform outdated charity lottery legislation that hampers fundraising efforts for local charities. The current sales limits restrict income generation, particularly affecting smaller organisations that rely heavily on such lotteries for funding their community projects. Charities in my constituency, as well as across Britain, are losing substantial amounts of money due to these limitations. I request the Gambling Commission and Ministers to expedite the consultation process and set a clear timeline for implementing the necessary reforms to support charities effectively.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
The MP discusses his constituency's natural beauty, heritage, and economic sectors such as farming, agri-science, and green energy. He welcomes the shared rural network agreement to provide 95% geographical coverage by 2025 and looks forward to the Government’s 1 gigabit broadband initiative. He also stresses the importance of embracing democracy throughout national conversations and restoring true accountability to organisations trusted by the public.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Shannon discussed invasive species such as Japanese knotweed, mink, grey squirrels, and alien tree diseases. He provided statistics on the economic impact of these invasions and examples of conservation efforts in Northern Ireland to combat them. He emphasised the importance of a UK-wide strategy for monitoring and managing biodiversity.
Eleanor Laing
Con
Epping Forest
Paid tribute to Neil Hudson's father, Professor Christopher Hudson, a professor of obstetrics and gynaecology who passed away recently. Emphasised his contributions in the NHS and developing world.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Expressed concern over proposals for green-belt land development on the edge of the West Midlands conurbation, mentioning its importance to local constituencies and the need for support from the new ministerial team at the Treasury.
Stuart Anderson
Con
South Shropshire
Supported Mike Wood's concern about green-belt land development and suggested the need for further protection of all the green belt in the Black Country, referencing campaigns with West Midlands Mayor Andy Street for 'brownfield first'.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Mr. Wood argued against the development of Ridgehill woods, Lawnswood and neighbouring land adjoining his constituency as it would negatively impact air quality and local infrastructure in Dudley South. He emphasised that this development is unnecessary given existing brownfield sites available to meet housing needs and advocated for better use of former industrial land rather than encroaching on green-belt areas.
Eleanor Laing
Con
unknown constituency
Ms. Laing called upon Siobhan Baillie to make her maiden speech, marking the end of Mr. Wood's contribution and transitioning towards another speaker or topic.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Discussed the threat of a new road through his constituency, expressed concern about environmental destruction, impact on residents' lives and properties, increased flood risks, and questioned the need for additional housing developments. Raised doubts over productivity claims linked to building the Oxford to Cambridge expressway.
Responded to Greg Smith's concerns, declared an interest in a council ward within Smith's constituency, agreed that there are many issues with the idea of the new road and housing developments. Questioned economic claims made for the expressway project and highlighted environmental concerns.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Mr. Smith highlighted the significant local opposition to the expressway scheme, noting that both Aylesbury Vale District Council and Buckinghamshire County Council have opposed it on a cross-party basis. He emphasised the importance of preserving agricultural land in his rural constituency and expressed concern over the cumulative impact of HS2 and the expressway on residents. Mr. Smith also raised environmental concerns, pointing out that the project would destroy wildlife-rich areas and undisturbed habitats along its route. Additionally, he advocated for developing new homes on brownfield sites instead of green belt or agricultural land. He further criticised the economic case for the expressway, citing high costs and a weak benefit-cost ratio. Mr. Smith called for a priority review of the scheme and suggested looking into other projects such as East West Rail to improve east-west travel.
Jonathan Gullis
Con
Stoke-on-Trent North
Mr. Gullis emphasised the need for improved transport infrastructure in Stoke-on-Trent, Talke and Kidsgrove to boost economic development and accessibility. He highlighted the city's strategic location with good rail links but stressed that local connectivity is poor, particularly at rush hour, limiting employment opportunities. He called for investment in public transport to support wider development, reduce congestion, and tackle air pollution. Mr. Gullis also mentioned Stoke-on-Trent’s inclusion in the transforming cities fund bid aimed at turning Stoke station into a key transport interchange for north Staffordshire, expected to create jobs and improve accessibility. Additionally, he advocated for upgrading Kidsgrove station's facilities for people with mobility needs and improving cycling infrastructure around Longport station. He expressed ambitions for reopening lines such as Churnet from Stoke to Leek and restoring stations at Milton and Chatterley. Lastly, Mr. Gullis pleaded for a super-bus scheme in the city to address declining bus use and worsening traffic congestion.
Fiona Bruce
Con
Congleton
Ms Fiona Bruce highlighted the ongoing campaign to reopen Middlewich railway station, emphasising its potential value for her constituents in the Middlewich area. She mentioned that since she became an MP ten years ago, there has been a continuous effort to support this cause alongside many other MPs from around Cheshire. The proposal was initially called the 'Middlewich rail link campaign' and later renamed as the 'Mid Cheshire rail link campaign' due to broader regional support. Fiona Bruce presented a petition with thousands of signatures to reopen the station, leading to a feasibility study funded by the Government in 2019 which reported positively on the project's viability.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Mr Alex Sobel acknowledged Ms Fiona Bruce’s efforts to establish new rail connections within her constituency. He suggested that with the Beeching reversal fund offering £500 million, there is an opportunity for other constituencies to follow similar initiatives, though he noted that this sum might be insufficient for large-scale feasibility studies required across multiple areas.
Fiona Bruce
Con
Congleton
Ms. Bruce emphasised the importance of community engagement in local projects and highlighted her efforts to secure a strategic outline business case for a passenger railway station in Middlewich, which has been long desired by the town's residents. She mentioned that Middlewich is one of the largest towns without a railway station and noted its potential growth with £50 million committed for an eastern bypass. The MP also discussed the necessity of a southern bypass to address congestion and the need for more affordable and integrated bus services in the area. Additionally, she raised concerns about unfinished works on the Loachbrook estate in Somerford, urging local authorities and developers to resolve issues related to drainage, lighting, pathways, and other infrastructure improvements. She also addressed the status of Congleton War Memorial Hospital and its importance for local residents.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
The MP highlighted several issues affecting his constituency and the country at large. He raised concerns about local authority pension funds deficits, commercial property investments by local authorities, and the ongoing problem of homelessness despite legislative improvements. He also called for a repeal of the Vagrancy Act 1824 to address aggressive begging on streets. The MP emphasised the need for more affordable housing and criticised the Mayor of London's plans to build high-density flats at Stanmore station, which would reduce car parking spaces and potentially increase crime levels locally. He also addressed issues like aggravated burglaries in his constituency, improvements in healthcare services, and ongoing struggles with the redevelopment of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital due to NHS bureaucracy delays.
David Linden
SNP
Glasgow East
He expressed appreciation for wide-ranging debate, commended new MPs and their speeches, discussed issues such as human trafficking in nail bars and car washes, trophy hunting imports, urgent support to protect oceans, child refugees and family reunion policy, rail infrastructure development, bank branch closures and access to cash, VAT rates on housing renovation and repair work, Scotch whisky tariffs with the US, persecution of Christians in India and Nigeria, neonatal care leave for parents. His speech covered a broad range of local and international issues.
Stuart Andrew
Con
Daventry
Stuart Andrew congratulated Lance Corporal Lewis Horrocks on passing out from Harrogate Army Foundation College, noting his pride in the young soldier’s achievement. He also mentioned speculation about potential reshuffles among Members.
David Linden
SNP
Glasgow East
David Linden made a humorous quip, referencing Stuart Andrew's earlier comments about waiting for reshuffle calls, suggesting that no such call had been received.
Stuart Andrew
Con
Daventry
Andrew praised the contributions from various Members of Parliament, emphasising the positive aspects of parliamentary discussions. He addressed several maiden speeches and constituency issues, including transport infrastructure, local education, health services, homelessness, and international concerns such as human trafficking.
Jack Lopresti
Con
Filton and Bradley Stoke
Lopresti talked about plans for an arena in Bristol, the importance of local education, and praised the opportunities offered to young people through apprenticeships. He also highlighted the aerospace industry's significance to his constituency.
Gareth Thomas
Lab
Harrow West
Thomas spoke about a university fair and discussed issues in local health services, particularly mentioning the Mount Vernon cancer centre. He requested that these points be put before Health Ministers.
Evans
Con
Bosworth
Evans highlighted the historical nature of his constituency and its royal connections. He also mentioned his work as a GP, thanking his family for their dedication to the NHS.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Wood Green
West raised an important issue concerning vulnerable women in difficult circumstances and asked Andrew to raise specific points with the Home Office and the Home Secretary.
Sarah Atherton
Con
Wrexham
Atherton congratulated her predecessor, acknowledging that she is now the first woman elected for Wrexham. She discussed HS2 opportunities and the challenges of spending across borders.
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
Morden talked about the opportunities presented by HS2, including connectivity between north and south and the benefits for industries like steel. She also raised concerns about terminal illnesses and benefits.
Carolyn Harris
Lab
Swansea East
Harris discussed charity lotteries as a valuable source of income for charities and thanked Andrew for informing her about the order to increase lottery sales and prize limits.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland
Mayhew described his constituency and paid tribute to his predecessor, Keith Simpson. He also highlighted the campaign to dual the A47 and discussed green-belt development issues.
Nigel Evans
Con
Crewe and Nantwich
Welcomed the recess, acknowledging the hard work of staff in the House. Mentioned the sacrifice made by PC Keith Palmer to keep them safe.
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