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Summer Adjournment
22 July 2020
Lead MP
Jack Lopresti
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Science & TechnologyBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 41
At a Glance
Jack Lopresti 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
Called upon to support the UK's aerospace industry, citing its economic importance, with over 17,500 jobs in his constituency alone due to the sector. He highlighted the need for increased Government R&D funding as well as a strategic furlough scheme and supply chain investment fund. Emphasised the strategic value of a sovereign defence manufacturing capability, advocating for continued funding for programmes like Tempest.
Jack Lopresti
Con
Filton and Bradley Stoke
The UK aerospace sector represents over 110,000 jobs and contributes £32 billion in exports annually. It relies on highly skilled personnel and a robust supply chain of SMEs, making it vital to national security and the economy. Lopresti urged for increased Government R&D funding similar to European competitors and highlighted the importance of apprenticeships and future talent development.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
Addressed international concerns regarding the Uyghur situation in China, urging the Foreign Office to collaborate with allies for Magnitsky sanctions against officials responsible. Highlighted the plight of seafarers stuck at sea due to lack of designated status as key workers by certain countries like India and China. Praised local councils and healthcare trusts for their efforts during the pandemic.
Jeff Smith
Lab
Manchester Withington
Smith highlighted the need for additional support for people and industries struggling due to the coronavirus crisis, particularly mentioning those excluded from government support schemes. He raised concerns about the self-employed and freelancers in the music and event industries, urging the Government to consider extra help. Smith also discussed the importance of supporting the night-time industries such as nightclubs and electronic dance music venues which face a difficult future due to social distancing requirements.
Drew Hendry
SNP
Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey
Hendry praised the acts of kindness and generosity during the pandemic in his constituency. He highlighted various community groups and businesses that provided support to those in need. He also mentioned the challenges faced by people needing social security benefits due to the six-month rule for accessing full UK-controlled social security, calling on the Government to scrap this rule. Hendry emphasised the importance of supporting local tourism and leisure activities while expressing dissatisfaction with Westminster's lack of support and their Brexit policies.
Scunthorpe
Pays tribute to key workers, charity workers and volunteers in Scunthorpe. Emphasises the need for support of the steel industry and requests the government to promote UK steel usage in national projects. Mentions the need for infrastructure upgrades at Scunthorpe General Hospital and supports plans for road safety improvements.
Mary Foy
Lab
City of Durham
Highlights the importance of music during the pandemic, noting its role in providing joy, entertainment, relaxation, and mental support. Advocates for government investment in arts and calls for tailored financial assistance to musicians and artists impacted by the crisis.
Edward Timpson
Con
Eddisbury
Discussed the impact of COVID-19 on the wedding industry, noting that about 220,000 couples exchange vows annually in England and Wales. With current restrictions limiting weddings to 30 people, most are postponing or cancelling their bookings, causing significant financial damage to small businesses involved. He mentioned a local hotel group facing severe losses due to cancelled events and called for an urgent review of wedding venue restrictions.
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
Expressed gratitude towards workers who kept essential services running during the pandemic, including NHS staff, emergency service workers, retail staff, council workers, and school staff. Highlighted the significant decrease in new cases in her constituency and thanked Welsh Government officials for their leadership. She also discussed the inadequacies of support provided to self-employed individuals, those unable to access furlough, and various businesses struggling due to the pandemic. She emphasised the need for further support, particularly mentioning the steel industry's urgent situation.
Ben Bradley
Con
Mansfield
Mr. Bradley highlighted the importance of the levelling-up agenda in Mansfield, emphasising the need for skills and retraining programmes to address the economic challenges faced by his constituency. He also discussed the progress made since 2017, including a partnership between West Notts College and Nottingham Trent University that will offer degree-level nursing qualifications from the college campus starting September. Additionally, he mentioned plans for town centre regeneration through initiatives like the future high streets fund and the submission of proposals to the town deal. He also advocated for local government reform in Nottinghamshire to improve efficiency.
Carolyn Harris
Lab
Neath and Swansea East
Ms. Harris addressed two key issues: the beauty, aesthetics and wellbeing industry, which she stated has been disrespected during the pandemic despite its economic importance and employment of predominantly women. She called for financial support measures such as reduced VAT rates to help this sector recover. Additionally, she highlighted the need for a review of the Gambling Act 2005 due to the growing issue of gambling-related harm in the digital era. Harris also advocated for greater awareness of the Children’s Funeral Fund, which supports bereaved parents.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Expressed gratitude for key workers, supported the British Steel investment in Scunthorpe, called for more investment in hospitals in his constituency, highlighted issues faced by coastal communities due to the health crisis, emphasised the importance of the industrial sector around Immingham and Grimsby including free-port status, mentioned the Greater Grimsby town deal as an example of public-private partnership, criticised the BBC's representation of modern Britain, particularly regarding Brexit.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Thanked House staff for their efforts during unprecedented times, expressed concern over the impact of lockdown on businesses like Vauxhall and Airbus in his constituency, highlighted the strategic importance of aerospace and automotive sectors, called for continued support through job retention schemes and consumer incentives, mentioned leasehold reform as an important issue, criticised the Government's allocation process for towns fund and high streets fund based on political motivations.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Aberafan Maesteg
Critiqued the Government's lack of support for the manufacturing sector, focusing particularly on the steel industry. Emphasised the importance of fairer industrial energy prices, an integrated procurement strategy, and urgent cash flow support. Highlighted national security concerns related to over-reliance on Chinese supply chains. Called for recognition of steel's role in job creation and economic contribution.
David Mundell
Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
The hon. Member highlights concerns over access to cash in a post-COVID world, emphasising the need for legislation to protect this right. He mentions issues such as closure of bank branches, conversion of free ATM machines into charged ones, and local planning applications that threaten community ATMs. Additionally, he calls for clearer guidance from the Government on the safety of using cash during pandemics.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
The hon. Member highlights the mental health impact of the pandemic and urges the government to support services like local organisations such as Bath Mind and Developing Health & Independence which are crucial in preventing a 'tsunami' of referrals to mental health services. She calls for a national mental health renewal plan, proper funding for mental health services across sectors, and specific plans addressing young people's mental health issues.
Brighton Kemptown
Raises concerns about conspiracy theories linking China to thousands of deaths in the UK and the impact on Chinese and south Asian communities. Criticises Royal Mail for delivering The Epoch Times, a newspaper that promotes racism and misinformation. Advocates against no-fault evictions and section 8 evictions which leave renters vulnerable during the pandemic.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Thanked residents for their adherence to guidelines during the pandemic, recognised frontline workers in healthcare, care homes, schools, food and agriculture sectors, voluntary organisations, and local council officers. Criticised the lack of leadership and recognition of the threat in care homes leading to deaths. Advocated for an urgent interim inquiry into Warwickshire's situation. Called for support for local businesses through infrastructure development like Leamington Spa station and extending furlough schemes. Highlighted the need for sectoral support, specifically mentioning automotive and steel sectors. Urged attention towards climate change and reducing energy costs. Suggested bringing back Westminster Hall debates.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Welcomed the decision to pause the Oxford to Cambridge expressway project but urged for alternative projects such as improving existing roads or delivering a bypass in Wing village. Praised key workers and local NHS, council collaboration during the crisis. Requested financial support for parish and town councils hit by increased spending due to the pandemic. Supported businesses like wedding venues and called for soft play centres to have reopening dates. Emphasised the importance of supporting coach companies which contribute significantly to the UK economy.
Steven Baker
Con
Wycombe
Expressed agreement with Greg Smith's sentiments, praising key workers and local NHS for their efficiency during the pandemic. Noted that all five Buckinghamshire MPs are working closely together to support residents.
Fiona Bruce
Con
Congleton
Expressed concerns about train services in Congleton, the business rates policy affecting a local entrepreneur, road safety improvements near Astbury, and online harms to children. Urged Government Ministers to address these issues.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Discussed the economic impact of lockdown on the exhibitions and events industry, funding and support for schools, lack of laptops for pupils, and antisocial behaviour and policing. Emphasised the need for additional financial support, reassessment of school funding, provision of learning devices, and increased police numbers.
Steven Baker
Con
High Wycombe
Advocates for the repeal of the Coronavirus Act 2020, citing concerns over civil liberties and urging proper scrutiny by Parliament. Defends Christopher Chandler against unjust attacks, highlighting Legatum’s contributions to global trade policy and philanthropy.
Bob Seely
Con
Isle of Wight
Responds positively to Steven Baker's suggestion about the right to reply in parliamentary privilege. Acknowledges the complexity of dealing with such issues but agrees that updating privileges could strengthen their credibility and relevance.
Mitcham and Morden
The events industry has been severely affected by the pandemic, leading to massive job losses. Companies are not eligible for retail discount or RHLG grants due to non-sales on-site criteria. The Chancellor's previous statement indicates these companies should be included in leisure and hospitality support but have yet to receive it. Transparency is needed regarding when businesses can reopen post-pandemic.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Communities have come together during the pandemic, with volunteers supporting vulnerable individuals and initiatives like Nourish our Nurses providing support to NHS staff. The challenge of rebuilding post-pandemic includes making jobs, protecting businesses, and consolidating public services. Development must work with communities, addressing issues like aviation noise pollution and improving rail connections. Infrastructure needs should cater to community needs.
Lee Rowley
Con
North East Derbyshire
Expresses concern over the direction of discussions regarding race and inequality since George Floyd's death. He argues against focusing solely on historical statues and discrimination, instead promoting a focus on societal progress based on collective history and the contributions of individuals who have both good and bad attributes.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Addresses the national scrubs crisis in healthcare, thanking volunteers for their efforts to supply essential equipment. She highlights significant PPE contracts awarded by the Government that need explanation and calls for a sustainable manufacturing plan using UK garment factories.
James Daly
Ind
Bury
Mr Daly highlighted the loss of Bury football club, which was expelled due to financial mismanagement. He expressed concern over many clubs facing significant financial challenges and urged the EFL to ensure fans' interests are protected.
Helen Hayes
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
Ms Hayes paid tribute to key workers and social care staff during the pandemic. She criticised the Government for ending eviction bans, placing a burden on tenants to prove their circumstances in court. Additionally, she called for better pay conditions for social care workers.
Tom Hunt
Lab
Ipswich
Mr Hunt highlighted specific cases of social media use by prisoners convicted in connection with Tavis Spencer-Aitkens' murder, including Callum Plaats, Aristote Yenge and Kyreis Davies. He called for stronger punitive measures against those who continue to communicate via social media from prison.
Alison Thewliss
SNP
Glasgow Central
Ms Thewliss shared her joy in becoming an aunt and highlighted the challenges families faced during lockdown. She also raised concerns about child support policies, particularly the two-child limit and the rape clause, which she argued were detrimental to many poor families.
David Amess
Con
Southend West
Discussed local issues such as Southend airport losses, local government reorganisation proposals, endometriosis inquiry, fibromyalgia initiatives, support for animal welfare measures, and the need for Southend to become a city. Mentioned cultural events including VE day celebrations and VJ day celebration on 15 August.
Nigel Evans
Con
Ribble Valley
Congratulated Sir David Amess on his speech, noting it was one continuous sentence.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Praised the Orange Order for their decision to celebrate the Twelfth safely during the pandemic. Described various safe and socially distanced celebrations in Northern Ireland involving different bands marching through estates, allowing local residents to enjoy the events while adhering to social distancing measures.
David Johnston
Con
Didcot, North Oxfordshire
Pleaded for the reopening of Grove station, discussed transportation issues including road problems with the A34 and A420, mentioned population growth leading to increased demand for houses, schools, and healthcare services. Emphasised the need for better transport links and infrastructure development in his constituency.
Jonathan Gullis
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent North
Honoured community heroes for their work during the pandemic, advocated for improved procurement of ceramics from Stoke-on-Trent, highlighted plans to turn Chatterley Whitfield into an industrial heritage park, proposed extending business rates holiday and 5% VAT rate for ceramics businesses. Called for a feasibility study on transforming the site and supported the proposal to introduce unlimited fines under Section 216 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to ensure property safety and community well-being.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Expressed gratitude to people in his constituency for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic, thanked Government Front Benchers who visited his constituency, highlighted his top campaign for a new community hospital at Shotley Bridge and his second campaign for a feasibility study of a transport link into Consett. Also mentioned making friends with Members from the Opposition Benches, specifically referencing the issue of gambling harm. Additionally, he expressed appreciation to the Government for listening to him on motorhomes tax and removing the 'toilet tax' which would be beneficial for local councils.
Chris Stephens
SNP
Glasgow South West
Welcomed his fourth opportunity to lead the SNP in a summer Adjournment debate, congratulated fellow Members on raising constituency issues and highlighted the busy workload of constituency office staff during the pandemic. Paid tribute to various organisations providing food projects and services for vulnerable communities. Addressed the issue of youth suicide, emphasising the importance of creative opportunities and job opportunities for young people post-pandemic. Criticised the Home Office's treatment of asylum seekers and called for an investigation into this matter. Condemned any form of Nazi salutes at national monuments.
Nigel Evans
Con
Ribble Valley
Mr Nigel Evans thanked staff for enabling parliamentary functions during the unprecedented crisis, acknowledging the daily miracles that make Parliament continue to function effectively.
Stuart Andrew
Con
Daventry
Expressed gratitude towards staff for their work during difficult times. Highlighted the importance of various industries such as the aviation industry, steel sector, and events industry. Addressed specific points raised by other MPs regarding issues such as weddings, gambling, and racism against Chinese communities.
Steven Baker
Con
Wycombe
Received an award for civility in public life.
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