["The VAT on audiobooks at 20% is an anomaly that penalises individuals with disabilities, including those who are dyslexic or visually impaired. Mike Penning points out the discrepancy between the VAT exemptions for books and e-books while audiobooks remain taxable, highlighting this as a discriminatory practice under the Equality Act 2010. He mentions Scope's report indicating that people with disabilities are £970 per month worse off due to such taxes. Penning also refers to the Prime Minister's promise to abolish the 'reading tax' for e-books and printed books but not including audiobooks."]

['I am concerned about the health and safety risks that litter poses to highways workers who are tasked with cleaning it up. Key concerns have been raised regarding legal responsibilities and KPIs, which currently cause confusion among local councils and transport authorities. Mike Penning is concerned about the state of litter on motorways in his constituency, boundaried by the M1, M25 and A41. He mentions that some litter comes from refuse lorries lacking proper tarpaulins and highlights the impact on wildlife in areas of outstanding natural beauty. Penning also criticizes Highways England for renaming itself multiple times despite a decent brand and questions the effectiveness of their claims about checking motorways, suggesting they are not monitoring contractors adequately. He cites instances where individuals have threatened to take legal action against National Highways under section 91 of the Environmental Protection Act. Litter on motorways is a serious issue affecting safety, the environment, and wildlife. In 2020, Channel 4 reported huge piles of rubbish covering areas around the M25, raising questions about the effectiveness of private firms contracted to keep motorways clear. National Highways has statutory duties but there are concerns over its performance in addressing littering.']

["MP Mike Penning highlighted a lack of ministerial accountability within the NHS, citing examples where constituents faced bureaucratic nightmares when trying to address mistakes made by the health service. One example was an operation in 1986 that had detrimental long-term effects on a constituent's life and another involved a vulnerable young lady left unattended for five hours during a heatwave. Penning also noted that MPs often face similar cases from their constituents where there is a lack of joined-up thinking within the NHS, with various trusts passing responsibility back and forth."]

['I am concerned about the lack of clarity in the prescription of medical cannabis for children and young adults with severe conditions, despite previous Home Office promises to allow its prescribed use. The debate highlights that some brave consultants are under enormous pressure not to sign prescriptions, while others who wish to prescribe it face potential disciplinary action or refusal from their employers to honour the prescription.']