Topical Questions

Question

The Chiltern Open-Air Museum in my constituency is a much-loved part of the local community's culture and history and frequently used as a filming location. Sadly, a dispute with the developer, who owns the freehold to the museum's land, has forced it to cancel the Halloween spectacular and give up several other opportunities to raise vital funds on which the museum relies. Does the Minister agree that museums such as these are essential in preserving local and national history, and will he join me in supporting local efforts to allow the museum to thrive?

Question

Having a good internet connection these days is as important as being connected to the electricity grid, and yet there are still parts of West Worcestershire where my constituents struggle to put together consortia of vouchers to enable the roll-out. Can the Minister look urgently at the whole process and see whether she can find a quicker and easier way to get this essential service to every rural part of the country?

Question

Under the BBC's Digital First plans, the current “Look East” service based in Cambridge will be axed, meaning that news about my Luton South constituency will be covered by journalists in Norwich, some two-and-a-half hours away by car. Will the Secretary of State ask Ofcom to consider whether this would constitute a breach of the BBC's charter obligations, which require it to ensure that all audiences are able to fully engage with major local issues?

Question

Community clubs such as Accrington Stanley are at the heart of constituencies such as mine in Hyndburn and Haslingden. The fan-led review is crucial in protecting community clubs and providing sustainability and fairness in the game. Can the Minister please update me on the Government's position on the fan-led review?

Question

With the men's competition kicking off last Saturday and the women's and wheelchair teams due to get going next week, the rugby league world cup is getting into its stride. To secure the legacy of this great event and Bradford's being city of culture 2025, I am backing an ambitious levelling-up bid to transform Odsal stadium, the iconic home of the Bradford Bulls, which is in my constituency. With the recent economic uncertainty, I am concerned that the bid could fall by the wayside. Will the Minister show Bradford that the Government are serious about levelling up and visit Odsal stadium with me?

Question

We need more full-fibre and gigabit-capable broadband in the Kettering constituency. Can we have it sooner rather than later?

Question

Despite Scottish Tory rhetoric, broadband and telecoms are entirely reserved to Westminster, but because of the slow pace of Westminster's roll-out the Scottish Government have had to invest £600 million in speeding up broadband roll-out, which the UK is now using as a springboard for its own roll-out. Can the Minister now promise that the Scottish Government will receive a proportionate share of the UK Government's £5 billion funding—money that the Scottish Government were forced to spend and should not have had to spend if the UK Government had had their act together?

Question

A year ago, I and colleagues had to intervene when Derby County went into administration and nearly went out of business. Can the Minister assure the House that the fan-led review's recommendations will be fully implemented to improve governance in football?

Question

The Association of Photographers is concerned about the Government's plans for copyright exemption for commercial text and data mining. How will the Government protect photographers as AI technology evolves?

Question

What steps are being taken to ensure UK radio listeners can find British broadcasters on smart speakers managed by global tech firms?

Question

Charities are struggling as more people need help but can't donate due to the Government's handling of the cost of living crisis. How will the Government ensure these organisations can operate through winter?

Question

The creative industry supports the media Bill but requests that provisions affecting Channel 4 be removed. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss this issue?

Question

There is support for the fan-led review's principles. Can we have a commitment from the Front-Bench team to implement these principles—an independent regulator, fairer funding, and no parachute payments?

Question

What discussions has the Minister had with the Premier League and English Football League to encourage fair money distribution across the football league pyramid?

Question

The main telecommunication cable to Shetland was cut this morning. Can we get a full statement on what is happening? Additionally, can there be a proper look at service resilience?