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She discussed Scarborough’s history, current challenges, and government initiatives such as reducing business rates and investing in town centre regeneration.
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She highlighted issues faced by her constituency's market towns including funding for improvements and the need to abolish business rates on car parks to support free parking.
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Agreed with Jim Shannon about the importance of market towns, referencing Bingley's historical significance dating back to King John’s reign.
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In Monmouthshire, there are five market towns with rich cultural heritage including Abergavenny which hosts the world-famous Abergavenny food festival. The Welsh Government has provided significant funding to support arts and culture sectors.
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Market towns are essential to our national heritage but face challenges from the withdrawal of essential services and council reorganisation. The Liberal Democrats advocate for local decision-making authority in these towns.
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Praised Dartford's cultural heritage, including its blue plaque scheme and the Rolling Stones connection. He discussed challenges faced by local attractions such as the Orchard theatre and historical pubs like the Lads of the Village. Referred to the devolution White Paper with specific reference to pubs and expressed interest in meeting Welsh counterparts.
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Celebrated Northern Ireland's market towns, including Newtownards, Comber, and Ballynahinch, mentioning the importance of agricultural history such as the Comber farmers’ market and the renowned Comber spud.
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He mentioned the importance of transport for market towns like Hexham, including issues with rail and bus services and concerns about AI's impact on the rural economy.
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Praises Hertford's rich history and highlights the town’s contribution to arts and culture through venues like the Corn Exchange. Asked about high streets, live music venues, and the new £85 million creative foundations fund to support venues.
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Mentioned Brigg’s historical buildings, weekly outdoor markets, and North Lincolnshire council's policy of free parking to support high streets. Discussed Barton-upon-Humber’s rich history including a famous author and the importance of local town councils.
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Responds to Mr Alaba's points about community history and heritage investment. Watford, an historic market town in Hertfordshire, has a vibrant cultural heritage that includes its former market and other local experiences. The new Watford market continues to offer socialising opportunities and shopping for residents.
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Highlights the importance of marking historical events in small market towns, such as Limavady's connection to New Zealand’s Prime Minister.
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Highlighted Carlisle's status as a market town with historical significance, mentioning Longtown on the English-Scottish border and Brampton’s Roman history. Discussed efforts to rejuvenate Carlisle city centre through Cumbrian devolution.
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Discussed the importance of market towns in his constituency, highlighting cultural heritage and recent events like Mr Speaker's visit to Honiton’s Allhallows Museum.
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Emphasised the importance of protecting family farms and raised concerns about changes to business property relief and agricultural property relief impacting market towns.
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Acknowledged the debate's importance, thanked the lead member for securing it, and mentioned specific points raised by other MPs including Mr. Alec Shelbrooke and Martin Vickers.
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Supports using heritage as a regenerative tool and mentions Tamworth's historic market town, noting that Government’s £4.85 million heritage revival fund can help maximise assets for economic growth.
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Discusses the impact of policies on small family farms, which are vital for market towns' ecosystems, and calls for a review of energy performance certificates impacting historic buildings. Asked the Minister to review the energy performance certificate policy for heritage buildings.
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Commended the right hon. Member's points and committed to taking them back to the relevant minister.