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Bronze-age Heritage: Cambridgeshire
05 November 2025
Lead MP
Andrew Pakes
Peterborough
Lab
Responding Minister
Ian Murray
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Word Count: 4105
Other Contributors: 6
At a Glance
Andrew Pakes raised concerns about bronze-age heritage: cambridgeshire in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The debate calls for sustained funding and support from the Government to preserve and celebrate these historical sites.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Cambridgeshire has 79 recognised sites of archaeological interest, including Flag Fen and Must Farm. However, challenges such as local government funding and public service support for archaeology need to be addressed.
Ely and East Cambridgeshire
Highlighted the value of involving young people in archaeology through initiatives like the Cambridgeshire Scouts’ Archaeology Squad.
Chris Hinchliff
Ind
North East Hertfordshire
Asked about funding for local authorities to preserve bronze-age heritage and supported the hon. Member's request for increased support from the Minister.
Ian Murray
Lab
East Renfrewshire
The hon. Member Ian Murray discusses the underfunding of local authorities since 2010 and suggests working with the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support heritage preservation.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Emphasized the importance of funding to celebrate and secure historical relevance in the modern United Kingdom.
Sam Carling
Lab
North West Cambridgeshire
Welcomed Must Farm’s contribution to the area and suggested ways to encourage more visitors.
Steve Race
Lab
Exeter
Devon also has a high concentration of bronze-age settlements, with local museums hosting treasures such as the Pinhoe and Dawlish hoards.
Government Response
Ian Murray
The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts
Government Response
Acknowledged the hon. Member's passion for his constituency and highlighted ongoing efforts to increase access to heritage sites like Flag Fen through partnerships with Historic England and local authorities, noting over £530,000 in funding provided so far.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.