Contributions
239 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDHousing Targets: New Towns Taskforce2. Whether the number of houses recommended by the new towns taskforce will be in addition to the housing targets set in the national policy planning framework.03 Mar 2025HANSARDListed Places of Worship Grant SchemeThe extension of the scheme will be welcome news to those involved with churches such as St Botolph’s in Aspley Guise in Mid Bedfordshire. People there have told me of their…27 Feb 2025HANSARDListed Places of Worship Grant Scheme2. What discussions the Church has had with the Government on the extension of the listed places of worship grant scheme.27 Feb 2025HANSARDThameslink Train ServicesI absolutely agree with the hon. Gentleman, and I thank him for joining this important debate for the communities across Bedfordshire that rely heavily on rail services for…25 Feb 2025HANSARDThameslink Train ServicesI beg to move, That this House has considered the performance of Thameslink train services. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Christopher. Many of my…25 Feb 2025HANSARDThameslink Train ServicesI could not agree more. Later, I will talk about the need for step-free access to Harlington and Flitwick stations, but that is necessary right across the country for the reasons…25 Feb 2025HANSARDThameslink Train ServicesVery briefly—it is only a half-hour debate.25 Feb 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe Prime Minister recently said he was: “hardwiring growth into all the decisions of the Cabinet”. How did he react when the Home Secretary told him that her policy on electronic…24 Feb 2025HANSARD Support for PensionersI had noted the same, but I was going to wait until the end of the debate to see if any sneaked in. Perhaps the Whips are calling them now—who knows? We will see whether any turn…12 Feb 2025HANSARD Support for PensionersI do not think they are listening either, but let’s try. The Minister for Employment has told me previously about the Government’s desire to help pensioners reduce their energy…12 Feb 2025HANSARD Support for PensionersIndeed, the winter fuel allowance is one example of many broken promises. I know that my constituents feel let down by this Labour Government, and I thank my hon. Friend for…12 Feb 2025HANSARD Support for PensionersI thank my right hon. Friend for that intervention. My original speech had an element of social care in it, but I took it out, so I am pleased that he brought that up. This…12 Feb 2025HANSARD Support for PensionersI thank my hon. Friend for making such an important point. Yes, the third sector has come forward to support, but what have the Government done to the third sector? They have…12 Feb 2025HANSARD Support for PensionersMy hon. Friend says no, but I was making a rhetorical statement. Perhaps I am being unfair. Perhaps the Government care deeply about supporting pensioners and have been working…12 Feb 2025HANSARD Support for PensionersI know that my hon. Friend cares passionately for people living with dementia and their families, and he makes a very important point. It is another shameful decision by this…12 Feb 2025HANSARD Support for PensionersI absolutely agree with my right hon. Friend, and I will come on to the importance of certainty and stability when it comes to pensions, so that people can plan for their futures,…12 Feb 2025HANSARD Support for PensionersI beg to move, That this House has considered Government support for pensioners. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Dame Siobhain. I have secured this debate because…12 Feb 2025HANSARD Support for PensionersI am absolutely shocked, and I will come on to mention a few stories from my own constituents. They are very similar, and I think we are hearing these stories up and down the…12 Feb 2025HANSARDArmed Forces: Death-in-service PaymentsWill the Minister give an assurance that the proposed changes to the application of inheritance tax to certain armed forces death-in-service payments are compatible with the…10 Feb 2025HANSARDArmed Forces: Death-in-service Payments10. If he will have discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the potential merits of removing taxation from death-in-service payments.10 Feb 2025