Contributions
239 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDMiners and Mining CommunitiesI know that you cannot take part in today’s debate, Madam Deputy Speaker, but you have a strong connection with miners and coalfield communities, and your presence in the Chair…09 May 2024HANSARD BBC Mid-term Charter ReviewI neither deify nor damn the BBC, and like most of my constituents, my household’s interactions are with BBC Merseyside, CBBC, “Match of the Day”, the Proms and the latest new…09 May 2024HANSARD Citizens’ Assemblies and Local DemocracyMy hon. Friend is making an interesting speech. The criticism I hear from the public is that politicians talk too much and do too little. People want things done. Across our…16 Apr 2024HANSARD Citizens’ Assemblies and Local DemocracyI think my hon. Friend the Member for Oldham East and Saddleworth (Debbie Abrahams) posed a legitimate challenge around how, in a systemic way, we can create evidence-based policy…16 Apr 2024HANSARDFinancial Risk Checks for GamblingIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Edward. I was worried that I was going to be declared a non-runner, but I am glad to get under starter’s orders, having…26 Feb 2024HANSARDFinancial Risk Checks for GamblingI am delighted to have given the right hon. Gentleman that opportunity. I want to be emphatic about this so that we are very clear: I am here to speak on behalf of Haydock Park…26 Feb 2024HANSARDFinancial Risk Checks for GamblingIndeed, I fear it was mutually assured destruction. I want to say three things. First, this is bad policy, in terms of the concept and the philosophy behind it, its purpose, and…26 Feb 2024HANSARDFinancial Risk Checks for GamblingWill the hon. Gentleman give way?26 Feb 2024HANSARDFinancial Risk Checks for GamblingOn a point of order, Sir George. The hon. Gentleman has asserted that Members who spoke in favour of racing or who have racecourses in their constituency have never sat in front…26 Feb 2024HANSARDFinancial Risk Checks for GamblingWill the Minister give way?26 Feb 2024HANSARD Northern IrelandMay I sincerely recognise the efforts of the right hon. Gentleman, his team and his colleagues in achieving what they have achieved over the last week? One of the most encouraging…01 Feb 2024HANSARDNorthern Ireland (Executive Formation) BillWhen I was at home over Christmas, I took my uncle to the specialist cancer centre at Belfast City Hospital. It was a humbling experience to see the care and dedication provided…24 Jan 2024HANSARDLegislation on Dangerous DogsI have listened intently to the debate because, like many Members, I feel conflicted about it. My interest was piqued last summer when three women who were walking their dogs in a…27 Nov 2023HANSARDEconomic Links: Wales and the North-westConnectivity is key to underpinning that economic growth, and the railway line between north Wales, through my constituency in St Helens and on to Manchester should epitomise…18 Oct 2023HANSARD Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) BillIt is a pleasure to follow my hon. Friend the Member for Foyle (Colum Eastwood). I want to speak in favour of the Lords amendments, particularly amendment 44, relating to…18 Jul 2023HANSARDHis Majesty’s Prison and Probation ServiceThe hon. Gentleman, the Minister and the shadow Minister know my bona fides on matters of law and order. Bad and dangerous people should be in prison to protect the public, but we…04 Jul 2023HANSARDHis Majesty’s Prison and Probation ServiceWill the hon. Gentleman give way?04 Jul 2023HANSARDHis Majesty’s Prison and Probation ServiceI am sorry to intrude on the hon. Gentleman again. He is making an excellent speech. I think he will agree that the privatisation of the probation service was a disaster and it is…04 Jul 2023HANSARDHis Majesty’s Prison and Probation ServiceAs well as prison officers, will my hon. Friend join me in paying tribute to prison chaplains, particularly at his local prison of Wormwood Scrubs, where Father Gerry McFlynn was…04 Jul 2023HANSARDWater Quality: Sewage DischargeOne hundred years ago in St Helens we had chemical factories, coalmines, glassworks and no environmental regulations, but with 835 sanctioned spills in 2022, pollution in our…25 Apr 2023