Contributions
65 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDTopical QuestionsLast week was Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. I recently met my constituent Rob Denholm to discuss the issues he has had with claiming the personal independence payment in the…27 Apr 2026HANSARD Business of the HouseHappy St George’s day, Madam Deputy Speaker. Alan Clark and a team of volunteers from the CAMRA award-winning pub Haydock Reading Rooms recently completed the West Highland Way,…23 Apr 2026HANSARDYouth UnemploymentYoung people are often unfairly criticised, but it is worth remembering that the vast majority of them are in employment, education or training. Those who are not deserve our…17 Mar 2026HANSARD Strait of HormuzThe shadow Foreign Secretary said that this was “a moment for Britain to stand tall”, and I agree with her, which is why I was pleased to see the Prime Minister and this…16 Mar 2026HANSARD Local Government FinanceI was council leader at St Helens for five years before coming here in July 2024. I just want to say thank you to the Secretary of State and the Minister for Local Government, and…11 Feb 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsOn Friday, I visited St James primary school in Haydock in my constituency, where, after learning about the dangers of knife crime, year 6 children are campaigning to install…09 Feb 2026HANSARDUniversal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) BillThis has been a very revealing debate in which Members on all sides of the House have made interesting points, but this matter has unfortunately become quite polarising. On one…03 Feb 2026HANSARDUniversal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) BillMy hon. Friend is making a powerful speech. He says no evidence was given for those arguments. That is because there is no evidence, and yet opponents of the policy continue to…03 Feb 2026HANSARDKey Stage 1 CurriculumIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Mrs Barker. I thank the hon. Member for South Cotswolds (Dr Savage) for introducing the debate so comprehensively, and pay tribute…26 Jan 2026HANSARDKey Stage 1 CurriculumI thank my hon. Friend for making that point. I completely agree that there is a huge body of evidence behind the petition, which I will touch on later, and we need to follow the…26 Jan 2026HANSARD Business of the HouseSue and Dave Cook from St Helens have been awarded MBEs for their services to fostering. They have helped to take care of children for over 20 years. In Sue’s words: “To be able…15 Jan 2026HANSARD Business of the HouseThe Hillsborough law has been a long time coming. It has been a journey, and for the families of the victims and survivors, as well as those affected by lots of other tragedies…13 Jan 2026HANSARD Medal for Wounded Service PersonnelI beg to move, That this House has considered the potential merits of a medal for service personnel wounded in combat. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Mr Vickers.…09 Dec 2025HANSARD Medal for Wounded Service PersonnelI completely agree with the hon. Member; he makes an excellent point. According to Ministry of Defence statistics, since January 2006 a total of 2,644 personnel have sustained…09 Dec 2025HANSARD Medal for Wounded Service PersonnelMy hon. Friend makes an excellent point. In our part of the world, we have a long and proud history of service in the armed forces; I know it is the same in his part of Merseyside…09 Dec 2025HANSARD Medal for Wounded Service PersonnelI completely agree. Andy’s motto, that he is a survivor, not a victim, is not about wallowing in what has happened but recognising it and using it to grow and help others. That is…09 Dec 2025HANSARDSmall Modular Nuclear Reactor Power Station: WylfaI strongly welcome this announcement. Nuclear is a growing sector. Just on Friday, in Haydock in my constituency, I helped officially to open the new HQ of Delkia, a relatively…17 Nov 2025HANSARD Remembrance Day: Armed ForcesThe communities I represent in St Helens North have a long and proud connection with the armed forces, from the St Helens Pals of the first world war, to groups such as…11 Nov 2025HANSARDCurriculum and Assessment ReviewThere is a lot to welcome in the statement, but will the Secretary of State please assure me and families in St Helens North that not only will we have the measures in the…05 Nov 2025HANSARD Public Office (Accountability) BillThis has been a long time coming. We finally have before us a Bill that is, in the eyes of those who matter—some of whom are sat in the Gallery today—worthy of the name…03 Nov 2025