Contributions
377 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDAsylum Reforms: Protected CharacteristicsI thank the hon. Lady for securing this important debate. I agree with the point she is making. She mentions Afghanistan. One constituent of mine arrived here under the Afghan…17 Dec 2025HANSARDHousing Development: Cumulative ImpactsOn affordability, I was at an open event for a development plan—a large development, as it happens—north of Dorchester, which will fundamentally change the natural characteristics…17 Dec 2025HANSARDOnline HarassmentOnline harm and harassment amplifies real-world violence. In West Dorset, 14-year-old Isabella was brutally attacked, but the lasting trauma came from the assault being…17 Dec 2025HANSARD National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) BillTo the hon. Gentleman’s point about changing behaviour, we have already seen reports that two out of five people are less likely to save if the salary sacrifice scheme goes. We…17 Dec 2025HANSARD Finance (No. 2) BillLabour Members have made much of the fact that, upon a family farm being inherited, the inheritance tax will be payable over 10 years. They completely ignore the fact that 30% of…16 Dec 2025HANSARD No Recourse to Public Funds: HomelessnessI congratulate the hon. Lady on securing this debate. The points she makes are extremely accurate and relevant. She talks about the ease with which people can fall into…16 Dec 2025HANSARDSudan: Humanitarian SituationAs the Minister said, the UK is the penholder on Sudan at the UN. There clearly need to be comprehensive arms embargos and sanctions against those actors who are fuelling the…15 Dec 2025HANSARDSeasonal WorkTourism is vital to the economy of West Dorset and hospitality is one of the largest employers. Our population soars by 40% during the summer months and those businesses require…10 Dec 2025HANSARD Village SchoolsThe Minister says that rural schools receive more funding per pupil than urban schools, but one of my local headmasters, who previously taught in London, tells me that he received…10 Dec 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsT6. The cost of delivering public services in rural Britain is higher than in urban areas. The cost to access services is higher for communities in rural places like West Dorset…09 Dec 2025HANSARD Railways BillI agree 100%. I very much hope that the Bill will give us the opportunity to improve that level of service. End-of-the-line stopping services should not be defined by graffiti,…09 Dec 2025HANSARD Railways BillI am looking forward to serving on the Public Bill Committee, because this Bill is a long-awaited opportunity to reshape our rail network for the better. It is an opportunity to…09 Dec 2025HANSARD Water ScarcityMy hon. Friend talks about water abstraction and using water in the right places. The Independent Water Commission’s recommendation 10 suggested using pre-pipe solutions. Does he…09 Dec 2025HANSARD Employment Rights BillWill the hon. Member give way?08 Dec 2025HANSARDVenezuela: US MilitaryI say to the right hon. Member for New Forest East (Sir Julian Lewis) that I suspect he grants President Trump far too much credit when it comes to understanding the Munroe…03 Dec 2025HANSARDLocal MediaThe constant consolidation of local newspapers into large news corporations risks a difficult balance between their need to make money and the audience size. We have lost papers…03 Dec 2025HANSARD Terminal Illness: Mental Health SupportI thank the hon. Member for giving us an opportunity to talk about this incredibly important issue. I agree 100% with the recommendations that he is making. I also point to the…03 Dec 2025HANSARD Pension Schemes BillI thank my hon. Friend for speaking to this important new clause, which relates to the fundamental fact that pensions are about planning for the future, and climate change is…03 Dec 2025HANSARDDriving Test Availability: South-eastWhen my hon. Friend talked about a 23-week wait, my immediate thought was, “Oh, luxury!” A constituent in West Dorset contacted me to say that he faces a 24-month wait to find a…26 Nov 2025HANSARDImmigration Reforms: Humanitarian Visa RoutesI pay tribute to the residents of my community who have opened their arms to numerous Ukrainian families who have fled the war. It worries me that, time and again, I am asked to…25 Nov 2025