Contributions
592 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Planning and Infrastructure BillThere was a significant increase in empty homes being brought back into use under the coalition policies promoted by the Liberal Democrat Ministers. If we look at the figures for…24 Mar 2025HANSARD Planning and Infrastructure BillMy hon. Friend and neighbour is absolutely right, and that is why the Liberal Democrats were the only party to put in our manifesto the funds needed for Natural England and the…24 Mar 2025HANSARD Planning and Infrastructure BillThe ability to have a home of their own has crept out of reach of a whole generation, while for others, decent emergency accommodation cannot be found; in the last five years,…24 Mar 2025HANSARD Planning and Infrastructure BillI am absolutely delighted to be supporting thousands of new homes across my constituency. The population of my constituency has gone up almost 10% over the past 10 years and I…24 Mar 2025HANSARD Planning and Infrastructure BillI come back to what the LGA said: the role councillors play in the planning system is the backbone of that system. That is the way it should remain. Taking decisions out of…24 Mar 2025HANSARD Planning and Infrastructure BillIt is almost as though my hon. Friend had read a further section of my speech. That is exactly what we need to do in this country to unlock some of those sites.24 Mar 2025HANSARD Planning and Infrastructure BillI will make a little progress, but maybe later.24 Mar 2025HANSARD Planning and Infrastructure BillWe shall put that to the test later. We welcome the provisions that allow compulsory acquisition—where there is a compelling case in the public interest, such as to build social…24 Mar 2025HANSARD Planning and Infrastructure BillIf the hon. Gentleman is so interested in our debates, he should please come and join our next party conference. We would be delighted to debate whether our targets should be…24 Mar 2025HANSARD Planning and Infrastructure BillDoes the hon. Gentleman recall that when the Conservative leaders of the district council endorsed the unitary council, a poll was taken of the people of Somerset and they voted…24 Mar 2025HANSARD Planning and Infrastructure BillDoes the Minister accept that it would be easier to support this Bill if it did not include clauses that provide the Secretary of State with the power not just to take some…24 Mar 2025HANSARD Planning and Infrastructure BillWill the Minister give way?24 Mar 2025HANSARD Planning and Infrastructure BillWe would support that, as we did in a Westminster Hall debate very recently. We should be hearing such voices in the planning system, not shutting them out of the planning system.…24 Mar 2025HANSARD Planning and Infrastructure BillThe hon. Gentleman is right to remind us of the letter left by the outgoing Labour Government for the incoming coalition. We do need to tackle blockages in the system, and if…24 Mar 2025HANSARD National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) BillThe £615 cost per person reported to me by care providers in my constituency will mean that one constituent, who is paying £1,500 a week for care for her 94-year-old mother, will…19 Mar 2025HANSARD Children’s Wellbeing and Schools BillDoes the hon. Lady accept that, in the tragic case of Sara Sharif, which my hon. Friend the Member for Woking (Mr Forster) has been pursuing, the murder happened in the school…18 Mar 2025HANSARD Children’s Wellbeing and Schools BillIn that vein, does my hon. Friend accept that, as I mentioned, grandparents reading to their grandchildren could be considered as providing home education and should be inspected…18 Mar 2025HANSARD Children’s Wellbeing and Schools BillThere are good elements in this Bill. In line with Professor Jay’s recommendation, I agree that the House must urgently make it a duty to report abuse. As new clause 50 in the…18 Mar 2025HANSARDOther CorrectionIn Avon and Somerset, the former Conservative police and crime commissioner cut PCSOs by a further 80 last year—a massive 28% reduction—and closed our Taunton police station. […17 Mar 2025HANSARDOther CorrectionCrime and Policing Bill The following extract is from the debate on the Crime and Policing Bill on 10 March 2025.17 Mar 2025