Contributions
592 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Water (Special Measures) Bill [Lords]Few of the natural features of the Taunton and Wellington constituency in Somerset are as valued as the River Tone, which goes through the constituency. Like my hon. Friend the…16 Dec 2024HANSARD Water (Special Measures) Bill [Lords]Does my hon. Friend agree that the water companies need to be regulated, to protect not profits but the environment? Does he also believe that bathing waters, like the wonderful…16 Dec 2024HANSARD Building HomesThe Liberal Democrats support the provision of new homes. Somerset West and Taunton district council in my constituency, under Liberal Democrat control since 2019, has approved…12 Dec 2024HANSARD Responsibilities of Housing DevelopersWill the Minister give way?11 Dec 2024HANSARD Responsibilities of Housing DevelopersIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Pritchard. I congratulate the hon. Member for Keighley and Ilkley (Robbie Moore) on securing this important debate, and my…11 Dec 2024HANSARDCrown Court BacklogThe Minister referred to court chaos. A tribunal judge and a court worker from my Taunton and Wellington constituency wrote to me. The tribunal judge said: “tribunals are being…10 Dec 2024HANSARDPlanning Committees: ReformAs there are 8.5 million people in England with unmet housing need, the Liberal Democrats welcome the plans for further house building. For us, the priority has to be the delivery…09 Dec 2024HANSARD Improving Public TransportI congratulate the hon. Member for Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard (Alex Mayer) on her excellent maiden speech. When I was first elected, I thought it would be difficult to get to…05 Dec 2024HANSARD Improving Public TransportThe Minister is trying to comprehensively address all the comments in the debate. I realise he cannot comment on individual projects, but will he undertake to inform the Secretary…05 Dec 2024HANSARD Employer National Insurance ContributionsDoes my hon. Friend agree that businesses such as Sheppy’s cider farm in my constituency, to which I invite all Members to come to enjoy a pint of cider, will be affected not just…04 Dec 2024HANSARDBusiness Rates: High Street RetailersBusinesses like Mr Miles in Taunton High Street are being hit hard by the changes in taxes for hospitality businesses, including the increase in the wage bill and national…03 Dec 2024HANSARD Grenfell Tower InquiryI am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for giving way so many times. Is it not the case that when you set profit-making companies against local authorities, you end up with a race to…02 Dec 2024HANSARD Grenfell Tower InquiryI very much agree. It is clear from my time in the profession that the exposure of local authority building control to private competition, with which it is difficult to compete,…02 Dec 2024HANSARD Grenfell Tower InquiryLike Members across the House, Liberal Democrats stand firmly with the many bereaved and their immediate community of family, friends and neighbours as they mourn the 72,…02 Dec 2024HANSARDTerminally Ill Adults (End of Life) BillWill the hon. Lady give way?29 Nov 2024HANSARDTerminally Ill Adults (End of Life) BillWill the hon. Lady give way?29 Nov 2024HANSARD Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) BillThe pupil premium was new money, and it went into the state school sector. It was £1.25 billion in the first year, and it is worth £3 billion now. It was in the Liberal Democrat…25 Nov 2024HANSARD Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) BillI absolutely do agree with my hon. Friend. I am also concerned about the influx of children going to local authorities to apply for EHCPs because they will now need them to get…25 Nov 2024HANSARD Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) BillThe hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton (Kevin Hollinrake), who spoke for the official Opposition—he is no longer in his place—described the Conservative Government’s approach to…25 Nov 2024HANSARD Bus FundingThe £6 million funding for Somerset is clearly welcome, although it is much less than was needed, considering that Somerset was rated as having the worst county bus service in the…18 Nov 2024