Contributions
592 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Local Government FinanceMy hon. Friend is absolutely right. Conservative Members ask, from a sedentary position, who runs the council, but I use the phrase “inherited time bomb” advisedly. The…11 Feb 2026HANSARD Local Government FinanceI hesitate to get too involved in the politics of Sheffield. I am concerned that we are seeing reductions in Government funding for councils across the country, particularly in…11 Feb 2026HANSARD Local Government FinanceI certainly agree with my hon. Friend, who champions Torbay on a regular basis in the Chamber. Councils are suffering reductions in their funding settlements across the country,…11 Feb 2026HANSARD Local Government FinanceIn our manifesto, the Liberal Democrats called for multi-year settlements for local government; for councils to be freed to generate more revenue, including by charging more…11 Feb 2026HANSARDIndefinite Leave to RemainIt is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Sir Edward. I thank the 344 and 511 signatories from Taunton and Wellington who signed the petitions, including Adekunle, who is…02 Feb 2026HANSARDLocal Authority Children’s ServicesMy hon. Friend is speaking about very serious issues, and I commend him for not apportioning blame to one side or the other; he understands that, in different circumstances, there…28 Jan 2026HANSARDCommonhold and Leasehold ReformThe Liberal Democrats welcome the introduction of a commonhold framework, the abolition of leasehold for newbuild flats, and the end of forfeiture—all these are positive steps in…27 Jan 2026HANSARD Business RatesThe change in business rates for pubs will be welcomed by the Winchester Arms in Trull in my constituency, but a family hotel contacted me yesterday and the combined impact of…27 Jan 2026HANSARD Armed Forces BillI genuinely welcome this Bill. As an Army Cadet Force instructor, I also welcome the new unified organisation for cadet forces. Somerset has a higher-than-average proportion of…26 Jan 2026HANSARD Armed Forces BillI thank the hon. Gentleman for his contribution about the investment bank. I welcome any commitment that will secure the ability of the UK to manufacture helicopters at Yeovil in…26 Jan 2026HANSARD Armed Forces BillI certainly encourage President Trump to apologise. I invite him to listen to the relatives of those who died in Afghanistan, whom I talk with and listen to at remembrance…26 Jan 2026HANSARD Armed Forces BillI thank the hon. Gentleman for his intervention. As I said at the beginning of my speech, I am pleased that Somerset council is leading on things such as the guaranteed interview…26 Jan 2026HANSARDEngagementsChildren with disabilities and special educational needs in Somerset will be severely hit if the Government go ahead with removing the remoteness uplift from authorities. Will the…21 Jan 2026HANSARDWater (Special Measures) Act 2025: EnforcementIt is a pleasure to serve under you in the Chair, Dr Allin-Khan. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Harrogate and Knaresborough (Tom Gordon) on bringing to the Chamber…20 Jan 2026HANSARDWater (Special Measures) Act 2025: EnforcementThat is absolutely right. Water companies should be run in the interest of the public, not of the private shareholders’ pockets. That would be a welcome reform for communities in…20 Jan 2026HANSARDSale of FireworksIt is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Mr Pritchard. Thank you for the innovative heads-up on who is next on the speaking list. I too extend my thanks to the hon. Member…19 Jan 2026HANSARDNew TownsThe Minister is always very generous with his time. Can I press him a bit further on whether the Treasury has ruled out the long-term loans that were there for the post-war new…15 Jan 2026HANSARDNew TownsI express my gratitude to the hon. Member for Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch (Katrina Murray) for a really engaging speech about how it is the people who invest their lives in the…15 Jan 2026HANSARD Finance (No. 2) BillThe hon. Gentleman is making a strong case for the whisky industry. Does he recognise that the cider industry in my part of the world in Somerset is deserving of good treatment…13 Jan 2026HANSARDLeasehold ReformLeaseholders are being hit increasingly with flood risk and difficulty in getting insurance. Rockwell Green in my constituency has flooded twice in the last seven years. Why are…12 Jan 2026