Contributions
484 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDContaminated Blood: CompensationI thank my right hon. Friend for the sterling work he has done on this scandal. As mentioned by those on the Opposition Benches, there are still real issues that need to be worked…23 Apr 2026HANSARD Single Status of WorkerIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, as ever, Mr Efford. I refer to my declaration of interests on my trade union membership and trade union support in the general…15 Apr 2026HANSARD Single Status of WorkerI fully agree with the sentiments outlined by my hon. Friend. I will move on to a summary of the legal rights denied to people classified as workers under the Trade Union and…15 Apr 2026HANSARD Single Status of WorkerI am sure the Minister will respond to that question. I want to say a huge thank you to my hon. Friend the Member for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East (Andy McDonald) for the…15 Apr 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe infected blood inquiry recommended action to protect the safety of haemophilia care, but there is mounting concern among clinicians and patients alike that recommendation 9 is…14 Apr 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsT4. Northumbria police have announced that they had to close the custody suite in Bedlington in my constituency. That means that anybody arrested in south-east Northumberland will…23 Mar 2026HANSARDShop TheftLast week, I met the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, which informed me of increased levels of violence, abuse and intimidation in shops and the retail industry.…23 Mar 2026HANSARDRoyal Mail: PerformanceI want to put on the record my sincere thanks to the posties in my patch. The Blyth and Ashington sorting offices have been absolutely brilliant. This issue has been raised…18 Mar 2026HANSARD Business of the HouseSilicosis is a particularly nasty, debilitating respiratory disease. Alarmingly, it is on the increase in the UK, predominantly in young people between the ages of 20 and 30, so…12 Mar 2026HANSARDRoyal Mail: Universal Service Obligation(Urgent Question): To ask what assessment the Minister has made of the impact of Royal Mail’s failure to meet its universal service obligation on service users’ wellbeing and on…11 Mar 2026HANSARDRoyal Mail: Universal Service ObligationI thank my hon. Friend for his answer, but this goes beyond the delay of a few inconsequential letters. It is not simply a case of receiving post; it is about that being timely…11 Mar 2026HANSARDDigital ID: Public ConsultationThe general public need to be on board with this or it will be a complete and utter failure. When it comes to the most deprived and those who lack the technological abilities to…10 Mar 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals BillMany of my constituents tell me that they are disillusioned with politics and the institutions that shape their lives. They feel alienated, with the system appearing remote,…10 Mar 2026HANSARDLabour Together and APCO Worldwide: Cabinet Office ReviewI am curious—I am not sure who Labour Together are, what it is, or what its purpose is. I have no idea whatsoever; however, if we believe—and I do not—everything that we read in…23 Feb 2026HANSARDSchools White Paper: Every Child Achieving and ThrivingEvery MP in the House will have had parents explain the difficulties they face accessing support for their children. They are on their knees; they are desperate; they are…23 Feb 2026HANSARDCivil Service Pension Scheme: AdministrationIt is a pleasure, as ever, to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Lewell. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool North and Fleetwood (Lorraine Beavers) on securing…04 Feb 2026HANSARDCivil Service Pension Scheme: AdministrationI totally agree with my hon. Friend. I will refer to three of my constituents. Mr Brown, from Bedlington, who retired in December and cannot get any response whatsoever to his…04 Feb 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsPrison officers face appalling levels of violence at work every day, but their hands are tied because of the Tory ban on any kind of industrial action—they cannot resist. Does the…03 Feb 2026HANSARDIndefinite Leave to RemainI was at the same conference. There is a real issue with certificates of sponsorship because of abuse and exploitation. Does my hon. Friend agree that the certificates of…02 Feb 2026HANSARD Business of the HousePosties deliver our post and keep this country functioning. They do an absolutely tremendous job. It is an essential public service, and at the heart of it is the USO—the…22 Jan 2026