Contributions
226 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDMental Health Bill [Lords]I will not, because I am aware that I am almost out of time. My new clause would ensure that the Government have to set out, within six months of this Bill receiving Royal Assent,…14 Oct 2025HANSARDChildren with SEND: Assessments and SupportIt is a pleasure to see you in the Chair, Dr Huq. I am grateful to have the opportunity to speak in this clearly popular debate. As many Members will know, I have the privilege of…15 Sept 2025HANSARDChildren with SEND: Assessments and SupportAbsolutely. It is crucial that those with experience of the system are heard. The only way we can fix it is by taking the approach of those who have experienced it. My interest in…15 Sept 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsLast Friday I brought together GPs, housing developers, the local authority, the ICB, and anyone else you care to name, to try finally to solve the issue of our having one of the…22 Jul 2025HANSARD Changing Places ToiletsI want to add a personal note of thanks to my hon. Friend for being such an outstanding advocate for families such as ours. We share a strong union on that point. Does he agree…22 Jul 2025HANSARD Changing Places ToiletsWill my hon. Friend give way?22 Jul 2025HANSARD Changing Places ToiletsI very much appreciate my hon. Friend giving way again. Does he agree that when you go somewhere and you are unable to access adequate facilities to change your child, the message…22 Jul 2025HANSARDSEND: Education, Health and Care PlansOn Friday I had the privilege of spending a good few hours with SEND parents in my constituency, talking about what does not work under the current system and what we would like…21 Jul 2025HANSARD Down’s Syndrome Regression DisorderI beg to move, That this House has considered Down’s syndrome regression disorder research. I am honoured to serve under your chairship, Sir Jeremy. Down’s syndrome regression in…08 Jul 2025HANSARD Down’s Syndrome Regression DisorderI will just say with kindness that people do not suffer from Down’s syndrome—I know it was a turn of phrase—but we tend to say they have it. It is a condition; it is a disability…08 Jul 2025HANSARD Down’s Syndrome Regression DisorderWithout wishing to get ahead of myself in my speech, I very much agree with my hon. Friend. I also add my thanks to Ruth for sharing her and Jude’s story. It had a significant…08 Jul 2025HANSARD Down’s Syndrome Regression DisorderI thank all colleagues who have taken part in today’s debate. I hope it has been a chance to raise awareness of this much overlooked and under-researched condition. I thank…08 Jul 2025HANSARD Giving Every Child the Best Start in LifeFrankly, I am shocked that Opposition Members seem to be suffering from collective amnesia when it comes to figuring out how we got into this state in the first place. As a SEND…07 Jul 2025HANSARDListed Places of Worship Grant Scheme10. What assessment the Church Commissioners have made of the potential impact of the £25,000 cap in the listed places of worship grant scheme on levels of church repairs.03 Jul 2025HANSARD NHS 10-Year PlanThank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. The heart, soul and lifeblood of our NHS are the people who work in it. I doubt there is anyone in this House who does not owe a personal debt of…03 Jul 2025HANSARD Business of the HouseA couple of weeks ago, I held a meeting in my constituency with the new owner of the State cinema in Grays town centre. This is a wonderful art deco building that has been closed…03 Jul 2025HANSARDListed Places of Worship Grant SchemeThe changes to the grant scheme, and the uncertainty over its future, present significant challenges for historic churches in need of maintenance, as my hon. Friend has just set…03 Jul 2025HANSARD Gravesham: River CrossingsOn that specific point, my hon. Friend and I have asked in the past whether it would be possible to use some of the bus funding, which has received an uplift, to fund the Tilbury…03 Jul 2025HANSARD Gravesham: River CrossingsI thank my hon. Friend the Member for Gravesham (Dr Sullivan) for securing this debate. We call each other our sisters across the river, as we are separated by a small stretch of…03 Jul 2025HANSARDDepartment for EducationI very much welcome the Government’s investment in education, as demonstrated through the estimates that have come out today. In particular, I want to touch briefly on the…24 Jun 2025