Contributions
94 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDTopical QuestionsLeaseholders at Southend’s Meridien Point are trapped in an unbearable financial situation, as a result of an internal defects bill of £3 million, and a £450,000 fight against the…15 Jun 2026 · 5d agoHANSARDDefence ReadinessI apologise, but I will not give way, because I am conscious that other Members want to speak. All too often, we hear from SMEs in the defence sector that access to funding is…20 May 2026HANSARDDefence ReadinessMy belief in the importance of national defence is rooted in the single, simple idea that the United Kingdom is a nation inherently worth defending—not because of tradition or…20 May 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsI welcome the £2.5 million funding boost recently awarded to South Essex college; that will help equip even more residents from Southend and Rochford with the skills needed for…27 Apr 2026HANSARD Northern Ireland Troubles Bill (Carry-over)This debate is deeply personal for me, because, in addition to being the Member for Southend East and Rochford, I am a proud former paratrooper. For me and countless others with…27 Apr 2026HANSARDDefence Investment PlanAs a former Parachute Regiment reservist, I warmly welcome the Government’s clear focus on strengthening our armed forces and their defensive capability. Although the appetite for…16 Mar 2026HANSARDRough Sleeping: Families with ChildrenI am pleased to serve under your chairmanship, Dr Murrison. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool Wavertree (Paula Barker) for securing the debate. I also thank my…11 Mar 2026HANSARD Technology SovereigntyIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Vaz. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West (Dame Chi Onwurah) for securing this timely…10 Mar 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsT1. If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.05 Mar 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsI thank the Minister for that response. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economies, but in my constituency, sunny Southend East and Rochford, they are held back by…05 Mar 2026HANSARD Business of the HouseI understand that in the United Kingdom, our universities operate as businesses independent from the Government. However, given the unacceptable lack of transparency from the…05 Mar 2026HANSARDChina: Foreign Interference ArrestsThe conflict in Iran is deeply concerning, and I was glad to see that the Government’s flights are set to leave the middle east tonight. What more can my colleagues and I do to…04 Mar 2026HANSARD Postal Services: Rural AreasIt is an honour to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Stringer. I thank the hon. Member for South Shropshire (Stuart Anderson) for securing this important debate. I have heard from…04 Feb 2026HANSARD Animal Rescue CentresIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Alec. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for North Ayrshire and Arran (Irene Campbell) for securing this debate on a very…26 Jan 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsT5. The decision by the University of Essex to close its Southend campus has sent shockwaves through my city. Students deserve continuity of study and staff deserve job security.…19 Jan 2026HANSARD Higher Education: Government SupportI thank my hon. Friend for his contribution, and I agree. I have met members of the aviation community. In my constituency, we have London Southend airport, so I have met its…12 Jan 2026HANSARD Higher Education: Government SupportI am pleased to have secured this debate on Government support for higher education. The UK is home to some of the world’s most respected universities and we all benefit from the…12 Jan 2026HANSARD Higher Education: Government SupportAbsolutely; this closure affects the community in Southend and in Colchester. Four hundred members of staff will be made redundant across both campuses. Another consequence is the…12 Jan 2026HANSARD Higher Education: Government SupportI thank the hon. Gentleman for his contribution and welcome his comments. Indeed, the business model that a lot of universities have used over the past 14 years has meant that…12 Jan 2026HANSARD Higher Education: Government SupportYes, I do agree. We need to look at the business model and make sure that it is sustainable, certainly when it comes to higher education, which is a huge and significant asset of…12 Jan 2026