Contributions
121 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationUnitary authorities have big benefits, but I am angry about the proposals. According to our own statistics, the new East Lancs authority—with Blackburn, and without the Ribble…16 Jul 2026HANSARDLocal Government ReorganisationI thank the Minister for her listening ear throughout this process. I know that she will make a bigger statement on Thursday, but while she is giving these matters consideration,…13 Jul 2026HANSARDSummer JobsSummer jobs are really important, as are summer schools. Will the Minister join me in welcoming students from the Burnley summer school, who join us in the Gallery today, and will…07 Jul 2026HANSARDUniversal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (Decisions and Appeals) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (SI, 2026, No.457)The reassessment changes that we are introducing through this statutory instrument and other measures will save something like £2 billion by the end of the Parliament. I am sure…24 Jun 2026HANSARDUniversal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (Decisions and Appeals) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (SI, 2026, No.457)The hon. Gentleman talks about the types of assessment and the way in which the assessment is done, and he is right to talk about capacity. Just before the election, the previous…24 Jun 2026HANSARDUniversal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (Decisions and Appeals) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (SI, 2026, No.457)As the Minister is reading out his list of achievements, may I add to it? Does he think it is a good thing that we have put nearly £1 billion into support for the sick and…24 Jun 2026HANSARDGetting Britain Working AgainI am coming on to say, in fact, that of course the increase has its limits and should not be a shock to business. I have heard, if not similar stories, then certainly experiences…14 May 2026HANSARDGetting Britain Working AgainI absolutely agree. My hon. Friend is an ardent campaigner for community spaces like the one he mentions, and I am sure he is taking that fight to his local council on behalf of…14 May 2026HANSARDGetting Britain Working AgainIt is a great pleasure to welcome this King’s Speech after the bumper legislative year we have just had. Acts such as the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and the Employment Rights Act…14 May 2026HANSARDEngagementsQ12. Thank you, Mr Speaker—and a happy St George’s day for tomorrow too. In Burnley, Padiham and Brierfield, we have a large number of ex-industrial, derelict land sites crying…22 Apr 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsT4. I am worried that, despite this Government’s historic recognition of a Palestinian state, there will never be one if the west bank is annexed further, which Netanyahu knows.…21 Apr 2026HANSARD Women’s Health StrategyI so welcome this strategy. I am quite ashamed to say that before being elected to this place, I did not know enough about women’s health issues, and in particular the issues with…16 Apr 2026HANSARDEngagementsQ14. Burnley Manchester Road station is a key driver of growth. It is Burnley’s link to Manchester and Leeds and, more importantly for them, it is their link to Burnley. There…18 Mar 2026HANSARDYouth UnemploymentI am glad to hear that the employer NI exemption for staff under the age of 21 is staying in place. The new £3,000 hiring bonus for businesses taking on young people will make a…17 Mar 2026HANSARD Energy MarketsThe Secretary of State is right to say that, because of our reliance on oil and gas, we are a price taker, not a price maker. We are exposed, and families in Burnley, Padiham and…05 Mar 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsT7. The brilliant Burnley college has bid to become one of the UK’s four new advanced manufacturing technical excellence colleges. Its bid is the only one from Lancashire. It is…02 Mar 2026HANSARDFinance (No. 2) Bill (Fifth sitting)Will the Minister give way?03 Feb 2026HANSARDFinance (No. 2) Bill (Fifth sitting)If the Minister is not otherwise engaged on Valentine’s day, he is always welcome in Burnley for the bumper cars.03 Feb 2026HANSARDIndefinite Leave to RemainThose were exactly the words of my constituent Arshad Khan when he came to see me at my constituency surgery this weekend; he made that point about indentured servitude and visa…02 Feb 2026HANSARDFinance (No. 2) Bill (Third sitting)I have a great deal of respect for the hon. Gentleman, and I know he is trying his best, but I am surprised at the tone that he is taking and at his language around the winter…29 Jan 2026