Contributions
357 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDBBC Funding6. What steps she is taking to help ensure the sustainability of the BBC’s long-term funding.18 Jun 2026 · 2d agoHANSARDBBC FundingYesterday, as part of £500 million cuts, the BBC announced the scrapping of BBC Radio 4’s “The World Tonight” programme after 56 years, among others. It is very welcome to hear…18 Jun 2026 · 2d agoHANSARDThames WaterThe Government have been very clear in their support for Thames Water’s proposed £5.7 billion White Horse reservoir in Oxfordshire. Given that Thames Water may run out of money in…16 Jun 2026 · 4d agoHANSARDPassenger Rail ServicesYoung people in Oxford, Bicester, Winslow, Bletchley and Milton Keynes are sitting their exams, but they continue to not be able to use a train to get to school or for leisure,…11 Jun 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe current cycling and walking investment strategy includes a target for 55% of trips to be walked, wheeled or cycled by 2035. Is the Secretary of State confident that there is a…11 Jun 2026HANSARDRailways BillAs we said on Second Reading and in Committee, the Bill has the right goals: sorting out the convoluted and byzantine structure of our rail industry, and better aligning…10 Jun 2026HANSARDRailways BillMy hon. Friend is absolutely right. That is why we need new clause 1 to provide a railway passengers’ charter fit for the 21st century. With rail fares as high as they are, things…10 Jun 2026HANSARDRailways BillI am happy to thank the Minister here and Lord Hendy for engaging with my hon. Friend’s amendment to better enable members of our armed forces, veterans and their families to…10 Jun 2026HANSARDRailways BillI commend my hon. Friend for her industry in the number of amendments she has tabled to the Bill. I hope the Government will listen and consider new clause 37, as they did with…10 Jun 2026HANSARDRailways BillThe county of Norfolk suffered particularly from the Beeching cuts of the 1960s, so that needs to be looked at. That is a good example of the potential for rail to improve rural…10 Jun 2026HANSARDRailways BillWithout boring the House with a re-litigation of the debate we had in Committee, I will just say that the idea that passenger and freight are mutually exclusive and that there…10 Jun 2026HANSARDProgression of Bills through ParliamentMy hon. Friend is making a very good speech, so I say this with some trepidation, given how well he has done in the private Member’s Bill ballot this time round. Something that…08 Jun 2026HANSARD High Street Businesses: Government SupportI agree that such a VAT cut would help, because it is not just business rates that small businesses on high streets are facing. On top of business rate increases and the burden of…04 Jun 2026HANSARD High Street Businesses: Government SupportI thank all hon. Members who have attended the debate. I hope I will not get in too much trouble for suggesting that this is a bit of a graveyard slot, so in that context I…04 Jun 2026HANSARD High Street Businesses: Government SupportI beg to move, That this House has considered Government support for high street businesses. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Ms Lewell. For decades, centuries and…04 Jun 2026HANSARDHousehold Energy Bills7. What steps he is taking to help reduce household energy bills.02 Jun 2026HANSARDHousehold Energy BillsThe energy price cap increase is estimated to cost each household an extra £18 every month, which is the price of a regular essential food shop at a discount supermarket. I note…02 Jun 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsSmall businesses in Didcot’s Broadway are struggling with energy and staff costs, business rates and a rising tax burden, and the older town centre would benefit from investment…21 May 2026HANSARDEngagementsQ5. This month’s local elections saw the biggest ever gap between votes and seats in England, with five parties estimated to have won more than 15% of the vote. It is increasingly…20 May 2026HANSARD High Speed 2 ResetI thank the Secretary of State for her candour on the scale of the HS2 disaster and for the specificity of the range of dates she provided. The Liberal Democrats certainly agree…19 May 2026