Contributions
565 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD AgricultureI declare an interest as my family are sixth-generation farmers in Somerset, with my brother still farming. The Liberal Democrats support the shift from basic payments to the ELM…13 May 2024HANSARDUnemployment LevelsMore than 39,000 south-west companies are classed as being in significant economic distress, according to Begbies Traynor’s “Red Flag Alert” report. The loss of those businesses…13 May 2024HANSARDAssisted DyingIt is an honour to serve with you in the Chair, Mrs Latham. I thank the hon. Member for Gower (Tonia Antoniazzi) for bringing forward this important debate. I also thank the…29 Apr 2024HANSARDArmed Forces VeteransThe Wincanton armed forces breakfast club, held at the Balsam centre in my constituency, offers veterans a place to catch up, where they can have peer support and enjoy a social,…25 Apr 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Veterans12. What steps he is taking to support armed forces veterans.25 Apr 2024HANSARD Single-use PlasticsCheap and disposable single-use plastics have become a symbol of our throwaway culture—they are cheap, convenient and now pervade every part of our lives—but that also means that…25 Apr 2024HANSARD Business of the HouseBritish farmers are operating on ever narrowing margins in a volatile market. It is hugely concerning to farmers in my constituency that red diesel suppliers are encouraging…25 Apr 2024HANSARD Transport Infrastructure: Devon and SomersetWill the hon. Gentleman give way?23 Apr 2024HANSARDGP RetentionThere are 56 fewer fully qualified GPs in Somerset now than there were in December 2016, so it is no surprise that my constituents in Wincanton feel that they can never access…23 Apr 2024HANSARD Transport Infrastructure: Devon and SomersetWill the Minister give way?23 Apr 2024HANSARD Transport Infrastructure: Devon and SomersetThat is very generous of the hon. Member for—somewhere in Somerset. Adverse weather has also massively contributed to the number of potholes in Somerset, which I am sure the hon.…23 Apr 2024HANSARDCost of Public Services: Coastal AreasThe cost of delivering services in Somerset is rising, with care costs rising by 47% between 2022 and 2023, yet urban councils receive about 38% more Government funding spending…22 Apr 2024HANSARDFood Waste and Food DistributionI recently visited Frome community fridge, which is the first organisation of its kind in the country. The people there told me that since it was established in 2016 they have…16 Apr 2024HANSARDFood Waste and Food DistributionIt is an honour to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Vaz. I thank the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent Central (Jo Gideon) for securing this important debate. The food system is not…16 Apr 2024HANSARDGreen Technologies: InvestmentThe south-west is proud to be punching above its weight in green technology, and will soon welcome a £4 billion gigafactory at the Gravity site near Bridgwater which will create…16 Apr 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsT2. I offer you my condolences, Mr Speaker.The former chief inspector of borders and immigration recently produced a report stating that 275 certificates of sponsorship were…15 Apr 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsLast week, the Prime Minister failed to provide my constituents with any assurance about proposals for a train station in the Somerton and Langport area, but he did state that…21 Mar 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsT3. Compassion in Care’s helpline received 486 reports of homophobic abuse in care homes over the past four years, yet 481 of the service providers accounted for in those…20 Mar 2024HANSARD UK Food SecurityThat is my very next point—the hon. Lady makes a very good one. Unfair supermarket buying practices are leaving family farms teetering on a cliff edge. The current groceries…19 Mar 2024HANSARD UK Food SecurityThe hon. Gentleman is quite right. I will come on to that later in my speech. We must ensure sustainability in our food production, which encompasses the nutritional quality of…19 Mar 2024