Contributions
565 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDState Pension Age Changes: CompensationThere are more than 8,000 WASPI women across Glastonbury and Somerton, including Miriam from Martock, who has lost a staggering £50,000 because of the maladministration of state…26 Jan 2026HANSARD Police Reform White PaperReducing the number of police forces to 12 mega-forces risks rural forces once more being neglected and under-resourced. Since 2023, the cost of rural crime has tripled year on…26 Jan 2026HANSARD Animal Rescue CentresIt is an honour to serve with you in the Chair this evening, Sir Alec. I thank the Petitions Committee for enabling this debate, and the 201 petitioners from Glastonbury and…26 Jan 2026HANSARD Animal Rescue CentresI thank the hon. Gentleman for his intervention, and I thank Mr Carter for all his amazing work to support the financing of these important rescue centres. Many people across the…26 Jan 2026HANSARDState Pension Age Changes: Compensation6. What recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of compensating 1950s-born women affected by the maladministration of state pension age changes.26 Jan 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationSomerset underwent local government reorganisation during the last Parliament, with an independent report citing that the Conservative administration’s business case was marked by…22 Jan 2026HANSARDFishing IndustryI congratulate my right hon. Friend the Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr Carmichael) on securing this important debate and on his powerful speech. I thank the Backbench Business…22 Jan 2026HANSARD Agricultural Sector: Import StandardsI congratulate the hon. Member for North West Cambridgeshire (Sam Carling) on securing this important debate, and I thank the Backbench Business Committee for finding time for the…22 Jan 2026HANSARDFishing IndustryLet me return briefly to Somerset—this is relevant, Madam Deputy Speaker. The European eel was once a key part of the county’s identity. It was so abundant that it even served as…22 Jan 2026HANSARDFishing IndustryI apologise, Madam Deputy Speaker. The impact on coastal communities is even more severe and economically damaging. The House will know that fishing waters in Cornwall, including…22 Jan 2026HANSARDWater White PaperAlthough some proposals in this White Paper are welcome, it does not go far enough to guarantee the promised fundamental reforms. Record sewage spills of over 45,000 hours were…21 Jan 2026HANSARD UK Wine IndustryI thank the hon. Member for securing this important debate. Somerset is more often known for its cider production, but I have a brilliant, multi-award winning winemaker, Smith &…21 Jan 2026HANSARDAcademy Trusts: GovernancePressures on schools to convert to academy trusts are considerable and widespread, but academising at all costs is not always in everybody’s interests. Some parents in Glastonbury…19 Jan 2026HANSARDSale of FireworksIt is an honour to serve with you in the Chair, Mr Pritchard. I thank the Petitions Committee for bringing this debate forward and the combined 671 petitioners from Glastonbury…19 Jan 2026HANSARDSale of FireworksMy hon. Friend talked about the amazing firework displays that we have across the country, but there are some fantastic alternatives to fireworks, such as demonstrations using…19 Jan 2026HANSARDAccess to Sports FacilitiesI recently met Abbas and Templecombe parish councillors to discuss their exciting plans to add a 400-metre running track, a multi-use games area and an outdoor adult gym to the…15 Jan 2026HANSARD Business of the HouseDairy farmers across Glastonbury and Somerton are competing against imports of cheaper cheese from New Zealand and butter from the USA, but there is no obligation for those…15 Jan 2026HANSARD Horse and Rider Road SafetyGiven the lack of knowledge about the changes to the highway code, Somerset council has a road safety initiative that offers training to riders and drivers. Would my hon. Friend…14 Jan 2026HANSARD IranAnnette from Wincanton contacted me at the weekend, deeply worried about her extended friends and family living in Iran. She told me that many there feel that they have nothing…13 Jan 2026HANSARD New Medium Helicopter ContractI thank my hon. Friend the Member for Yeovil (Adam Dance) for securing this urgent question on behalf of his constituents, as well as mine in Glastonbury and Somerton. Alan from…12 Jan 2026