Contributions
478 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDHome Office and Ministry of JusticeThe Crown court backlog is the most significant challenge facing the Ministry of Justice. Long delays in cases reaching trial undermine confidence in the whole justice system. I…29 Jun 2026HANSARD Asylum AccommodationDoes the Minister appreciate that the reason he is commissioning former Army bases and spending millions of pounds on more asylum accommodation is that his Government’s policy of…29 Jun 2026HANSARD Houses in Multiple OccupationI thank the hon. Lady for obtaining the debate. In the town of Bridgwater, we have had an increasing number of HMOs being developed. It leads to an enormous number of vehicles…25 Jun 2026HANSARDPublic Procurement: SMEsWill the Minister confirm whether these reforms will apply to the provision of services to prisons? This year, the Ministry of Justice will commission 25% fewer hours of education…25 Jun 2026HANSARD Houses in Multiple Occupationrose—25 Jun 2026HANSARD Houses in Multiple OccupationI suspect the answer to the hon. Lady’s question is “very few indeed.” The issue in my Bridgwater constituency is that Hinkley Point C—a nuclear power station—is being constructed…25 Jun 2026HANSARD Houses in Multiple OccupationI am grateful to the Minister for being so generous with his time. One reason why so many HMOs are required is the lack of social housing, certainly around Bridgwater. I have had…25 Jun 2026HANSARD Farming Road Map and Profitability ReviewWhile I welcome the farming road map, farmers in Somerset will be sceptical that this Government will deliver for them given their imposition of the family farm and family…24 Jun 2026HANSARDMedia Green PaperI welcome the Green Paper. Many of my constituents in Stockland Bristol and Fiddington continue to endure very poor or non-existent broadband coverage and mobile signals, so they…24 Jun 2026HANSARDTeacher Recruitment and RetentionThe Secretary of State knows that the figure she has quoted to the House excludes primary schools. The Labour party manifesto promised to increase the number of teachers by 6,500,…22 Jun 2026HANSARDNHS DentistryThe Government were elected on a platform that included a dentistry rescue plan. They correctly assessed a crisis in NHS dentistry and promised to fix it. Nowhere is that crisis…15 Jun 2026HANSARDNHS DentistryThe Minister will recall that when he wrote to me on 23 April, he confirmed that under Labour 4% fewer dental treatments were performed in Somerset than in the same period before…15 Jun 2026HANSARDNHS DentistryI thank the hon. Lady for her point. I think golden hellos are a useful tool, but they are not sufficient. Reform of the contract is fundamentally what we need, and one would hope…15 Jun 2026HANSARD Compassionate Use Medicine Schemes: VATIt is utterly shameful that this Government are presiding over the imposition of VAT on drugs donated for compassionate use. The Minister referred to the previous Government. VAT…11 Jun 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsT2. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s decision to discontinue hourly payments to volunteer rescue coastguards threatens the safety of Burnham-on-Sea in my constituency and…11 Jun 2026HANSARDDefence Investment PlanThe defence investment plan is urgently needed to provide our armed forces with the resources they need to defend our nation. Does the Minister accept that when the Government…10 Jun 2026HANSARDRailways BillI am grateful to my hon. Friend for tabling new clause 30. Has he been offered any explanation by the Minister or any part of the ministerial team as to why they will not accept…10 Jun 2026HANSARDRailways BillA modern railway system should enable everyone, regardless of their mobility, to travel safely, independently and with dignity. That is why new clause 30, which would place a duty…10 Jun 2026HANSARD Steel Industry (Nationalisation) BillDoes the Minister believe that the Government’s current energy strategy is consistent with a successful British steel industry, or does he envisage that energy strategy having to…08 Jun 2026HANSARD Steel Industry (Nationalisation) BillWill the Minister give way?08 Jun 2026