Contributions
426 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDUkraine: Non-recognition of Russian-occupied TerritoriesThe Minister mentioned the Baltic states. On Monday, 26 January, the Government published a strategy, in which 14 Baltic and North sea states are involved, to tackle the Russian…29 Jan 2026HANSARD Youth UnemploymentIn Torbay, we have an incredible organisation called Sound Communities. Some young people are not in the position to take up an apprenticeship because, having suffered significant…28 Jan 2026HANSARD Education Funding: DistributionI congratulate my hon. Friend on securing the debate. Torbay unitary authority is the most deprived local authority in the south-west of England, and also the most deprived local…28 Jan 2026HANSARD Business RatesThis is a baby step in the right direction, but the hospitality, tourism and retail industry in Torbay continues to trade in a hostile environment. One leisure provider in…27 Jan 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe Sayce review investigated the carers’ allowance scandal and identified that almost 87,000 carers were affected. The Government are planning to write off the debts of 26,000…26 Jan 2026HANSARD Police Reform White PaperThe basic command unit that includes Torbay does not have services such as firearms officers or roads officers. Will the Home Secretary give clear guidance that all basic command…26 Jan 2026HANSARDState Pension Age Changes: CompensationPrior to the Government’s decision not to grant compensation to WASPI women, there was a disturbing lack of engagement with the ombudsman. Since then, the ombudsman has been able…26 Jan 2026HANSARDFishing IndustryMy colleague is making some very good points about where Governments are misjudging these matters. Charter fishermen in Torbay are extremely worried that the three-bag limit on…22 Jan 2026HANSARDNational Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) BillThe Minister will recall our many happy hours together in Committee on the Pension Schemes Bill. One of the issues that the Liberal Democrats raised was the need for an MOT for…21 Jan 2026HANSARD Arctic SecurityTrump and Putin both respect strength; neither of them respects international law. In the light of that, I welcome the work undertaken by the Prime Minister and leaders from…19 Jan 2026HANSARDSale of FireworksThe hon. Member is making very good points. My guide dog Jennie is not bothered by fireworks—she seems to enjoy them—but Pepsi, my wife’s guide dog, is terrified of them. That is…19 Jan 2026HANSARD Finance (No. 2) BillI will focus on Liberal Democrat new clause 9, which would require an assessment of the cumulative impact of the proposals on the hospitality industry. One must bear in mind that,…13 Jan 2026HANSARD Finance (No. 2) BillI will happily give way to my Devon colleague.13 Jan 2026HANSARD Finance (No. 2) BillMy hon. Friend is spot on. We need the Government to wake up, smell the coffee and recognise the challenges that our hospitality industry faces. Some national chains, such as…13 Jan 2026HANSARD Finance (No. 2) BillI do not know those venues, but I suspect some of them may well be on the high street. We, as Liberal Democrats, know that our constituents see our high streets as the beating…13 Jan 2026HANSARDFinance (No. 2) BillCan the Minister explain why there are £300 million-worth of cuts in Devon this year to our NHS—to hospital trusts, our partnership trust that looks after mental health and our…12 Jan 2026HANSARDFree Bus Travel: Over-60sThe issue that we face in Torbay is a significant shrinkage in the number of available commercial routes, whether for bus pass users or other bus users. Does the hon. and learned…05 Jan 2026HANSARD VenezuelaWith Donald Trump taking a leaf out of the Putin playbook and becoming an international gangster in the Americas, what assurance can the Secretary of State give the Chamber that…05 Jan 2026HANSARDLocal Government FinanceI am sure that the Minister will join me in congratulating Anna Coles, the director of adult and community services at Torbay council, and her team on achieving a “good” rating…17 Dec 2025HANSARD UK-EU Common Understanding NegotiationsThe news about the reinstatement of the Erasmus scheme is brilliant for our young people. I have heard from language schools in Torbay, particularly International House Torquay,…17 Dec 2025