Contributions
152 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCreative IndustriesAs we all settle down for Christmas, we will be watching “Mission: Impossible”, “James Bond”, “Ironclad”, and perhaps even “Call the Midwife”, which were all filmed in Medway— […12 Dec 2024HANSARDCreative Industries17. What recent estimate he has made of the contribution of creative industries to the economy.12 Dec 2024HANSARD Finance BillIn the last financial year, the oil and gas industry made £6.1 billion in profit, despite the chuntering from Opposition Members. Does my hon. Friend agree that the Conservatives…10 Dec 2024HANSARD Finance BillAccording to the New Economics Foundation, the previous Government’s levy raised £10.6 billion for the oil and gas industry, but the industry invested only £3.6 billion of that in…10 Dec 2024HANSARDPlanning Committees: ReformI, too, am happy to speak with my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Jen Craft) concerning my planning issues, but I am hoping that the Minister can answer the question too.…09 Dec 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsT8. Last week, I listened earnestly to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster at the cyber-security conference, which was timely, given that my local council was subject to a…05 Dec 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsT7. Last week, the House passed the Second Reading of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, and I was proud to walk through the voting Lobby with my hon. Friends. This Government are…03 Dec 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsT7. After 14 years of cuts to local government, we see the consequences across council areas, including to my council of Medway, which suffered a 91% cut in direct support grants,…02 Dec 2024HANSARD Fly-tippingI agree with my hon. Friend. Around the country, we see community payback initiatives whereby individuals who commit the crime are then sanctioned to go and clear up the mess…26 Nov 2024HANSARD Fly-tippingI agree with my hon. Friend. In my local council in Medway there were seven prosecutions in 2022-23, which is extremely high and shows the success in that area, but she is right…26 Nov 2024HANSARD Fly-tippingI agree with my hon. Friend that there is a postcode lottery across the country on how councils are managing this issue. I want to celebrate the example of Medway council, my…26 Nov 2024HANSARD Fly-tippingI thank my hon. Friend for that point. The Labour council in Ilford has very successfully led an enforcement and education campaign, with community hubs and enforcement hubs. Love…26 Nov 2024HANSARD Fly-tippingI thank my hon. Friend for that contribution. An element that is not mentioned is untidy land in private space, an issue that is very difficult for councils to enforce. Again,…26 Nov 2024HANSARDCOP29I thank my right hon. Friend for his statement and for his clear global leadership on this issue over many years. A constituent, Michael Jones—a leader in climate change…26 Nov 2024HANSARDTobacco and Vapes BillWe have age restrictions on alcohol sales and the Bill proposes doing the same. Similarly, for other substances in society, we look in a proportionate way at their health…26 Nov 2024HANSARDTobacco and Vapes BillLike previous speakers, I have not been challenged on my age, even though I use moisturiser; perhaps it is my receding hairline. I thank the hon. Member for North Dorset (Simon…26 Nov 2024HANSARDTobacco and Vapes BillThe licensing regime will be looked at in detail, but the reality is that, when I am buying alcohol in a supermarket, I might be challenged on my age by someone at the counter who…26 Nov 2024HANSARDTobacco and Vapes BillWhen I was on a council, I had a portfolio managing licensing. Councils already manage significant licensing functions, so it would be very convenient to simply add this function…26 Nov 2024HANSARD Fly-tippingI beg to move, That this House has considered Government support for local councils to tackle fly-tipping. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Christopher. We…26 Nov 2024HANSARD Fly-tippingI absolutely agree with the hon. Member. We are having this debate not only to discuss how we can better support local councils, but to acknowledge some of the successes of local…26 Nov 2024