Contributions
277 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) BillAbsolutely. That is the message I am hearing again and again. Another business owner in Tring said that they would love to open on the high street but they just cannot afford it.…25 Nov 2024HANSARD Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) BillI grew up helping my mum on the shop floor of small gift shops, and my memories of the wonderful work that she did to build that business and the staff she employed is a real…25 Nov 2024HANSARD Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) BillGiven the terrible SEND crisis across the country, does the Minister really think that it is good enough that only “most” of those schools will be exempt?25 Nov 2024HANSARDInnovation in the Black CountryIncreasing levels of innovation across the UK are crucial to unlocking growth and solving some of our biggest problems. That is why I was worried to read about the Secretary of…20 Nov 2024HANSARDDraft Communications Act 2003 (Disclosure of Information) Order 2024There is far too much illegal harmful activity online, especially on social media, and it impacts women and young children disproportionately. Not only have parents reached out to…19 Nov 2024HANSARD Tackling Image-based AbuseStrengthening those duties is key. As the hon. Member for Bolton North East (Kirith Entwistle) mentioned, Ofcom does not have the teeth it needs. Would the Minister agree that…12 Nov 2024HANSARD Fuel PovertyWe all have those stories, and I am always heartbroken when they come in. One constituent told me: “I live alone on my pension and will either have to stay in bed all day or keep…06 Nov 2024HANSARD Fuel PovertyIn Harpenden and Berkhamsted and, I am sure, across the country, local charities and even local district and county authorities are looking at how they can support those who are…06 Nov 2024HANSARDEngagementsQ13. The Swan Youth Project in Berkhamsted is an incredible drop-in centre that intervenes to bring hope and a better future to teenagers such as Lex and Megan, who have been…06 Nov 2024HANSARDIncome Tax (Charge)After more than a decade of Conservative chaos, there is no doubt that the Government inherited a challenging task. We all recognise the enormous responsibility faced by the…05 Nov 2024HANSARDDomestic Abuse and Violence against Women8. What steps she is taking to support survivors of domestic abuse and violence against women through the criminal justice system.05 Nov 2024HANSARDDomestic Abuse and Violence against WomenMany of my constituents, including members of our local Soroptomist International group, will be taking part in the United Nations’ 16 days of activism against gender-based…05 Nov 2024HANSARDGreat British Energy BillI refer Members to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. Energy is at the heart of our economy. It powers our homes, our schools, our workplaces and even our…29 Oct 2024HANSARD Temporary AccommodationIn one of my local authorities, St Albans, we are at crisis point, and often it is families with children who lose out. The average waiting time is 31 weeks, but the average time…24 Oct 2024HANSARDCarer’s AllowanceI congratulate the hon. Members for Clwyd North (Gill German) and for Weston-super-Mare (Dan Aldridge) on their maiden speeches. Earlier this year I spoke to a family member whose…16 Oct 2024HANSARDCarer’s AllowanceAbsolutely; it is a real travesty. It has come up again and again in the House that we are letting down the people who are caring for our communities and the families in them, or…16 Oct 2024HANSARDBroadband ConnectivityPeople and businesses in my constituency, like many elsewhere, are plagued with patchy access. Andy from Wheathampstead has found that the only way he can move on to working from…16 Oct 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsLocal people in Harpenden and Berkhamsted are already blighted by noise from Luton airport, and are highly concerned about the proposed expansion to almost double passenger…10 Oct 2024HANSARDCost of Rail FaresIn Harpenden, commuters face the absurd reality that a single off-peak ticket can cost £18.40, but 11 minutes further on people can get an Oyster fare at Radlett for £5.90. Does…10 Oct 2024HANSARD Chalk Streams: Sewage DischargeAbsolutely. We have to do all we can. After the thousands of hours of pollution into the River Ver, the Ver Valley Society found worrying levels of E. coli in the water. This has…08 Oct 2024