Contributions
497 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDNon-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill (First sitting)Q In Northern Ireland, there is a single regional rate and then a local levy. Do you have views about whether there should be any local influence in terms of these determinants…11 Dec 2024HANSARDNon-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill (Second sitting)Q I am conscious of trying to keep to the Bill, because I am worried that a lot of your comments are really about the state of the independent sector more widely. As has been…11 Dec 2024HANSARDNon-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill (Second sitting)Q You could probably build a small village on the land owned by each of the independent schools in my constituency. So while I accept that there are schools like the ones you…11 Dec 2024HANSARDNon-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill (Second sitting)Q I completely accept the point that a lot of the talk around the Bill is about high streets, because of the particular references to retail, hospitality and leisure. But it is a…11 Dec 2024HANSARDNon-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill (Second sitting)Q We heard earlier that 130,000 children with special educational needs are in independent schools, of whom 100,000 do not have an EHCP. If you assume that the majority of those…11 Dec 2024HANSARDNon-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill (Second sitting)Q Can I ask about occupation? I am thinking about the hon. Member for East Thanet, and I also represent a coastal community. We had a slightly surprised response when we heard…11 Dec 2024HANSARDSkills TrainingLytchett Minster school in my constituency is proud of its record in delivering level 3 BTecs; in fact, its sixth form would not survive without BTecs. What assurance can the…09 Dec 2024HANSARDUkraineToday, the BBC is reporting a Russian submarine sailing between Japanese islands and close to Taiwan. Last month, we had reports of a Russian ship being monitored by HMS…03 Dec 2024HANSARDDevolution Agreements: SomersetI hope that you will endure us, Mr Speaker. Dorset council, which covers half my constituency, has agreed to work with Somerset and Wiltshire—all unitary councils—on a devolution…02 Dec 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsMy constituent, Dom, purchased a high-rise building that, it now transpires, does not meet building regulations on combustible materials used in the early 2000s. His building is…02 Dec 2024HANSARDTerminally Ill Adults (End of Life) BillWe do not need to choose between palliative care and supporting those who want to make their deaths better. It is so fantastic to hear Members from every part of the Chamber with…29 Nov 2024HANSARDTobacco and Vapes BillDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that the upper-age escalator could prove difficult later on, particularly in respect of the ability of those who sell tobacco? At the moment, if a…26 Nov 2024HANSARD Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) BillSince becoming a Member of Parliament earlier this year, I have been heartened every time I have heard Ministers confirm that business rates reform is planned. I know what impact…25 Nov 2024HANSARDHolidays in School Term TimeIt is not just about the joy of the holiday; the problem is that there is no compassion in the system. I was contacted today by a resident who took their child out of school for…25 Nov 2024HANSARD Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) BillAbsolutely. We were looking to work with the rental auctions that are coming in. When I was the Lib Dem spokesperson in a Westminster Hall debate a few weeks ago, I was encouraged…25 Nov 2024HANSARD Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) BillI agree with the hon. Member and thank him for his intervention. I was just about to say that we need a proper tech tax on online businesses, which should be ringfenced to stay in…25 Nov 2024HANSARD Ukraine: 1,000 DaysI refer the House to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. I host a Ukrainian refugee in my home, as do many other residents of Mid Dorset and North Poole. I…19 Nov 2024HANSARD NHS Dentistry: South-westIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Vickers. It is interesting that the hon. Member for Truro and Falmouth (Jayne Kirkham) mentions dental vans: we were due to…12 Nov 2024HANSARD NHS Dentistry: South-westI have been on to the survey, and it is incredibly limited. It would be helpful if there were a way for the public to be encouraged to introduce more freeform responses.12 Nov 2024HANSARD Fuel PovertyIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Roger. I congratulate my right hon. Friend the Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr Carmichael) on securing this important…06 Nov 2024