Contributions
1,712 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDElectric VehiclesI welcome the increased uptake of electric vehicles. Indeed we do still need to dispel many myths. In my constituency, charging infrastructure is still a big issue, and the…13 Feb 2025HANSARD UkraineOn Monday, there will be a concert in Bath abbey in support of Ukraine. My constituents have been unstinting in their support for Ukrainians living among us, but also for…13 Feb 2025HANSARDCost of EnergyThe hon. Member predicts my next point: it is important to emphasise the Government’s responsibility to look after the most vulnerable in our society and protect them during any…11 Feb 2025HANSARDCost of EnergyI beg to move, That this House has considered the cost of energy. It is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Mr Western. I thank the Backbench Business Committee for…11 Feb 2025HANSARDCost of EnergyI, too, would like some clarification from the Opposition. Is the hon. Member saying that renewable energy is a solution to lower energy bills and gets us to net zero, but that we…11 Feb 2025HANSARDCost of EnergyIs it not also true that although we need to upgrade an old grid, the challenge of the future is a decentralised energy system, and that that is so often misunderstood? We had big…11 Feb 2025HANSARDCost of EnergyI thank the Backbench Business Committee again for granting this debate, which has been very lively and engaged, and good-natured, despite some disagreements—but where would we…11 Feb 2025HANSARD Business of the HouseBusinesses in Bath are increasingly worried about shoplifting, but online fraud is also a huge worry, and it is surging. Nearly 70,000 cases were reported in 2023-24, with victims…06 Feb 2025HANSARD UK-EU RelationsI am pleased that this Government are moving away from the ideological fantasies of the Conservative Government and taking a pragmatic approach to EU-UK relations. Passive…06 Feb 2025HANSARDDomestic Violence Prevention ServicesOrganisations such as Voices and the Southside project in Bath provide a wonderful and important service for victims of abuse, but they need the long-term certainty of funding.…05 Feb 2025HANSARDNational Cancer PlanIn 2013, the number of breast cancer cases in women under 50 topped 10,000 for the first time, but routine breast cancer screenings are given only to women aged 40 and over. Will…04 Feb 2025HANSARD Road Safety: SchoolsFirst of all, I want to congratulate the hon. Member for Chester South and Eddisbury (Aphra Brandreth) on securing this important debate. She spoke powerfully about the fact that…29 Jan 2025HANSARD Road Safety: SchoolsI fear I do not have time, but I am sure the hon. Member would make an excellent point. Bikeability is an important scheme that we should all support, but the funding from the…29 Jan 2025HANSARDAirport ExpansionBefore the Minister asks me where I was during the sustainable aviation fuels debate, I was here. Having 22% SAF by 2040 still means 78% fossil fuels in aircraft fuel—an awful…28 Jan 2025HANSARD Creative IndustriesI congratulate Taunton town council on putting that money into the arts. That is absolutely what is needed, but many councils struggle to balance the books and have to make very…27 Jan 2025HANSARD Creative IndustriesHere’s to a vibrant performance art sector in every community across the UK. Whether we are talking about school plays, choirs or theatre, in pubs, nightclubs or concert halls,…27 Jan 2025HANSARD Climate and Nature BillI can confirm, having been a Member of the previous Parliament, that I see a transformative difference in what this Government are doing compared with the previous Government. I…24 Jan 2025HANSARD Climate and Nature BillI wonder where the shadow Minister was when the hon. Member for North Dorset (Simon Hoare) said, just 15 minutes ago, that this is not an either/or between prosperity and…24 Jan 2025HANSARDEngagementsEating disorders are the mental health disorder with the highest mortality rate, and we have at least 1.2 million sufferers. Some are being told that they are now too ill to be…22 Jan 2025HANSARD Environmental ProtectionWe Liberal Democrats welcome this initiative from the Government, although in our manifesto we went further and committed ourselves to introducing a deposit return scheme for food…21 Jan 2025