Live Debate: Commons Chamber

Select committee statement: First Special Report of the Backbench Business Committee, 15th anniversary of the Backbench Business Committee, HC 1548

Thank you, Madam. permission, I'll make a statement on the report on the first 15 years

15:05

Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East, Conservative)

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of the Backbench Business Committee. As members will be aware, the backbench Business Committee came out of the right reforms which were out of the right reforms which were presented to this House, all bar one of which has actually been implemented. The only one that implemented. The only one that hasn't been implemented is the requirement for a House Business Committee. But I'll leave that to the leader to consider in the future. I'd also like to pay tribute to my two predecessors as tribute to my two predecessors as chair of the committee, Natasha Angel and Ian Mears.

They led the committee with appropriate dignity and actually formatted many different reforms in this place as a result. And indeed, I've had the pleasure of serving on the committee for 14 of the 15 years. So I've witnessed at first hand the excellent work that they did. Our role is is very simple, and that's to encourage debates on a wide area of subjects that the government doesn't necessarily wish to be debated in the House. We also have a duty to ensure that requests for debates actually have the support from across party basis, to use the time as effectively as possible.

We also allow, of course, for select committee statements to take place, and I remind select committee chairs that they can actually apply to the Backbench Business Committee for a debate on reports that they produce, which may then lead to a motion that they wish to put on the Order Paper. There is a slight problem with this, which I would, I would I'd recommend to the leader that he looks at very seriously. And that is at the moment the standing order requires such statements to be within five working days of the publication of a select committee report, and we would like to see that extended to ten working days to allow more flexibility for select committees to make appropriate statements to the House on the work that they've done.

The issue around substantive motions, which are divisible, motions that the House can consider in the period between 2010 and 2012, the first two years of the committee, 63% of the debates in this chamber were on divisible motions. In the last two years, that's reduced to 25%. And in the report, we've summarised the various different years that have taken place and how that has changed. I think there is a reason for that, that namely that this is not binding on the government and often, well, hardly ever.

Is there a vote on a divisible motion there normally nodded through. So I would urge the leader to have a look at this and say, could we have a framework for action on the the divisions or the motions that are passed by this House, and what action the government is prepared to take on those and report back to the House. Now, the moment, generally speaking, for the chamber, we're confined to Thursdays. And indeed, one of the suggestions we made is that we should be given more time between Mondays and Wednesdays, possibly 90 minute debates, either before or after appropriate government time to allow backbenchers to to actually have debates on issues that that they wish to have.

I have to say, Madam Deputy Speaker, and today is another day where it's happened, that our debates are often curtailed by urgent questions and statements from the government. I think that's unfair on backbenchers who are here to obviously to take part in important debates that they've sponsored. And indeed, often we have visitors to the chamber who are in the public gallery to witness those debates. And I think we need to do something about this to prevent the backbench debates from being curtailed and colleagues going to have to do very short speeches instead.

On Westminster Hall, we obviously have the opportunity to allocate the 90 minute debate on Tuesday morning and debates on on Thursday afternoon. We have suggested once again, and I hope the leader will look at this sympathetically, that we bring forward the debates on Thursday afternoon from 130 to 1230 and from 3:00 to sorry, from 230 to to 2 p.m. which would then allow members to get away and close Westminster Hall at an earlier time, which would be much more convenient for staff.

We often have rejections of offers for the second slot on Thursday afternoons, unfairly, in my view. I'd also suggest that given that we rigorously look at the applications that are submitted, that it would be helpful if we looked at more allocation on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Westminster Hall so we can ensure that there is sufficient support across party to make sure those debates are are balanced. But obviously that's at the hands of of the speaker and deputy speakers, which I respect.

I'd also point out that the Procedure Committee have made certain recommendations. They don't have to wait for a government motion to be put. They can apply for time under Backbench Business Committee for a House motion on House business. Often. And I'm not. I'm not accusing the current government of this, but it's often been the case that the government have frustrated the procedure committee when they want to make changes by not making time available, so I'd alert the procedure committee to that opportunity.

Equally, one of the things that we are looking at doing, and I would would want to work with the leader on this, is the allocation of more topical debates. At the moment, we've got a six month waiting list for debates, and obviously it means by the time those debates come up, often the topicality is gone. So if we could get to a point whereby we could announce a topical debate on a Tuesday, have bids before our meeting, and then announce the the result of that for a Thursday, that would really get us to a topical time, but it would require, I believe, a change in standing orders.

One of the issues that we've often had complaints about, Madam Deputy Speaker, is the fact that the Backbench Select Committee is the only select committee in this House that has to have elections after every King's speech and state opening. That means that there is a delay after the King's speech for the chair to be elected and the members of the committee to be elected, just at a time when there's often an opportunity for general debates, either in the chamber or debates in Westminster Hall.

So I would ask that we change that to have it to continuous throughout the life of the Parliament. There is a further, further issue which I'll just raise, which is the reform of private members bills. I mean, piloted through three private members bills myself through this place to a successful conclusion. But they are dependent on a, frankly, a raffle. So if you're successful in the raffle, you do. Well, one of the things that the Procedure Committee, when I was on the Procedure Committee recommended, and I'm glad to say the Procedure Committee is now doing, is recommending that the Backbench Business Committee be able to consider those bids for the first four days of the private member's bills, first four sitting Fridays for prioritisation on those that are well founded with cross-party support and detailed work has been done prior.

Rather than having someone getting drawn in in in the lottery, the private member's bill ballot and then deciding what they're going to do, I think this would be a better place for making law accordingly. So, Madam Deputy Speaker, I won't continue longer. I look forward to any questions that colleagues may have.

15:13

Rt Hon Sir Julian Lewis MP (New Forest East, Conservative)

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Sir Julian Lewis. >> Has my hon. Friend and his committee considered whether anything can be done to encourage anything can be done to encourage more media interest in the subject of the debate, which his committee of the debate, which his committee grants. I have in mind a particularly outstanding debate on Ukraine, which was initiated by my hon. Friend for Harwich and North Essex on Thursday, the 4th of December. Every speech from every participant, with the possible exception of my own, was outstandingly good and there was no coverage whatsoever that I could detect afterwards.

Is there anything that can be done to persuade those whose responsibility is to report on the proceedings of this House, that sometimes it's worth taking note of what the backbenchers have to say?

15:14

Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East, Conservative)

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I thank my hon. Friend for that, >> I thank my hon. Friend for that, that question. The reality is that, of course, the sponsor of a debate is responsible for not only the content of their speech, but also encouraging the press to get involved and promoting their debate, which can be on a wide range of topics. I mean, one of the great things about Backbench Business Committee is we consider things that most people have never even thought of as possible debates, and therefore it is important incumbent on the individuals that propose these debates to actually promote them appropriately.

15:15

Adam Jogee MP (Newcastle-under-Lyme, Labour)

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Adam Jogee. >> Adam Jogee. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm grateful to the chairman for the statement. Just a very quick point. A number of colleagues have found A number of colleagues have found it quite frustrating getting debate applications successfully put. And applications successfully put. And I mean, the fact that you have to get 15 government backbenchers and eight opposition and the rest. So I wonder if there's any thought that could be given to make it a bit easier, such that the circumstances of the general election result last year, which means there's fewer members of opposition to add up for those applications.

15:15

Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East, Conservative)

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Well, I'll stand standard position is this, and that is for a 90 minute Westminster Hall debate. Eight speakers are required. And that is a reasonable number, I that is a reasonable number, I think for a 90 minute debate, four should come from the government side and four from the opposition. That's the combined opposition, not not restricted to one party for chamber debates. I think it's perfectly reasonable that we look at getting 15 speakers, broadly speaking, a balance between opposition and government, because what we want to make sure and this allows me to say that in certainly in this session, that we have every single debate in the chamber has had something like 70%.

I think I'm right in saying have had time limits imposed on backbench speakers, and this afternoon is going to be another one, I suspect, very, very clearly, but equally so we actually get enough speakers. There was one debate which I well remember, and I'm not going to name the colleague who's no longer in this place, came along with a huge list of something like 85 members who wish to take part. He then stood up and spoke, and there was no one else that had actually come along to to speak.

And after that, I'm very, very conscious that we've got to make sure that people sign up, but not just sign up to agree to the debate, but also sign up to turn up and speak.

15:16

Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn MP (Islington North, Independent)

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Jeremy Corbyn. >> Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I thank the chair for his report. He will be aware that when we had a debate on digital ID inspired by a public petition, there was a massive turnout and massive participation. It was very crowded and which was a good sign. But many of us thought that really a debate of such magnitude and such importance ought to be held in the main chamber. And is his committee making representations towards getting more time here for debates that are inspired by a very large number of people signing a public petition? Certainly when there's over a million, I think we ought to be thinking about having debate in here, not Westminster Hall.

15:17

Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East, Conservative)

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The right hon. Gentleman for >> The right hon. Gentleman for that, that question. The reality is, of course, that it is for the Petitions Committee to come forward with debates. And of course, I would strongly support the Petitions Committee having time in the chamber, as long as it doesn't detract from the backbench business time that is available. But equally on on the subject that he raises, if he and colleagues wish to come forward with an application, I'm sure our committee will look very sympathetically, particularly as it was such a well-attended debate.

15:17

Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)

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Jim Shannon Madam Deputy Speaker, thank you very much. The chair of thank you very much. The chair of the backbench committee and all the committee members for what they do to ensure that debates are held and to ensure that debates are held and and heard. The chair has referred to the numbers of backbench applications that have been and they've been absolutely ginormous. I understand, and they will take us right through to maybe April, May of next year. The chair of the committee has often tried to ensure there would be extra time available in this chamber, since there's no time available whatsoever and Westminster Hall for all the debates that are that are presently sought, what can be done to ensure that the main chamber can be made available for the backbench committee debates that have been requested? Thank you.

15:18

Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East, Conservative)

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Well, I thank the question from our honorary season ticket holder our honorary season ticket holder at the backbench prior to the. As is reported in the report, prior to the 2019 general election, he the 2019 general election, he appeared before the committee no less than 44 times with applications. He's continued with that, and of course, he's the top member who has applications before the committee, and we're always pleased to grant appropriate ones that he wishes. The reality is that we encourage people, and I think one of the things I am encouraged by is that there are large numbers of MPs now that come before us.

New never been before the committee before, who come with an application well supported across the House and people. I think the message have got home that this is the one of the best ways that you can get a debate on an issue that affects you. Yeah.

15:19

Points of Order

I called Charlie Maynard on a point of order in connection with the code of conduct to rectify a the code of conduct to rectify a failure to declare. >> On a point of order. Madam Deputy Speaker, in response to a recommendation from the Committee on Standards, I would like to apologise to the House for failing to register several interests

15:19

Charlie Maynard MP (Witney, Liberal Democrat)

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within the 28 day period set by the House. These included my receipt of pro bono legal advice to support my intervention in the sanctions hearing of Thames Water United Limited's restructuring plan of the Limited's restructuring plan of the High Court and subsequently at the Court of Appeal. Nor did I appreciate that I should registered an informal arrangement with my an informal arrangement with my with a family member to use their London flat without charge while I London flat without charge while I was staying in Westminster.

I also owned and subsequently sold shares in a Vietnamese company, which exceeded the threshold for registration. And finally, I failed to register my fail to update my register entry when my role as a councillor at West Yorkshire District Council ended. These failures were a result of my own errors. I am grateful to the Committee for recognising that I neither gained nor sought to gain any advantage, and that I acted honestly in repeatedly drawing the Commissioner's attention to failings as I identified them.

I fully accept these breaches of rule five of the Code of Conduct. I apologise to the House and commit to take a more diligent approach to the registration of my interests in future.

15:21

Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP (Romsey and Southampton North, Conservative)

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Can I thank the hon. Member for his point of order and for giving notice of it? I remind the House that members may seek advice on the that members may seek advice on the Code of Conduct at any time, from the Parliamentary Commissioner for standards and from the Register of standards and from the Register of Members Financial interests. There will be no further points of order on this issue. Which brings us to the backbench debate on matters to be raised before the forthcoming adjournment.

Bob Blackman to move.

15:21

Backbench Business: General debate on matters to be raised before the Christmas Adjournment.

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I beg to move that the House has considered matters to be raised before the forthcoming adjournment

15:21

Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East, Conservative)

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and at the outset. Madam Deputy Speaker, can I wish you members, their staff, all the staff here in their staff, all the staff here in Parliament, a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a happy, peaceful, prosperous and above all peaceful, prosperous and above all else, healthy New Year. And as the nights are drawing in, no doubt we'll all be lucifugus by the we'll all be lucifugus by the spring. Explanations of that will be held later. Now, turning to matters local to my constituency.

When the Conservative Party took over Harrow Council back in 2022, the council was mired in corruption, backlogs in roads, potholes and pavement maintenance, and basic services were not being delivered to residents with a very high level of council tax. Well, things have changed. The administration is now spending more than £40 million across three years on the highways Budget, and it's very apparent that things have changed our our roads and pavements. We've also rolled out one hour free parking across the borough, which is the most generous parking allowance anywhere in London.

Fly tipping, which is the blight. I know not only of Harrow but many other areas of the country is being addressed and in the last year alone, one more than a thousand fines were issued for the culprits of fly tipping and the council has even even reopened phone lines. So you can actually call and speak to a human being at the council. After many years of that not being the case, I think that's a really something I welcome now in Rayners Lane to tackle the scourge of double parking and those who simply think they can park the car in the middle of the road, lock the car and go off to the shops.

They are now finding that thanks to local councillor, it's been an enormous success for Red route. With more than 500 fines issued in the first week and growing awareness of the scheme rules. So I just hope that Santa Claus, when he visits Rayners Lane, doesn't park in the middle of the road because he'll get a ticket. In terms of flytipping, the council has introduced a free, bulky waste collection for every household every year, which I think is make a huge difference because we know what it's like when people want to dispose of freezers, wardrobes or sofas.

We want to see those cleared up quickly. So the bulky waste collection, as well as drop and go sessions where literally the council turn up at a recycling centre in a car park near to residents fly to it, and then then people can bring their that fly tipping to the drop and go centre that is extremely popular and has reduced flytipping as a result. And people see the difference. But there is of course a penalty if you if you do indeed dump rubbish on the streets in Harrow or elsewhere, you should suffer the penalties.

And indeed we suffered a similar criminal flight, but not as large as the one that was in Oxfordshire. And so it's vitally important that residents continue to report fly tips and action is taken. Now, there could have been even better news for residents in Harrow this week. We were all looking forward to the confirmation about Harrow's first send school to be built for more than a generation, the money to build and operate the school was delivered under the previous conservative administration in government.

But like so many other projects, this Labour government came into office, froze this particular proposal and we've been struggling to get clarity ever since. Indeed, the Budget was supposed to be an early Christmas present for residents, but it's turned into the nightmare Before Christmas. And last week, well, we well, not even we, but certain colleagues on the other side were told of the bubble and squeak medley of the announcement. Last week, money was announced to improve existing facilities in mainstream schools, whilst a new school that had been promised by the previous Labour administration in Harrow is now minded to be cancelled by the government.

The much needed school at 265 The Ridgeway, where the previous Labour administration wanted to build flats, is in continued limbo, with alternative funding to be provided you couldn't make it up. We're now in a position whereby this urgent school that needs to be built, children are being sent for an hour and a half each way to specialist schools miles outside of the borough, costing the council an incredible amount. And it's bad news for education and bad news for their mental health.

So spades could could be in the ground now the school, the school could be opening soon, but we need the money. We need the school built now. In a similar sense, we've had the position in London and indeed in Harrow, where the Labour mayor of London is breaking yet another manifesto promise and closing front counters across the capital, including in Harrow and Pinner. It's unacceptable. The mayor can promise one thing before the election, promise everything will be better with the Labour government and a Labour mayor, whilst knowing the the state of London's finances and then break the promise so blatantly as one of our Labour councillors.

As local councillors put it, the pantomime villain is the in this endless saga is the big baddie, the mayor of London. So they are. And of course, police counters are a vital safe haven for women and girls. Those who have unfortunately been sexually molested or raped need to go somewhere where there'll be safe to report the crime that's been committed against them. And indeed, in this case, the front desk was even being run by volunteers, so there's very little saving indeed.

So I urge the government and the Home Secretary to step in, join the thousands of residents that have signed my petition and my neighbour for the hon. Member for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner petition to keep Harrow and Police Station front desk open as promised. Now my campaign continues and those that have attended these debates for a long time will know. I've campaigned constantly for step free access and lifts in stations in Harrow. I was when I was first elected. I took up the cudgels on this.

And there's good news that Cannons Park Station finally has been shortlisted for a feasibility study, and I hope that comes. But we still await Queensbury and more importantly, Stanmore, which is designated as step free. But in reality, passengers face either 48 steps to the main entrance, 16 steps via the car park, 24 steps at the side to the bus stop, or the proposed step free route, which is 140m long and includes a steep ramp that even the Paralympian Tanni Baroness Thompson could not complete unaided.

So for the past 6 or 7 months, my office has been working to get Stanmore listed as step free. A proper definition of what step free means, so that we can then get work to get lifts or adaptations installed. And can I urge any colleagues that face similar problems to contact my office so we can work together? And I asked on the topic transport for London continue to blame the September 2024 cyber attack for the backlog in pH and PCO licences.

That's unacceptable and delaying many of my constituents from gaining work. The new Piccadilly line trains have been delayed again. They're not expected until late next year, and graffiti on the Bakerloo and Central line continues to get worse, despite the the the head of TfL claiming that vigilantes from looking for growth were actually painting graffiti to then clean it off. I mean it's a complete ridiculous position. On homelessness. The position is that homelessness in England is increasing. Crisis found that record levels of homelessness, with more than 300,000 individuals and families, are experiencing its worst films in 2024, which is an increase of 22%.

London, of course, has the greatest homelessness pressures and 1 in 50 Londoners. And sadly, at least one child in every London classroom is homeless. So as we approach Christmas, many of us will be doing our shopping, seeing family and loved ones, maybe turning the heating up a bit. But let's think of those sleeping rough, cold, wet, often hungry on a park bench, shop corner in subzero degrees temperature overnight. There's no official stats on how many are sadly dying in their sleep, but one only has to imagine the harsh and life threatening conditions they have to endure.

So there are steps that can be taken and I invite the government to do them. My oven ready Supported Housing Regulatory Oversight Act, yet to be implemented, could help my private member's bill, which had an unopposed Second Reading. It's still currently waiting for committee Report stage and and conclusion, but there are other steps we can take and local authorities have to meet those rising costs so that victims of domestic abuse are not forgotten. Hospital discharges and apply to a temporary accommodation is not ignored.

So can I thank the team at crisis and all the other charities? The work they do to help the homeless people? Can I also report Madam Deputy Speaker that representing Harrow East, which is the most diverse constituency in the country, with someone from every faith, every country in the world, every language spoken on Earth? So I deal with a large chunk of Home Office related matters. What has not helped, however, that my staff have been told not to chase cases for upwards of a year, but they will get no updates for 12 months and in some cases even longer.

So I am left flabbergasted and discombobulated by the the position that the government must be thorough in their checks. But it doesn't do much for my constituents, their family members, or indeed my staff to be told month after month. I'm sorry, there's no update now. My office recently met Home Office officials to manage expectations and make clear I'm not going to stop chasing the applications until the applications are actually decided. Not just closed, but actually decided overall. And indeed, in my role as chairman of the APPG for Fire Safety and Rescue, I have been continuously raising the issue of the Grenfell Tower inquiry recommendations.

I note that a written statement that is on the Order Paper, but we now have other issues such as lithium ion batteries, solar panels, modern construction methods and other technologies that come into the proposals on on two, three, three quick points. Madam Deputy Speaker, I know you wanted to wind up first is on Iran. Let us let the government come forward and prescribe the IRGC in its entirety, as they promised when they were in opposition on India and Bangladesh.

Let us make sure there are free and fair elections that include every single party in those elections in Bangladesh. And indeed the the outlawing of the Awami League is an outrage. In my my humble opinion. I'm delighted that, of course, we've reformed the Azerbaijan All-party group and we're looking for the increased trade, which is worth £888 million in the last 12 months alone. And finally, Madam Deputy Speaker, I was delighted to captain the House of Commons bridge team this year to a commanding victory over the House of Lords.

And indeed, and indeed, I was even honoured with with having the award for the best played hand. And my partner, former MP Aaron Bell, left me in a very difficult contract, but I managed to make it so. In closing, Madam Deputy Speaker, whilst we sit on these green benches and we praise everyone and thank everyone, we must always think about the incredible team that are behind us. My team in my office this year have dealt with more than 12,000 individual cases, bringing the total to almost 100,000 cases since I was elected in 2010.

So I'd like to thank my entire team. My wife, Nicola Shoesmith, who's now gone off to Dubai, Matthew Goodwin Freeman, James Thompson, Rhys Benjamin, James Burke and Gabrielle Montaigne for their work. I hope they have a good rest over Christmas and ready to do it all again next year. And indeed, one of my my team Benjamin, is off to Australia. Hopefully you might see some cricket and he may actually lead to a turnaround of England's fortunes in the ashes. Merry Christmas.

Yeah.

15:33

Jessica Morden MP (Newport East, Labour)

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The question is as on the Order Paper, and there will have to be an immediate three minute time limit. Jessica Morden. Thank you very much, Madam Deputy Speaker. It's good to see the Leader of the House personally taking this debate today, personally taking this debate today, which I think shows the respect he has for the House, which is much appreciated. We were talking appreciated. We were talking yesterday about the Chartist graffiti and the cloisters, which lay hidden until a few years ago when it was uncovered.

And as the MP for Newport East, I can say we're very proud of our Chartist history in Newport. And I pay tribute to Newport Rising, who commemorate the Chartist uprising of 1839. Every year, the last armed insurrection in this country. It's my late constituency, neighbour Paul Flynn used to say. We could do more in this House to recognise movements like the Chartists, which shape our democracy, particularly in times when our democracy is under threat. Newport may have a rich Roman Chartist and where the city of democracy and industrial heritage, but also has a very bright future.

Throughout its history, Newport has been prized for its location, with our unrivalled access to rail and sea links, and it plays a central role today in the city's economy. As we stepped into the new industrial revolution, 2025 has been a transformation year for Newport. Big investments in our exceptional semi-conductor cluster, our companies moving their HQ to the city, new tech jobs, work underway on the UK's biggest battery storage site, strong cyber security expertise and Newport is a key player in the South Wales AI growth zone thanks to the government, both of all of which is supported by two active governments at both ends of the M4, truly showing the benefits of two Labour governments working together after years of Tory neglect.

Our traditional industries remain strong, with tens of millions of pounds worth of investment in Abp's Newport Port this year and Tata steelworks, which clearly difficult time for steel. But I do thank our Ministers for an active industrial policy which is helping. Newport's the fastest growing city in Wales, with jobs in new sectors opening up many opportunities for the city's young people. And that's it's not just about our industries, it's about our people. So I have been really privileged this year to work with Newport Council, led by with great positivity and great energy by Dimitri, who has a massive ambition for our city.

The biggest ever settlement from the UK Labour government to Wales means that the council are able to address the things that really matter to people getting streets resurfaced, streets are cleaner. The city centre is on the up with 85% occupancy retail rates, which is great. There's still work to do, but the growth in our policing settlement is really starting to help. Like all hon. Members, the great privilege of this job is working with constituents who don't just do it for the thanks, but I'm going to thank them anyway.

Can I pay a particular thank you to 11 year old Sophia, who has juvenile arthritis and uses her incredible energy and infectious positivity to raise awareness, including lobbies in this house? And she inspires me every week, as does former Welsh guard Mike Hermanis and Falklands veteran fighting to get to the truth of what happened at the gala. When the Sir Galahad was attacked in 1982. And if I Mark Francois.

15:36

Rt Hon Mark Francois MP (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)

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Thank you so much. >> Deputy Speaker, as I have three minutes, I just want to try and raise two quick issues. The first, I hope, is good news, which is to do with Riverside Medical Centre. I've been trying, I confess, for seven years, to get an extension on their GP practice because of unbelievable NHS bureaucracy, that I won't tire the patience of the house with. It's not been possible to recently to do that, even though there's a brand new housing estate called Highams Park, built by Barratt Homes, which has produced many extra residents who need a GP, they've come up with an innovative solution.

They've just sold the last couple of houses on the estate, and Barrett are going to donate for a notional £1 their sales office to the practice, who were then going to convert it into a GP annexe that can accommodate three GP with attendant training and administrative facilities. This is actually a big win for the local community. We had a public meeting in April with overwhelming public support. The planning application has been slightly delayed because of red tape, but Riverside assure me that that will be going in soon.

Then it should be a relatively straightforward conversion and hopefully that annexe, which I think will be very popular in the village of Hullbridge, should open sometime in the summer of 2026. So that's a good news story. We then have the saga and it is a saga of the old co-op supermarket site in Wickford. In a nutshell, the co-op closed it over three years ago. It was bought by South African based developer called Heriot. They tried to do a deal to redevelop it with Morrisons that fell through.

They tried to do one with Asda that fell through. They recently got planning permission and yet they still haven't managed to secure a contract with a new tenant. Although they've been, there are rumours all over the town of Wickford that they've been talking to everyone from Lidl to Waitrose, although I believe the last one when I see it, my constituents in Wickford, I have to say Madam Deputy Speaker, are exasperated with Heriot and they just want a new supermarket.

They deserve one by now. So can I make a plea in the Commons to the directors of Heriot, with whom I have had numerous meetings? Please, please bring this to fruition. Pick one group you've got planning. Do a deal with them. Get them on site. Let's get that new supermarket opened in a way that my constituents in Wickford, who've waited more than long enough, deserve. In my final 10s my Deputy Speaker, a very Merry Christmas to you, to all MPs, to the staff of the House, and to our own staff, without whom this job would be impossible.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Yeah. Barry Gardiner following the reduction of their grant by 9% in real terms, national parks and national landscapes were explicitly encouraged to use biodiversity net gain markets to attract private finance. I was disappointed, therefore, to see in setting out its consultation on planning reform proposals. On Tuesday, the government announced plans to introduce an area based exemption for smaller sites under two hectares point two of the hectare,

15:40

Barry Gardiner MP (Brent West, Labour)

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exempting developers from BNG and thus reducing the biodiversity net thus reducing the biodiversity net gain market is a serious blow to our protected landscapes, removing one of the few viable mechanisms one of the few viable mechanisms available to generate external income, cutting government funding to these vital landscapes and to these vital landscapes and telling them to look to private finance makes no sense. If you then take away that source of private take away that source of private funding. So I would ask the government to consider in the consultation, reducing the site exemption threshold to point one of a hectare, which would approximately double the market available for biodiversity units next year.

Madam Deputy Speaker, will be the 70th anniversary of the Clean Air Act in this country, when 4000 people died over a period of five days. The government acted. Today, 262 people a year die of knife crime, 1600 people approximately die of road traffic accidents, but 35,000 people die every year. From the consequences of air pollution and the health impacts that it brings. If this were road traffic accidents, there would be an uproar. But because it's an invisible, a silent killer, unfortunately, there is not the motivation to act that there should be.

We need to be doing something to align what we do with the World Health Authority standards, and I urge colleagues to back that next year that we can, on that 70th anniversary, get a new Clean Air Act through this Parliament. Before the last election, we promised change. In fact, the single word was the title of our manifesto change for 5 million households in leasehold. They have been demanding that change, but it's only the voice of the property, magnates and offshore interests who think they can continue to exploit leaseholders with impunity.

The manifesto committed our government to ending the feudal leasehold system for good, and we must. But we need to remember that the purpose of government is not to ask what the law tells us about the status quo, it's to legislate to change the status quo when it is unjust and makes no economic sense. Even Michael Gove promised to do away with ground rent. So why is this government my government, the party of Labour, struggling to take on the parasitical rent seekers who

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demand a ground rent for no service? Merry Christmas Josh Babarinde. Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker,

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Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, and Merry Christmas to you and your team and all the House staff who all are in their own way, help MPs like us to give a voice to our constituents. I'd also like to give constituents. I'd also like to give an enormous thank you to all MPs staff who are the unsung heroes of staff who are the unsung heroes of our work. And on behalf of my constituency of Eastbourne, I want to say a massive thank you to my staff team, including the incredible Inga Frame.

Excellent Ewan Morrison, jolly smart Jack Morrell, conscientious Catherine Sutor, cracking Kara Bishop, sensational Sam McManus, knock it

15:43

Josh Babarinde MP (Eastbourne, Liberal Democrat)

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out the park, Nadia Wylie just brilliant Josh Morton and heroic Hannah Wayne. And of course to my parliamentary support team volunteers to Shireen, Jackie, volunteers to Shireen, Jackie, Ariane and Sue who I will shower with alliterative adjectives in person. All of them, and many more person. All of them, and many more volunteers have helped to power my missions and and more for the people of Eastbourne. And a key one people of Eastbourne. And a key one will be helping to drive down homelessness in Eastbourne next year and beyond.

The issue of street homelessness in Eastbourne is more stark than I've ever known, with a rough sleeping soaring outside Eastbourne train station, and I've urged Eastbourne Borough Council to do its bit to get on top of this tragedy. And a taskforce has been created bringing together homelessness agencies, station management, the council and others, including myself, to help drive this out. But we need the government to play its part, including providing the funding for the support services that street homeless folks need to get back on their feet.

In particular, we need government to help fund more transitional housing like that run by Kingdom Kingdom Way Trust in Eastbourne that provides a roof over folks heads, as well as holistic support to help them to move from homelessness into a tenancy that they're able to manage and sustain locally. We've got the model, we've got the expertise, we've got the will and we've got the award winning homelessness hub, but we just need the cash to scale it and I hope that the government can support with that.

Another issue I'd like to draw attention to, as I have done in many occasions in this House, is the issue of water quality and the conduct of Southern Water and South East Water in Eastbourne and the surrounding area. Not only do we have our sea polluted by raw sewage, not only do we have the air polluted by all of the stuff that's coming out of the Eastbourne water treatment works, but we've also had the issue of bio beads released from Eastbourne water treatment works that have polluted beaches in the surrounding area.

Southern water need to get their act together, and in 2026 and beyond, I will be continuing to hold them to account. Merry Christmas, one more Alan Strickland.

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Thank you, Madam Speaker. Three minutes and three fantastic possessions to celebrate chance, Drama and Fairy Hill, since chance, Drama and Fairy Hill, since it was established in 2017, has trained hundreds of local young trained hundreds of local young people from across my constituency in theatre arts, in singing, dancing, performing. It was brilliant to recently be in the audience for their production of Bugsy Malone, where the cast had great fun covering themselves and most of the audience with their splurge guns.

But what was really, really heartening to hear was talking to parents in the interval. And of course, after the show and hearing how being involved in local community drama had transformed the skills, the confidence and the experiences of their children and our young people in our community. They're tireless volunteers who put on several shows a year, work at weekends to train. Young people deserve our thanks and our support in Spennymoor, at the heart of my constituency, the Saint Paul Centre has been running excellent community facilities for some years and art and photography group Dementia Friends, a really active bereavement support group who I met recently.

They've just opened a new extension so they can expand their food bank, but also do more for the local community. When they opened as a parish hall, they had an annual footfall of around 3000

15:47

Alan Strickland MP (Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor, Labour)

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residents visits a year. Now it's 34,000, so Saint Paul's Centre in 34,000, so Saint Paul's Centre in Spennymoor is an excellent example of how a really well led community centre can actually be a really centre can actually be a really thriving community hub. And finally, closer to home in my hometown of closer to home in my hometown of Newton Aycliffe, we've we've got a new community hub which is just fantastic. And this is run by fantastic. And this is run by Lifeline Community Action.

Their vision is to turn a disused shop in the town centre. It was formerly a Woolworths in which I bought many happy pick and mix and lots of now 95 cassettes back in the day. Empty for 15 years. But they've bought that building with support from the National Lottery Community Fund, with funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. And their vision is to bring 20 different local organisations into that building so that any residents can walk in to a warm, friendly, safe, comfortable environment and they can get job advice, they can get mental health support, they can go to the community pantry to buy heavily discounted food.

And if they're in financial need, they can see the local police team. They can meet social workers, they can volunteer and get involved in a range of activities. I pay particular tribute to Pauline Chambers, their director, who has worked tirelessly for years to raise the huge amount of money that this really impressive project has taken, but also to Andy Boyd, recently retired after 30 years as a police sergeant in my hometown, who's taking them as well from strength to strength. So three brilliant organisations really proud to represent all the work they do.

Madam Deputy Speaker, Merry Christmas Andrew Rosindell. Thank you.

15:48

Andrew Rosindell MP (Romford, Conservative)

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Madam Deputy Speaker, may. >> I. >> Bring greetings to all members of this. >> House from. My constituents. >> In Romford, a town that I have

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In Romford, a town that I have been proud to represent now in my 25th year as a member of Parliament, having been born and brought up in having been born and brought up in the town, I can tell you that we are proud of our Essex roots and although unfortunately part of Greater London instead of Greater Essex, nevertheless we are determined to reassert our identity as a proud part of that great English county of Essex. Now, on Friday, I will be hosting the Carols Around the Christmas Tree for my local churches, scout groups and schools at Margaret Thatcher House in Romford, where everybody is welcome to come and celebrate our proud Christian heritage.

But also, Madam Deputy Speaker, we enter 2026 with a lot of issues that we are simply not happy about. And the Leader of the House knows because I raised them with him. Every Thursday. The Gallows Corner roundabout, which is a disaster. And that's because of the Mayor of London and TfL's completing competence and failure to deal with this junction and rebuild the flyover much faster, affecting everybody in the Essex and east London area. We need action on that because it's making people's lives quite miserable again.

The mayor of London is reducing our police counter hours in Romford already closed over our police stations, except the main one, but now the hours are reducing. We have an atrium boom, HMO boom in Romford and across the borough of Havering. Homes being built without consent of local people and causing much anger and creating disruption in many family residential streets. And plus we have the situation, the ongoing situation on the old church estate where sanctuary housing have failed to deal with all the issues facing the residents of that state where unacceptable conditions exist.

Complete failure of that housing association to do an effective job for the tenants that pay their wages. So I ask the Leader of the House, perhaps another issue for him to raise on behalf of my constituents. And finally, cladding on the Mercury Gardens estate, the access estate at the back of my headquarters. Again, the building safety regulator has failed to act swiftly. This is causing unbelievable stress for the residents of those flats because they are trapped as leaseholders, unable to sell their properties until this matter is resolved.

So, Madam Deputy Speaker, I wish you a merry Christmas. Thank you for your kindness, your courtesy of all the speakers staff over the year. And all I will say is this I'm here because I love my country, I love my constituency, and this House of Commons must always put our country first. Yeah.

15:51

Noah Law MP (St Austell and Newquay, Labour)

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Noah Law Madam Deputy Speaker War and Russian. Brutality first War and Russian. Brutality first came to Ukraine in 2014 and whilst Ukrainians knew that it never left, I think it fair Madam Deputy I think it fair Madam Deputy Speaker to say that we did forget our friends in Ukraine were at war. our friends in Ukraine were at war. That is until 2022. And since then we've witnessed the heroism of the Ukrainian people and the savage savagery of Putin's regime. In case it was not devastatingly clear, this is not just Ukraine's fight.

It is a contest for the security of Europe and for the integrity of the international order, because the Britain I know has always stood on the side of the underdog. We are in a phase of hybrid warfare. Other countries like Poland and Estonia are calling a spade a spade, and it's time we do so too. One does not have to turn very far for examples. Warehouse fires, targeting of undersea cables, a strategy to recruit traitors in turquoise. These are not just random acts.

These are deliberate steps in a campaign of destabilisation designed to test our resilience and erode our unity. And in case there are any illusions as to quite how direct the links between Reform UK and the Kremlin were, ask yourself why even local reform supporters in Cornwall share posts attacking the plans to freeze Russian assets. Meanwhile, this Labour government is getting on with the job, as shown by the Prime Minister's announcement yesterday, compelling Abramovich to pay up. As a former banker, I know as well as anyone.

Madam Deputy Speaker, the importance of a rules based order. But it is precisely that fact that there's precisely the fact that we're engaged in hybrid warfare. That means I have absolutely no qualms with these assets being used to help support Ukraine. I also greatly welcome the new probe into foreign appearance in British politics, which will investigate how foreign agents target and subvert our political process. Madam Deputy Speaker, by next July, this just this phase of war will have lasted longer than the First World War, and it's cost the European economy more than 4 trillion.

And with barely a 10th of that being spent on support for Ukraine. Madam Deputy Speaker, now I'm not a defence or security specialist. I'm not even a banker anymore. But I can tell you that this war is a war that Europe cannot afford to lose. debate.

15:54

Wera Hobhouse MP (Bath, Liberal Democrat)

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Of the year is an opportunity to reflect and celebrate some of the most valued aspects of our most valued aspects of our constituency, and I can only mention a few. Because of Time limit, voices has been delivering limit, voices has been delivering independent, trauma informed domestic abuse services in bath for over a decade, currently supporting more than 200 women and many more on the waiting list, is working hard to improve survivors experience with the courts. Earlier this month, I met with Baroness Lloyd to discuss the survivor led Guide to Family Court proceedings.

They co-produced. We explored how the government can work with voices for wider access to this trauma informed guide, helping survivors navigate what is often an intimidating and retraumatizing court process. And I pay tribute to voices and the very hard work they are doing. Looking back, Madam Deputy Speaker, many of the brightest moments of 2025 had a musical focus. Most recently, of course, the choral concerts across the length and breadth of the city that highlighted the joyful unity that communal singing can bring.

November brought the Motor Festival and the Gilbert and Sullivan productions. May the Bath festivals and party in the city. None of our cultural activities are free from financial worries, as public money all but dried up, and can only survive with the hard work of volunteers who run these organisations. Madam Deputy Speaker Bath is also home to a vibrant community of independent shops. I pick up our independent bookshops, Mr. B's, Persephone Books, toppings Bath, Old Books, old butchers and the iconic scoop.

You've got a very good and wonderful choice. Many of these cherished local businesses face serious challenges, as rising costs and limited government support continues to threaten their future. Mr. B's bookshop will soon see their business rates rise by more than 70%, largely because of a steep increase in their rateable value, which often bears little resemblance to the reality. What businesses actually pay in rent? Many independent shops have long standing relationships with their landlords, built on trust, loyalty and stability. In some cases, landlords deliberately keep their rents fair and manageable because they value reliable long term tenant.

But none of this is recognised by the current valuation system, and the casualties are our independent shops. The government presented its business rates reforms in the Budget as a fairer deal for the high street, but in reality the average PUP will see the business rates increase by 76% in the next three years. And I implore the government to really think again and support our local businesses. For many of us, the festive period means time away from work spent with our closest friends and family.

But let's not forget the many extraordinary worker and workers and their dedication in the NHS, emergency services, social care, retail and hospitality, energy and transport and so many who work over Christmas. Thank you. I also want to say a very large thank you to all the staff that have supported us through the year. Merry Christmas to you all.

15:57

Jon Trickett MP (Normanton and Hemsworth, Labour)

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Jon Trickett very much. I represent 23 former mining villages represent 23 former mining villages in Yorkshire. I am very worried about the future of young people there, the trapped in villages, there, the trapped in villages, little public transport services cut to the bone. No more youth service. They are facing great difficulty. I met some of them the other day in Featherstone. Bright, optimistic, eyes shining. Looking forward to the future. I hope this government will build on the Budget announcements the other day to do more for young people.

The second point I want to raise is the presence of a hunger striker. I'll be very careful what I say because of Subjudice rules in New Hall Women's Prison in Wakefield, Heber Morrissey is now on day 46 of a hunger strike. Those who understand anything about human physiology understand that at 40 days and beyond, life can be very, very difficult. Now I am alarmed at the different kind of advice I'm getting about her condition. The governor is telling me she's receiving the kind of medical treatment that she requires, but her her lawyers have been in touch with me and told me that her situation has not been properly cared for.

I hope that the authorities putting aside the pursuit of justice, at least ensure that she receives a proper level of health care that she requires. And I will be watching this matter carefully in the coming days and weeks. The final point relates to the National Mining Museum in Wakefield, Yorkshire is very proud of its heritage of my my garden. I often say if you dig down deep enough you will find coal. And the miners did provide power, heat, light for so long in the most difficult conditions.

I don't know if everybody knows. In the last century, 100,000 men died underground digging coal. Think of the scale of that. When you think about the conditions which people face today. And we're very proud. We have a National Mining Museum to recall that history and to show our pride here. It's in Yorkshire, in the Wakefield area where I am an MP, but there's been a strike running on for almost 90 days. I express my total support and admiration for the courage and resolution that those people who have been on strike for so long face, they are now balloting to stay out, probably until summer.

Think about that now, going through the winter and into the summer, this is just unacceptable. So let me address directly, the chief executive and the board of directors have been less than helpful. If you cannot get round the table and resolve this matter, which is only a matter of a few thousand pounds, then you really ought to be standing aside and making way for somebody else who could bring a resolution to this matter, because those people I've met, them who are on strike are reasonable, decent Yorkshire

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folk who deserve the best possible Christmas. And that means a settlement to the dispute. Being called early as is, as he

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Being called early as is, as he has a flight to catch Jim Shannon. Thank you very much, Madam Deputy Speaker. Can I first of all my my comments tonight are the greatest story ever told, and I'm greatest story ever told, and I'm going to cast people's minds back to the first Christmas. I think of the distance that a young couple had to journey with no hotel booked, had to journey with no hotel booked, no way of knowing what the future held.

I think of this young couple going through their most worrying time in their life, with no help or support. I'm wondering if the day would bring for their family. They only had faith in God that called them to accept his will. And how many families in each of our communities feel that way today?

16:00

Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)

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Uncertain, frightened and alone, they need to know God has a plan for their lives, that he will bring for their lives, that he will bring an innkeeper who will provide, I think, Madam Deputy Speaker of those rough and ready shepherds on the hillside, the forgotten men of the hillside, the forgotten men of society ignored or frowned upon for their work and being unlearned. These were men who were used to fitting into the background. And fitting into the background. And yet on that night God reminded them that he saw them and they had a role to play.

He sent not simply role to play. He sent not simply one angel, but a heavenly host to give them the good news that the Saviour of the world was born. And this reminds me that there's always a hope and a future for all, no matter where we are at a particular time. When we meet Christ, it can all change. I think of the journey that those wise men undertook, years of travelling to find the truth, to discover the true light of the world. How this reminds us all of the to use our gifts in this house and in our lives and talents for his glory, and to follow his commands.

To love our neighbours as we love ourselves. It reminds us all that we should be thankful for the Christian foundation of this nation. And I'm also thankful that the gospel is all, is is for all and everyone who needs it. The feet of Jesus can be changed. The greatest story ever, ever told is what I told. That's the story of the Bible. The story of Jesus Christ's birth and and and I believe that it is the greatest truth that that can be told about the power of the Christmas acceptance, faith and hope that remain today all wrapped up in the love of God, who which is demonstrated in Christ Jesus.

The Christmas that I are thankful for my family, my friends, my community, my colleagues. But above all, I am thankful for Christ, my Saviour. God, humbled and born to lie in a manger, to walk this earth and to die an awful death on the cross for my salvation and all our salvation, and to give us all a hope and a future. Not at Christmas, but all year through Emmanuel, God with us then and with us now. Can I wish you, madam, first, thank you for bringing me forward.

But to all right, hon. Members, can I wish you all a really, really Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. And may God bring you all the blessings that he should. Thank you Chris Webb. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

16:03

Chris Webb MP (Blackpool South, Labour)

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There are many issues affecting Blackpool South, but this year my Blackpool South, but this year my work has often returned to a few key areas. This year I've met hundreds of business owners, hundreds of business owners, community groups and young people in Blackpool who tell me the same thing. They want pride back in our town. They want job security and they want opportunity. My constituency is home to an iconic tower, three piers, the pleasure beach and countless attractions in between. It's a place where tradition meets reinvention and one that has been welcoming visitors for generations.

Alongside our permanent attractions, our seasonal annual events include. The illuminations are the key reasons why 21.5 million people visit Blackpool every year. I want to congratulate Kate Shane on receiving her MBE, and thank her and all the Blackpool Tourism team for their outstanding work they do on behalf of Our town and the countless independent businesses I have visited across my patch, they keep Blackpool going. Tourism and hospitality are the beating heart of Blackpool's economy and as chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Hospitality and Tourism, I have been pushing to give the sector the recognition it deserves.

Nationally, this sector employs over 3.5 million people, contributes 93 billion to the economy and generates 54 billion in tax revenue each year. But right now it's under real pressure. The current business rates discount hospitality is High Peak far below the 20 permitted, and I will keep pressing the government to increase the discount to the full £0.20. Businesses tell me they want to invest, but the system is holding them back. Nearly 3000 people have backed my call for a world class arena on the Blackpool Central site, a site where every previous proposal has failed.

This would bring visitors year round, support local businesses and secure Blackpool's future as a leading destination for entertainment. Sticks of rock, fish and chips are part of the seaside identity, but I also want to address dietary health. In my constituency, Blackpool faces some of the highest levels of food related ill health and deprivation in the country. We have one of the highest densities of fast food outlets, alongside high levels of poverty and limited access to nutritious food. Amongst children, 2,027% are affected by obesity at reception age, rising to a shocking 42% by year six.

We need to limit unhealthy food outlets, support healthier businesses and make education a priority. Good work is already happening through organisations such as Blackpool, Left Coast and Blackpool Learning Rooms in 2016. I want to see these projects grow. Crime and anti-social behaviour has been a real impact in my constituency and this year I supported grassroots boxing and rugby league as a tool of focusing young people's minds. I've seen how boxing and rugby league give young people structure and purpose.

It builds discipline, confidence, teaches respect and turns people's life around. Clubs. Roses Boxing Academy and Blackpool Scorpions provide support, create belonging, improve physical and mental health. And please let Ministers are listening and I look forward to working with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to drive this forward.

16:06

Rt Hon David Mundell MP (Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, Conservative)

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David Mundell. My constituency is larger than any in England and has over 100 distinct communities, which I distinct communities, which I couldn't even list in three minutes. So I intend just to focus on the So I intend just to focus on the highlights. I'm delighted the Backbench Business Committee has granted a debate on modernising marriage laws, because Europe's self-proclaimed marriage capital, Gretna Green, is in my constituency. In Annan, the main issue for the community remains the replacement of two footbridges, which were swept away during a flooding in recent in 2021, and for which there is still no plan to replace them.

Despite the community's own efforts to bring forward plans. That is why I am hoping that that project can become under the important Borderlands Growth deal, which covers the south of Scotland. It has been a positive force, but as I said in the recent debate about Scotland, it needs the government to put a bit more oomph into it. There are two very positive projects unfolding, potentially at Eastriggs. The potential for one of the UK's munitions factories on the site of the former HMS Gretna, which was a munitions factory during the First World War.

And that would be a huge boost not only to my constituency but also for the hon. Lady from Carlisle. There is also now a plan for a green energy hub on the Chapelcross site, and although I would have preferred to have seen a new nuclear plant on that site, I am happy to support this project. Madam Deputy Speaker, coming to business to business questions with the leader. Also, I can demonstrate has an impact. On one Thursday in October, I called on the Bank of Scotland to sell their branch in Peebles to the Peebles Community Trust and the very next day they announced that they were doing so.

So I, I take that that intervention as having been helpful. The constituency not only covers a large rural area, it covers former mining communities. And I was very pleased to be able, along with many members opposite, to support constituents there in their call to have the British Coal Scheme pension fund extended to include include them. And that was one announcement in the Budget that I was able to welcome as we approach the Scottish Parliament elections, two members who overlap with my constituency are standing down.

Christine Grahame, who has served for 27 years, and my own son, Oliver Mundell, who has served for ten Rachel Hopkins.

16:09

Rachel Hopkins MP (Luton South and South Bedfordshire, Labour)

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Thank you, Madam Speaker. It's always a privilege to be an MP representing my home town, so I'd like to take this opportunity to reflect on some highlights from 2025. I was lucky enough as ever to attend some wonderful local events attend some wonderful local events across Luton South and South Bedfordshire, celebrating our local communities and the mix of diverse and vibrant cultures in our area. As with every year, I celebrated Saint Patrick's Day with Luton North forums, 26th Annual Festival and Parade and of course the after party, which was a great crack too.

I was also glad to join both One Eyed Festival and Luton North DfE Fest respectively in Wardown Park, as well as Luton Turkish Association's annual Turkiye Fest in Stockwood Park. At Luton Town Hall, we marked Ghana's 68th Independence Day and our annual Windrush Day and I was delighted to join Luton Sri Lankan Welfare Association for both their Tamil New Year and Vesak celebrations. In Hightown, I visited Guru Nanak Gurdwara and Sri Guru Ravidass Sangat to mark important religious events and attended Holy Ghost Catholic Churches Diamond Jubilee anniversary and was also warmly welcomed at my local mandir in Crescent Road for their Diwali and New Year celebrations.

And all of this before we get to the villages in South Bedfordshire. I was glad to attend Kensworth and Sodom's village fairs to celebrate Saint George's Day fun at Hatfield Heathfield Centre in Caddington, and to join Apeldoorn Dog Rescue and Kennels for their dog show and fete in Eaton Bray. And of course, the Fabulous Greek Festival at Saint Charalambous Church in East Hyde. These events are a beautiful and perfect representation of everything. Luton South and South Bedfordshire is about coming together regardless of religion, culture or background to celebrate and uplift each other.

But this year, unfortunately, we've seen devastating increase in overt anti-Semitism, racism and Islamophobia. And that is why it is more important than ever that people in my constituency stand united and make it clear we are one town of many voices, one constituency of many cultures, and our diverse communities only make us stronger and more compassionate. I appreciate the work being done by Luton Council to make it clear that there is no place for hate in our town, and I also pay tribute to work being done by our local faith and civic organisations, including Luton Council of Faiths, to drive this message forward.

And as we look ahead to the future, next year will mark 150 years of Luton as a borough, reminding us more than ever before the importance of local democracy and civic participation. So I was delighted, as part of UK Parliament Week, to visit fifth Stopsley Guides, Saint Margaret's Catholic Primary School and Foxdale Primary to answer many questions about my role as their MP, and I enjoyed meeting Riverbank Primary and Totternhoe Academy on their visit to Parliament. And so if I may, like many others, wish the whole House, all the staff and of

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course my fabulous team. A very Merry Christmas and all the best for next year. Jeremy Corbyn.

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Jeremy Corbyn. Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, and if I could join the House in wishing you a very Merry Christmas and thank all our staff in our and thank all our staff in our offices, as well as all staff in the House, for everything they do the House, for everything they do to assist us over the year. This morning I was at a very well attended press conference with my

16:12

Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn MP (Islington North, Independent)

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friends, the Member for Leicester South and the Member for Hayes and Harlington, and we were listening intently to the families of a group of prisoners, eight prisoners who are undertaking hunger strike at the present time. And they gave us harrowing accounts of the physical condition that those prisoners are in at the present time. And I should stress, none have been convicted of anything. They are all remand prisoners and all awaiting trial. Some have been in prison a very long time and have at least a year to go until such time as their trial may or may not be heard.

Now, I'm very well aware of the subjudice nature of it, and I will not stray into the issues of the trial itself, or of the guilt or otherwise on it. I might. My contribution is solely concerning their conditions in prison, and the times that I have raised this matter in the House concerning the operation of the prison rules at

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the present time. The member give way. Yes, of course. I'm grateful for the member

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I'm grateful for the member giving way in respect of the situation, in respect of them being situation, in respect of them being on remand, would the member agree that remand is not punishment? It is not meant to break bodies or is not meant to break bodies or silence dissent. Yet we are witnessing conditions so severe that these young people feel driven

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that these young people feel driven to risk death simply to be heard. I thank you, my friend, for that intervention. And he, of course, is right. There is a presumption of innocence. And that's the basis of the British judicial. System. And we have prison rules which guarantee that prisoners are fairly treated and have access to medical services when they desperately need them. And my concern is concerning those prisoners, what access they've had to medical support when they have desperately needed it.

Last week I went to visit Admiral Gibb, a prisoner from my constituency, and she is now still in prison, desperately in need of medical assistance. And I've just written to the prison governor, and I quote, I've written it jointly with my colleague John McDonnell, the MP for Hayes and Harlington, as well as the Member for Brent. And I said, we write jointly today with the utmost urgency, requesting a meeting with yourself to discuss the delay in calling medical staff in ambulances when the prisoners are in clear distress and increasing pain, inconsistent administration of essential daily nutrients, apparently due to a lack of supply.

A ten day delay in acknowledging the start of the hunger strike and non-association between prisoners, and very slow communications with the families. The families are obviously desperately concerned. That's why all I ask for from the Secretary of State for justice, and all I asked for from the Prime Minister yesterday was an undertaking that the Ministry of Justice will meet the representatives of those in prison, the legal representatives, in order that their conditions can be discussed and considered. So far, that has been absolutely refused, and the media in general have not reported this, despite the drama surrounding it and the importance of this issue.

And I would just urge members to think for a moment the desperate situation where somebody feels they have no alternative but to take hunger strike action in order to bring attention to this situation that they're facing. I would hope that the government will hear this call. And the Leader of the House, when I raised it in business questions last week, very kindly and very efficiently passed on my request to the Ministry of Justice and kindly copied me into the letter that he had sent, and I thank him for that.

We still have not had a substantive reply from the Ministry of Justice, and I would hope that in hearing this debate, they will recognise that they have a responsibility for the welfare, the medical condition and the way in which prisoners are supported in every one of our prisons. That includes people who are taking protest action because of their very strong belief in what they are trying to achieve. And so I urge, when he replies to this debate, as the Leader of the House could confirm that he will once again ask the Department of Justice to be involved in this and meet the

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prisoners. I'm going to struggle to get everybody in. Interventions do not

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everybody in. Interventions do not help Alex Mayer. Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, I would like to raise a quick I would like to raise a quick festive selection box of issues. First of all, I'm sure that members First of all, I'm sure that members saw the recent news of a new post box being installed in Antarctica amongst all the snow and ice, and I

16:17

Alex Mayer MP (Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard, Labour)

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amongst all the snow and ice, and I thought that was brilliant because everyone needs a post box. But unfortunately, my constituents in Bidwell West still do not have a post box. It is a complicated issue, but it stems from the fact that the roads in the area are all unadopted, so you have to take a 30 minute round trip by foot to post a single Christmas card. So I very much welcome the fact that penguins are getting a post box. My constituents need one too.

And my message to Royal Mail is that next year I am dreaming of a new postbox. Moving on on a quick Santa dash to another issue. Trees. A big shout out to the people who grow Christmas trees because it takes seven years to grow a Christmas tree up to six foot, and during all that time, they're sucking up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and actually providing a fantastic habitat for wildlife. And trees are not just for Christmas. And perhaps one of the best things I thought that happened this year was the announcement of the second new National Forest under this Labour government, and I am so pleased that all these new trees are going to be planted in Bedfordshire.

That is fantastic. Tremendous news. Absolutely. Please, my hon. Friend is supportive of those trees as well. Finally, Christmas is the season of goodwill and I have been really proud to meet so many volunteers who have been working right across the constituency, particularly at the local food bank. People doing a Jolly Christmas Jumper Day recently at a care home, and also on the Leighton Buzzard Railway, because earlier this year the Leighton Buzzard Railway, which is a heritage line, it's a steam railway.

They decided that while they were a heritage line, they didn't think that all of their volunteers needed to be of a certain vintage, and therefore they set up a youth scheme. And this Sunday I will be going on the Santa Express with Jacob, who is just 14 years old, loves getting covered in soot, loves doing all the volunteering on this steam railway. And what's brilliant news is that this youth scheme has been such a success that now 1 in 5 of the volunteers on this steam railway are under 16.

So I know they've got a really bright future ahead of them and it's full steam ahead. So on that note, I would just like to wish all hon. Members a new Madam Deputy Speaker a very Merry Christmas.

16:19

Steff Aquarone MP (North Norfolk, Liberal Democrat)

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Beautifully short Steff Aquarone. with both my nice list and my naughty list. On the nice list is of course, yourself. Madam Speaker, Mr. Speaker and Deputy Speakers for Mr. Speaker and Deputy Speakers for your work over the past year, all the House staff who support us, feed us and keep us safe, and the rest of the parliamentary community including, of course, my own team. However, on the naughty list which I've made and checked twice despite my efforts, are those who are letting down my constituency.

Madam Deputy Speaker, top of that list is Norfolk County Council and its conservative administration. I refer members to my register of interests as a serving councillor on that authority. The county council spent the early part of December trying to wage all out war with residents of Sheringham, as the council tried to knock down their historic bus shelter in the face of dogged opposition. But residents of Sheringham don't give up a fight easily and for nine straight days the bus shelter was occupied by local protesters.

Day and night, the council employed bully boy tactics, wasting taxpayers money on bailiffs sent to intimidate and attempt to evict protesters without the adequate legal authority to do so, any popular support for their approach had faded away rapidly, with the local paper councils and many local people turning against them. So I was delighted when, last week, Sheringham Town Council voted to deny permission for the demolition, forcing the council to back down. This protest drew widespread national media attention from the Guardian to the Telegraph.

GB news to have I got news for you. It even had the Prime Minister and the Transport Secretary weighing in, and the intervention from the Transport Secretary was most enlightening as she confirmed that government funding for bus stop improvements in sharing, and was still very much available if the scheme was altered to retain the existing shelter. This blows a large hole in the council's attempt to throw their toys out of the pram, and refuse to support investment into Sheringham's transport infrastructure.

The conservative leader has spouted lies and misinformation about myself, Madam Deputy Speaker, and completely fails to see the complete and utter mess she has created. Once again, I call on Norfolk County Council to come to the table to agree a compromise. The story continues. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

16:21

Adam Jogee MP (Newcastle-under-Lyme, Labour)

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Adam Jogee. and yours and all colleagues a very happy Christmas. Christmas is a time for family and friends moments of relaxing, but it can also be a of relaxing, but it can also be a difficult time for many. And so for those who are mourning, it will be the first Christmas for my wife and her family since her dad died in June, which will obviously be feeling particularly for those who are working in our emergency services and who are on call over the coming days, including the clergy who are busy doing the Lord's work at this time of year.

For those serving in our armed forces to whom we owe a debt of gratitude. Thank you. Thank you to all of you for what you do. Both back home in Newcastle and across our United Kingdom three years ago. Sorry, three weeks ago Madam Deputy Speaker if only had been three years ago. We celebrated the first anniversary since the closure notice was issued to the cowboy operators at Walleys Quarry. We've seen a real improvement in a tangible difference made to the lives of local people.

But there is more to do. Our world faces crises in every corner, and my thoughts at this time of year are with the people of Sudan, Ukraine, Gaza and all parts of the world where there's pain and suffering, not least the good people of Australia as they deal with the anti Semitic, disgusting, disgraceful terrorist attack at Bondi last week. I welcome the action on the BBC in the Budget. As my hon. Friend mentioned earlier, I urge Staffordshire County Council and less said about their former leader the better to ensure that they step up and give Newcastle-under-Lyme the focus we deserve.

They must work quickly and effectively to fix the potholes on our roads. And I heard from my constituent mark about this this week that there were some road safety, and I heard about that from residents in Maidenhead yesterday after a collision took place outside a local primary school and of course, on the A500 slip road Edward Leigh, not to mention Madam Deputy Speaker, of course, the ongoing crisis. I want to thank our farmers in Newcastle, Lyme and Staffordshire for all they do to feed us, to tend to the land and for their contribution to our economy.

I've put on record my thoughts about the proposed changes and they haven't changed on occasion. Madam speaker, it feels like I live rent free in the heads of some conservative members of Newcastle Lyme District Borough Council. I feel sorry for them if I do, nobody deserves that. But I'll simply say it is the festive season that it's an honour to represent them and everyone who lives and works in Newcastle in this House. May I thank them for their support for my work. The year ahead must focus on delivering Madam Deputy Speaker on providing practical outcomes for families in my community, and on ensuring that the promises we make in this place are felt by people in Newcastle-under-Lyme like Jan and Eric, who visited from Wolstanton just yesterday.

So as I Madam Speaker head for my train very shortly, I thank my staff for the help they give me here in this place and back home. Newcastle line I thank my family for sharing me with my constituents and all of you and making this life work. And I most importantly Amanda Hack speaker, I thank the people of Newcastle for giving me the chance to serve in this place. And happy

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Christmas to all Robbie Moore. Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. Of course, the levelling up agenda is incredibly important for agenda is incredibly important for traditionally forgotten about places like Keighley, which is why turning back the clock, I was turning back the clock, I was incredibly proud to have achieved a drawdown of about £80 million for drawdown of about £80 million for various levelling up projects across Keighley, and this was delivered through the Keighley

16:24

Robbie Moore MP (Keighley and Ilkley, Conservative)

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delivered through the Keighley Towns Fund, £33.6 million. The long term plan, rebranded by this Labour government that was awarded to Keighley in 2023, which was £20 million to be spent on rejuvenating Keighley town centre and on other projects. And of course, the £19 million that we were able to draw down through the Levelling Up fund and we are making good progress on many of those projects. The Providence Park project has developed and is now able to be rented out, although they are having some problems with getting those units valued through the Valuation Office.

And I would like to see the government put pressure on the Valuation Office to unlock that. But we've managed to achieve the manufacturing, engineering and tech hub. Money has been spent on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway toilets. New roofs have been built on many community projects, but we are still finding a roadblock with the accounting body that is Bradford Council and there are significant projects that are running at risk right now of not being delivered on time, and that is the new stand that we need to see delivered.

For Keighley Cougars. It is the new health and wellbeing hub that we want to see built in the centre of Keighley. But Bradford Council are being so lethargically slow in trying to get this project off the ground. That also includes the money that we need to spend on the maintenance and the rejuvenation, and the getting up and running Haworth Village Hall. And Madam Deputy Speaker, I met with the new trustees that are now forming and driving that project forward, but we need Bradford Council to get a move on because this money.

Madam Deputy Speaker was allocated way back in 2022 and Bradford Council are being so slow. Likewise, we are still yet to get the skills hub that is going to be delivering adult learning and making sure that the money that is due to be drawn down to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway through the Levelling Up Fund, is spent. My point being, Madam Deputy Speaker, we managed under the last Conservative government to achieve a whopping 80 odd million pounds being spent on Keighley.

Bradford Council need to pull their finger out to make sure that we can get these projects delivered. And before I finish, Madam Deputy Speaker, can I wish you and the whole House a very happy Christmas.

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The good news is I can get you all in. The bad news is speaker limits of two minutes. Josh Newbury.

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Thank you. Madam Deputy Speaker. I would. Like to wish you a fantastic house staff and all hon. Members. A very Merry Christmas. It's a time to reflect on the year we've had and the year ahead. And Cannock Chase there is cause for celebration, but many of us are facing uncertainty. But there is plenty of hope for optimism. plenty of hope for optimism. Optimism in 2026. I'll start with the heroes who produce the food that is central to many of our Christmases our farmers.

They've weathered two difficult winters and disease outbreaks, and the abrupt closure of support schemes and changes to inheritance tax. Those who can't pass their farm on in time face impossible choices like

16:27

Josh Newbury MP (Cannock Chase, Labour)

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selling off land or stopping farming altogether. But we now have Baroness Batters profitability Baroness Batters profitability review, which I believe will drive positive changes in 2026, some of which the government has already committed to next year. We can look committed to next year. We can look forward to many Chancellors to turn the corner on more than a decade of uncertainty for farmers, and I'd uncertainty for farmers, and I'd like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Danny Emmott, who was until seven weeks ago the chair of the Staffordshire Young Farmers.

This week we received the awful news that Danny has taken his own life. He was just 28 years old and leaves behind a two year old daughter. I only met Danny on a couple of occasions, but his passion for the incredible work of fundraising young farmers do shone through. He was an advocate for many brilliant causes, like the Yellow Wellies campaign that supports our farming community with mental health and wellbeing. Danny will be hugely missed by so many in Staffordshire, and I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends who I know will be going through unimaginable grief.

Yeah, so as 2025 comes to a close, I hope the spirit of goodwill will carry us forward with the positivity and determination that we need to make sure. 2026 brings us lots of good news and uncertainty for the towns and villages. It's my pleasure to represent Shockat Adam. Thank you.

16:28

Shockat Adam MP (Leicester South, Independent)

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Madam Deputy Speaker. continuation, sadly, of the rise of those that wish to divide us, who amplify our fault lines and sow divisions. This is across Europe and also, unfortunately, domestically, with the rise of racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia and anti-Semitism. But as we approach this festive season, I want to just share a message of hope and mention some excellent groups and individuals who are working to bring our communities together rather than spreading division. Firstly, I'd like to mention a young boy by the name of Joshua Harris or the Joshy Man as he is commonly known.

He is a young boy with autism and he set up a campaign along with his father Dan called Cake Not Hate. Following Islamophobic attack on a mosque, he now travels up and down the country, visiting places of worship, and shares cakes with the local community. Secondly, I'd like to quickly mention a Ruth and her Leicester School linking project. This is an excellent initiative which brings schools from different areas of children, from different ethnicities and religions together. So to learn that we have much more that unites us than divides us.

And finally, in these cold winter months, there's the one Ruth Charity, Selma, Rawa, along with the Leicester Cathedral, and ensure that no one is left. With with in the cold, in these, in these, in these long, long nights. And they all deserve our appreciation and all of these wonderful people. However, Madam Deputy Speaker face constant vile hate speech on social media just because of they are trying to bring communities together. So I would like to thank everyone who doesn't give in to vile rhetoric and instead choose to stand with their neighbours in solidarity, which is a true message of Christmas.

So for everybody here,

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happy Christmas. Josh Newbury Mike Martin. Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

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Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I came to this place determined to listen to my constituents and deliver real change on the issues that matter most in my. In the last that matter most in my. In the last year we've saved Cosham Post Office. We've secured average speed cameras on Portsdown Hill, something on Portsdown Hill, something residents have been fighting for for over five years. We've cracked down on dodgy shops. We've removed down on dodgy shops. We've removed taxis abandoned for years on Baffins in Baffins on Tangiers Road, and we've taken significant action on HMOs.

Of course, there's still much more to do, and I want to be honest about the local challenges we're facing from access to homes, health services, water bill, rising parking, education and SEND provision. But the securing of £20 million pride and place money for the part of the city my parents were born in has meant so much to me and the people of Paulsgrove. For decades they have been ignored

16:31

Amanda Martin MP (Portsmouth North, Labour)

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and they deserve better. But it's not just Paulsgrove that will gain as a Labour MP, a record fairer funding. Local government settlement of £62 million means that settlement of £62 million means that all of Portsmouth will gain in 2026. Portsmouth celebrates 100 years of Portsmouth celebrates 100 years of a city and what a year it will be. We are also building a momentum for a City of Culture bid, and I'm determined to champion Portsmouth determined to champion Portsmouth on the national stage as creative, resilient, pride and ambition at its heart.

Before I close, I want its heart. Before I close, I want to thank some remarkable people who make Portsmouth North the incredible community. It is Lynn Timms and her 40 for Frankie campaign. Mehmet Olson had local business and community figure Freya Marley and her involvement in the lobbying lobby and moonshot project. Vicky Gidney for a community work and travelling sofa, Father Hugo of Saint Michael's and all of my faith leaders in my city for the support and care that they give Claire Martin, the CEO of Pompey in the community.

Paul White and Innogen who fitted our community defibrillator, and Laura, the organiser of the Baton of Hope. Rest in peace. I also want to thank my brilliant staff who work tirelessly to serve our community. Your dedication, problem solving and sheer hard work make everything possible to my family. I love you and to all of the parliamentary staff, speakers, Madam Deputy Speaker and everyone who keeps this place running. I wish you a very Merry Christmas. Thank you very much.

16:32

Martin Vickers MP (Brigg and Immingham, Conservative)

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Martin Vickers thank you, Madam. celebrations, I think it's appropriate that we reflect on the place of the Christian faith in our society and the role of the established church. That's the Church of England in furthering the gospel. Madam Deputy Speaker, I'm gospel. Madam Deputy Speaker, I'm an Anglican and a regular worship at Saint Giles and Saint Matthew's Church in my constituency. Religious faith is important to me as it is with thousands of my constituents and millions across the world.

It's an important part of our identity. There have been disturbing reports in recent weeks that some far right activists are trying to hijack religion, claiming to be the protectors of Christianity. The church should respond, in my view, by concentrating more on spreading the gospel, rather than acting as an NGO or lobby group. If it did so, then there would be much less space for the far right to claim being the voice of Christian Britain. Not everyone will be celebrating Christmas next week.

The will be Christians. The pews will be fuller than usual, whether it's for midnight mass or Carol services Christingle services, all of which provide our churches an opportunity to proclaim the Christian message and perhaps touch the hearts of those who used to believe, have doubts, or those searching for something to satisfy their spiritual yearnings. In a strange way, the Church of England, I feel, does indeed speak for mainstream middle England. This coming Sunday, I'll be attending to Nine Lessons and Carols services, one in the small Saint Peter's Church in Ashby, Fenby in my constituency, one in the grander settings of Grimsby Minster, but equally, wherever it is, the message will be the same.

And no doubt the words of Saint John's Gospel will be resounding. For me, the striking passage in that gospel is when the Authorised Version says he was in the world and the world was made by him, but the world knew him not. Then, as now, the world was ignoring

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Christ's message of peace and goodwill. Happy Christmas. Happy Christmas. Luke Myer. Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

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Two weeks ago, in my constituency, there was a terrible fire on the streets of Errington Street in Brotton, and I visited a Street in Brotton, and I visited a couple of days later and spoke to some of the residents, and also to accent Housing, who manage two of accent Housing, who manage two of the four properties that were affected. It was clear that it was a devastating fire, impacted two a devastating fire, impacted two families with young children and also an elderly pensioner as well.

16:34

Luke Myer MP (Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, Labour)

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But what was truly remarkable was the way the community came together afterwards to support those residents. Now there's still some residents. Now there's still some way to go, but over the road from those properties is a young man called Stefan Bentley, who I went called Stefan Bentley, who I went to school with, and he took it on himself to organise a crowdfunder. himself to organise a crowdfunder. Now our area is not the richest part of the world, but within a few part of the world, but within a few days they had raised over £2,000 to support those families in those properties.

And there was a whole range of other support that took place as well. The local council has organised support, the pubs and village halls open to support those, those residents, and I think that story just reminds me who we are in East Cleveland and across Teesside as well. And as we look to Christmas, we see that spirit of community coming out all across our area, in our church halls and in our food banks and in our warm hubs as well. That is truly what the spirit of Christmas is about and what we always have been on Teesside as well.

I think there's been a long effort from many politicians over many years to tell a slightly different story of England, one which is about individuals working hard, pulling themselves up and putting themselves first. And I think we've seen that shift towards a kind of atomised England where we lead these parallel lives. Well, that's not what I saw in Britain this last couple of weeks, and it's not what I see every day. I think we are a nation of George Baileys rather than Scrooges, and I wish all of my constituents and everyone who works

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here and yourself as well. A very Merry Christmas. John McDonnell. Hunger strike issue that's been

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Hunger strike issue that's been made reference to by many members. The Secretary of State is refusing to meet with the representatives of the hunger strikers or their the hunger strikers or their lawyers. Can I ask the Leader of the House to put this proposition to the to the Secretary of State to the to the Secretary of State for justice, which is on the government's own guidelines through the Department? One way is to maintain the discussions by maintain the discussions by appointing an independent mediator.

If that could be done, I think we could avert a tragedy here that we're facing. Secondly, last week I was on the picket lines at Great Ormond Street Hospital, where

16:36

Rt Hon John McDonnell MP (Hayes and Harlington, Labour)

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National Union of Education Union had brought about strike action because four of its teachers, long standing teachers, had been sacked. It seems there's a new bullying management that has created a hostile environment. In fact, we've hostile environment. In fact, we've now lost a number of long standing, dedicated teachers. I'm asking the dedicated teachers. I'm asking the through the house, really. I'm asking the Great Ormond Street Hospital governing Board now to Hospital governing Board now to intervene to resolve this dispute and recreate the environment.

That Great Ormond Street Hospital has always been famous for. One of caring not just for the children they look after, but also their own staff too. I come to the staff of this house as well. The security guards have been under dispute. Now, with industrial action taking place for several months, and it's as a result of an unfair grading structure. They're coming out again in the new year if we can't get this resolved. One of the issues that some people will know, they keep us safe here.

They keep us safe. And during Covid, when they came in, three of their members actually died as a result of infection. And one of the issues is that a number of the issues around grading since that time have not been resolved. I'm urging the management now of this House to get round the table, to recognise the injustices that these staff face and just to show respect for the role that they play. And I want that to wish them in particular on behalf of the House, a happy Christmas for them.

But hopefully the New Year will be a constructive

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New year where their injustices will be addressed. Dave Robertson thank you, Madam

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Dave Robertson thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. People across Lichfield Burnley the Villages will be looking forward to a very Merry Christmas this week and in the run Christmas this week and in the run up to the big day. Many people have enjoyed opening Christmas cards from friends and loved ones, or at from friends and loved ones, or at least they would if they'd actually arrived. Because for far too many people across my area, the post

16:38

Dave Robertson MP (Lichfield, Labour)

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people across my area, the post simply isn't coming. Now we know the Christmas period is a busy time for letters, but let me be very clear this isn't a seasonal issue in Lichfield and Burntwood, residents have been telling me about serious problems with deliveries from Royal Mail for months. I've got constituents who've gone weeks without mail and then receive a huge bundle of delayed letters all at once. Households who say they've been regularly receiving mail just once a week or even once a fortnight, and in some cases, once every three weeks.

I've had constituents who miss jury service court hearings because the summons hasn't come. Who've missed hospital and GP appointments because three days after the appointment, the invitation and the reminder arrive altogether. I've got people who've been fined for late payment of credit card bills that they've never received, who are waiting for vital letters from their banks with debit cards or Pin details. Royal mail has very clear delivery targets. 93% of first class letters delivered by the next working day. 98.5% of second class letters delivered in three working days, and 99% of delivery routes to be completed six days a week in our area.

My area. Those targets are a joke. We are nowhere near that. I've been writing to Royal Mail about these issues for months, and working closely with the Communication Workers Union, and I want to take this opportunity to make it clear none of this is the fault of hard working posties. They're doing a brilliant job and doing as much as they can, and I want to thank them this Christmas. This is on Royal Mail. They've been consistently slow in dealing with my requests, and when they've got back to me, they batted away my concerns and claimed there was nothing to see here.

They have finally admitted there is a problem, but I'm really eager to know what action they're going to take in the new year to fix this and fix this in the long term for the people of Lichfield and Burntwood. Lichfield, Burntwood in the villages and my 10s remaining. Can I thank you all the house staff, every Honourable and right hon. Member for their support this year and wish

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everybody a very Merry Christmas. I called Liberal Democrat spokesperson Marie Goldman. Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

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Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I'd like to start by saying a big thank you to you, Madam Deputy Speaker, to Mr. Speaker, and to all your Deputy Speaker colleagues, for your Deputy Speaker colleagues, for all of your hard work over the year, and also to all the House staff and all of our parliamentary staff, without whose amazing work and organisation we simply would not be able to do our jobs. It's been wonderful to listen to this

16:40

Marie Goldman MP (Chelmsford, Liberal Democrat)

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wonderful to listen to this afternoon's debate, but especially to the pride with which hon. Members across the House have been speaking about their constituencies. Now, as many of us look forward to spending more time with our loved ones over the Christmas period, I find myself looking back over 2025 and reflecting on all the amazing people I've visited within my own constituency of Chelmsford. What strikes me is something very simple. None of the organisations that I visited would be anything without the people working in them, and more often than not, volunteering for them.

In every constituency, there are people who give up their free time to help others. I think that's something to celebrate, to champion and to shout about, especially at this time of the year. So I want to share a few highlights, if you'll indulge me, Madam Deputy Speaker, based on my visits to some wonderful charities in my own Chelmsford constituency, but also a bit further afield, in January, I spent a cold and blustery winter's morning with the dedicated Chelmsford Litter Wombles. This is a fabulous group that turns out all year round in large numbers to help keep our streets, verges, parks and everywhere else in between free from litter.

Rather than complaining about unsightly rubbish, rather than pointing the finger to say it's someone else's problem, they roll up their sleeves quite literally and get stuck in. In March, I visited Open Road, a crucial drug and alcohol support service operating across Essex and Medway. Hearing about the important, often life saving work they do with people with addiction problems was incredibly heartwarming and I was delighted to attend a reception in Parliament recently celebrating the work that they do and, crucially, hearing directly from some of the many people they've helped and some of whom are now volunteering themselves to help others.

In April, I visited the Brilliant Independence Project. This great little organisation in Chelmsford provides opportunities for people with learning disabilities and autism to achieve independence. The team do such an amazing job of supporting those who are perhaps less fortunate by giving them the skills and opportunities they need to lead rich and fulfilling lives. There are so many more voluntary organisations that I've met in Westminster and beyond, who are doing fabulous work on a national level. Madam Deputy Speaker, I am privileged to be taking part in a new initiative called the Parliamentary Knowledge Scheme for Frontline Services.

A crucial opportunity for MPs to hear firsthand from the emergency service organisations that rescue us in our hour of need. So far, we have spent time with the amazing RNLI, hearing of the bravery of their volunteer crews who go out in all weathers, all year round and at any time of the day or night to help those in distress at sea. And then an organisation with which I have a very personal connection, Mountain Rescue Services. I say this because they saved my life when I fell from height in Scotland a few years ago.

If it weren't for the actions of their heroic volunteers, I may not have been here today. So while we tuck into our Christmas dinners or snuggle up on the sofa for some festive viewing, many of these selfless volunteers will be on call, ready to help those in need. So, Madam Deputy Speaker, in conclusion, I would ask all members across the House to please spare a thought for all those continuing to help others over the festive period. Now, I encourage everyone to hold their loved ones tight, to raise a glass to those not with us and celebrate in style the dawning of a new year.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas.

16:44

John Lamont MP (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, Conservative)

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Shadow Minister John Lamont. >> Very much, Madam Deputy Speaker, and I start by wishing you and your team a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. I feel as though as if we've had a whistle stop tour around the United Kingdom stop tour around the United Kingdom today, having heard from honourable and right hon. Members from all corners of our great nation. Of course, we are yet to hear from the best part of our United Kingdom, and that is the Scottish Borders.

And I want to take a moment to reflect on what's been a hugely busy year in my constituency, before mentioning some of the excellent contributions we have heard in the chamber today. Madam Deputy Speaker. Local legend Douglas Heatley, from Selkirk, has just retired after 40 years of working at Scottish Borders Council. Douglas is truly a fantastic man and we always chat whenever we bump into each other and he is responsible for keeping streets and public toilets clean and makes our area an even better place to live.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank him for his incredible service to the Scottish Borders, and wish him a long and happy retirement. It has also been a busy time of year for me as the MP for the borders. From supporting constituents with their issues to campaigning to protect our natural environment from new mega pylons. Fighting for better rail services and much, much more. I know a highlight for many hon. Members and we have heard much of this from the business question earlier today is the annual Christmas Card competition, which I know many of us conduct this year.

I had a bumper year with hundreds of entries coming in from across the Scottish Borders. The eventual winner, which was decided by public vote, was Rowan from Coldstream Primary School, who has and we presented her with her prize last week, a design which is going to be landing in doormats across the Scottish Borders over the next few days. Now, in the time available to me, I just wanted to highlight a couple of the excellent contributions we heard. We heard from the hon.

Member for Harrow East, and he highlighted the great work that the Conservatives are doing on Harrow Council and, along with the hon. Member for Romford, highlighted the failures of the Labour Mayor of London. We heard from the hon. Lady for Newport East, a city I do not know much about, but she is undoubtedly a great advocate for her city, and I enjoy listening to some of the important work that is going on going on there. We heard from the hon. Member for Strangford, who sadly is no longer in his place, hopefully on a plane heading back home.

And also from the hon. Member for Brigg and Ingham who both reminded, reminded, reminded us of the importance of Christmas and what Christmas is all about and the birth of Christ. We heard from my constituency neighbour, my fantastic constituency neighbour, the right hon. Member for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale who represents a huge constituency even bigger than than my own, covering a huge area and is a very powerful voice for all of the hundreds or so communities that he represents.

And we heard from the hon. Member for Keighley and Ilkley, the energetic campaign for for those communities about the important investment work which he secured for his constituency, particularly under the last Conservative government. Now, Madam Deputy Speaker, whilst much divides us in this chamber, this debate, I believe, shows what we all have in common the honour of representing our constituents and the belief that our own constituencies are the best in the country. As Christmas approaches, my thoughts are especially with those who will be spending the next few weeks serving others.

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who will be working or volunteering over Christmas and the New Year period to support our communities, our armed forces, both at home and overseas, deserve our deepest appreciation for their ongoing commitment to keeping us safe. I also want to thank the NHS, social care staff, firefighters, police officers and all the emergency service workers for their dedication. I am also grateful to the small business owners and workers in hospitality, retail and transport who put their own plans on hold in order to help us celebrate.

Finally, Madam Deputy Speaker, please take time to remember about those who are facing loneliness, loss and financial problems at this time. It can bear particularly heavy weight on those people worried about those things at Christmas. If you can, please consider reaching out to support a food bank, volunteer with a local group, or even just check in with a neighbour who you worry about being lonely. So to conclude, Madam Deputy Speaker, I want to wish everyone in the Scottish Borders, as well as every member of this House.

And to yourself again, Madam Deputy Speaker, a very Merry Christmas and I look forward to seeing you all, hopefully well

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rested in 2026. I call the Leader of the House. Very much indeed. Madam Deputy

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Very much indeed. Madam Deputy Speaker, it's a pleasure to close this debate and I thank all members who have contributed this afternoon. who have contributed this afternoon. I'm grateful to the chair of the Backbench Business Committee for granting time for this debate, and I have to say to him, next time he approaches me to protect debates because they're getting squeezed. I think I'll have a bit more sympathy think I'll have a bit more sympathy with him on that occasion. But I, like many other members, I think perhaps of of earlier intakes to this place in particular, reminded today of the legacy of Sir David Amess and his dedication to the people of Southend and to this place.

I know he's more associated with the summer recess adjournment, but this is a time when we think of him. We also are reminded of the loss of our hon. Friend Jo Cox, as we head towards what will be the

16:50

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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16:59

Petition Rt Hon Valerie Vaz MP (Walsall and Bloxwich, Labour)

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of the community. The petition states that Walsall Council plans to relocate the museum and lease the site to Walsall College for a peppercorn rent. This plan has been brought forward without consultation with local people. Alternative sites, including within Walsall College's estate, are more appropriate for SEND provision than the museum site and should be considered as alternatives in order to preserve the culture and heritage of the current museum site. These plans amount to removing a cherished community asset against the wishes of the community.

The petitioners, therefore, request that the House of Commons urge the government to acknowledge the contentiousness of the proposed transaction and to encourage Walsall College and Walsall Council to halt the plans to relocate Walsall Leather Museum to look instead at alternative sites for Walsall College's SEND provision to hold a full public consultation on the proposal to publish detailed information about the plans, including alternative options to ensure that the museum remains open and to make a commitment to transparency and accountability.

And can I wish everyone, including Madam Deputy Speaker, a very happy Christmas and a new year.

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Yeah.

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Petition Walsall Leather Museum. I beg to move that this House do now adjourn. The question is that this House

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The question is that this House do now adjourn. And I call Chris Webb on English indices of Deprivation 2025. If colleagues are wishing to exit the chamber, they should do so now. Chris Webb.

17:01

Adjournment: English indices of deprivation 2025

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I'm grateful for the opportunity to hold the final adjournment debate of 2025, and I thank everyone for staying behind to join me. And I staying behind to join me. And I thank the Minister as well. In her place, I believe she's had a busy morning and from what I've seen from the headlines, people in Blackpool often feel forgotten by national politics. So it matters that their experience is the last issue debated in this chamber before Christmas. While colleagues in the House were returning home to spend time with their families.

For many in my constituency, this time of year is a period of struggle rather than celebration. Throughout 2025, this government has begun to show Blackpool that it understands the scale of our challenges. But belief takes time. When a place has for far so long been held up as a symbol of decline. A poster child for deprivation, a stark reflection of the pressures facing our country as a whole. I hope the Minister will join me in demonstrating to my home town that it's not forgotten.

And it's no accident that we have saved this issue till last. In October, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government updated the English Indices of Deprivation for the first time since 2019, making a rare and important moment to reassess government action. The indices rank small areas in England according to deprivation across multiple domains. They look beyond income alone, taking account of housing, access to services, education, employment, health, crime and the living environment. As much as it may feel like for local people when their town is splashed across the newspaper headlines, the indices are not a league table for shame.

They are a tool for targeting government action. And in 2025, indices do just one thing they should convince the government that action must focus on Blackpool. I will give way.

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I thank my hon. Friend for giving way. The new indices do show that neighbourhoods in Stafford, including Highfields, Parkside, including Highfields, Parkside, rising Brook and Stafford Central sit amongst the most deprived areas of the country, the bottom 10 to of the country, the bottom 10 to 20%. However, the depth of need there is often masked at local authority level by more affluent parts of my borough, so recent data also shows that Stafford Central is the bottom in the bottom 2% nationally for health need.

Does nationally for health need. Does the hon. Member agree with me that indices like this, alongside wider health data, do give the government a clear opportunity to target our record investment at healthcare, education and local authority local government at neighbourhoods with the greatest need, including pockets of deprivation within

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otherwise affluent areas. I thank my hon. Friend for intervention and completely agreeing. I think the pricing But we'd like to see that expanded for many more of our communities based on this new indices. If we can turn around a town that contains seven of the top ten most deprived areas of the country and ten in the top 20, we can turn around the fortunes of the country. around the fortunes of the country. Rather than being a poster child for deprivation.

Blackpool, where 38% of adults live in, live in one of the 10% most deprived areas in England can be a poster child for renewal. Yes.

17:04

Chris Webb MP (Blackpool South, Labour)

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I thank my hon. Friend for giving way. He's very generous with his time.

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Not only. Does seven of the ten of the top ten areas appear to be in Blackpool, ten areas appear to be in Blackpool, but all ten of the top ten are from coastal communities and 50% of the coastal communities and 50% of the top 50 are also in coastal communities. Now, we who represent coastal communities don't want to coastal communities don't want to indulge in any kind of deprivation. Bingo. Instead, we want the government and indeed the private government and indeed the private sector to see our potential to invest our and our workforce, the energy of our entrepreneurs, the extraordinary natural environment and an economic regeneration strategy, I'm sure he would agree.

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Designed for the coastal communities could transform our country. I thank my hon. Friend for

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I thank my hon. Friend for intervention. Absolutely agree. And I know, like her and myself and many others, that's why we've been pushing for a coastal communities Minister to address that need and to bring all corners of government together so we can tackle the together so we can tackle the problems we've got in these coastal communities. So, to put it simply, communities. So, to put it simply, when Blackpool succeeds, Britain succeeds. The IoD in can deprivation domain measures the proportion of people reliant on means tested benefits.

It captures not just poverty people after crisis in Blackpool, income deprivation is deeply entrenched and a daily reality for many. For people like Leanne who contacted me after having her benefits sanctioned despite keeping in touch with her work coach about her father's illness. When he passed away, she missed an appointment and was dealt a second blow. It took two months, an intervention from me and my office to get her benefits reinstated. In the interim, she was denied a hardship payment and had no food or heating.

This is what income deprivation looks like in the real world. Not poor budgeting, but families with no safety net when life throws them. A shock of income deprivation overlaps with employment deprivation, and Blackpool is one of the nine local authorities in England ranked amongst most deprived on both measures. The IoD employment domain measures people who want to work but can't work due to lack of opportunities, caring responsibilities, disability or in health. Employment deprivation is more pronounced in Blackpool, where our labour market is seasonal, insecure, tourism reliant, low paid and low skilled.

Blackpool Council, alongside our tourism industry, has worked hard to extend our offer beyond summer months. Visible on our promenade today with our fantastic Crystal Christmas by the sea Festival. But more must be done for people like Noreen, whose autistic son regularly reaches interviews but never secures work, and Rob, who was self-employed when he had a serious accident and faced a 13 week wait for financial support. These are the real lives behind our employment deprivation scores. Aspiration is not the

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problem. In February, I hosted Blackpool's yes. Dave Robertson only rise to. Thank my hon. Friend for bringing Thank my hon. Friend for bringing the stories of real lives into this debate, because so often when we talk about deprivation and we talk about indices and we talk about statistics, we can so easily forget that behind every single one of those numbers is a life. And it's a those numbers is a life. And it's a life that should have promise, and it's a life that should be supported, and it's a life that deserves to have the support of its

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for making sure that we don't lose sight of what we're really talking about here, which is people's lives. Chris Webb I thank my hon. Friend for his intervention and Friend for his intervention and kind words, and I think we all know in this house and across party that we see this in our mailbags every we see this in our mailbags every week. We see this in our casework from the thousands and thousands of individuals that reach out to us for help where they've got nowhere for help where they've got nowhere else to turn.

So aspiration, as I said, is not the problem. In February, I hosted Blackpool's February, I hosted Blackpool's biggest ever jobs fair, welcoming 4000 jobseekers and over 100 employers with more than 1500 roles to offer. 500 positions were filled on the day and another 500 were filled later on. The indices High Peak a lack of good jobs, not a lack of work ethic. Meanwhile, the IoD education domain captures how disadvantaged reproduces itself in Blackpool. Residents are concerned about access to quality education and support.

Post 16 pathways adult literacy, mental health and schools and workplaces, and the impact of deprivation on learning. These are the mechanisms by which neighbourhoods remain at the bottom of indices for generations. This February, I'll host my jobs fair again with a sharper focus on career pathways and quality employment, showing what local employers, community pathways and political will can achieve. But even with the greatest opportunities on our doorstep, residents are on the back of foot from childhood, with disadvantaged school pupils falling further behind.

Just over half of Blackpool pupils achieve expected standards at Key Stage two. At GCSE level, Blackpool South average attainment eight score is amongst the lowest in the country. Fewer than half of our young people achieve a strong pass in English and maths, compared with nearly two thirds nationally. The indices health, deprivation and disability domain measure, pathways, deaths, hospital admissions, disability and mental ill health. 58.5% of neighbourhoods in Blackpool fall within the 10% most deprived nationally. On this measure, men in Blackpool have the lowest life expectancy in England.

With our current toddlers, my son included, not expected to reach the age of 70 for a decade, less than someone of their peers in Hampshire, and I'm not going to let that stand. Severe mental health illnesses rates are shockingly high. In 1819, over 500 people were admitted to hospital for self harm, and suicide rates among men were the second highest in the country. By 20 2223, Blackpool had the highest prevalence of GP diagnosis depression in England, and 6300 people are now claiming Pip for psychiatric disorders, the highest in Lancashire and in the top ten nationally.

Health services are at breaking point and there is a clear human impact like there was Jamie Pearson, who tragically took his own life in Blackpool Hospital after waiting nearly 24 hours in A&E during a mental health crisis. Every day I deal with constituents battling access not only for mental health support but for dentist, a GP or hospital care. People turn to me when there is nowhere left to turn to. People like Stephen himself and mental health nurse who contacted me after developing serious neurological symptoms.

Despite repeated warnings. His first neurological appointment is scheduled for October 2026. This case of a front line worker who wants to be able to work and support our NHS, but is being failed by it, demonstrates how poor health, economic inactivity and deprivation reinforce one another. The Iod's crime domain shows that crime and anti-social behaviour are also concentrated in areas of multiple deprivation. Similarly, a recent report by Ikon notes that crime persists in areas facing persistent poverty, underinvestment and neglect.

In places like this, reports a resonance report. Concerns about ASB, illegal drugs and safety, and feel less connected and optimistic. People like Chantelle, who endure two years of threats and anti-social behaviour in Broomfield and neighbourhood, ranked 12 out of 33,755 neighbourhoods. Of the indices of deprivation. Despite repeated police involvement, she and her neighbours felt unsafe but couldn't move because of financial barriers. We also know what works in Brunswick ward with the ninth most deprived neighbourhood nationally, Blackpool's multi-agency youth Anti-social Behaviour Working Group reduce youth related incidents by 45% through targeted interventions.

Alongside the work of the brilliant pack meetings led by Brian Robinson. Scaling up this approach with co-ordinated cross-government strategies and devolved funding can make deprived neighbourhoods safer, stronger and more connected. But perhaps the biggest problem this government could tackle to improve life for my constituents is housing, which directly impacts poverty, health, education, employment and so much more. The barriers to housing and services domain captures affordability and access, while the living environment domain measures housing quality, air quality and road safety.

More than 1 in 4 cases. My office handles relate to housing or living environment because poor housing and unhealthy environments reinforce disadvantage at every turn. Blackpool Council has done some good work building new council houses in areas like Grange Park, where my grandparents, Dougie and Maggie, were one of the first to collect their keys when the post-war estate was first built. Now, new generations of families have the same opportunity to quality, secure homes, but we still have a huge shortage a stock of only 5000 social homes and 12,000 people are currently on the waiting list.

Over 20,000 households privately rent many properties well below standard, and thousands live in damp and unsafe conditions. Chelsea was seven months pregnant when she was served with a section 21 notice. She couldn't raise a deposit for other private rentals, and her bid for social housing was unsuccessful. Selim lost a leg and was forced into a care home, separated from his family for almost a year because there was no adapted homes available. Meanwhile, Tia and her two young children were placed in a B&B with no cooking facilities, where her baby's health deteriorated.

I see these situations every single day. Investment in homes and streets is not a luxury. It is the foundation for better lives, safer communities and opportunities. Recent pride in place funding offers hope. But as I told the Secretary of State just the other week, one scheme is not enough. Blackpool is suited to multiple targeted, place based interventions addressing housing, the environment and opportunities. It is also the exact kind of place that should have benefited from the government's new fair funding formula.

Instead, the local government finance settlement will potentially harm some of the most deprived communities. Further, my council also informed me that the new formula disproportionately penalised deprived northern and coastal towns. We need a fair, progressive new system if we are to change, to radically change lives, and I'm going to be working with the department further in the run up to February to see what more can be done. Overall, 82% of neighbourhoods in the most deprived decile in 2025 were also there in 2029, only a handful of constituencies have shifted position at either end of the scale.

It's clear from these statistics that we must do something different to tackle and trends deprivation. We must put our money where our mouth is with targeted, long term, place based investment, guided by the indices moving beyond short term pots to multiyear investment targeted measurable outcomes like better jobs, improved health, higher education attainment and the narrowing of life expectancy gap is essential and must be done at a scale that meets the scale of the problem. Because Blackpool has enormous pride and potential.

Despite the challenges captured in these statistics, people in our town won't be defined by them. Our communities are strong, our young people are ambitious, and our organisations drive change every day. This spirit of resilience and determination is the foundation on which renewal can be built. With the right support, investment and political will, the local energy can be harnessed to transform opportunity, improve lives and rewrite the story of our town. The people of Blackpool are doing their bit and the indices have done theirs by showing us where the need is greatest.

Now the government must do its bit because with the enough political will, Blackpool doesn't have to be the poster child for deprivation. It can be the poster child for renewal. If the government can turn around Blackpool, it can turn the country around. And if Blackpool succeeds, Britain succeeds. Madam Deputy Speaker, may I take this opportunity to thank you, Mr. Speaker, and the other Deputy Speakers, alongside all the staff in this place, but especially the staff in my office. Wendy, Harry, Antonia, Kate, Luke, Grace and Amber for all their work and I wish all staff and all members across this house a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

17:16

Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Peckham, Labour )

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I second that. It's good to see the Minister here not writing her new Christmas cards. new Christmas cards. >> I call the Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh. >> Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

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Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I'm grateful to my hon. Friend, the Member for Blackpool South, for Member for Blackpool South, for securing this important debate and for the eloquent and passionate way he talks about the issues in Blackpool, and for the powerful way in which he champions the voices of his community. I concur completely with his remarks that his community will never be forgotten by this Labour government. Coastal communities such as Blackpool are a vital part of our national identity, serving as a reminder of our national pride and shared maritime history.

But we know that behind these places lies another story. As my hon. Friend has rightly pointed out, the new Index of Multiple Deprivation shows the challenges all areas across the country face, but particularly for coastal communities, which feature as a distinct category, concentrated deprivation. In England, Blackpool features prominently in the new Index of Deprivation. As my hon. Friend has demonstrated with seven areas amongst the ten most deprived neighbourhoods nationally, this is a sobering statistic that shines a spotlight on the issues my hon.

Friend has highlighted, and my government is acutely aware of the multiple dimensional challenges these communities are facing, facing, and we are committed to doing our part in order to reverse this. The government's mission is to tackle inequality, is to unlock the full potential of all of our communities, including communities such as Blackpool, to ensure that they play a vital role in our economy and our future. And so they are not held back through long overdue reforms to the local government finance system will be redirecting around £2 billion of existing funding to places and communities that need it the most, enabling councils to reliably deliver for their residents.

Blackpool, for example, was seen an 11% increase in its core spending power between 20 2526 and 2829. But we recognise that more needs to be done to reverse a decade and a half of underinvestment in his community, and we also recognise that the delivery costs vary across the country deprivation, remoteness, variants and the ability to raise tax locally and the impact of communities and tourists can all affect how hard it can be to deliver services in seaside towns such as Blackpool.

That is why we are committed to ensuring that these factors are accounted for in future funding allocations. We are also delivering a wide range of programmes to address economic, social and health disparities across the country. Our 5 Billion Pride in Place programme, which my hon. Friend spoke about, will deliver up to 20 million of funding and support over the next decade to 244 of our deprived communities. Little Leyton and Little Carlton is the area in Blackpool South that will receive up to 20 million in funding over ten years.

Fleetwood Town in Blackpool North will also receive up to 20 million over the next ten years. This funding will be used by each local community based on the priorities that they set in order to lift up their community, invest in regeneration plans and build community wealth across the country. The Pride and Place programme will help communities improve cultural venues, health and wellbeing services and local infrastructure. It will champion local leadership, foster community engagement and strengthen social cohesion. And it will give people agency, voice and power to drive the change that they want to see in their place.

We are also providing funding to Blackpool through our Pride and Place Impact Fund. The fund will provide 1.5 million of investment over the next two years to restore pride and place, support communities, stimulate local economic activity through visible, short term, community led improvements. My hon. Friend raised the critical challenge of housing and he is absolutely right. Good, decent housing is foundational. It is the rock by which people are able to build a life and get ahead. And the government understands the need to build more homes, but to build more social housing in particular.

This is why we have outlined a plan to support the largest increase in social and affordable housing in a generation, and transform the safety and quality of existing social homes. A new ten year, 39 billion social and affordable homes programme has also been confirmed. The largest long term investment in social housing in recent memory. This is an important first step, but we know more needs to be done. Tackling deprivation is the work of the whole government. My department will play its part, but it is an endeavour across every single department, with a range of targeted measures across health, poverty, employment and anti-social behaviour.

Over a million children will be lifted out of poverty as a result of this government's historic decision. Child poverty strategy. The strategy tackles the root cause of poverty by cutting the cost of essentials, boosting family incomes, improving local services so every child has the best start in life. Funding has also been made available by the Government's Department for Work and Pensions to support black hole residents who are struggling with rising living costs via the Household Support Fund. This will support vulnerable households in most need of help with the cost of living.

But the government is also acutely aware of crime and anti-social behaviour located in areas of multiple deprivation. In terms of crime, we have committed to five core missions that seek to address some of the fundamental challenges society face over the next ten years. The Safer Streets mission will tackle serious crime. It will halve violence against women and girls, half knife crime, restore confidence in policing and the criminal justice system. It is focussed on addressing both harm and confidence in parallel by taking a whole system approach.

Tackling anti-social behaviour is at the heart of this mission. We are determined to rebuild confidence through investment in neighbourhood policing. We will also be at the forefront of the fight against anti-social behaviour on employment deprivation, which my hon. Friend talked about so eloquently, I'll get Britain working paper focuses on building a thriving labour market, reducing economic inactivity and increasing the number of people in work which is central to growing the economy. Backed by 240 million of funding announcement in the 2024 Budget, the White Paper sets out the biggest reforms to employment support for a generation.

The government is also absolutely committed to tackling entrenched health inequalities through targeted support for coastal communities. We understand and we appreciate the specific challenges in our coastal communities. This is why the Coastal Navigators Network was launched by the NHS in 2024 to help tackle acute health challenges faced by coastal towns. In response to the report by the Chief Medical Officer. It reflects the need to tailor this approach to the specific challenges of coastal communities, which can include poor transport and housing, economic decline and high prevalence of residents with complex conditions.

To conclude, Madam Deputy Speaker, we understand the acute challenges facing our most deprived communities, and we understand that it's doubly so for our coastal communities. We are taking significant steps to tackle deprivation in these communities such as Blackpool, but we are open to hearing more ways in which we can do our part of supporting these communities to grow, to improve and to thrive. And I'd like to thank my hon. Friend once again for raising this debate. I look forward to hearing more and working with him to make sure that we can tackle the challenge of Blackpool, because he is right.

When Blackpool does well, the rest of the country is doing well, and I look forward to hearing more when I go to visit in the New Year. Madam Deputy Speaker, thank

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you very much. I wish you and the rest of the House a very Merry Christmas year. So for the final time this year

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So for the final time this year and for the final adjournment debate 2025, the question is that debate 2025, the question is that this House do now adjourn, as many people say, I the ayes have it. The ayes have it. Happy Christmas ayes have it. Happy Christmas

09:00

Oral questions: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

House House of House of Commons House of Commons - House of Commons - 18 House of Commons - 18 December 2025.

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