Commons Chamber
11:02
Wendy Chamberlain MP (North East Fife, Liberal Democrat)
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Wendy Chamberlain MP (North East Fife, Liberal Democrat)
them, because that scheme is no longer going to provide funding for Scotland, and there appears to be little engagement has happened with the Church of Scotland. So can we know if there is Barnett consequentials from the new scheme and what conversations there have been with the Scottish Government, and will the new scheme continue to offer a VAT rebate to churches in their repairs, and, if so, whether churches in Scotland will be eligible for this? In order to do that, can the leader of House ensure that the Department of Culture, Media and Sport come to the House to give an update? It is causing huge concern.
11:02
Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
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Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and the hon. Lady will know that we share a very keen interest in historic churches. They are an important churches. They are an important part of our communities and I do understand the concern about the changes that she is referring to. I think better than offering an opportunity for a statement or debate. If she wishes, I will arrange for a meeting with DCMS Minister so she can raise these very understandable questions directly with the Minister.
11:03
Jas Athwal MP (Ilford South, Labour)
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Jas Athwal MP (Ilford South, Labour)
Jas Athwal. >> Jas Athwal. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I welcome the government's announcements on ground rents, but many leaseholders still remain at many leaseholders still remain at the mercy of managing agents who raise a service charges whilst delivering poor repairs. One of my constituents has had no hot water for three months. Others still lack the E.W. one certificates, leaving them unable to sell their homes or know if they're safe. Reducing ground rents tackles one issue, but not the wider problem.
Will the leader urge the Minister to give local authorities stronger powers to act against unscrupulous building landlords and freeholders?
Will the leader urge the Minister to give local authorities stronger powers to act against unscrupulous building landlords and freeholders?
11:03
Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
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Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I want to express my deepest sympathy to my hon. Friend's constituent. The situation he describes is simply unacceptable. Our draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill will end the feudal leasehold system, and the measures that he refers to are not the final steps. I want to reassure him on that and we do intend to take further steps regarding the regulation of managing agents, and we will set out further details in due course.
11:04
Mr Bayo Alaba MP (Southend East and Rochford, Labour)
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Mr Bayo Alaba MP (Southend East and Rochford, Labour)
Bayo Alaba thank you, Mr. Speaker. >> Our universities operate as businesses independent from the government. However, given the government. However, given the unacceptable lack of transparency from the University of Essex, the senior leadership team, on its decision to close its Southend University campus, can the Leader of the House help facilitate a meeting with the Prime Minister, the Department of Education and the University of Essex leadership team to discuss the continuation of university presence in Southend? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I understand the concerns that my hon. Friend raises and should he wish a meeting with the Further Education Minister, I will help him to arrange them.
I understand the concerns that my hon. Friend raises and should he wish a meeting with the Further Education Minister, I will help him to arrange them.
11:05
Rt Hon John Glen MP (Salisbury, Conservative)
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Rt Hon John Glen MP (Salisbury, Conservative)
John Glen. >> John Glen. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Recently I've been meeting with firefighters in Wilton, and last night I met with Andy Cole, the chief fire with Andy Cole, the chief fire officer for Wiltshire and Dorset. Eight of our fire stations in those two counties are facing closure. Out of 50, despite them making 15 million of annual savings since 2016. At the core of the issue, it seems, is the assumptions around go growth in the council tax base, which is much higher in the Treasury's mind than it is in reality on the ground.
Would the Leader of the House fix up a meeting for me with the Fire and Democracy Minister, the Member for Chester North and Neston, so I can actually support her to actually push back to the Treasury so we can get the right assumptions and avoid closure of these fire stations, particularly in Wilton.
Would the Leader of the House fix up a meeting for me with the Fire and Democracy Minister, the Member for Chester North and Neston, so I can actually support her to actually push back to the Treasury so we can get the right assumptions and avoid closure of these fire stations, particularly in Wilton.
11:05
Andrew Rosindell MP (Romford, Reform UK)
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Andrew Rosindell MP (Romford, Reform UK)
Yes, I will. >> Mr. speaker, Andrew Rosindell. Mr. speaker. >> Sir. >> In 1986, when President Ronald
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In 1986, when President Ronald Reagan contacted Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to ask that the Margaret Thatcher to ask that the Royal Air Force bases in the UK could be used to attack the Gaddafi regime in Libya, she said yes, this Prime Minister has said no to the same request from the current Prime Minister, refusing the use of the Chagos Islands. And now we know that Gibraltar is under threat as well, with the apparent deal that's being agreed, which potentially could prevent the use of Gibraltar for future defence and security.
Mr. speaker, what has this government got against the British Overseas territories? And isn't it time we had a debate about the importance to defence and security of the British overseas territories contribution. And now we hear about the British bases on Cyprus. We need a debate on this because they are vital to our defence and security of the United Kingdom and the entire free world.
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In 1986, when President Ronald Reagan contacted Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to ask that the Margaret Thatcher to ask that the Royal Air Force bases in the UK could be used to attack the Gaddafi regime in Libya, she said yes, this Prime Minister has said no to the same request from the current Prime Minister, refusing the use of the Chagos Islands. And now we know that Gibraltar is under threat as well, with the apparent deal that's being agreed, which potentially could prevent the use of Gibraltar for future defence and security.
Mr. speaker, what has this government got against the British Overseas territories? And isn't it time we had a debate about the importance to defence and security of the British overseas territories contribution. And now we hear about the British bases on Cyprus. We need a debate on this because they are vital to our defence and security of the United Kingdom and the entire free world.
11:07
Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
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Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say that the hon. Gentleman appears to that the hon. Gentleman appears to be confused because we have agreed that British bases could be used by the United States for limited and the United States for limited and specific purposes of knocking out Iranian missile launchers. This is a defensive action. The purpose is a defensive action. The purpose is to protect British lives in the region. And as far as our allies in the region and I would I would include other British overseas territories.
This Prime Minister has absolutely committed to their defence. When we talk about our national interests, we're talking about their interests too.
This Prime Minister has absolutely committed to their defence. When we talk about our national interests, we're talking about their interests too.
11:07
Tulip Siddiq MP (Hampstead and Highgate, Labour)
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Tulip Siddiq MP (Hampstead and Highgate, Labour)
Lipstick. speaker. speaker. >> My constituents Joe Powell, who is watching from the gallery today, fought and won a landmark case fought and won a landmark case against her employer after she was unfairly dismissed when she was diagnosed with endometriosis. I wanted to mention Jonjo's case today as we approach International Women's Day, because I don't see her fight for justice as a victory just for herself. It's for the countless women across the country who talk about their medical health conditions in the workplace, but are ignored.
Not a single gynaecological condition is mentioned in the guidance of the Equality Act, which I think is shameful. So could I ask the Leader of the House who I know is a champion of women? Could we have a debate in government? Time to talk about the impact of endometriosis in the workplace and try and end this discrimination once and for all?
Not a single gynaecological condition is mentioned in the guidance of the Equality Act, which I think is shameful. So could I ask the Leader of the House who I know is a champion of women? Could we have a debate in government? Time to talk about the impact of endometriosis in the workplace and try and end this discrimination once and for all?
11:08
Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
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Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank my hon. Friend, for raising thank my hon. Friend, for raising this important and timely matter ahead of International Women's Day on Sunday. Too many women are still on Sunday. Too many women are still subject to a system that doesn't listen to their experience and doesn't understand their needs, and our renewed women's health strategy will set out our longer term vision so that every woman gets a health care that she deserves. My hon. Friend may wish to raise these matters herself with Ministers during the debate on International Women's Day next week.
11:09
Clive Jones MP (Wokingham, Liberal Democrat)
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Clive Jones MP (Wokingham, Liberal Democrat)
My will. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for many of my constituents in Kingswinford and South Staffordshire, a daily postal delivery is a fiction with a postal delivery is a fiction with a post sometimes taking weeks to arrive, and this includes hospital appointment letters and other important appointments that often arrive. The letters arrive after the appointments have happened. So can we have a debate in government time on the performance of Royal Mail and their responsibilities under the universal service obligation?
11:09
Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
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Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This, unfortunately, is an issue which unfortunately, is an issue which has been raised on many occasions, and the the House will understand and sympathise with the experience and sympathise with the experience of the hon. Gentleman's constituents, because, I'm sorry to say, it's all too frequent in many say, it's all too frequent in many areas. Ofcom has found Royal Mail three times on its service levels, and is investigating Royal Mail's compliance with its quality of service obligations, and they've been told to urgently publish and deliver a credible plan that delivers improvement.
The public does expect, as the hon. Gentleman says, a well-run postal service with letters arriving on time across the country and the Business and Trade Committee, as he may know, called in the Royal Mail into Parliament over their performance. And I hope that Ministers will be able to report on an improvement in the service in the coming weeks.
The public does expect, as the hon. Gentleman says, a well-run postal service with letters arriving on time across the country and the Business and Trade Committee, as he may know, called in the Royal Mail into Parliament over their performance. And I hope that Ministers will be able to report on an improvement in the service in the coming weeks.
11:10
Jim McMahon MP (Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton, Labour )
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Jim McMahon MP (Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton, Labour )
Jim McMahon. look towards certainly the local elections, all of our attention will be drawn to the quality of our local neighbourhoods. But it's local neighbourhoods. But it's quite clear after a decade under the previous government that they are still frayed. Whether it's a potholes on our roads, the quality potholes on our roads, the quality of our neighbourhoods in terms of flytipping and also the standard of our parks as people go to enjoy them. Now, given this is a cross-government responsibility and of course local government have a very important delivery role to play.
Does he share my view that there is maybe a role to play for a cross-government task force about rebuilding neighbourhood services in every community across the country?
Does he share my view that there is maybe a role to play for a cross-government task force about rebuilding neighbourhood services in every community across the country?
11:11
Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
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Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
Thank you. >> Mr. Speaker. The government is absolutely on to this matter, Mr. Speaker. In terms of potholes, ensuring that there are billions of pounds available for local authorities so that potholes can be fixed, it seems a particularly issue currently, not least because of the very wet winter. But it doesn't matter. They need to be fixed. And secondly, the government is also committed through the Pride in Place programme to ensuring that neighbourhoods not only get investment going forward, but that people living there are in charge of making decisions about their own future.
But I will certainly put to my hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, the suggestion that my other hon. Friend has just made Alison Bennett.
But I will certainly put to my hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, the suggestion that my other hon. Friend has just made Alison Bennett.
11:11
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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also wanted to raise the question of potholes because in Haywards Heath, in my constituency, potholes are plaguing many, many roads, including Perry Road, which is a bit like driving over the surface of the moon. Conservative run West Sussex County Council have failed for years and years, with temporary patch and pairs that repairs that patch and pairs that repairs that are both a disaster and a waste of money. How can West Sussex get better than this?
11:12
Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
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Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
Mr. Speaker. As I've said, the government is committed to more investment. But of course it does investment. But of course it does require local authorities to perform. And that was the bit that I missed out, that local authorities have an obligation to do that. And I hope that her local authority area has heard her words today.
11:12
Paula Barker MP (Liverpool Wavertree, Labour)
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Paula Barker MP (Liverpool Wavertree, Labour)
Paula Barker. Molloy and her amazing team, is an alcohol detox and rehabilitation service based in Sefton Park in my constituency. It does incredible work to support people struggling with alcohol dependence who have often experienced homelessness as well. The results are literally life changing. It's a supported in turn by Penny Lane builders, who maintain its heating free of charge, ensuring people accessing this life changing service have heating and hot water. A totally selfless act and a demonstration of social cohesion.
Will the Leader of the House join me in praising both Transforming Choice and Penny Lane builders? And will he make time for a debate in government time on the social purpose of businesses and the vital role that they play, like Penny Lane builders in the local communities, which often go unnoticed?
Will the Leader of the House join me in praising both Transforming Choice and Penny Lane builders? And will he make time for a debate in government time on the social purpose of businesses and the vital role that they play, like Penny Lane builders in the local communities, which often go unnoticed?
11:13
Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
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Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
Yeah. >> Mr. speaker, I certainly join my hon. Friend in praising what is happening in her constituency and happening in her constituency and across her city. She's on a bit of a roll, Mr. Speaker, because I note that next week she has a debate in Westminster Hall on rough sleeping amongst families with children. I am sure when she is finished with that, she may well seek a further debate to raise the follow on issues actually, which she's raised with us this morning.
Speaker.
Speaker.
11:14
Martin Vickers MP (Brigg and Immingham, Conservative)
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Martin Vickers MP (Brigg and Immingham, Conservative)
Last Thursday, the. >> Energy Minister visited my constituency, which was much appreciated, to discuss the fallout from Lindsay Hoyle refinery going into administration and how we boost the local economy following the number of redundancies that will occur. What is vital, as business leaders keep pointing out to me, is that we improve transport connections to northern Lincolnshire. Could the Leader of the House either arrange for a debate about that, or perhaps a meeting with myself and other local MPs with the appropriate Minister?
11:14
Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
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Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
Mr. speaker, I certainly arrange a meeting for the hon. Gentleman and his colleagues in the region because, as he is alluding to, it's not just a question of energy and not just a question of the businesses themselves, but it's about accessibility through good transport. So I'll certainly help him to arrange that.
11:14
Tracy Gilbert MP (Edinburgh North and Leith, Labour)
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Tracy Gilbert MP (Edinburgh North and Leith, Labour)
Tracy Gilbert. >> Tracy Gilbert. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >> The events of the past week serve as a reminder of the contribution that our Armed Forces contribution that our Armed Forces personnel play every day. Many of our veterans will suffer from trauma, anxiety and a range of mental health issues during their career and in retirement. The charity Combat Stress are running a march in March fundraiser to support the vital work they do for our veterans. Will the Leader of the House join me in wishing my nephew Stanley Watling and the others from Guildford Combined Cadet Force team who are taking part in this fundraising event? Good luck.
And will he schedule an oral statement on the support being provided to veterans?
And will he schedule an oral statement on the support being provided to veterans?
11:15
Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
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Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I certainly thank my hon. Friend, for raising the important work of our armed Forces, and I absolutely join in wishing Stanley and all those involved in the March, March in March fundraiser, fundraiser all the very best indeed and thank them. We are committed to supporting our brave veterans and I think all I thank all service personnel, both past and present, for their service, but also everyone involved with the cadets, because again, we're putting greater emphasis on cadets.
They do such an important job across our communities.
They do such an important job across our communities.
11:16
Lisa Smart MP (Hazel Grove, Liberal Democrat)
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Lisa Smart MP (Hazel Grove, Liberal Democrat)
Lisa Smart very much, Mr. Speaker. Torkington Park in my Speaker. Torkington Park in my Hazel Grove constituency is a beautiful place to spend some time, but too many of my constituents have been contacting me recently with concerns about raw sewage in the stream. They're really concerned about their children and their pets playing in there, and it appears that it's all down to dodgy connections from some housing that has been built going directly into the stream. Could I ask the Leader of the House if we could have a debate in government time so that we can flush out these issues across our constituencies, and that we can hold the Environment Agency, the water companies and housing developers properly to account?
11:16
Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
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Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
Yes. >> Yes. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I invite the hon. Lady to seek perhaps an adjournment debate, Mr. Speaker, adjournment debate, Mr. Speaker, because, as she's pointed out, these are often multifaceted problems. And should she be able to secure that, then she'd be able to set out a case in more detail.
11:17
Peter Prinsley MP (Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, Labour)
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Peter Prinsley MP (Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, Labour)
Peter Prinsley. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >> I wonder if the Leader of the House has had the opportunity to see the shocking channel four TV programme, Dirty Business, which brings to mind Mr. Binks of Stowmarket. Mr. Binks brought me a collection of photographs of the River Gipping for 50 years. The photo showed a once navigable river full of fish and clear water, now blocked with fallen trees, brown water and neglected banks, causing repeated flooding. Does the Leader of the House agree with me that this is a consequence of the disastrous deregulation of the water industry brought by the previous conservative governments, that has ruined our rivers?
11:17
Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
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Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would agree with his analysis of where agree with his analysis of where the problem ultimately lies, Mr. Speaker, but also that this government is committed to cleaning up our waterways and tackle waste crime. We boosted the environment, agencies waste crime enforcement Budget by over 50%, and we're giving councils powers to crush vehicles of suspected fly tippers. So I would encourage my hon. Friend to apply for a debate on these matters. Make sure that the relevant Minister is there, but also, I'm sure there will be others in the House that will echo my hon.
Spencer.
Spencer.
11:18
11:18
11:18
Maya Ellis MP (Ribble Valley, Labour)
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Maya Ellis MP (Ribble Valley, Labour)
forward that the House will be updated regularly on these matters. >> May I, Alice? >> Yes. >> Speaker. On Wednesday, I.
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Speaker. On Wednesday, I. Joined midwifery. Parliament. Square and spoke to Kelly McDermott, who is facing the McDermott, who is facing the reality that 31% of newly qualified midwives can't find jobs, which the Royal College of Midwives put down puts down to poor workforce planning. Would the leader join me in commending the incredible care that midwives give women? And would he also join me in calling on the Health Secretary to ensure that this is the government that finally provides the step change in investment on maternity services desperately need? Thank you, Mr.
Speaker. I certainly would join my hon. Friend as she champions our exceptionally hard working midwives, our ten year
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Speaker. On Wednesday, I. Joined midwifery. Parliament. Square and spoke to Kelly McDermott, who is facing the McDermott, who is facing the reality that 31% of newly qualified midwives can't find jobs, which the Royal College of Midwives put down puts down to poor workforce planning. Would the leader join me in commending the incredible care that midwives give women? And would he also join me in calling on the Health Secretary to ensure that this is the government that finally provides the step change in investment on maternity services desperately need? Thank you, Mr.
Speaker. I certainly would join my hon. Friend as she champions our exceptionally hard working midwives, our ten year
11:19
Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
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Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)
hard working midwives, our ten year work plan workforce plan will ensure that the NHS has the right people in the right place, with the people in the right place, with the right skills to care for patients. We've already recruited more than 800 extra midwives and invested over £140 million to deal with critical safety risks on maternity critical safety risks on maternity wards, but I will make sure that my hon. Friend gets a response from the Health Secretary on the specific concerns that she raises.
11:19
Caroline Voaden MP (South Devon, Liberal Democrat)
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Caroline Voaden MP (South Devon, Liberal Democrat)
Caroline Voaden. homes, businesses and a vital A road. The impact of winter storms this year illustrate the need for joined up thinking in government, and support for local government to cope financially with the eye watering costs of repair. So can we have a debate in government time about the need for a cross-departmental coastal erosion unit that brings together all the necessary parts of government to respond in a coordinated way to events such as this, which have left one of my communities completely battered.
11:20
11:20
Danny Beales MP (Uxbridge and South Ruislip, Labour)
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Danny Beales MP (Uxbridge and South Ruislip, Labour)
to go away, then I will I had the privilege of celebrating I had the privilege of celebrating Holly with the Hindu, West Drayton and Uxbridge Culturals. We threw colourful paint, play traditional colourful paint, play traditional games and children. Describe what the first Holi festival they celebrated meant to them. They'll be celebrating this Sunday as well. be celebrating this Sunday as well. So will the Leader of the House. Join me in wishing them and all of our constituents a happy holiday, and thank them for the contribution they make to our communities and our country.
11:21
