Oral Answers to Questions

Amanda Martin Excerpts

Thursday 12th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Vicky Foxcroft]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising that really important point. I refer in part to what I said earlier, but let me also say that the measure will raise an additional £130 million a year, which will help to pay for the freeze in business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. If the hon. Gentleman writes to me, I will ensure that he gets a fuller response.

[Amanda Martin (Portsmouth North) (Lab)]

Hilsea lido is a real jewel in the crown of Portsmouth North; it first opened in 1935, and it holds a special place in our history. Following its fantastic regeneration, it has been wonderful to see hundreds flocking back this summer. Will the Minister join me in thanking Sea Lanes, the lido’s operators? Will she also join me in praising the dedicated trustees and volunteers of Hilsea Lido Pool for the People Trust, who kept the money going and kept the lido running through very dark times, and without whom it would not be open now?

[Lisa Nandy]

I absolutely do—I thank Sea Lanes, the trustees, and all the volunteers. There is a volunteer army in this country that ensures our fantastic lidos can continue to operate, and it is great to see my hon. Friend championing them. We will also champion them through the funding I recently announced to my hon. Friend.