US Department of Justice Release of Files

Debate between Darren Jones and Rachel Hopkins

Monday 2nd February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Darren Jones]

I agree wholeheartedly with the hon. Lady, and the Government have called for anybody with information to do just that.

[Rachel Hopkins (Luton South and South Bedfordshire) (Lab)]

Many of my constituents, like all of us, will be horrified by the revelations regarding Peter Mandelson and the Epstein files, but they will also be shocked to know that the Government do not have the power to remove peerages. Does the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister agree that it is absolutely right to do whatever is necessary to modernise procedures to allow for the removal of peers and their peerages when they have bought the other place into disrepute?

[Darren Jones]

My hon. Friend is exactly right, and that is why the Government have written to the appropriate authorities in the other place today to request that that work is now started.

Growing the UK Economy

Debate between Darren Jones and Rachel Hopkins

Wednesday 29th January 2025 Commons Chamber

[Darren Jones]

We hear from businesses, investors, businesspeople, travellers and people who want to be able to come through London or the UK that we are losing trade and investment in comparison with other hub airports on mainland Europe. We have every opportunity to secure that here in the UK, and that will, by its very nature, secure investment, jobs and economic growth.

[Rachel Hopkins (Luton South and South Bedfordshire) (Lab)]

The Chancellor highlighted the redevelopment of Old Trafford in her speech, but similar investment is happening in Luton, where Power Court is set to be the new home of Luton Town football club. That mixed-use housing and commercial development will bring new opportunities and support the regeneration of our town. May I invite the Minister to join me on a visit to see how that will be a key driver of economic growth across Bedfordshire and the eastern region?