Oral Answers to Questions

Gregory Stafford Excerpts

Wednesday 4th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Louise Haigh]

The hon. Lady is absolutely right to raise this issue, and to do so in the way that she has. I know that Members from across the House will send their thoughts and best wishes to the victims, to their families who will be incredibly worried about them and to the community at this time. We urge anybody with information to bring it forward to the police, so that any perpetrators can be brought to justice, and we remain committed to halving knife crime over the next decade. I will ensure that a Minister meets her to discuss the particular issues she raises about this crime and how we should address these issues going forward.

[Gregory Stafford (Farnham and Bordon) (Con)]

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I wish to for ask your advice about the First Secretary of State having potentially inadvertently misled the House on two occasions during Question Time. She said that the Conservatives voted against every change in the Budget. That is not true—we voted against six specific measures. She also said quite specifically that the Conservatives voted against a council tax cut for 20 million households. We did not—we voted against increasing council tax by opposing resolution 86—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. When I stand up, please do me the courtesy of sitting down. Look, we cannot continue the debate. I am not responsible for the answers. What you have done, Mr Stafford, is to correct the record by putting down what you believe to be the facts. I do not want to continue a debate at this time.

Bills Presented

Energy Independence

Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57)

Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh, supported by the Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary Angela Rayner, Secretary Dame Angela Eagle, Secretary Chris Bryant, Secretary Mr Douglas Alexander, Secretary Stephen Kinnock, Michael Shanks and Martin McCluskey, presented a Bill to make provision about the regulation of the energy sector; about energy schemes; about heat networks; about the Independent System Operator and Planner; about the North Sea Transition Authority and activities relating to petroleum; about the Mining Remediation Authority and coal-mining operations; about hydrogen power; about employment rights for offshore workers; about the energy efficiency of properties in the private rented sector; about radioactive waste; about fees relating to the assessment and certification of fuels and fireplaces; and for connected purposes.

Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Tuesday 10 November, and to be printed (Bill 176) with explanatory notes (Bill 176-EN).

Visitor Levy (England)

Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57)

Secretary Angela Rayner, supported by the Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Secretary Louise Haigh, Secretary Lisa Nandy, Jim McMahon and James Murray, presented a Bill to make provision for and in connection with the imposition, by strategic authorities, of a new local tax in respect of stays in residential accommodation.

Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Tuesday 10 November, and to be printed (Bill 177) with explanatory notes (Bill 177-EN).