Business of the House

Lee Pitcher Excerpts
Thursday 12th June 2025

(2 days, 20 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lucy Powell Portrait Lucy Powell
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May I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising this issue? The Government remain deeply concerned about the use of blasphemy laws to undermine human rights in Pakistan, and those conversations between our Government and other Governments happen continuously. The Foreign Secretary is in his place, so I am sure that he has heard the hon. Gentleman’s call.

Lee Pitcher Portrait Lee Pitcher (Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme) (Lab)
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June is indeed a very special month for birthdays—as you will know, Mr Speaker, given that you celebrated your birthday this week. Will the Leader of the House join me in celebrating the 100th birthday of the Doncaster Free Press and recognise the importance of local newspapers in our regions?

Lucy Powell Portrait Lucy Powell
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Well, I can confirm that it was not Mr Speaker’s 100th birthday—he falls well short of that. Weren’t you 21 again this week, Mr Speaker? I join my hon. Friend in congratulating Doncaster Free Press and all our local newspapers on continuing to provide a trusted source of local news that many of our constituents rely on.