Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Sam Rushworth and Stephen Morgan

Thursday 22nd October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Dr Sam Rushworth (Bishop Auckland) (Lab)]

Farmers in my constituency are concerned about the rising cost of fertiliser, which risks making them uncompetitive. On their behalf, can I ask the Minister whether she will engage with the Treasury to consider delaying the carbon border adjustment mechanism, and also do more to ensure we can develop domestic, low-carbon fertiliser?

[Stephen Morgan]

The Government recognise the pressures facing farmers and the food and farming sector. Fertiliser CBAM liabilities are expected to be below 1% of current prices, with impacts on farmers very limited. Over time, CBAM—alongside domestic farming policy—will support the transition towards more resilient, low-carbon supply chains while maintaining food production.

Early Education and Childcare

Debate between Sam Rushworth and Stephen Morgan

Thursday 4th September 2025 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Morgan]

I wish the hon. Gentleman’s children good luck as they start school this week. As I mentioned earlier, in this financial year alone we plan to provide more than £8 billion for early years entitlement—an increase of more than 30% compared with the last financial year. We have also announced the largest increase in the early years pupil premium since its introduction, which is a significant boost, and investment in targeted support for the most disadvantaged in our communities. As I mentioned earlier, we will review funding rates in due course, and I am very happy to meet the hon. Member to discuss these issues.

[Sam Rushworth (Bishop Auckland) (Lab)]

While the leader of Reform UK, the hon. Member for Clacton (Nigel Farage), is off in America encouraging them to ruin the livelihoods of families in Bishop Auckland, I am really pleased that this Government are saving my constituents thousands of pounds in childcare, but this is not just about childcare. We know that the ages of nought to five are the most important in deciding a person’s outcomes later in life, which includes the interventions in the Best Start family hubs. The previous Government closed 13 Sure Start centres in my constituency; this Government are making a good start, but we will still only really have one hub. Will the Minister meet me to discuss some of our goals locally to open a couple more centres and see how we can support that best start for children in our area?

[Stephen Morgan]

I am very happy to meet my hon. Friend. The 1,000 Best Start family hubs that we have been rolling out across the country will make a huge difference, ensuring that every child gets the best start in life, alongside the parent hub that we launched earlier this week, which will provide practical support to parents on breastfeeding, access to childcare and other issues. I note that no Reform Members are in the House today, and I know the public will note that too.