Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Steve Reed and Gregory Stafford

Monday 13th April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Steve Reed]

I agree with my hon. Friend that one of the most exciting things about Pride in Place is that the community themselves take the decisions about how the money should be spent. Of course that is the right thing to do, because they know best what needs to change to put pride back at the heart of their communities.

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

6. What steps his Department is taking to help prevent family voting in UK elections.

Representation of the People Bill

Debate between Steve Reed and Gregory Stafford

2nd reading
Monday 2nd March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Steve Reed]

I certainly share the hon. Lady’s confidence that this is the right thing to do, and I thank her for making that point.

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

Why, if the Secretary of State is allowing 16-year-olds to vote, is he not allowing them to stand for Parliament? If somebody can vote for the lawmaker, they can be a lawmaker. That is the logical incoherence in his argument.

[Steve Reed]

To correct the hon. Gentleman, it is not me, but the House, that would be allowing 16-year-olds to vote. If people can serve in the armed forces, they should have the right to help to choose their own country’s Government, who decide on matters of war and peace. We have just heard from the Prime Minister what an outstanding job our armed forces are doing.