🎄 Christmas Adjournment

• Bob Blackman emphasized the busy year of 2024, marking general elections, the Paris Olympics, and other significant events, while lamenting the lack of success for Tottenham Hotspur. He expressed gratitude to various parliamentary staff and wished everyone a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

• Blackman detailed his new roles as Chairman of the Backbench Business Committee and the 1922 Committee, paying tribute to predecessors and noting his collaboration with new Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.

• He criticized Transport for London (TfL) for delays and mismanagement, particularly in the refurbishment of the Central and Piccadilly lines, and the condition of the Bakerloo line. Blackman also expressed frustration with Mayor Sadiq Khan’s funding priorities and TfL’s recent leadership changes.

• International concerns were raised including violence against minorities in Bangladesh and Canada, escalating tensions in the Middle East, and the need for the UK to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.

• Blackman called for the safe return of Emily Damari, the last British hostage in Gaza, emphasizing the urgency and the need for continued attention to her situation.

• He urged an increase in UK defense spending and expressed concern over the Ministry of Defence’s financial deficits as identified by the National Audit Office.

• The importance of Holocaust Memorial Day was highlighted, along with the rise in antisemitic incidents, urging all Members to sign the book of commitment to combat hate.

• Addressing the needs of the homeless during winter was emphasized, with a reminder to support local charities and to offer support and kindness directly to those sleeping rough.

• Blackman acknowledged the successful passage of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to Committee stage, aiming to eradicate smoking and tackle youth vaping.

• He discussed healthcare, mentioning a visit to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore and the need for further investment in its facilities.

• Concluding, a tribute was paid to the late Sir David Amess and festive well-wishes were extended, with hopes for a healthier and happier 2025.

• Valerie Vaz highlighted local issues in Walsall and Bloxwich, including the lack of disabled access at Bescot railway station, higher rates of emergency bowel cancer admissions, the need for schools and preservation of local heritage through the leather museum.

• An international concern was raised about Alaa Abd el-Fattah, a British citizen imprisoned in Egypt, urging for consular access and repatriation efforts.

• Vaz proposed a year of reading in 2026 to promote literacy among the public.

• John Lamont praised local organizations in the Scottish Borders, particularly those supporting the NHS and community projects, thanking volunteers and workers for their contributions.

• Alan Strickland celebrated achievements in his constituency, including securing a deal to maintain the Hitachi train factory and the importance of the Octric semiconductor factory for defense capabilities.

• He discussed opportunities in the defense sector for small and medium-sized enterprises and the importance of recognizing the efforts of the armed forces.

• Martin Vickers raised concerns about headlight glare and road safety, urging the Department for Transport to address the issue. He also campaigned for better direct train services from his constituency to London.

• David Burton-Sampson highlighted the work of local charities in Southend West and Leigh, including the Music Man Project, Southend Food Bank, St Vincent’s, and Andy’s Man Club, thanking them for their vital services.

• Steff Aquarone detailed the severe neglect faced by a constituent named Patricia in accessing mental health treatment, calling for better coordinated and patient-centered care.

• Jenny Riddell-Carpenter acknowledged the efforts of local organizations in Suffolk Coastal that support the community, particularly emphasizing the need to address poverty and homelessness, especially during the festive season.

• Llinos Medi called for governmental action to support businesses affected by the closure of the Port of Holyhead due to Storm Darragh, urging for a hardship fund to aid affected individuals.

• Rachel Hopkins celebrated the positive aspects of her constituency, including the Radio 1 Big Weekend and the progress of Luton Town FC, while expressing gratitude to community organizations and public service workers.

• Robbie Moore discussed local projects funded by the Conservative Administration in Keighley and Ilkley, including the development of Providence Park, a new train station, and a new hospital, urging the current government to continue these initiatives.

• Matt Rodda shared hopes for Reading FC and discussed the potential redevelopment of Reading Gaol into an arts hub, while thanking local businesses and charities for their contributions to the community.

• Will Forster congratulated McLaren F1 on its success and emphasized the importance of high-quality manufacturing jobs in Woking, hoping for continued investment and growth in the sector.

• Jim Dickson wished for progress on the Lower Thames Crossing project and the extension of the Elizabeth line, thanking local businesses, community groups, and emergency services for their essential work.

• Jim Shannon offered a message of hope and faith, reflecting on the struggles many face during the holiday season and encouraging acts of kindness and support within the community.

• Zoe Franklin brought attention to the challenges in special educational needs provision, sharing distressing stories of families struggling to secure adequate support for their children, urging government action.

• Jeremy Corbyn expressed concerns about social issues like poverty, the privatization of public services, and discrimination against migrants, advocating for public ownership of key industries and improved housing rights.

• Wera Hobhouse acknowledged the end of Disability History Month and praised local initiatives in Bath supporting adults with learning disabilities and the vital role of the third sector, despite its financial challenges.

• Bobby Dean focused on his three key promises to constituents in Carshalton and Wallington: improvements in the NHS, addressing the cost of living, and environmental protection, with specific mentions of local progress and ongoing efforts.

• Paul Holmes provided insights from various Members, reflecting on constituency issues and the importance of the annual pre-recess debate, with a focus on community organizations, infrastructure projects, and local initiatives.

• Anna Turley concluded the session with a comprehensive response, highlighting the government’s legislative agenda and expressing solidarity with those facing difficulties over the Christmas period, while echoing the sentiments of peace and unity.

The session does not display significant disagreement among the participants. The debate is characterized by Members of Parliament from various parties and constituencies primarily focusing on praising local initiatives, expressing gratitude to staff and volunteers, and discussing issues of concern without notable contention. While there are occasional mentions of policy disagreements, such as the critique of Transport for London’s performance by Bob Blackman and Anna Turley’s retort, these are not central to the debate and do not escalate into significant conflict. The majority of the session is filled with constructive comments, personal stories, and well-wishes for the holiday season, indicating a low level of disagreement overall.