🏛️ Business of the House

• Leaseholder Issues: Bell Ribeiro-Addy raised concerns about leaseholders facing unfair treatment from housing associations, such as issues with repairs, damp, and rising service charges. Lucy Powell acknowledged the problem and mentioned the government’s commitment to a draft leasehold reform Bill and a commonhold White Paper to address these issues.

• Martyn’s Law: Lucy Powell congratulated Figen Murray on the passing of Martyn’s law, which aims to enhance venue security across the country. This law was noted to have already helped prevent incidents in Manchester.

• Economic Concerns: John Glen questioned the impact of the Employment Rights Bill and other economic policies on local businesses, suggesting a need for revised forecasts. Lucy Powell defended the government’s approach, emphasizing economic growth and support for workers.

• Environmental Restoration: Julie Minns highlighted the success of the Howgill Beck restoration project in north Cumbria, which won the UK river prize. Lucy Powell praised the project and expressed interest in visiting.

• Right to Protest: Ellie Chowns criticized police actions against a peaceful protest, calling for a debate on laws restricting protest rights. Lucy Powell defended the balance between the right to protest and public order.

• Special Educational Needs: Charlotte Nichols discussed delays in opening a new special free school in Warrington for students with autism. Lucy Powell committed to expediting the process and improving SEND provisions.

• Energy Projects in Humber: Martin Vickers raised concerns about delayed energy projects in the Humber region. Lucy Powell reaffirmed government support for such projects.

• Gambling Regulations: Barry Gardiner called for reforms to the Gambling Act 2005 to protect communities from gambling shops. Lucy Powell promised to update on the progress of gambling reforms.

• Airport Expansion and Climate Impact: Daisy Cooper questioned the lack of debate on Luton airport expansion before a decision was made. Lucy Powell explained the quasi-judicial nature of such decisions and their alignment with climate commitments.

• Youth Engagement: John Slinger praised a youth policy event and called for more focus on young people’s ideas. Lucy Powell supported the initiative and mentioned government plans for votes at 16.

• Agricultural Support: Nick Timothy criticized the closure of certain farming schemes. Lucy Powell justified the decision and outlined ongoing governmental support for farmers.

• Public Transport Accessibility: Rachel Taylor highlighted difficulties in public transport accessibility for disabled individuals and sought a debate. Lucy Powell endorsed the topic for discussion.

• Business Rates and High Streets: Helen Morgan discussed the challenges faced by high street businesses due to rising rates and NIC. Lucy Powell confirmed the government’s commitment to reforming business rates.

• Local Government Accountability: Andy McDonald raised concerns about transparency and governance in the Tees Valley mayoral combined authority. Lucy Powell noted the issuance of a best value notice and outlined future legislative plans.

• Swimming Pool Funding: John Lamont requested support for local swimming pools, emphasizing their importance. Lucy Powell acknowledged the need but clarified that such funding is devolved in Scotland.

• Railway Expansion: Calvin Bailey called for a debate on expanding HS1 services for job creation. Lucy Powell supported the proposal and committed to providing updates.

• UK Internal Market Act: Pete Wishart called for the abolition of the UK Internal Market Act. Lucy Powell assured a thorough response to the consultation and emphasized a strong internal market.

• Welfare Reform Consultation: Rachael Maskell requested proper consultation on welfare reform changes. Lucy Powell confirmed that the upcoming legislation would allow for thorough debates.

• Volunteering and Charity: Ben Obese-Jecty paid tribute to George Kelly’s service and volunteering. Lucy Powell joined in the congratulations and emphasized the importance of volunteering.

• Traffic Management: Sojan Joseph discussed the disruption caused by Operation Brock and sought a debate on its use. Lucy Powell agreed to arrange a ministerial response on minimizing disruption.

• Rail Funding and Assessments: Claire Young raised concerns about the funding and impact assessments for rail services in her constituency. Lucy Powell promised to ensure a full response from a minister.

• Holiday Let Regulations: Jayne Kirkham discussed the need for a registration or licensing scheme for holiday lets. Lucy Powell confirmed the government’s commitment to a registration scheme and tax regime changes.

• Grassroots Sports Support: Shockat Adam called for more support for grassroots sports, mentioning declines in facilities. Lucy Powell highlighted government investments in sports and local government.

• NHS Waiting Lists: Phil Brickell praised efforts to reduce NHS waiting lists and sought further solutions. Lucy Powell acknowledged the success and the goal to further reduce waiting times.

• Taekwondo Funding: Tom Gordon requested support for grassroots sporting events like the Taekwondo tournament. Lucy Powell confirmed government support for both elite and grassroots sports.

• Geothermal Energy Initiatives: Liz Twist highlighted a geothermal energy project in her constituency. Lucy Powell endorsed a debate on contributions from coalfield communities to climate goals.

• Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan: Jim Shannon raised concerns about the persecution of Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan. Lucy Powell condemned the persecution and promised to raise it with the relevant minister.

• Historic Preservation: Chris Bloore suggested listing the Droitwich transmitter for its historical significance. Lucy Powell supported the suggestion for listing the site.

• Developer Contributions: James Naish criticized the unspent developer contributions in his constituency. Lucy Powell agreed there was no excuse for the delay in deploying these funds.

• Fly-Tipping: Laura Kyrke-Smith called for tougher sanctions on fly-tipping. Lucy Powell confirmed government plans to address this issue through new legislation.

• High Street Revitalization: David Pinto-Duschinsky discussed the need to revive high streets, particularly regarding phone box issues. Lucy Powell supported the idea of a debate on high street revival.

• Parkinson’s Research: Paul Davies requested more funding and research into Parkinson’s disease. Lucy Powell agreed that more research is needed and supported a debate.

• Football Club Volunteer: Josh Dean encouraged support for a local football club volunteer’s birthday initiative. Lucy Powell joined in encouraging attendance at the game and the upcoming football governance debate.

• Passport Accessibility: Martin Rhodes highlighted difficulties in obtaining a passport due to stringent rules. Lucy Powell committed to looking into the case while ensuring system integrity.

• Community Awards: Johanna Baxter congratulated local community award winners. Lucy Powell joined in the celebration of their contributions.

• Arbitrary Detention Case: Douglas McAllister raised urgency in resolving the case of Jagtar Singh Johal detained in India. Lucy Powell reaffirmed government interest in resolving the case swiftly.

• Specialist Equipment for Disabled Children: Josh Newbury stressed the need for better coordination to provide specialist equipment for disabled children. Lucy Powell endorsed a debate on the topic.

• Epilepsy Awareness: Perran Moon marked Epilepsy Awareness Day and sought assurance on government support for people with epilepsy. Lucy Powell confirmed the government’s focus on health conditions.

• Charity Hub Opening: Andrew Cooper congratulated a new charity hub for women and girls. Lucy Powell joined in recognizing the importance of the hub.

• Parking Enforcement: David Williams called for better enforcement of parking regulations to ensure safety. Lucy Powell supported the idea for a debate on this topic.

The session exhibits a moderate level of disagreement, which warrants a rating of 2 out of 5. While the overall tone remains civil and professional, there are instances of disagreement and critique. An example of disagreement is evident in the exchange between John Glen and Lucy Powell, where John Glen expresses concerns about the cumulative impact of the Employment Rights Bill and the need for revised OBR forecasts. Lucy Powell responds by defending the Government’s stance and indirectly criticizes the previous administration, stating, “I respected the right hon. Gentleman greatly as a Minister, but he was part of a Government who presided over a huge crash in our economy and all the problems that came from it.” This exchange shows a clear difference in opinion and a subtle critique of past policies. Additionally, Daisy Cooper questions Lucy Powell on a promise related to airport expansion and climate emissions framework, showing frustration and disagreement about the process, as evidenced by, “And yet, it has been reported this morning that the Government intend to give the green light to Luton airport expansion…with no debate at all.” Lucy Powell responds in a way that does not directly address the promise, indicating a divergence in views on procedural transparency. However, these instances of disagreement are not widespread or intense throughout the session, and many other exchanges are cooperative or congratulatory, supporting the moderate rating.