Conservative MP for Wetherby and Easingwold
Is my hon. Friend not incredulous that the Government’s proposed amendment to the motion “welcomes the Employment Rights Act 2025 and the…Plan to Make Work Pay”? Does he think this is just another example of the Government burying their head in the sand, and that work may pay but there is nothing to work at?
Like all of us, several constituents have raised heartbreaking issues with me—they are getting into real financial duress. My constituents viewing our proceedings today will be thinking, “Well, what’s going to change?” Will the Minister consider compensating people from Capita’s profits, so that all missed payments are given to people who are in financial difficulty? Everybody...
What steps he is taking to increase the availability of the Royal Navy surface fleet.
With the retirement of HMS Iron Duke, the number of deployable Type 23s is reducing. In government, we ordered a total of 13 Type 26s and Type 31s. With the Chagos deal now dead, does the Minister agree with our policy that the immediate saving of £400 million should be used to accelerate the commissioning and launching of the Type 26s and Type 31s?
I call the Liberal Democrat spokesman.
Well, with an introduction like that, I call Lara Bird.
Order. I gently remind the hon. Member, first, that we do not use the word “you”—I am not responsible for any of this. You speak through the Chair so that we can maintain calmness in the Chamber. Secondly, you are not allowed to use aids and props. You may describe the aid or prop, but please do not hold it up as if it will be recognised.
Alex Brewer will move the motion, and then the Minister will respond. I remind other hon. Members that they may make a speech only with prior permission from the Member in charge of the debate and from the Minister. As is the convention in 30-minute debates, there will not be an opportunity for the Member in charge to wind up.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, can she confirm that she will submit a formal planning application to North Yorkshire Council should the she decide to use former RAF Linton-on-Ouse for asylum accommodation.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the total spend to date on the Tempest project, including pre-concept and early concept phases.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the total spend to date on the Type 83 Destroyer project, including pre-concept and early concept phases.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the Charity Commission regarding antisemitism in the arts sector.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the Charity Commission regarding Iran-linked charities operating in the UK.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to pages 19 to 20 of the Sixth Special Report of the Joint Committee on Human Rights of Session 2024-26 on Transnational repression in the UK: Government Response, HC1405, published on 30 October 2025, when she intends to publish a refreshed Human Rights and Democracy report.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what support is available for UK-based not-for-profit organisations developing innovative health technologies for use in the developing world.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of heavier vehicles on the durability of materials used in the repair of road potholes.
