Commons Chamber

Thursday 8th May 2025

(began 6 hours, 22 minutes ago)

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None Portrait
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She is absently right. The previous government cut resources and half regulations. It was one of the ways that the water companies were able to get away with so much pollution. We changed the law to allow the regulators to cover the costs of prosecution so they can carry out further prosecutions from waterways.

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Can I make an appeal from the Secretary of State not to make Secretary of State not to make farmers scapegoat to in any water reforms. Clearly where farmers and reforms. Clearly where farmers and farming are engaged in bad practice, farming are engaged in bad practice, they should be penalised, but water they should be penalised, but water is absolutely critical as this food supplied. It is a critical part of supplied. It is a critical part of agriculture and my appeal is to get farmers involved.

They look after farmers involved. They look after the environment on all of our halfs in the right way most of the time, and for them not to become scapegoats.

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scapegoats. I agree with him and we are supporting Fortis, many of whom were supporting Fortis, many of whom were affected by the farm recovery fund. affected by the farm recovery fund. I am engaging constantly and will do again today with the National Farmers Union about these issues and

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many others. By 2050, we will need more than 4000 additional megalitres of water today with rising temperatures resulting in a fivefold increase in drought risk which is concerning drought risk which is concerning news for farmers in Glastonbury and Somerton given the necessity of Somerton given the necessity of water for livestock and crops. So what steps is the Minister taking to consult with farmers about reforms consult with farmers about reforms to the water sector, and does the Minister know how important water is to food production? to food production?
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Daniel Zeichner Portrait Daniel Zeichner MP, The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Cambridge, Labour)
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farming network. They told me about the huge frustration with the feeling of being let down by this government's policy on farming. The lack of support they have. They recognise how vital farming is. The transition to nature friendly farming for our food security in this country, for nature protection, for climate action. Can I ask the Minister, does he agree with the farmers in my constituency how vital nature friendly farming is in the transition to those issues? Will he give us a date when he will bring forward his policies?

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Thank you Mr Speaker. I am interested, always interested to hear reflections from farmers. I hear reflections from farmers. I speak to other members of the nature farmer friendly network you are pleased with the progress that has pleased with the progress that has been made. Of course we want to go been made. Of course we want to go faster further, we do. We have over 50,000 people now in these schemes. More money being spent and never before. What we need to do is before.

What we need to do is recognise the important progress that is being made.

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Number 10 sir.

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Number 10 sir. Thank you Mr Speaker. Again, this is an extremely serious issue and I'm grateful to the right honourable gentleman for bringing the question gentleman for bringing the question to the house. To prevent further disease spread and manage the risk of influenza, DEFRA and the animal of influenza, DEFRA and the animal Plant health agency of England did well established structures to
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None Portrait Q13. What steps he is taking to help reduce the cost of materials for arable farms. (904004)
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wrong. We know that fly tipping is a very big problem for farmers and I have visited fly tipping sites near
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Steve Reed Portrait Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Streatham and Croydon North, Labour )
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Always grateful for his contribution. There are a series of fair deal clauses which have come from the agricultural act which are being brought through the moment. We inspectors see more progress made on that. Farmers should get a fair deal.

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We now come to topicals. Fly tipping scandalously shot up

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Fly tipping scandalously shot up over 1/3 under the previous Conservative government, and the public are rightly furious when they see their communities buried under an avalanche of rubbish. This government will clean up our government will clean up our streets, towns and villages. We will support councils to identify, seize and crush waste criminal vehicles by closing the Tory fly tipping closing the Tory fly tipping loopholes that prevented tough action. We will increase sentencing for dumping waste for up to 5 years, and we will make fly tippers pay and we will make fly tippers pay because we believe the polluter and not the public should pay.

This government will call time on fly government will call time on fly tippers so we can restore people's pride in their neighbourhoods.

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pride in their neighbourhoods. The River Camel in my north, constituency attracts more than half a million users every year and a million users every year and brings over £3 million to the local economy. Will the Minister please meet with me to discuss the River Trail extension to Camelford as part of this government's manifesto pledge to create new river walks and create thousands more to nature.

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I am delighted to hear that people are enjoying the River Camel Trail. It is a wonderful thing to Trail. It is a wonderful thing to visit. The reason that we want to extend more of these across the country is so that more people can country is so that more people can enjoy them. I will make sure he will meet with the appropriate minister to raise his concerns. to raise his concerns.

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to raise his concerns. As we mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe, not only do we of Victory in Europe, not only do we remember the great realm I constituency plate and including the 617, but we must remember those 617, but we must remember those women and men who formed our nation. women and men who formed our nation. Many people still found the land, but this position is under threat but this position is under threat from the government.

For Christmas, I want the secretary of state that a
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Lucy Rigby Portrait Lucy Rigby KC MP, The Solicitor-General (Northampton North, Labour)
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Mr speak at the honourable Member base is a very important issue. We know that rural and farming communities face acute and bespoke threats from criminals stop that includes in relation to highly organised crime that is exploiting our rural communities. He refers to livestock, fly-tipping, machinery, fuel theft as well. We are committed fuel theft as well. We are committed to influencing the prevention act 2023. We are also committed to that 2023. We are also committed to that further funding of the national further funding of the national rural and wildlife unit and announced additional funding in relation to that because we relation to that because we recognise how critical it is to crack down on rural.

I should mention policing as well because a mention policing as well because a neighbourhood policing guarantee covers the entirety of this country not just urban areas but rural areas as well. Question number four Mr Speaker.

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Mr Speaker, with permission I will answer questions four and nine together. This government is determined to crack down on the determined to crack down on the skirt of economic crime. The Serious Fraud Office does crucial work to tackle complex fraud, bribery, and tackle complex fraud, bribery, and corruption. Under the new director, the SFO has opened nine new overt investigations and charged 16 defendants. Last week I saw the SFO's crucial work first hand when I SFO's crucial work first hand when I observed a dawn raid carried out in relation to a new multi-million pound bribery investigation.



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pound bribery investigation. Thaci Mr Speaker. The vast majority of UK businesses play by majority of UK businesses play by the rules but fraud is estimated to cost the UK taxpayer including my cost the UK taxpayer including my constituents between £55 billion and £80 billion per year. Can I ask, what is the SFO doing to encourage businesses to itself report wrongdoing?

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wrongdoing? My honourable friend is actually right. The vast majority of businesses do play by the rules. businesses do play by the rules. Fraud is so damaging precisely because it undermines everyone that plays fairly. That is why this government is so determined to tackle it. I welcome the SFO's recently revised guidance aimed at driving up the number of corporate driving up the number of corporate sets of report wrongdoing this is a positive development that will foster good corporate citizenship. It is an important contributor to the government economic growth mission.

mission.
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Lucy Powell Portrait Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )
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statement this afternoon on US UK trade. The timing of that statement is yet to be established but it will appear on the annunciator once it has been confirmed. We now come to Business Questions.

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Thank you. While the leader of

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give us the forthcoming business? The business for the week commencing 12 May includes Monday, commencing 12 May includes Monday, 12 May, remaining stages of the border security asylum and border security asylum and immigration bill. Tuesday the 13th, Opposition days. Seventh allotted day debate on a motion on the name day debate on a motion on the name of the official opposition subject to be announced. Wednesday the 14th, considerations of Lord's message on considerations of Lord's message on the great British Energy Bill followed by F necessary, followed by F necessary, consideration of Lords Amendments followed by motion to approve the Russia sanctions EU exit amendment regulations 2025.

There is to 15 May, general debate on solar farms followed by general debate on long- term abuse services. The subjects of these debates were determined by the Backbench Business Committee. Friday, 16 May, private members Friday, 16 May, private members bills. Monday, 19 May, second reading of the mental health bill Lord's. Tuesday the 20th, second reading of the victims court spell. Wednesday, 21 May, Opposition days eighth allotted day debate on a eighth allotted day debate on a motion in the name of the official opposition subject to be announced.

Thursday, 22 May, business to be Thursday, 22 May, business to be determined by the Backbench Business Committee. The house will rise for the Whitsun recess at the conclusion the Whitsun recess at the conclusion of business on Thursday, 22 May and return on Monday, 2 June. return on Monday, 2 June.
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Jesse Norman Portrait Rt Hon Jesse Norman MP (Hereford and South Herefordshire, Conservative)
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Thank you. This is of course the ATF anniversary of VE day when all Britain rejoiced at the defeat of fascism and the end of the war in Europe. I am sure I speak for the whole house and putting on record whole house and putting on record once again our profound thanks and that extraordinary generation that through the courage made victory in Europe. We can all be worthy of their memory. If I may turn back to the business of our politics, the unfortunate trade is that it has the unfortunate truth that it has had a dire week in office.

The financial facts of life have not pays, growth is stagnant, and we have to raise defence standards rapidly, and the government has made itself a prisoner of its fiscal rules. Before the leader of the starts in on the local elections, the reminder of all the horrors of last week, the opposition still ended up with three times as many council seats as the government. Let's look at those cost pressures a bit more closely. Just eight months after a 22.3% increase in pay for junior doctors, an increase described by the BMA as a good enough first step, the house will recall the BMI is now announced that it will balance its member to strike for more pay.

Meanwhile, the somewhat unlikely pairing of Tony Blair and Gary Smith have both denounced the government's decision to ban offshore licences in the Northsea. Described it as an irrational policy which is doomed to failure, the backlash to which threaten to derail the whole agenda. He said it was caused by ministers afraid of being classed as climate deniers. He is not talking about the Secretary of State for energy but all of the ministers and MPs on the government benches who know better but are to afraid to say so.

Gary Smith of the climate fundamentalism would accelerate the decline of domestic oil and gas production and increase dependency on gas import directly contrary to the supposed growth strategy. As he pointed out, across society, bill payers will question why they are subsidising a domestic clean power sprint that is off shoring UK jobs and value. And only today, we have had the news that as steady a mothball in their giant new offshore windfarm as they have made clear they are holding out for even greater subsidies knowing that the Secretary of State has no choice and has said that he has no choice if he wants to hit his targets.

We all want a just and rapid energy transition, but does the leader not think that the words of Tony Blair are simple commonsense? There is one other issue that I think we should highlight. The leader of the has received universal condemnation on grooming gangs as dog whistle politics. It did not contain an apology for what she had said. The Secretary of State for health said her remarks were indefensible the truth is that she is talked in the same way about grooming gangs from the despatch boxes when she accused people are jumping on bandwagons on January 9 of this year.

I hope we can agree that this is an extremely serious issue. And whether or not someone has public office should be denying its seriousness, and I hope it in her response now, the leader of the will put aside party politics, avoid criticising others and speak from the heart, so I ask her how she now watched the Channel 4 documentary and if so, how she 4 documentary and if so, how she feel about it? It still remains a continuing national scandal.

All she now back the call of many victims for a comprehensive national for a comprehensive national enquiry, and finally, would she like to take this opportunity now to speak directly to the hundreds of speak directly to the hundreds of vulnerable women involved and say sorry? sorry?
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Lucy Powell Portrait Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )
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Thank you. I just want to say, further to your statement, that on the US trade deal developments, talks have been and are continuing at pace and the house will be updated. I will come on to VE Day shortly, but first of all, can I address the remarks from the honourable gentleman? And I thank him for raising with me what I said in an episode of any questions last week so I can be absolutely clear with the house today, especially to the victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and grooming gangs that I am very sorry for those remarks as I made clear over the weekend.

I every member of this government want your truth to be heard. Wherever that truth leads. Your truly appalling experiences need to be acted on. For those responsible to be accountable and face the full force of the law, and for justice to be served. I would never want to leave the impression that these very serious issue should be shied away from and not aired. Far from it. No stone will be left unturned. And what the victims want is for action to be taken and for the many recommendations from the previous enquiries to be implemented in full, including mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse, something I have called for nearly a decade.

These recommendations remain sitting on the shelf until we came into government last year. Baroness government last year. Baroness Louise Casey who created the audit on the characteristics of grooming gangs and will be reporting soon. This will include the questions of ethnicity as well. Every police force in England and has been asked to look again at historic grooming gang cases, and they will be reopened where it is appropriate to get perpetrators behind bars. So I hope the house is left in no doubt of my commitment to these issues and my apology to those victims for any distress I have caused them.

I have to say that I was surprised to hear the shadow minister trying to claim some success in the local election with his party. I'm not sure that is what the benches opposite are feeling, let me address this issue of our needs to move to a clean energy superpower. I'm afraid that yet again, at the despatch boxes, he and his party are showing serious misunderstanding of the economics and reality of the transition to net-zero. We face the worst cost of living crisis in generations because his party left this country exposed to international fossil fuel markets as a direct result of their failure to invest in clean energy, and it is only by investing that we will bring down bills for the future, and he might want to remind himself that what his former prime minister said about this issue was that the sceptics say it will cripple business.

We say they could not be more wrong because this is a global race that we are in for the jobs of the future to get the goals down and that is exactly what we are doing. And he knows better than anybody that new oil and gas in the Northsea will not take a penny of bills because oil and gas is traded on the international markets and therefore we are locked in, and the only way to decouple that is by investing in cheaper renewable energies as this government is doing, and it was the previous minister who said in 2022 more UK production would not reduce the global price of gas.

He might want to remind himself of that. But can I just say at the end that we have all come together here today to honour our veterans and all those who played their part in securing peace and victory in Europe, ending the Second World War. Today, we mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. We will shortly recreate the possession members took from here to a service of thanksgiving on May 8, 1945. In addressing the house, Winston Churchill said I convey my deep gratitude to this House of Commons which has proved itself the strongest foundation for waging war that has ever been seen in the whole of our long history.

We have all made our mistakes, but the strength of the Parliamentary institution has been showed to enable it at the same moment to preserve all titles of democracy while waging war in the most down As we represent a parliamentary democracy today, these words ring as true today. We will never forget the sacrifice, the bravery, the spirit, and the millions of lives lost in defeating fascism. Today, also remember Her Majesty late Queen, whose youthful joyous celebration symbolised VE Day, and whose long- range shaped peace and prosperity that followed it.

Today and every that followed it. Today and every day we remember the immense contribution of the Second World War generation, and we thank them for their service. their service. Thank you Mr Speaker. Women's Aid reports 80% of domestic abuse cases go unreported. Reporting and postage rates are disproportionately lower for black and minority survivors. Does the Leader of the House agree that consistent collection and publication of this data is key to assessing whether government actions are working for all women?
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Marie Goldman Portrait Marie Goldman MP (Chelmsford, Liberal Democrat)
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Absolutely for top can I thank for raising that. She knows, Tackling Violence Against Women is a national emergency, and it is one of the key missions of this government. I absolutely agree with her that this data needs to be brought to

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light. Thank you Mr Speaker. I would also like to mark the 80th also like to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day by commemorating the sacrifices not just by those who fought and fell in just by those who fought and fell in the Second World War but also those who continue to serve our country in our Armed Forces. And all those who our Armed Forces. And all those who support them including their families who often spend long periods of time away from their periods of time away from their loved ones.

Last week's local elections for the first time in history that the Liberal Democrats beat both the Conservatives and Labour at the same local elections. We are proud of the trust vote is We are proud of the trust vote is placed in us winning that our party now controls more councils than the now controls more councils than the Conservatives. But last week also saw some of the most widely divided results in our country has ever results in our country has ever seen. In the West of England mayoral elections, winner from the Labour Party took the seat with just 25% of Party took the seat with just 25% of the vote.

Put another way, three out the vote. Put another way, three out of every four voters put their cross in somebody else's box. But the lowest winning vote share was in Cornwall the winner in one race, little democrat, was elected with just 18.9% of the vote, just seven 7.5% separated the top four candidates. It is clear we are witnessing the end of the traditional two party system. Like it or not, the antiquated First Past the Post system simply isn't the Post system simply isn't designed to cope with a multi-party system.

At least not if you believe in fairness, as I hope the party in fairness, as I hope the party opposite does. Will the leader now grants time for the bill put forward in the name of my honourable friend in the name of my honourable friend member for Richmond Park, to be debated in full, and was encouraged debated in full, and was encouraged all her colleagues in government finally to support the proposed move to proportional representation? to proportional representation?
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Bob Blackman Portrait Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East, Conservative)
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Absolutely. Can I join him in paying tribute to that determined and consistent stoic leadership the Prime Minister has brought which is really bringing dividends to this country. And will bring future prosperity and growth through the

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trade deals that he is agreed. Chair of the backbench committee. In addition to the business that leader has announced, next Thursday there will be a Select Committee statement from the Work and Pensions Committee. On Thursday, 22 May, there will be a debate on access to NHS dentistry followed by a debate NHS dentistry followed by a debate on dementia. In Westminster Hall, on dementia. In Westminster Hall, next week,, on 13 May, a debate on the impact of churches and religious the impact of churches and religious buildings and communities.

On Thursday, 15 May, a debate on Thursday, 15 May, a debate on funding for the The Vaccine Alliance, followed by a debate on Alliance, followed by a debate on world asthma Day. On 22nd of May, so 21st of May, 20th May, there will be 21st of May, 20th May, there will be debate on pensions of people living overseas. Thursday 22nd of May there will be a three-hour debate on the will be a three-hour debate on the EU-UK summit. Yesterday, the EU-UK summit.

Yesterday, the renowned charity Stand With Us published a report on anti-Semitism on university campuses. Dozens of students have given their testimony students have given their testimony to the failure of universities to protect them and protect their rights. They have come out with a series of recommendations including sanctions against universities that failed to protect students. And also failed to protect students. And also for an independent inquiry to get to the bottom of why universities are not protecting students. We have a not protecting students.

We have a statement next week from the relevant minister on what is going relevant minister on what is going to happen to make sure that Jewish students are protected on campuses? students are protected on campuses?
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None Portrait Select Committee Statement: Select Committee Statement on the First Report of the Environmental Audit Committee, The role of natural capital in the UK’s green economy, HC 501
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Order, Order, the Order, the sitting Order, the sitting is Order, the sitting is resumed.
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Toby Perkins Portrait Mr Toby Perkins MP (Chesterfield, Labour)
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Order, the sitting is resumed. We come to the statement on the behalf of the environmental audit of the environmental audit committee. No interventions may be taken. At the conclusion of his statement, I will call members for questions on the subject of the statement. They should be brief questions and not speeches. Questions should be directed to the Select Committee chair and not the relevant minister and front benches

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may take part in questioning. Thank you very much indeed. I am

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Thank you very much indeed. I am very pleased to present the Environmental Audit Committee's Environmental Audit Committee's report on the role of natural capital in the green economy. This report was initiated by my predecessor, The Right Honourable Philip Dunne, the former Member of Philip Dunne, the former Member of Parliament for Ludlow. Firstly, I would like to pay great tribute to him for his excellent contribution him for his excellent contribution as chair. And Mr Dunne enjoyed what as chair.

And Mr Dunne enjoyed what I suspect is the unusual expections I suspect is the unusual expections of answering questions in the statements that came to this report. Having originally initiated the reporting January 2024, and then seen Parliament dissolved before the seen Parliament dissolved before the report could be published, he was kind enough to return as a witness in 24 to brief the success of in 24 to brief the success of committee on the evidence to provide his own insights. I would also like to take this opportunity to place on record my gratitude and the gratitude of members of the committee passed on present, to Martin Atkins who left the service as clerk after many years of service to the house for a period of absence.

Martin is paid a huge role in the work of this committee and many others and will be very much missed. As will Chloe who recently stood down as press officer on the committee after five years of excellent service to take up a role closer to home. I would also like to thank those who contributed to this report. Many organisations who submitted evidence, the committee staff who have worked tirelessly to complete the report and the members of the current and previous predecessor of the audit committee.

Turning out the report itself, we are delighted to see the recommendation number one, that the government should produce an impact assessment of the bill which was satisfied within the day of the report being published. At this pace, we really could get somewhere, but we still need to learn more about how the nature of restoration fund will interact with adversity net gain. I am very glad to see the Minister is here to tell us how you might expand upon that in his response.

The review made clear the value of nature. Nature and the services it provides and pins both our economy and our way of life. In 2022, the Office for National Statistics found that UK system services were equal to 3.5% of GDP or £1.8 trillion. The UK has experienced significant biota loss in recent decades with the 2023 State of nature report showing an average of 19% species abundance decline across over 750 species between 1970 and 2021. The committee agree with government and economic and financial decision-making should support the delivery of a nature positive future and we would like to hear a repetition of this commitment and to see it actualised in the forthcoming spending review.

The committee agree with this in the previous government's assertion that in the time of spending restraint, taxpayer money alone is no longer sufficient to deliver the necessary level of environmental restoration, and so private finance must play its part. We were pleased to hear from the Minister for nature that work was ongoing to better quantify the current size of the annual investment in capital and the committee recommends that within 12 months, the government provide a report on levels of private investment in England so that we can see both the progress made and the size of the funding gap.

For the government to deliver on protecting 30% of land by 2030, it must provide landowners with the confidence to invest in nature restoration. The long print framework will help and give assurance that there is a strategic approach to balance the competing needs for land in regards to food production, nature restoration, renewable energy, residential and commercial development and others. It will also require an national capital approach to be embedded throughout government. The committee also had concerns of changes to the APR regime had added to uncertainty although the government's decision to give nature investments equal treatments and inheritance tax answers the charge that the government was prioritising nature ahead of food production.

Voluntary drivers of market demand alone will not deliver the demand that the government needs. Compliance mechanisms and the expectation of future compliance requirements will drive market demand so the government should look at bringing an increase compliance requirements such as expanding Biodiversity Net Gain requirements mandating corporate activities. The committee seeks assurances that the proposed new nature restoration fund is in addition to rather than a replacement for government investment in nature. Without clear support for net gain, ministers risk causing uncertainty and nature markets which could undermine investment and restoring nature.

It will be good to hear a full throated defence of the Minister in his response as we have heard from him in opposition. While the committee supports an approach that allows initiatives to be polled, the government must also ensure that we don't end up with urban nature loss replaced by nature miles away, and further eradication of nature within urban settings. One of the strengths is that those communities that suffered the blight also benefited from the recovery of nature locally and it will be good to have a commitment from the Minister about that principle remaining in place and the nature restoration fund proposals.

Nature can go hand-in- hand with our economy and money from hand with our economy and money from growth should go back into helping nature thrive. So in closing, this provides the government to capitalise the huge national strength as a global financial strength as a global financial leader. It cautions the government leader. It cautions the government not to question things made, and to look at nature of to go hand-in-hand with economic growth that the with economic growth that the government rightly demands.
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Adam Jogee Portrait Adam Jogee MP (Newcastle-under-Lyme, Labour)
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If there are no further questions for the chair of the select committee, that brings us to the backbench debate on St. George's day

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I beg to move that this House has

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I beg to move that this House has considered the matter of St George's Day 2025. I'm grateful to my colleagues who supported this debate colleagues who supported this debate and wish I constituents are happy St and wish I constituents are happy St George's Day. This speaks to the power of St George and our collective pride in our Englishness. This debate brought many colleagues together for all the right reasons, regardless of background or political persuasion, we must as a political persuasion, we must as a House be very clear that no critical party, no politician, no region, no party, no politician, no region, no faith, no colour and no creed has monopoly on Patriot's and pride in our national identity.

We gather our national identity. We gather today 80 years since VE Day, Victory today 80 years since VE Day, Victory in Europe Day victory against Fascism, victory for decency, democracy, and all that makes democracy, and all that makes England and our United Kingdom great. As we celebrate the 80 year great. As we celebrate the 80 year anniversary, many colleagues will not be otherwise was the I will be heading home to celebrate with my neighbours friends and constituents. I pay tribute to all those who fought, gave thanks for their lives.

On behalf of my constituents I commit myself to building a world more tolerant and respectful and more peaceful. As Churchill said 80 years ago, "Long live the cause of freedom and God Save The King. " From my constituency to Northumberland and from Newquay to North Yorkshire and everywhere in between and beyond, St George's Day is the time to salivate Englishness. To show pride in the country, our values, our flag, and a history. My Englishness is central to my identity.

My family roots from all over the Commonwealth I have spoken in this house before that my grandfather who left the colonies as they were to help the war effort here in the United Kingdom. But it is in England that I was born and raised, England that shaped me in England that allowed someone with my background to thrive, to succeed, and to get on in life. That is the story of our England. I have said in the House before that I'm proud of my Englishness and my Britishness.

At the simple truth that our beloved country, this placid plot as it was once called by Shakespeare, you can be everything you want to be and with the right support and real opportunities. There is so much many of us could say but time limits don't allow me the opportunity of course you are well known for your indulgence. England's greatest asset, I will happily give way.

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Thank you. I congratulate him on securing this debate. Thank you very much for doing so I think it is very important. I am one of those people, important. I am one of those people, I expect many are, who are proud to be English, proud to be British, and recognise there are different things and things that we should uniquely celebrate. Does he agree that those celebrate. Does he agree that those who seek to use Englishness to divide us rather than to bring us together to a huge disservice to what's being English is all about? And does he agree that those of us And does he agree that those of us who believe that we can have huge patches and pride in our Englishness will also recognise that those are will also recognise that those are values of inclusivity and the generosity that our nation has shown generosity that our nation has shown over the years, we need to do a better job at defining exactly what better job at defining exactly what that is as we go forward in a difficult political times? Quite I'm grateful to my honourable Friend for making an important intervention.

So making an important intervention. So much more that brings us together and it is incumbent on all members of this House to make the case and focus on bringing us together rather than pushing us further apart. England's greatest asset is its people. That is no clearer to me than in my constituency, the northern corner of Staffordshire that is my home and my constituency. Our people are hard-working, many of them are God-fearing decent folks who don't walk while the other side.

But they turn up to be counted. We see that in our NHS, in the schools, in the railways, and in communities up and down England. We saw it during the pandemic in the struggle alongside the people of Ukraine against Putin's tyranny, and we see it every single day. One of England's greatest teachers is our countryside. My home has plenty of it. Our farmers who produce food to the highest standard with the greatest quality deserve real and meaningful support. They feed us, they work hard, and they leave the world when it comes to tendering to world when it comes to tendering to and caring for our land.

And I urge ministers to keep that in mind. When the previous government failed we must listen, learn, and turn up to be counted. The contribution of the English language to Western literacy cannot be measured. England was home to the greatest rider of all time William Shakespeare. The words of Shakespeare alone to need to put England head and shoulders above when it comes to influence on global literature. Alongside him, England can claim TS Eliot, the Bront sisters, George Orwell, Jane Austen and so many more.

English music is some of the most popular and influential music of all time. Still today the Beatles are considered by many to be the greatest band of all time but that is another debate for another day. Alongside the Beatles you have the Stones, David Bowie, Amy Winehouse, Queen, Elton John, Kate Bush, Cilla Black, Oasis, Pink Floyd, and of course Robbie Williams, a man well known from North Staffordshire his mother lives in my constituency. England has made some of the most enduring and significant contributions to music of any nation on our planet.

This goes without mentioning the many other cultural endeavours mastered by the English. This film remains dominant globally. The new James Bond film is still one of the premier cinematic event and no tariff is going to get in the way of that. Christopher Nolan, Englishman, is one of the most exciting and skilled film directors working to gain today. We give thanks to Dame Maggie Smith and Glenda Jackson and those going strong like Dame Joanna Lumley and Dame Judi Dench who had the pleasure of submitting my birthday with last year.

As the birthplace of Reginald Mitchell, the design of the iconic Spitfire plane, Wits University, the birthplace of the prime minister, albeit he moved to Australia to serve in that high office, the ancient borough of Newcastle has left its mark on in the history of English culture. If that isn't enough we also have the popular Baldwin, a constituent of mine, and Stoke City. I could not make the speech without mentioning England as the home of the beautiful game. And with the local football landscape I also paid tribute.

Today it is important to call for action to make sure that the truths of England's story and potential are preserved. We must work to ensure that people across England and indeed all those across the United Kingdom continue to feel pride in our flag and in our communities. And feel hope for the future and respect for our past. Any talk about love for flag and country must be matched by an investment in people who make them what they are. Investment in our NHS, education, and employment support services.

In arts and culture, and in our villages, towns, and cities. I don't want today's speech to only focus on the past. Not when there are so many exciting things to say about England's future. It would be remiss of me not to touch on some of the parts of our history that filled me with a particular sense of reverence. Our democracy is one of the oldest in the world, and an endless Parliament has existed in some form since the 13th century.

Monumental events such as the signing of that Magna Carta solidified England's position in history as a forebear of individual rights and freedom of political expression. These rights were fought for and hard-won across centuries by brave women and men who had the promise of a better country about what all of us. There are many things I say about England's relationship to the wider world. One of the enduring strengths of my country that was come back to is the courage, the tenacity, and the character of ordinary English people right across history.

England is right across history. England is home to many in the world and it left its mark on all corners of the globe. For some, misguidedly in my view, to talk England that is alien to them. To speak the exciting future ahead of us and the vibrant country that we have become is difficult for some to do. All they seem to be able to contribute to our national conversation is painting England as a nation in decline. A nation once great and now not.

I have spent much of my several minutes speaking outlining the incredible successes and achievements of England's past. But for those people, there's nothing more to England than its past. To them I say, you don't know England. We have faced our fair share of adversity, and today of all days reminds us of that. But as Disraeli said, the English nation is never so great as in adversity. I'm never so proud to be English as in those moments. It is in those tough times that I'm blown away by the courage and tenacity and generosity of the good people of this country.

The English have always found a way to get on, to persevere. As Churchill get on, to persevere. As Churchill put it " to keep buggering on' Whether it is through a Euro final or other disappointments we will continue to do so. I will look forward to our future with hope and optimism. To do so is part of what makes us English, and because things can only get better. I leave my final words to the last verse one of my favourite hymns one of the favourite hymns of my late grandfather, a man who lived in this country 1940s to help make sure we beat Fascism and defended democracy.

But I shall resist the temptation to sing it for you. Disappointing... Not a summer's "I will not cease from mental fight nor shall my sore sleep in my hand. Until we have built Jerusalem in England's green and pleasant land. " We have much to do. In this House and communities right across the country so let's get on with it. Happy St George's

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Day. Thank you. The question is as on the Order Paper. Father of the House Sir Paper. Father of the House Sir Edward Leigh.

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Edward Leigh. Thank you. It is a great honour to follow your gentlemen for Newcastle-under-Lyme who is fast establishing a reputation as an
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Edward Leigh Portrait Rt Hon Sir Edward Leigh MP (Gainsborough, Conservative)
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establishing a reputation as an effective parliamentarian and a thoroughly nice chap. His speech was appropriate and excellent in every single way, and I agree I think with everything he said. It is not often that Labour MPs quote former Tory prime ministers that was certainly a first your much enjoyed it. Of course quite rightly as we all do, you mentioned the famous people from his constituency. I can match that from Lincolnshire of course. I can talk of Sir Isaac Newton, John Smith of the Pilgrim Fathers.

The great poet Alfred Lord Tennyson. Joan poet Alfred Lord Tennyson. Joan Plowright. And I can mention one other person who came from Lincolnshire, and I don't want to break the cosy consensus of this debate, but it is a lady who I greatly admire and I believe restored the greatness to our country when she was promised. I don't even need to mention her name she is so famous. St George of course is a saint. He wasn't English of course.

And when the far-right try and capture the flag of St George, perhaps they should remember that. He was actually agreed. I think it is quite good that our national saint is actually not English. We virtually know nothing about him. And what we do know is based purely on legend and is almost certainly wrong. I think that says much about the easy-going nature of the English people. We are surrounded by extensive. We have sent Ethel Trina, said Edward the confessor, sent Margaret of Scotland, Saint Edmund and many more.

And in central lobby we have the four great patron saints of our countries, and there is a well worn joke of course about sent Andrew being on the way to the bar, said Patrick on the way to the exit, St David on the way to us when you're like talking, and St George over the way on the way to the Lords. Saints of course Unite, politicians divide. One of the themes I have expressed many times in this chamber rather an unfashionable point of view but I briefly mention it, is the importance of religion in the binding people together.

Religion on an economical basis, proud of your religion, of its social ethos, in mentioning that all the great religions have much the same sort of moral core creed. I think the decline of religion in England has been sad and it should be a unifying factor. The theme I want to talk about, just so I don't indulge entirely in cliches, is that the whole essence of a nation is a sense of community. That everybody is together in this project, and we all do our bit.

And sadly, there has been a decline in the sense of community in our nation. For instance, my parents, although English, were brought up in France and they came here as refugees when the Germans invaded France because they had a British passport in 1940. And they met in Bletchley Park. So they had a very sort of mixed upbringing will stop but they had a When my mother was very old, she was still incest, even though she was in firm, that generation, the war firm generation, had an absolute sense of duty and community, and I think we all want to recreate this.

Now, let me make one or two points that may be more controversial. There are some factors which are breaking our sense of community, and frankly, we all saw from our results that there are feelings fuelling a feeling of dissolution. We have got to understand that this really infuriates everybody. It doesn't just infuriate right-wing people who don't like the idea of migrants. It also fuels many people, working people working hard who feel that there are some people taking advantage of this.

I don't want to take any criticism and I don't want to attack them personally. Take the Somali migrant. Why is he trying to come here, because for generations, for hundreds of years, his family could fish off the coast of Somalia then we in the west Centene huge trawlers to take all the fish away, took away his livelihood so he then resorted to piracy, we then sent in warships to deal with that, so once again, a staffing, so I don't think we should approach this issue of migration in any sort of way which is nationalistic.

Like about the speech it was Patriotic Front not nationalistic. The fact is that illegal migration is an open wound in our society. It is not just the cost of it but also a sense for many people in our country that people who could apply for asylum are bypassing the route, and we have seen from a study in the daily Telegraph how easy it is to pay a people smuggler, to come over here and be put in a hotel, to act as a courier.

It is really infuriating. Our faith is very much dependent on the Labour government in this. In solving this problem. And they are going to have to solve it because we cannot go on as we are. It is fuelling a great sense of anger in the nation, and they have to get it in order to arrest and detain and support people, and this trade will end. There is a humanitarian point to be made that these people smugglers are putting lives at risk and people are dying.

And they are feeding on human misery, so we can't do much about it in the Conservative party, but Labour is now empower and my advice to them is if they want to resist this sense of disillusion in society, they have to do do something about it. They have to do something about legal work. People working hard, and I blame my government. The Labour Party has taken over different issues and we all know the reasons to do with the pandemic and all the other excuses and how we had to keep the NHS going in care homes, but the fact that the Conservative government allowed a million people in here legally last year is absolutely infuriating people.

It is depressing wages. It might begin for GMP but it is bad for individual, so we can do very little about it, but the government needs to act. I know they are trying to make steps, and why this is relevant to the point of the debate about St George is that it is about trying to recreate the sense that we are one nation, that everybody works hard, pays their taxes, we get benefits such as free health, free education when we fall ill, we are helped by the state.

I was talking to a constituent today who is clearly a lady in some distress, can't move and has just had her hip cancelled. She has to work from home but she can't work from home. She hasn't got those skills. More and more people are feeling angry that they have done their bit, they have worked hard, but when they fall ill, they are not being helped. We have to all work together to try and get that sense of the wartime spirit where everybody mucked in, everybody had a job, everybody did their bit and there were very few freeloaders.

And again, from an agricultural constituency, you might think why am I now getting onto the subject, but it is the sense of people feeling that the government doesn't understand their point of constituencies. We are all in favour of green energy. We are leading green energy in terms of windfarms and we are angry that entrepreneurs are just importing solar panels from China made by slave labour with no planning, so we are not against the Secretary of State for net-zero.

We just want a sense of fairness that local communities have some say in this, and there is some sense of proportion. So I think I have said my bit. I congratulate the honourable gentleman and I hope we have a very worthwhile debate.

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I want to congratulate my honourable friend the member for Newcastle for securing this Newcastle for securing this important debate. It is poignant that this debate is happening today on the 80th anniversary of Victory on the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe with the courage to stand in Europe with the courage to stand up what is right. This is the embodiment of St. George's spirit. embodiment of St. George's spirit. Sometimes the magnitude in this place really hits home and today is place really hits home and today is one of those days.

Looking around one of those days. Looking around and thinking more than I usually do at the sacrifices of so many personnel across the country and the Commonwealth. I have thought more Commonwealth. I have thought more deeply than I probably ever had about the sacrifice of my own dear grandparents during the Second World grandparents during the Second World War and the sacrifices of my very loved family members serving our country. It is such a privilege to stand here in this place and pay tribute to them in the spirit of St George and all the good that he can represent.

In the past, St George's
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Dan Aldridge Portrait Dan Aldridge MP (Weston-super-Mare, Labour)
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Day was marked with feasts, parades, community gatherings and a celebration of what it means to be celebration of what it means to be English. I think that is now. We should take full advantage and celebrate our shared heritage and celebrate our shared heritage and rebuild pride in the future because patriotism is much more than rose patriotism is much more than rose tinted Mr Alger, and it is not the preserve of one political party or ideology. Too often Patrick Chisholm ideology.

Too often Patrick Chisholm is wielded as a weapon. It is lost in narrow nationalism, but the in narrow nationalism, but the Patriot is that I value is showing up for the people, places and principles that define our country. This St George's Day, I launched a campaign in Weston-super-Mare to campaign in Weston-super-Mare to make this a bank holiday and I invited my constituents to add their support to the campaign and I was support to the campaign and I was struck by the variety of responses that we received.

Many embrace it with enthusiasm while others met it with scepticism and cynicism. It got me thinking why should Patriot-ism feel suspect or shameful for some. We need to own it because this love of our country is not exclusive to anyone faction or class. It is deep hiding who we are, our shared values, common ground on which we all stand. True Patrick Chisholm all stand. True Patrick Chisholm isn't about clinging to an idealised past it is about compassion, decency, the rule of law and a good dose of common sense, and it is not lined loyalty either.

It is about making this country better for everyone. It's about what makes England the best place in the world to live. It is walking along beaches as the seabreeze weeps through the air and the rain batting us in the face to make sure we feel alive. It is listening to my favourite Frank turn out England keep my bones bursting with pride about the country that I'm from. It is fish and chips, Wallace and Gromit, Victoria Wood and a pot of tea for a walk.

It is also standing up to the injustice, saying that we can do better than this. It doesn't mean settling for the ways things are striving for things could be. It is finding your voice amongst his loud and vexatious persons who seek to dominate with hate and division. Those who show up do the graft for a better future, and so to other teachers to help work and family, and many volunteers who give up their free time to give up their communities driven by a need for recognition and a deep love for their neighbours.

They are not driven by a need for recognition. And a love for their country. These are the everyday patriots, the ones to often left out. Meanwhile, there are those who wrap themselves in the flag while chipping away at the values it represents, equality, freedom and justice. My grandfather, the proud veteran who didn't really like to talk about any of his time during the war, he knew that these mendacious charlatans would wear the flag and not represent any of its values.

He knew who they were and instilled in each and every one of his grandchildren how to see them, how to spot them and how to identify them and gave us a few tips as to how to take them down. It is time we reclaimed patriotism as a unifying force for good. We should not shy away from it because what is more patriotically and striving to make patriotically and striving to make this country more inclusive. From the suffragettes to steelworkers to civil rights campaigners, our country has always been full of people who love this country enough to demand better.

If we abandon patriotism to those he used as a blunt instrument of exclusion, we allow its true spirit to be distorted. We must champion a new kind of patriotism based on principles and inclusion. One that supports our Armed Forces and the carers, the bus drivers, the immigrants working tirelessly in our Health and Care Act system to look after the elderly. Loving England does not mean pretending everything is fine. It means caring enough to fix what is not. It means believing in the uniqueness of our communities, the warmth of our people, the promise of our future and making sure that every singer one of us regardless of background as part of that story.

So let's as part of that story. So let's renew that commitment not just as symbols to real meaningful patriotism, the kind that brings people together, that strives for fairness and justice, and that dares to imagine a better country for all.

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Thank you. I rise today to take part in this very important debate on St. George's day and English affairs, and I commend the honourable member and I commend the honourable member for Newcastle-under-Lyme for promoting this debate, and I will say a bit more about the member and little later on because I do believe little later on because I do believe he is a fine addition to this house, and he demonstrates patriotism in all that he does. Before I do so and all that he does.

Before I do so and speak about St. George's day, can I say that today we also meet in say that today we also meet in solemn remembrance and in proud solemn remembrance and in proud celebration of 8 May of 8 May 1940 celebration of 8 May of 8 May 1940 580 years ago when the guns fell silent across Europe. Victory in silent across Europe. Victory in Europe Day marked not just the end Europe Day marked not just the end of a long and brutal war but the triumph of courage, unity and an yielding resolve over tyranny.

And in Romford, Essex and across England, the church bells rang out. Everything paused to remember those who lost loved ones but also to welcome those you had returned and we remember the generation who faced that darkness and unwavering Waverley, the soldiers who sought one land, sea and air, who enjoyed the plates, the workers and nurses who kept our nation going and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. So let us never forget that peace is not simply inherited.

It is and and must be defended by each generation, so as we reflect on Victory in Europe Day today, we honour our past by committing to a future shaped by democracy justice and international cooperation. Can I pay tribute to my own father who was an officer in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War and through transport planes. He also served in the Canadian Air Force served in the Canadian Air Force
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Andrew Rosindell Portrait Andrew Rosindell MP (Romford, Conservative)
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And to all my constituents and their And to all my constituents and their loved ones who served during that conflict that gave us the freedom we enjoy today, we owed them so much. I enjoy today, we owed them so much. I was proud to be at the town hall in Romford alongside Mayor of the London Borough of Havering Council, London Borough of Havering Council, to raise the VE flag in tribute to all those who served King, Queen, all those who served King, Queen, and country, and gave us the freedom that we sometimes take for granted that we sometimes take for granted but never must do.

Today can I say that St George's Day runs deep. The that St George's Day runs deep. The spirit of St George is something that all of us should celebrate with that all of us should celebrate with great pride, and as chairman of the British Heritage All-Party British Heritage All-Party Parliamentary Group, and the Royal Society of St George Houses of Parliament branch, my Deputy Parliament branch, my Deputy Chairman is no one less than the honourable Member from Newcastle- honourable Member from Newcastle- under-Lyme.

I am so pleased that we are able to speak today about our Englishness and all that entails in this general debate. The honourable Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme spoke passionately about the flag, about country, but also about people. I think that sums everything up as far as I'm concerned. I thank him for everything he does to promote British and English Patriot's and respect of our traditions and our heritage in this place and across the country. He is, as I said earlier, a fine addition to the House of Commons.

And he, together with myself, hosted, thanks to that kind permission of Mr Speaker, a Parliamentary St George's Day reception in the State Department in Speaker's House on 23rd of April, St George's Day cell. This celebration wrought together English music, food, wine, and politicians, and to celebrate our country and all that is great about our heritage. I would, if I may, like to offer a special tribute to the Romford band who played the fanfares on that day. Kerry Kavanagh, who organised it, and the wonderful pianist, Drew Stenson who played English music on the speaker's grand piano.

And the outstanding opera singers, Terry Basha and Marie McLaughlin who sang Jerusalem and the national anthem for us in speaker's house. I can't possibly forget the Silver hand winery from Kent that donated the magnificent English sparkling wine. And all those who volunteer their time and efforts to make this such a special annual location that Mr speaker hosts for us here in Parliament. I'm pleased to let members know that they will be able to avail the opportunity again next year.

Mr speaker has already invited us to host another St George's Day reception next year. Can I also pay tribute to Nick DART, the chairman of the Royal Society of St George the work that he does. And Sir Cliff Prowse, the organiser of the Houses of Parliament branch of the Law Society. I'm not meant to show props, but I will for one second, this is the foundation charter of our branch here in Parliament. It was inaugurated on 23rd of April It was inaugurated on 23rd of April 2009.

The foundational charter of the houses the Parliament branch of the Royal Society of St George. I invite all honourable members of all parties and of all sides of the house and members of the other place, to join the Royal Society of St George here in Parliament here to show support for England, our traditions, and the magnificent work of the Royal Society not only this country but throughout the world. On country but throughout the world. On 23rd of April two weeks ago, they also pay tribute to Tony Appleton, the magnificent town Crier of Romford.

He is also a Royal town Crier and announces Royal births outside Buckingham Palace. He is the Romford town Crier and it was here to ring the bell and announce the order of service for the day. Finally of course Barry Hearn who kindly supported the events this year so generously. The honourable member for Newcastle-under-Lyme mentioned some great people of culture and history in our country. And national treasures will stop but he forgot a few, and I don't mind mentioning one two that regularly attend our St George's Day celebrations here in Parliament.

Of course Sue Pollard. She comes most year to our St George's Day. And to Patti Beaulay who regularly sings, and Vicky Michelle, and what better person to remember. So thank you to Madam Deputy Speaker. If she could convey our thanks to the speaker and I hope the honourable member's will join us next year. Although the great feast day of St George, the patient state of England and indigenous, is now celebrated with zeal in this place, and in many towns and villages across our country, it is notable that, in a wider cultural and civic life, celebration of Englishness can sometimes be frowned upon and even English culture demeaned by some.

This is part of the reason for the existence of the Royal Society of St George. It has the noble object of promoting Englishness and the English way of life. I am proud to support this both as a member of Parliament and as chairman here of the branch in the Houses of Parliament. It is, however, important to note that the need for greater recognition and appreciation of England and her people runs beyond the level of culture. Deeply into the roots of our constitutional and our devolutionary arrangements.

Under that devolutionary arrangements enacted at the turn- of-the-century, pieces of legislation like that Scotland Act creating the Scottish parliament, regional parliaments were also created. For the first time in centuries, the unifying linchpin of these islands, the Crown in Parliament seems to be wrenched out of place. This has and is demonstrably true. We can national unity of our nation and caused some regional nationalistic and factionalised tendencies which run counter I believe to the British cultural institutional and constitutional heritage.

Yet it is the reality we must operate in today. Even if we do not relish it. At the most intellectually consistent response would be to advocate for the reversal of devolution, that there is of course unlikely to be such a political appetites today. What must in any case be acknowledged is that England, the most populous region, with the biggest economy, is the only home nation not to have her own devolved parliament. This has created a democratic deficit in which the proud people of England such as those in my constituency of Romford Essex, are left with a rich cultural heritage as outlined earlier and without a fully developed but are rather diminished democratic.



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Please spare us another Parliament.

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Parliament. The right honourable gentleman will know that I am a very strong supporter of this Parliament and this United Kingdom. And I was not this United Kingdom. And I was not of course a member of this House when devolution was introduced but when devolution was introduced but had I been here at the time, I would have most certainly not voted to break up the United Kingdom in the break up the United Kingdom in the way that we have done by creating different parliaments and assemblies across the United Kingdom.

Including across the United Kingdom. Including the Greater London assembly which I would love to see abolished very soon.

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soon. I presume you're a member is speaking about St George's Day in English affairs will stop I take English affairs will stop I take issue with his use of the word breakup, through devolution. What we breakup, through devolution. What we did was devolve some of the power to people so they felt more people so they felt more represented. Not in an attempt to break up the country but, so that we held the country together but gave the feeling of being closer to where

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decisions are made. I have the utmost respect for the honourable lady and she makes an extreme invalid and important point. extreme invalid and important point. Nobody wants to break up the United Kingdom and I did not intend to Kingdom and I did not intend to cause offence by saying that. But I believe that all members of Parliament should be equal. And elected representatives should be elected representatives should be equal. But if you create different types of elected representatives at different levels, it obviously means that English MPs have a different that English MPs have a different role than Scottish MPs because they have MSPs in Scotland would have another role.

So you are muddling up another role. So you are muddling up our constitution by doing so. And I regret that happened but we have to move on. This is now 1/4 of a move on. This is now 1/4 of a century ago. We now need to think about the future. Of course there about the future. Of course there have been certain attempts to make, to try to deconstruct this to try to deconstruct this democratic deficit. That was the "English Votes for English Laws", this procedure was brought in the house.

And now the unitary authorities and mayoral teas have been created, across England we are seeing more of those being created as we speak. The former procedure, as we speak. The former procedure, the creating of mayoralties is too remote. And the procedure to make these meaningful an appeal to people who feel ignored are looked at with contempt. I don't believe they are supported by most people. They believe in local democracy and truly local level. That is not solved by creating vast regional mayoral teas and vast assemblies that are not really in tune with local people in local communities.

There may be merit in the new devolutionary arrangements be considered at local government level. These will only be effective if they address the cultural economic, and political realities of the localities with which they are concerned. For example, yesterday I led the adjournment debate about the London Borough of Havering and Essex devolution. Apparently Havering is not allowed to be considered to be part of the Essex devolution. In that debate I highlighted how successive regional London authorities, and now plans Essex devolution, have ignored local Essex identities.

My constituents particularly in Romford. This happened I have to say under successive governments. And the historic counties will play a very important part in this as well. As part of a patchwork of traditional England. I urge the Minister, I hope the Minister will take this back, but maybe the historic counties and the ceremonial counties could be aligned together to avoid the muddle and confusion that I and many members have to debate with people over whether places like Mumford are really Essex or whether we are London, what are we? In muddled a lot of mind and creates confusion and needs to be resolved.

So aligning the historical and the ceremonial counties I think would go a long way to solving that mini local government can be purely for administration, and purely for the provision of local services, and not actually mix up people's local identities. I therefore request that the government open up a discussion and a plan for restoring all the facets of the English way of life, so that's my constituents no longer feel they are being ignored. It is an obvious but integral point that any attempts to deconstruct and replace the devolutionary arrangements that we currently have can only be successful if hard- working people like my constituents in Romford are heard and listened to, and I'm sure members of the House would agree.

There constituency voices must be heard. Then English democracy might be restored to the place and pride it used to operate just as the English cultural repertoire that had pride of place in the speaker's house earlier this year made such an impact on so many of us. As we reflect on our proud English history, and magnificent British traditions, our Commonwealth of Nations, the British Overseas Territories, the Crown Dependencies, and the wider British family, and all that our forebears have achieved in giving us the magnificent land, the magnificent island nation that we have today.

But I can do no better than to quote the words of Sir Winston Churchill " Advanced Britannia, long may freedom rain. God Save The King. "

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I want to congratulate the member for Newcastle-under-Lyme for bringing Newcastle-under-Lyme for bringing this debate to the house today. I'm delighted to join in with members from across the house decelerate St from across the house decelerate St George's Day and ignition affairs.
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Esther McVey Portrait Rt Hon Esther McVey MP (Tatton, Conservative)
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George's Day and ignition affairs. It is only right that we take the time to celebrate our history, our heritage, and our national character. To reflect on what it means to be English, and come I recall fondly marking St. George's in Downing Street, hosting an event that brought together business leaders, veterans, community leaders and voluntary organisations outstanding member of the community who play a vital role in our country, and it reminded me just how proud we should be of our country.

And we must take pride in our history in order to instil the richness of our culture and our values into the next generation and to reclaim what Britishness means to us all. Because, for a small country, we have well and truly punched above our weight. We have defended the world not once but twice in two world wars, something that must never be forgotten. And rightly so, we mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe day-to-day.

An over in Westminster Abbey, the great-great-grandson of so Winston Churchill lit the candle of peace 80 years on, telling the nation the war had ended. Unlike so many of the members will be leaving this house straight from this debate to go back to our constituencies. I will be going to, batch to share in their VE celebrations. And as we reflect and commemorate VE day, we must ask ourselves one crucial question. Have we lived up to the example set by those great patriotically individual who fought and died for us to protect our freedoms and to give us peace? But peace and freedoms don't just happen.

They are fought for. Pondering that question, and we may have different answers, we need to rethink what our duty is to one another and to our country, and to make sure that we do stand up for those same freedoms today, to protect the legacy of those who stood before us and made the ultimate sacrifice. For we cannot and must not cower to those who deny our great past. Or be traduced by those who are embarrassed or denounce it.

The voice of the right minded majority must remind those detractors of what we stand for and what we have given the world. For our great country was the cradle of the industrial revolution. We gave the world football and cricket. We discovered gravity and evolution, eradicated smallpox, produce literary geniuses, Shakespeare, Dickens and the Bront sisters, great composers from Elder to Britain, and the Beatles, those four lads that took music to the world. And artists like Constable and Turner and even Banksy.

Innovation and entrepreneurialism is in our countries DNA. It must be remembered and it must be continued. I know our English character is to be stoic, to find a queue and wait patiently in it and not to brag. In fact, we would rather hide our light under a bushel than extol our virtues, but now is not the time for that. In an era of fast communications where facts can be lost and fate becomes real, we need to remember who we are and what we have given to the world.

We are a positive voice in an ever more complicated and dangerous world, and we need to take heed of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland who rightly celebrate their national days and we must do the same. Let us be clear, it is time for the majority of law-abiding hard-working patriotically living to have their say, to stand up for values that have stood the test of time. We sing with one voice that we are proud of England, proud of Great Britain and power to be British.

We need to take on the mantle of St George, the warrior saint, the painting state of England, a symbol of strength, conviction and righteous purpose who reminds us that our nation has never been afraid to stand out for what is right. And in this chamber where I am delivering this speech and we have all spoken so positively today, I am very proud, as I know we all are, to serve in this Parliament. The mother of Parliaments, and the heart of the thriving democracy that has been the model for so many other countries around the world.

So, let us speak with one voice, with pride and unity, and to say clearly and unapologetically that we are proud to be English, we are proud of our past, and we believe in our future. Today, we stand together to celebrate what makes us all English, to celebrate that we are all British and to remember today of all days Allow me to start by congratulating and thanking the honourable member for Newcastle-under-Lyme for proposing this debate in its excellent introductory speech in which he talks of the importance of seeing the flag of St George as a positive and avoiding some temptations to demean it, a point also made by the honourable member for Romford.

He talks of the influence of English language and culture and sport and history all over the world and highlighted the courage and tenacity of the English character. And of course, and today of all days, I join all members from across the house in paying tribute to the English and British people who fought in the Second World War and enabled us to have this debate today and to protect democracy across Europe. The honourable member for Newcastle-under-Lyme mention singing, as did the number for Romford, and I speak for the whole house when I expressed my disappointment that the member for Newcastle-under-Lyme opted not to sing to us, something that I hope he will rectify on a future occasion.

He also paid tribute to former Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, as did
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Olly Glover Portrait Olly Glover MP (Didcot and Wantage, Liberal Democrat)
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honourable members for Gainsborough, honourable members for Gainsborough, Romford and Hatton, and yes, they exemplify public service as do members of this House to this day. The honourable member for Gainsborough took us through a little of the history of St George, little of the history of St George, and I will do a little bit more of that. Legend has it that St George that. Legend has it that St George slew the dragon that was plaguing a local talent safety Princess. It is traditionally Christian celebration traditionally Christian celebration that the story goes that St George offered to slay the dragon if offered to slay the dragon if everyone converts to Christianity.

He likely suffered for his faith during the last persecution of the during the last persecution of the church in the year 303 by Diocletian. But it wasn't until the Diocletian. But it wasn't until the mid-13th century that George became associated with the English nation, associated with the English nation, specifically the Crown. Veneration specifically the Crown. Veneration of George has a weight had a popular dimension and this was helped along by his dragon slaying powers. Depictions of the saint in combat with the fearsome serpent date from at least the ninth century.

A revival of contemporary St George's Day celebrations emerged in the 1990s with the St George's flag now regular feature at sporting events, in churches, local government and other public bodies. My Oxfordshire constituency of Didcot has some important contributions to make. We have Dragon Hill where legend has it that St George slay the dragon and the quintessentially English village was recently refurbished and very much enjoyed by parishioners of that village and many further afield. And elsewhere in Oxfordshire, there is St George's Tower, a key battleground of the Civil War which is key to the foundations of our constitutional monarchy.

But I think it is also interesting to note that St George has very interesting international dimension to this most English of days. It is a day of celebration in Hungary, Portugal, In the modern member mentioned cause for St. George's day to become an English national holiday, call supported by English Heritage and the organisation of which the honourable member is very active in the Royal society, and that is something that many members of this House would support. Contributions to this debate have also reflected on what Englishness means to us today, and St George's Day is an opportunity to take pride in our achievements including the pivotal role Parliament played in the birth of modern democracy.

England story is one of community spirit and compassion. Our strength lies in a rich tapestry of bustling towns and global cities which make up our country. We believe patriotism should never mean exclusion. We have to enjoy the rights and freedoms we all share. Honourable members talked about what England needs to thrive. The Lib Dems support the establishment of the UK constitutional convention to draft a new federal constitution killing defining powers at each level of government based on democratic engagement, liberal values and resource distribution.

This must develop a structure foot of England including how people are governed, and every part of England should have the right to secure devolution deal that works for local and is tailored to the dynamics of local regions. Devolution must come with proper funding. Councils and authorities need a sustained increase in funding reflecting demand and reversing severe pressures on local services. We back the creation of a council of ministers bringing together devolved governments and regional leaders to collaborate on national policy and uphold the principles of federal cooperation.

Decisions on local government reorganisation must be driven by councils and communities not imposed without consultation. It is unacceptable for changes to bypass councils and exclude input. And it is essential that any devolution should promote economic growth, better public services and democratic accountability so that we can continue to make sure that England is a great place.

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It is a privilege to rise today on behalf of the Shadow culture team on behalf of the Shadow culture team to mark St George's Day and I thank the honourable member for Newcastle-under-Lyme for securing Newcastle-under-Lyme for securing this debate. With St George in my heart, keep me English. With St George in my heart, I pray. With St George in my heart, I pray. With St George in my heart, keep me English, keep me English till my dying day. I keep me English till my dying day.

I am proud to be English and so should we all. Far from just being a nation of shopkeepers, England's of shopkeepers, England's accomplishments are fast. We have given so much to the world, from the writings of Shakespeare to football, rugby and cricket, to Parliamentary rugby and cricket, to Parliamentary democracy itself in this mother of all parliaments. England's history is one of heroes and bravery, of is one of heroes and bravery, of Nelson, Wellington, Churchill, of good triumphing over evil, freedom good triumphing over evil, freedom overcoming tyranny, and the sacrifices of the greatest generation which we rightly generation which we rightly celebrate this week for VE Day 80 years on, and we give thanks to our incredible Armed Forces serving today.

We conservatives are not ashamed to celebrate England's long and storied history, to remind the world that England is not a sleeping lion but a proud and great nation lion but a proud and great nation ready to roar again. England's culture is living, breathing, and shaped by the people who have called this green and pleasant land home in time gone by, and by all of us today. We should never take that inheritance for granted. Culture matters. It binds us together, gives us a common identity and pride, and it provides the foundations for our civic life.

I am sure you will agree with me that one of the most important roles of every government is to protect and promote the cultural fabric of our nation. St George is more than a figure of legend. He represents ideals as our patron saint that I deeply woven into the English character, courage,
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Louie French Portrait Mr Louie French MP (Old Bexley and Sidcup, Conservative)
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service, and honour. His story has inspired generations to stand firm in defence of what is right and it in defence of what is right and it remains a powerful symbol of national unity and Christian faith. national unity and Christian faith. Those values and his inspiration were exemplified by those we commemorate throughout this week commemorate throughout this week with our VE celebrations nationwide. In this house, I want to take the opportunity to recognise the immense sacrifice those veterans made for sacrifice those veterans made for us, for our tomorrow, they gave their today.

Their courage, their their today. Their courage, their service and duty must inspire us all today in this house and I am very proud that my seven-year-old niece proud that my seven-year-old niece took my great grandfather Jack and my great uncle Bill's medals to her my great uncle Bill's medals to her school today for the party they had in school, and with your permission, I would like to quote Winston Churchill is words 80 years ago today. We were the first in this today.

We were the first in this ancient land to draw the sword against tyranny. After a while, we were left all alone against the most tremendous military power that has been seen. For every man, woman and child in this country had no fault of quitting the struggle. This is not victory of a party or any class but a victory of the great British but a victory of the great British I'm sure every member will have seen how the values are expressed not only in our institutions but throughout everyday lives.

Throughout our history, traditions, and literature and music and in the spirit of local committees across the country. We must make sure that English culture, both historic and contemporary, is properly supported and celebrated. That means protecting heritage sites, funding grassroots arts, civil society, and music. Championing English literature in our schools and giving local community to a stronger voice in how their stories are told and preserved. This is not about nostalgia. It is about an enduring national pride. It is about having the confidence to tell England stories.

Warts and all. And to teach the next generation that our past is not something to be raised but something to be understood and learned from. And we must be clear, English identity is not exclusionary. It is inclusive, civic minded, and rooted in shared experience. From the village green to the city high Street, from a brass band to bustling markets, English culture thrives in our community. Not in Whitehall but in areas such as my home of Bexley and every town and city across our great country.

In this House we rightly celebrate the union of our United Kingdom. But England with its unique blend of peoples, cultures, and voices must never ever be taken for granted. In this St George's Day debate, we on this side will continue to proudly fly the flag, not just for the sake of tradition but for what it represents, an England that is resilient, creative, confident in its future. Let us therefore support and invest in the cultural life of our nation. Not only for the obvious economic return but because our culture is the heart of our nation and we should be proud of it.

Every field, every hedge grown. Together across this House let us reaffirm our commitment to telling England's story, rich, complex, and full of hope, with renewed pride. In closing, if you will indulge me one final time, I will finish by quoting Shakespeare's Richard the second. " This royal throne of kings, the sector's Isle, the earth of Majesty, the seat of Mars. This other Eden demi-paradise. This fortress, built by nature for

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herself. This blessing plot, this earth, this realm, this England. " Minister.

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Minister. Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I

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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I want to start Michael Ratley to my honourable friend the member for Buckingham and Bletchley and my honourable friend member for Newcastle-under-Lyme for securing this very important debate. And the co-sponsors of this debate, the member for East Thanet and the member for East Thanet and the member for Romford. We have heard incredibly heartfelt and powerful speeches today. From the Father of speeches today. From the Father of the House, Sir Edward Leigh, the the House, Sir Edward Leigh, the honourable member for Gainsborough, the member for Weston-super-Mare, the member for Weston-super-Mare, the member for Tatton, Frontbench the member for Tatton, Frontbench spokesperson.

April 23, the feast Day of Saint George has celebrated Day of Saint George has celebrated in England for hundreds of years and remains an enduring symbol of our heritage and national spirit. St George himself was a soldier of the Roman Empire who stood up for his beliefs, refusing to renounce his faith even in the face of persecution. His unwavering courage
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Rushanara Ali Portrait Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Bethnal Green and Stepney, Labour)
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made him a symbol of strength, fairness, and perseverance. Earning him the sainthood and recognition him the sainthood and recognition across the world. These values of courage, strength, perseverance, courage, strength, perseverance, fairness, and decency, distill what fairness, and decency, distill what it means to be English. So much of which we see reflected across our society, in our history, and our society, in our history, and our present day. To be English is to be proudly part of the United Kingdom. Brought together by our shared Brought together by our shared values, faith in democracy, the rule values, faith in democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance.

A family of respect, and tolerance. A family of nations, stronger together than we are apart. Strengthened by our diversity and bound by our common diversity and bound by our common endeavour. It is of course fitting that we reflect on these values, as we mark VE Day today, and remember all those who fought bravely for our all those who fought bravely for our nation. On the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day over the forces of fascism, we honour their sacrifices made for our freedom.

Turning to St George's Day, as we have heard throughout this debate, from honourable members, St George's Day gives us the perfect opportunity to celebrate our heritage. To reflect on what makes England great. And to unite people under a shared sense of belonging and national

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pride. I will give way. I thank the honourable lady for

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I thank the honourable lady for giving way. She speaks passionately about the importance of St George's Day but with the government consider Day but with the government consider St George's Day to become a public holiday in England? I think we can holiday in England? I think we can learn from the wonderful example of Ireland where St Patrick's Day is a public holiday throughout the island public holiday throughout the island of Ireland. Could we do the same for England?

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England? He makes a very important point. I'm not going to be able to respond with a positive answer right now but with a positive answer right now but he is a powerful advocate and campaigner so I know he will continue to make the case to this continue to make the case to this government. Returning to my government. Returning to my comments, England is a nation of invention and innovation, as others have pointed out. From the creation have pointed out.

From the creation of the world's first vaccine to the invention of the computer and invention of the computer and pioneering the World Wide Web, we have been at the forefront of technology, science, and healthcare, making a global impact on the challenges that define our times. We have so much to be proud of. We are a nation of creativity and culture. The land of Shakespeare, Austin, Bront, Newton, the land of the Magna Carta. The land of one of the oldest parliament in the world, described as the mother of Parliaments.

England has given voice to the place, literature, songs, television programs, the films that have defined the stories we tell for generations. Honourable members have powerfully and beautifully described the rich heritage and culture that defines this nation. It is also of course a nation of sporting success as has been pointed out, from football and cricket to triumph in cycling and Formula One, England has a proud history of entrepreneurial ingenuity, from the pioneering trades of our market towns to today's thriving tech hubs, creative start-ups and world-class financial centres.

England spirit of enterprise has adapted innovated and driven progress, shaping our economy and influencing the world, from the Industrial Revolution to the digital age, England is a place of distinct beauty, as a number of honourable Member's have pointed out, from the enchanting Cornish coastline to the rugged Northumberland. From the tranquil lakes of Cumbria to the majestic cliffs of Dover, our landscape captivates, inspires and is cherished by people who live here are people who visit. Beyond the achievements lies something more powerful, our sense of service and community.

We see this commitment every day, from the courage and bravery of those in the Armed Forces, to the compassion and skill of our doctors and nurses in the NHS, from the dedication of our teachers to the generosity of volunteers in our charities, faith groups, and community organisations across the nation. Together their efforts embody the very best of England and the United Kingdom. We are proud to be a nation that fosters opportunity and aspiration for all, someone from a working- class background can rise to become prime minister, and where a British Hindu can hold the highest office in our country as a prime minister.

On a personal note, it is a great source of pride for me to be speaking today to respond to this debate as a Minister of the Crown, as someone who was born in Bangladesh, having been elected as Britain's first Bangladeshi origin MP. Whose father was born in 1937, was 10 year old during partition at the end of empire and came to this country in the 1960s to work here and make a life for himself. It is a great source of pride that Englishness and Britishness is about all of us and that I and others in this House, as my honourable friend has also demonstrated in terms of his heritage, and his background, can feel that we also belong and we are English as well as British, alongside multiple identities.

Closer to home, in terms of the events the honourable member mentioned the events at Speakers House but also events like St George's Day, the St George's Day festival in Trafalgar Square helped celebrate our rich heritage through music, morris dancing, although I haven't tried it, I know a number of honourable memos might be inspired to try it after this debate. We saw also bustling parade in Manchester with an array of community groups and local residents coming together to show how proud they are of their local area and local heritage, and they are proud in our identity.

Sadly, as a number of honourable members have pointed out, there are some who seek to use, who seek to divide. It is on all of us to make sure that we fight against the forces of division that seek to sow division between communities between us, to create an idea that English national identity is an exclusive identity that is a white only identity. That is not the case. We see that in the debate today, we see it the contribution that we have all made.

We see it in the fact that identity is not pure, it is mixed. It is complex. And therefore we must stand up for the values of respect, tolerance, and fair play. It is the essence of Englishness, the essence of Britishness. And it is what defines us as a nation. This government is committed to investing in our communities, channelling a spirit of pride, perseverance, positivity that reflects the best of St George's Day. Throughout Plan for Change, we are focused on what matters, using the cost-of-living, restoring pride in our public services, making streets safer, tilting the homeless people need, expanding opportunities for all and supporting our veterans with real homes for heroes.

We know that this is something that starts with what matters most to local communities, the place we call home. The English Devolution White Paper set an ambitious new framework for English devolution moving power out of Westminster. Mayors will have a range of powers across housing, planning, transport, energy, skills, employment support, and more to deliver the missions we have set out to transform our country. The new £1.5 billion plan for neighbourhoods will deliver up to £20 million for funding in the next decade to 75 communities across the UK.

This includes 58 communities in England, laying the foundations to kickstart local growth and drive up living standards. There is also investment in our heritage. English identity exists in a heritage in our culture, and this government will protect the places that form our communities. England's finest heritage buildings are an integral part of our culture. That is why we are providing money for heritage at risk to provide grants for repairs and conservation for heritage buildings focusing on those sites with most need.

This will restore local heritage such as shops, pubs, parks, and panels. You're also providing just under £5 million in heritage revival found to empower local people to take control of and look after their local heritage. We will support community organisations to bring neglected heritage buildings back into use. As we take pride in these places we must also protect them for the generations that walk these paths after us. We will also support our businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive, and the government will publish a new small and sized enterprise strategy later this year.

And we will protect our shores against external threats, against those who seek to harm our way of life or divide us, as we have shown through the biggest investment since the end of the Cold War in defence. Our strength as a nation is measured not just in what we stand against but in what we stand for. Community, service, and a shared belief in a better future. We must inspire the next generation to carry forward the best of England through education, opportunity, and the belief that, no matter who you are, or where you come from, you belong.

And you can help shape this country's future. In conclusion, I want to thank all honourable members from across the House for their powerful contributions to this important debate. In this VE Day, we honour those who gave their lives freedom for a better tomorrow. As the Prime Minister said at the recent St George's Day reception at Number 10 Downing Street, let us take pride in our national identity, and in all those who keep this country going. those who keep this country going.
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Adam Jogee Portrait Adam Jogee MP (Newcastle-under-Lyme, Labour)
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I'm grateful to all colleagues who spoke in this debate and the member from Thanet had to return home for a family emergency otherwise she would have taken part. I'm grateful to the father of the house for his words on communities and I am grateful to his complement for me. I am grateful to my friend from Weston-super-Mare who gave an excellent speech. No surprise, he went to school in Newcastle-under- Lyme. I'm grateful to the member from Romford.

He mentioned English sparkling wine. He keeps it successful and thriving. The right honourable lady knows that Merseyside has an important role in my family's life and I thank her for her speedy talk through England's history. In all seriousness, she gave an important speech and I am proud to be British and English. The member from dedicate and Wantage, I thank invoice generous comments. I'm not sure singing would be a very good idea, and if I didn't do it here, the member from Shropshire would have something to say about it, I suspect.

I am grateful to the shadow minister and the Minister for her remarks and the uniformity of the comments. This has been an excellent debate celebrating all that is good about England, all that we have achieved in all that we must do together, and I say it is no surprise and unfortunate that there were only three parties representing this house the duration of this debate, the Labour Party, the Tories and the Lib Dems. England is a great country. So much good has been done but there is so much more to do so let's get on with it.



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The question is is on the order

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The question is is on the order paper. I think the eyes have it. I will just give a few moments for the will just give a few moments for the We come to the backbench motion on research and treatment of brain

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tumours. I would like to move the motion

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I would like to move the motion as on the Order Paper in my name. On Saturday, November 27. On Saturday, Saturday, November 27. On Saturday, November 27, 2021, Margaret collapsed in front of me without collapsed in front of me without warning. She lay on the floor warning. She lay on the floor convulsing in epileptic fit. By 4 AM, two young doctors at University College London Hospital told me that College London Hospital told me that she had a brain chamber and on the Wednesday, as I approached her bed on the ward, she said look at that Dr piquant look at me.

The news from that scan must be really bad. Bring him over. Of course, as you will know, she was always right. My brilliant sister Margaret, the fiercest, strongest, bravest and
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Siobhain McDonagh Portrait Dame Siobhain McDonagh MP (Mitcham and Morden, Labour)
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months from diagnosis, a five year survival rate of just 5%, and no improvement in NHS treatment in 20 improvement in NHS treatment in 20 years. UK performance -related 27 - years. UK performance -related 27 - related 27/29 comparable countries. It was the only opponent that my It was the only opponent that my sister has never beaten. But over 18 sister has never beaten. But over 18 months, she gave it her very best months, she gave it her very best shot.

And standing here just six weeks before had a second anniversary, I remain as determined anniversary, I remain as determined as ever to fight for a cure to this as ever to fight for a cure to this savage cancer in the face of what can only be described as indifference from the NHS, pharmaceutical industries, the nationalist three search, the medical and healthcare products regulatory Association, and I regret to say, most of the cancer charities. And in fighting this, I believe that we can find a path to the improvement in treatment of not just neoplastic my but all rare cancers.

This will only happen if we as members of this house, if the cancer campaigners, the patients and the bereaved make it happen. Because the system currently conforms to Einstein's definition of madness. It continues to do the same thing expecting a different outcome. Don't get me wrong, it would like to cure neoplastic but it is just proving a bit difficult. What is laughingly described as the gold standard of NHS treatment has not changed in 20 years.

It includes surgery which doesn't actually remove the tumour, a brutal eight weeks of radiotherapy and then as much chemotherapy as you can take. Which in Margaret's case wasn't very much, and then nothing. Nothing from the NHS. So people with savings or homes or pensions or the ability to fundraiser use everything they have two travel to other countries where they believe that people diagnosed with a terminal disease should have access to all available treatments. In Margaret's available treatments.

In Margaret's case, this was Dusseldorf. For those who this is not an option, and there are many, our revered NHS expects you to lay down, take your fate and die. But just as I would not let Margaret lay down and die, we should not let anyone in the UK simply lay down and die from a glioblastoma and here is how we can change things. Early diagnosis. In the vast majority of cases, the oncology multidisciplinary teams can diagnose the tumour from an MRI stand, but in most cases, they now wait for surgery which could take a full eight weeks from the MRI.

Given that the development immunotherapy treatments are based on giving the drugs ahead of surgery, early MRI diagnosis would allow improvement in treatment and outcomes. Drug trials. The only way to find a cure is through drug trials. But as those with these cancer no, there are none. NHS trials have colour and the pharmaceutical industry concentrates on the large conditions, breast, prostate, bowel and lung cancer. But if we believe no cancer should be left behind in a country with some of the most innovative pharmaceutical companies and healthcare system as universal as the NHS, government should broker a partnership between both the partnership between both the pharmaceutical industry and the NHS to make sure that new or repurposed drugs are trialled for all cancers sharing the early risk.

The NHS should run the trials and the drug companies should be expected to provide the drugs. I would ask the Minister today and the Department for health and social care to directly support a test case project for glioblastoma treatment to develop a strategy with AstraZeneca who have setup a rare cancer unit. Keeping costs down. Costs are always a barrier to more drug trials. However, trials conducted under the National Institutes of Health research are conducted at reduced cost.

So to keep costs down, trials into globe plus Tomah and other rare cancers should automatically be badged. Giving access to NHS resources for all funded trials. The mission of the medical and healthcare agency should be reviewed. It is the gatekeeper to the licensing of drugs in the UK. And understandably, it requires that all data on all trials are published. But in my personal experience from speaking with pharmaceutical companies, this is a barrier to then providing their best and most innovative drugs.

So, while I accept that all information should be published, it should be published for its respective cancers. So, if the drug is originally for lung cancers, if trialled on glioblastoma, it should be separately recorded. Five, changing the purpose of the NHS drug repurposed in project. Providing existing drugs for trial. Many of our leading medical oncologists believe that there is already a drug in use that could improve and maybe even sure glioblastoma, but they even sure glioblastoma, but they have never been trialled.

This is why I call for the repurposed saying of the NHS medicines repurposed in program to be repurposed. To add the very specific aim to supply existing drugs for the treatment of glioblastoma and other rare cancers. I have submitted these five pledges to the government's consultation on the national supply. They are born out of my personal experience of talking to everybody who moves about glioblastoma over the last two years. And I hope with all my heart that while I am only one MP with a that while I am only one MP with a GCSE in biology, that my submission is taken seriously.

That the is taken seriously. That the government grab it with both hands government grab it with both hands in order to ensure that nobody goes through what my sister went through. through what my sister went through.
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Christine Jardine Portrait Christine Jardine MP (Edinburgh West, Liberal Democrat)
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I thank the member for that moving speech and I would like to place on record my love and place on record my love and admiration for her sister Margaret.

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Can I say and pay tribute to the honourable member in her speech. honourable member in her speech. This is an event that I wish we were not at. I wish there was no need for not at. I wish there was no need for us to have this event, but it is an issue that I have come to know more about personally in the last few about personally in the last few months because a young constituents came to me. He is a 22-year-old athlete training for the athlete training for the Commonwealth and was diagnosed with an inoperable and terminal mutant an inoperable and terminal mutant low-grade glioma.

A rare form of brain tumour disproportionately brain tumour disproportionately affecting young people. He is 22 years old. However, there should be years old. However, there should be good news. There is a new highly good news. There is a new highly promising drug, so promising that the trials I am told. Midway through and those on the placebo were given and those on the placebo were given the drug because it was proven so successful in inhibiting the growth of the tumour. It was developed in Edinburgh and is currently available to eligible patients to a named patient program that has been administered free of charge but not everywhere.

Only in Scotland and NHS and Teeside. However, Archie, my constituent, has not been given access to the drug because of the routine blood testing and the cost that it would have for NHS England. Myself and his MSP have written to NHS Scotland to Lothian health Board. I have written to the drug company to ask them how we can make this available. It seems the cruellest of thing for there to be a drug available, developed partly in his own city, and he cannot have it.

I know that the NHS has devolved but drug policy isn't and it seems unfair that we live in a situation where life-saving treatments will be decided by postcode, where people are passed from pillar to post to be told that they can't or won't have treatments which are available and that the only option will be radiotherapy or chemotherapy and interventions which the member described and which could be There is one word which takes a lot of excuses that have been given, and that is money, or affordability.

As if we are dealing with anything other than a human being whose situation is no fault of their own. I understand the pressures and finances on resources in the NHS, we all do, but that cannot be a limit on our ambition for what we can do for those who are suffering. We are all here because we believe we can make a difference. And I certainly did not come here with the intention of sitting back and accepting that I couldn't help when it came to health.

That we will talk about saving money when we should be talking about saving lives. I count myself lucky to have met so many dedicated strong people since being invited into Archie's home to talk to him and his family about the challenges that they are facing and how we could help. One of them is Dawn from the brain tumour fund, whose son was diagnosed with a site homer. He says " Chemotherapy and radio therapy, that is what the future holds for me.

" After battling through brain surgery in my own head, putting a smile on my face for those around me, just you have to pursue another year of turmoil and appointment only to be left with the potential long-term cognitive issues and even further away from the 24 year old I knew. I don't believe it is good enough anymore to say it is too difficult or too expensive. We have families crowd funding for treatment and looking abroad. This is not the NHS that was envisaged.

This is not the NHS I believe that any of us want. We are letting people down if we do not do as the honourable Member suggests and test drugs on everyone. Make them available everywhere, when a drug comes up like this one which can help you and save lives. Surely we should make sure it is available throughout the country. Without

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geographical limits. Thank you. Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker.

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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. Can I pay tribute to my honourable Friend from Mitcham and Morden for Friend from Mitcham and Morden for the way that she has pursued this issue. Seriously and with such
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John McDonnell Portrait Rt Hon John McDonnell MP (Hayes and Harlington, Independent)
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issue. Seriously and with such emotion as well. I knew her sister, Margaret, she was a Labour Party organiser I knew her for 45 years. She terrified me over the years but what I was admired in her was commitment in terms of the Labour Party but also in the wider community. I think she will be proud of her sister for her speech today and the work she has done. I want to say in my own community, there is a women's group who are a group of Asian ladies who, as a result of a family member who lost their daughter through brain tumours, come together every year.

Last weekend was and a raised £2500 for the Brain Tumour Charity. Each year they get me to do something, this year I sang in Punjabi. They had to lock the doors. The previous year I was dancing, and the video I've tried to purchase of them as it was going viral. But it raised a lot of money. And the commitment, as people become more aware of the situation and the impact of brain tumours, particularly amongst children, I think people are realising that something has to be done.

I want to make one particular point to reinforce what mild friend has said, and also that it exemplifies, there is a desperate need to look at how the mechanisms by which new drugs are brought forward and trialled, and the way that people can access these trials can be organised. On one occasion, there was one family desperate to get onto a trial that took the drug, and that drug was being delayed, and through the mechanisms we have at the moment.

I picky understand the processes by which we have to go through to ensure that a drug is safe and does not cause harm. But I have to say there's an element of frustration about how long that takes, the mechanisms that are being used, and the way in which some people who have no other option are not being allowed to access quickly enough or effectively enough those trials. As I said, on one occasion we met with the drug company, and we did have some beneficial effect in bringing forward the trials, and some of the sufferers being able to access the trials.

But I think one of the most important points while honourable Friend has made is that the system is not working at the moment. It is producing an element of frustration, and a lack of confidence in the NHS as well which is disappointing. That is because the treatments are not being brought forward quickly enough, and access to the trials is tortuous to say the least. That does not seem to be any form of mechanism by which we are coordinating better with the pharmaceutical industry.

And trying to set some priorities with regards to the industry as well. My honourable friend has mentioned why they concentrate on other conditions and cancers because that is where the big profits are, there has to be some way in which we can incentivise some of these companies to focus on this range of conditions. The problem is there are so many types of brain tumours is very difficult to see a company investing a large amount of money when they might be a limited impact on a small group of patients.

However, that is where Government comes in. And that is where the resourcing of those experimentation, the research, and the trials is so important. I think that does fall to that state. The point that my honourable friend has made in previous debates, and meetings of the all-party group is that even when the money is there to enable that to happen, it isn't getting out there. We have gone through difficult organisational structures to investigate what the issue is, and I do think it is a lack of leadership.

I think that needs to come from government now. One of the suggestions I put to the Minister is there might need to be maybe just a one-off conference of bringing everybody together again. The government has put forward its proposals with regards to their cancer strategy, has looked at pathways etc. I think it needs a new element of zest where we bring the pharmaceutical companies in with the existing structures, and have an honest discussion about whether those structures are working well enough whether or not there needs to be some rationalisation amongst them as well to make sure we are more effective and speedy in our action.

But also to investigate the pharmaceutical companies, what do they need to ensure that the research is undertaken effectively and speedily. And more effectively in terms of the way patients themselves can access. There is an issue, as the honourable Lady has said, but the funding of individual drugs. On those particular issues, it is better to be open and transparent about, there is to be a rational process, how rational it is, and the weight is implanted, in terms of how it is imprinted across England, Scotland, and Wales.

At the moment that seem to be a bit of a postcode lottery as to how you access these individual drugs. So I think we need a fresh initiative. I am sure the government will commit itself to doing all it can in this current period. I'm hoping that will be more resources applied but unless we get the structures right, the application of those resources will be as frustrating as they are at the moment. The Minister can understand from the all-party group the expression of frustration is something that has come up in each of our meetings.

The structure is not implementing what the government itself once, which is the wider investment resources and the linkup with the private pharmaceutical companies more effectively. So I would urge some form of breakthrough event to enable us to move forward more effectively and more rapidly. And I just want to pay tribute to the various charities, the brain tumours Association, all those that have done so much in raising the funds, and also in giving hope and comfort to people as their families go through this appalling experience.

I want to put on record my thanks for all the support they have given us in terms of the all-

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party group as well. Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker.

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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. Can I say to the honourable Lady the Frontbench, I thank her for her
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