Business of the House

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Thursday 30th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. It has become alarmingly common for business questions to take more than an hour. I have to have regard to the next statement and to the two debates, so I appeal for short questions and short answers in the faint hope that we might be able to move on to the next business shortly after midday.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

May we have a debate on diversity in the arts? On Monday night I was pleased to attend the Muslim News awards for excellence 2017, where my constituent Shahida Ahmed from Nelson was awarded the Alhambra Muslim News award for excellence in the arts, presented by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Thursday 2nd March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

The Minister has shown real leadership on the issue and I applaud the Government’s efforts so far. However, for us to make a genuine difference we need other countries to get on board. Will my hon. Friend say more about what she is doing to ensure that we work collaboratively across borders to tackle the problem?

[Mr Speaker]

But not too much more.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Thursday 8th December 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Good; and the hon. Gentleman may be learned, but if not, I am sure it is only a matter of time.

[Andrew Stephenson]

One of the main areas of modern slavery that we are uncovering in Lancashire is the trafficking and subsequent sexual exploitation of women. Often these victims will not come forward because they are being controlled through fear and violence. What more can my hon. and learned Friend do to support vulnerable women through the process?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Monday 14th November 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Forgive me, but I think the grouping is with Question 17 rather than Question 15—not that I wish to be pedantic; I just wish to be precise. [Interruption.] I think I have the advantage of being correct in this case, incredible though the hon. Lady may judge that to be.

[Andrew Stephenson]

I met Jan Holmes, the headteacher of Walton Lane Nursery, and many other Pendle nursery headteachers recently. Further to many of the points that have already been made, will my hon. Friend commit to extending the funding for maintained nursery schools beyond the two years indicated in the consultation, as nursery schools really do make a difference to some of the poorest children in my constituency?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Monday 24th October 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. The hon. Member for Pendle has perambulated from one part of the Chamber to the other, but we are nevertheless happy to hear from him.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

T7. Local business rates retention will be a great boost for many local councils. What discussions has my hon. Friend had with local authorities about 100% retention?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Thursday 8th September 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I know that we have overrun, but I want to accommodate remaining questions if they are extremely brief.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

T5. Pendle is home to a number of key aerospace businesses, such as Rolls-Royce. What discussions has my hon. Friend had with the aerospace sector to ensure that we continue to support this vital industry?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Thursday 21st July 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Indeed.

[Andrew Stephenson]

Does the Minister agree that the 33% target of women on FTSE 350 boards is achievable?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Wednesday 20th July 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. We are discussing very serious matters, including the security of Northern Ireland, to which exchange the hon. Member for Pendle (Andrew Stephenson), who has a related question, might wish to contribute now.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

10. Following the recent threat increase, will my hon. Friend assure the House that he remains absolutely committed to ensuring that our security agencies, police and others have the equipment to deal with any threats they might face?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and John Bercow

Monday 13th July 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Let me just remind the hon. Gentleman, in the most genial spirit but in terms that are unmistakable, that questions must relate to the responsibilities of Ministers, not of other parties. Let us leave it there.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

8. What plans he has to increase the proportion of recruits to the armed forces who come from ethnic minority groups.