Business of the House

Debate between Jeff Smith and Lucy Powell

Thursday 25th January 2024 Commons Chamber

[Jeff Smith (Manchester, Withington) (Lab)]

I learned to swim at Withington baths—

[Lucy Powell]

So did I.

[Jeff Smith]

Indeed, the shadow Leader of the House also learned to swim there. It is a lovely Edwardian building in the heart of Withington. When the coalition cuts hit Manchester so hard around 10 years ago, the council was forced to transfer ownership to a community group. Under its leadership, the leisure centre has gone from strength to strength, and last week it celebrated the completion of a highly successful heritage refurbish project. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating the board and volunteers at Withington leisure centre? Perhaps we could have a debate in the House to recognise the work of volunteers and community groups in running local facilities.