Local Government Reorganisation

Debate between Adam Jogee and Angela Rayner

Monday 7th September 2026 Commons Chamber

[Angela Rayner]

Again, Madam Deputy Speaker, let me gently say that this is not a U-turn. This is me, as Secretary of State, reviewing the position and ensuring that we get this right. I still believe that local government reform in the right hon. Lady’s area in particular can deliver for her constituents, and I want them to engage with us. We have provided transitional funding to give support, and her local authorities and those in her local areas can get in touch with my Department to discuss it.

[Adam Jogee (Newcastle-under-Lyme) (Lab)]

May I warmly welcome the Secretary of State back to her place? I especially welcome this statement, as will many people back home in Newcastle-under-Lyme who only wanted to be listened to.

Back in July, in the strongest terms, I asked the Secretary of State’s predecessor to pause and think again. Today the Secretary of State has done that, and I am grateful. I hope that she will also listen to the many representations that I have made to her Department. May I go one step further, however, and ask her to focus on establishing the new mayoral authorities, which will provide the comprehensive cross-party, cross-community support that we need when it comes to changes of this scale?

[Angela Rayner]

The Prime Minister has been clear about what he wants to see in terms of our devolution agenda, and we will be taking that forward. As I have said, this will be a rapid review. I want to make sure that that is done and that the decisions are the right decisions, but we are moving forward with devolution, and we will be engaging with those in my hon. Friend’s area so that they can unlock their full potential.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Adam Jogee and Angela Rayner

Wednesday 23rd October 2024 Commons Chamber

[Adam Jogee (Newcastle-under-Lyme) (Lab)]

Q1. If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 23 October.

[The Deputy Prime Minister (Angela Rayner)]

I have been asked to reply, as my right hon. and learned Friend the Prime Minister is in Samoa to discuss shared opportunities in the Commonwealth, including how we work together to deliver economic growth. With increasing threats facing Britain, it is vital that we also strengthen defence, security and co-operation with our allies. That is why today, this Government signed a landmark defence agreement with Germany that will help keep us safe and create hundreds of jobs.

I know the whole House will join me in sending our best wishes to Sir Chris Hoy and his wife Sarra. He is a true sporting legend, and the courage and positivity they have shown will inspire many others. I also send our condolences to those affected by the train crash in Powys.

This morning, I have had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in this House, I shall have further such meetings later today.

[Adam Jogee]

For 14 years, my constituents in Newcastle-under-Lyme had to suffer flatlining wages, in-work poverty, and a bust economy that served nobody. Can I urge the Deputy Prime Minister to use the Employment Rights Bill to turn the page on the last 14 years, give our businesses the support they need, and finally restore dignity, prosperity and opportunity to the good people of Newcastle-under-Lyme?

[The Deputy Prime Minister]

I thank my hon. Friend for his question and welcome him to his place. When this Government took office, we promised the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation—a new deal for working people. We said that we would introduce a Bill within the first 100 days, and we have kept that promise. This is a Labour Government led by working people for working people.