(3 days, 20 hours ago)
Commons ChamberI congratulate Morley running club and the local firefighters on raising money for such a good cause, and I congratulate my hon. Friend on finishing the run himself—for me, I think more than my knees would be giving way. It is a great contribution of community groups and volunteers coming together, and it brings out the best in our local communities.
Josh Newbury (Cannock Chase) (Lab)
Earlier this month a 12-year-old girl was hit by a car while crossing a dangerous crossroads on the A5 in Bridgtown. Despite being thrown to the other side of the road, she miraculously escaped with minor injuries, but the incident has reignited long-standing concerns from residents—including her parents, Andrew and Becky—about pedestrian safety at the crossing. Will the Leader of the House join me in urging National Highways to review this crossing, and may we have a debate on improving pedestrian safety on major roads in order to prevent further tragedies?
I am glad to hear that the girl in question suffered only minor injuries, but this is nevertheless a tragic event and my hon. Friend is right to raise those concerns. I urge National Highways, and everybody else who has a role to play in this matter, to listen carefully to what he asks for. He may wish to highlight that through either a Backbench Business debate or an Adjournment debate.
(1 week, 3 days ago)
Commons Chamber
Josh Newbury (Cannock Chase) (Lab)
I recently met a constituent whose husband died while serving in the police force and who now finds herself in a difficult position. Under the 1987 police pension scheme, surviving partners do not receive lifelong survivor benefits, whereas under the 2015 scheme, they do. She feels, understandably, that this creates an inconsistency for families who have already given so much to public service. Could we have a debate on police pensions to discuss whether more can be done to ensure the system treats all police families with consistency and compassion?
I understand very well what my hon. Friend is asking for. Although there are currently no plans to review the scheme, I urge him to call for a debate, so that he can make his case, which I am sure will be supported by others across the House, and ensure that Ministers hear the significance of this.
(2 weeks, 3 days ago)
Commons ChamberI thank Scarborough’s SBA Unity racing team for its fantastic success and send my congratulations to the whole team. We know about the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, so I will ensure that the Secretary of State for Education learns about the team’s success and reemphasise why this is a fantastic opportunity for young people.
Josh Newbury (Cannock Chase) (Lab)
During recess, I became the first interviewee of my constituent Brendan Woodbridge, an inspiring disabled 19-year-old who aspires to be a freelance journalist in order to spotlight accessible places and services so that people like him do not feel trapped at home. Brendan and his mom Natalie told me that when leaving the nurturing school environment, there is often nothing for young people like him to go on to. Will the Leader of the House grant a debate on educational and job opportunities for disabled adults?