Oral Answers to Questions

Alice Macdonald Excerpts

Thursday 23rd January 2025 Commons Chamber

[Pat McFadden]

I will keep it short, Mr Speaker: we will ensure that we co-ordinate our response with all parts of the UK.

[Alice Macdonald (Norwich North) (Lab/Co-op)]

T4. The Labour-led city council in Norwich was recently awarded £34 million in Government funding to help to unlock affordable homes and jobs at Anglia Square. This is long overdue, and will bring huge benefit to Norwich. It is a brilliant example of the Government’s mission for growth as part of our plan for change. Will my right hon. Friend update us on broader cross-Government plans to deliver the affordable housing needed across the country?

[The Minister without Portfolio (Ellie Reeves)]

My hon. Friend has been a brilliant champion for more affordable housing in her constituency. Through our plan for change, we have committed to building 1.5 million homes this Parliament—the biggest increase in affordable housing in a generation, which will benefit families in Norwich and across the country. I am pleased to hear about the plans at Anglia Square, which are a powerful example of what can be achieved when a Labour council works with a Labour Government.

Oral Answers to Questions

Alice Macdonald Excerpts

Wednesday 13th November 2024 Commons Chamber

[Kevin Bonavia (Stevenage) (Lab)]

2. What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to tackle violence against women and girls.

[Alice Macdonald (Norwich North) (Lab/Co-op)]

8. What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to tackle violence against women and girls.

[Harpreet Uppal (Huddersfield) (Lab)]

9. What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to tackle violence against women and girls.

--- Later in debate ---

[Jess Phillips]

Having done that work myself, I am more than happy to champion and praise the work of IDVAs and ISVAs. As my hon. Friend might imagine, we will use every tool available to us, including those vital roles, to target perpetrators and address the root causes of abuse and violence.

[Alice Macdonald]

When I spoke to the chief constable of Norfolk constabulary recently, he told me that if a suspect were arrested and charged today with a serious sexual offence such as rape, the Crown court trial could commence in the spring of 2026, which is more than a year away. That is totally unacceptable. What can the Minister do to reassure women in Norfolk who are waiting for their cases to be heard?