Business of the House
Amanda Martin Excerpts(1 week, 5 days ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Sir Alan Campbell
The hon. Gentleman raises an important matter, behind which is the importance of prevention rather than trying to put things right after they have happened, which is far more costly. There should not be a postcode lottery in this area, or indeed in any other area. I invite the hon. Gentleman to apply for a Westminster Hall debate or an Adjournment debate, so that he can make his case and hear from the relevant Minister how we are going to put this right.
Amanda Martin (Portsmouth North) (Lab)
I regularly hear from people in Portsmouth who are passionate about public service and keen to make a positive difference in their community. Politics should be accessible to everyone, regardless of background. At the end of August, I will be hosting a political summer school for 15 to 21-year-olds in Portsmouth to inspire the next generation of leaders, campaigners and community champions. Can the Leader of the House advise me on how Members across the House can work with the Government to encourage more young people to engage in politics and public service, and what message would he send to the young people taking part in my summer school?
Sir Alan Campbell
My message to the young people taking part in my hon. Friend’s summer school is to enjoy themselves—to enjoy what they might learn, but also to enjoy working together in what is a fantastic field. Taking part in public life is an honour and a privilege, and we should encourage everyone who aspires to public service to be able to follow that ambition.
Sir David Amess Summer Adjournment
Amanda Martin Excerpts(1 week, 5 days ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Amanda Martin (Portsmouth North) (Lab)
Sir David Amess understood what every Member of this House should remember: our greatest privilege is representing the people and places who send us here. He never missed an opportunity to celebrate Southend, and today I want to do the same for Portsmouth. This year is especially meaningful, because we are celebrating 100 years of city status.
For a century our city has been shaped by courage, service, resilience and innovation. Portsmouth has defended our nation, openly welcomed people from around the world, built ships, driven industry and produced generations who have been fiercely proud to call themselves Pompey. Throughout this centenary year, our city has come together to celebrate, but Portsmouth 100 is about more than looking back; it is about recognising the people who make our city.
Reading through the nominations for the 100 Pompey Belles award, recognising 100 local women, has been inspiring and humbling. They tell the stories of the extraordinary women who quietly make Portsmouth a better place every single day. The hardest part now lies ahead, because we have the impossible task of narrowing down these nominations to just 100.
I have learned over the past two years that Portsmouth sometimes has a habit of talking about itself as though it ends at the guildhall. I have therefore made it my mission since being elected to remind everyone that there is another half of Portsmouth that is every bit as special, which is Portsmouth North. It is where so many of my own memories were made: the street parties on Mousehole Road; rolling down Portsdown hill, which I must confess I have done rather more recently than perhaps I should have; spending long summer days sitting on the concrete steps at Hilsea lido, and how wonderful to see this much-loved landmark restored for future generations to make memories, too; catching the bus as a kid into North End to go shopping, before treating ourselves to a burger at Uncle Sams; play dates with mates in the ball pit at the Sovereigns, and later on in the garden of the Rose in June; family picnics at Baffins park after a visit; and going shopping with my Nan in Cosham, or as my Aunty Irene likes to call it, “Cozam”. These moments may seem ordinary, but they are what makes a city extraordinary. As we celebrate 100 years, I want to encourage residents to follow the lion trail, which takes them to so many gems in my city, and to make their own memories.
What next for year 101, and what will I strive to change? I will strive for building the homes that local families need, giving every child the opportunity to achieve and thrive, supporting our high streets, protecting our coastlines, backing our armed forces, speaking out for those who often do not feel they have a voice, and making sure every generation can build a good life in my city—the city that I and they love.
I want to thank my family and my loved ones for their support, and my fantastic team of Harry, Helen, Lucy, Abbie, Matthew, Jemma, Oscar and Flora—who, with her partner, Neil, welcomed their beautiful baby boy, Sacha Henry, just two weeks ago. Before I finish, I want to pay tribute to our outgoing Prime Minister, and to thank him for his service to our country, and for his kindness, encouragement and friendship. I also want to warmly welcome our new Prime Minister. Around Greater Manchester, he is known as the king of the north. I gently remind him that there is another north that deserves attention, and that is Portsmouth North.
Business of the House
Amanda Martin Excerpts(1 month, 2 weeks ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to champion these concerns on behalf of his constituents. The police do have a number of powers to seize e-scooters and e-bikes that are being used illegally or antisocially. We will be consulting further shortly and are committed to pursuing legislative reform in due course. As my hon. Friend points out, it is a question of not just having the legislation but using that legislation. Were he to seek a Westminster Hall or Adjournment debate, he could put his frustration and concerns directly to the relevant Minister.
Amanda Martin (Portsmouth North) (Lab)
As Portsmouth is home to one of the largest concentrations of Royal Navy personnel, I regularly hear from service families and the charities supporting them that two weeks’ paternity leave is simply not enough, particularly when deployments can mean missing the birth of a child or losing the chance to take leave meaningfully. With allies such as the United States now offering significantly more generous paid parental leave arrangements, will the Leader of the House grant time for a debate on reforming parental leave for service personnel and addressing the impacts of deployment on family life?
Business of the House
Amanda Martin Excerpts(4 months, 2 weeks ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Amanda Martin (Portsmouth North) (Lab)
I associate myself with the words of the Leader of the House in support for the armed forces, particularly HMS Dragon, which left Portsmouth’s shores. Residents in Cosham, Paulsgrove, Hilsea and Drayton and Farlington have faced years of dangerous antisocial behaviour along Portsdown Hill. Following what seems to be delays from the Hampshire police and crime commissioner’s office and potentially the council, the average speed cameras promised to the community are still only at tendering stage, and they will not be installed under after the summer. Understandably, my constituents do not want to face another summer of disruptions and unsafe driving. What further steps can I take to expediate action and ensure that these communities finally see the enforcement measures that they were promised?
Sir Alan Campbell
We published our road safety strategy in January, which marks a turning point in the Government’s approach. We are taking decisive action to make our roads safer for everyone, but I will ensure that the relevant Minister has heard my hon. Friend’s contribution. This is also an opportunity to thank everyone involved in getting HMS Dragon ready to embark; I pay tribute to them. I also congratulate the city of Portsmouth, which I understand celebrates its centenary this year.
Business of the House
Amanda Martin Excerpts(5 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Amanda Martin (Portsmouth North) (Lab)
My constituents in Portsmouth have raised concerns about significant mark-ups on third party funeral services and lack of transparency in pricing. At a time of extreme grief, families should not have to worry about excessive costs or unclear pricing. In 2025, the Competition and Markets Authority recommended statutory regulation and price control in the industry. Will the Leader of the House allocate time for a debate on strengthening regulation of the funeral industry to ensure fair, transparent pricing and proper protection for families during what can be an extremely traumatic time?
Sir Alan Campbell
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this matter in the way that she has today. No one wishes to be faced with this issue, particularly at such a distressing time. The Government will set our their response to the Fuller inquiry in due course, including on the matter of statutory regulation. If my hon. Friend wants a meeting with the relevant Minister, I will seek to help her to arrange that.
Business of the House
Amanda Martin Excerpts(6 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Sir Alan Campbell
I will ensure that the hon. Lady gets a meeting with the relevant Minister so she can take the issue further.
Amanda Martin (Portsmouth North) (Lab)
Residents and developers in Portsmouth are facing repeated delays from the council planning department. Despite clear assurances from the council given to me about the long-promised green light for the Tipner East development, it has stalled again. Those delays are actively driving the growth of houses in multiple occupation, damaging Portsmouth’s reputation and holding back action on the housing crisis. Will the Leader of the House tell me what mechanisms are available to Members to hold Portsmouth city council to account, force transparency over the planning delays and secure faster, more effective decision making to build the much-needed homes in my city?
Sir Alan Campbell
The Government, as my hon. Friend knows, are dedicated to ending the housing crisis. We have already delivered 231,000 new homes since the election and our reforms will lead to the highest level in over 40 years. However, that has to be delivered at a local level. I will reach out to the relevant Minister to ensure that my hon. Friend receives the information required on the specific issue that she raises and can discuss what further action can be taken.
Business of the House
Amanda Martin Excerpts(7 months, 1 week ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Sir Alan Campbell
I hope that the operators have heard the right hon. Gentleman’s words, because this is an issue not just in his constituency, but elsewhere. The Government have attempted to tackle it, and we have done some really good things, but it continues to be an issue in some places. I will write to him after taking it up with the Transport Secretary—I think the Home Secretary will also have some responsibility for these matters—and get back to him.
Amanda Martin (Portsmouth North) (Lab)
I wish you and all the House staff a very merry Christmas, Mr Speaker.
I thank constituents for raising concerns about playgrounds in Stamshaw, Hilsea and Baffins that lack age-appropriate equipment and proper access for disabled children, which contribute to antisocial behaviour in those playgrounds. Will the Leader of the House make time for the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to update the House on how councils can access the £18 million that was announced in the Budget to refurbish playgrounds and on how sites can be prioritised, so that families in Pompey can once again enjoy safe places to play?
Sir Alan Campbell
I thank my hon. Friend for her assiduous campaigning on behalf of her constituents, and join her in recognising the important part that playgrounds play in our social infrastructure. I will draw her request to the attention of Ministers and ensure that she gets a reply on the matter of how to access funding.
Christmas Adjournment
Amanda Martin Excerpts(7 months, 1 week ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Amanda Martin (Portsmouth North) (Lab)
I came to this place determined to listen to my constituents and to deliver real change on the issues that matter most. In the past year, we have saved Cosham post office and secured average-speed cameras on Portsdown hill—something for which residents of Drayton and Farlington have been fighting for over five years. We have cracked down on dodgy shops. We have removed taxis abandoned for years on Tangier Road in Baffins and we have taken significant action on houses in multiple occupation.
Of course, there is still much more to do, and I want to be honest about the local challenges we face, from access to homes, health services, water bills rising, parking, education and special educational needs and disabilities provision, but the securing of £20 million of Pride in Place money for the part of the city where my parents were born has meant so much to me and the people of Paulsgrove. For decades they have been ignored, and they deserve better. It is not just Paulsgrove that will gain from having a Labour MP. A record fairer funding local government settlement of £62 million means that all of Portsmouth will gain.
In 2026, Portsmouth will celebrate 100 years of the city, and what a year it will be. We are also building momentum for a city of culture bid, and I am determined to champion Portsmouth on the national stage, with creativity, resilience, pride and ambition at its heart.
Before I close, I want to thank some remarkable people who make Portsmouth North the incredible community it is: Lynn Timms and her Forty 4 Frankie campaign; Mehmet Ulucan, a local business and community figure; Freya Marley and her involvement in the Lobular Moon Shot project; Vicky Gidney for her community work and her travelling sofa; Father Hugo of St Michael’s and all the faith leaders in my city for the support and care they give; Clare Martin, the CEO of Pompey in the Community; Paul White at In a Jam, who fitted our community defibrillator; and Lara, the organiser of the Baton of Hope—rest in peace.
I also want to thank my brilliant staff, who have worked tirelessly to serve our community. Their dedication, problem solving and sheer hard work make everything possible. To my family, I love you, and to all the parliamentary staff, the Speaker and Deputy Speakers, and everyone who keeps this place running, I wish you a very merry Christmas.
Business of the House
Amanda Martin Excerpts(8 months, 2 weeks ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Sir Alan Campbell
I will draw that to the attention of the Secretary of State, but as the hon. Gentleman knows, there is a balance, which the Government want to achieve, between protecting nature and making sure that we have the houses this country needs.
Amanda Martin (Portsmouth North) (Lab)
During Remembrance Week we rightly honour the service and sacrifice of our armed forces and their families. Children from armed forces families often face unique challenges in education and mobility, yet data on their outcomes and experiences remains limited. There is a need for better recognition of service children in education policy, for improved national data collection and for sustained funding for the professionals supporting them. Will the Leader of the House allocate time for a debate on ensuring that service children receive whole-person, whole-journey support and evidence-based investment to help them thrive?
Sir Alan Campbell
Children of armed forces families do face unique challenges. The Government are aware of this and recognise that we can do better by them than has been done in the past. This would be a good subject for a debate so that Members across the House can share experiences and Ministers can learn more about the way forward.
Business of the House
Amanda Martin Excerpts(1 year, 1 month ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Lucy Powell
As the MP for a rival city centre in Manchester, I am well aware of concerns of the type raised by the hon. Gentleman. We do support our hospitality sector, and we are taking a number of steps to support growth in our economy and to support employment. We had to take tough decisions in the Budget to ensure that our NHS and other public services have the resources they need to ensure that we have a healthy workforce to work in that sector, and that has meant a national insurance rise for businesses.
Amanda Martin (Portsmouth North) (Lab)
I have raised concerns about the rise in the number of houses in multiple occupation in Portsmouth before. This week, the council confirmed that it would take 12 years to house all families currently on the four-bedroom home waiting list without adding a single new family, because we are not building enough homes. Meanwhile, family homes are being converted into HMOs to fill the gap—homes in Balfour road, Chichester road, Cardiff road and three on Laburnum—yet residents cannot get up-to-date information because the public HMO list has not been updated for 15 months due to technical difficulties. Can the Leader of the House advise me how I can get the council to publish that list, and will she make time for a debate on the national rise of HMOs?