First elected: 4th July 2024
Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
Apply for the UK to join the European Union as a full member as soon as possible
Gov Responded - 19 Nov 2024 Debated on - 24 Mar 2025 View Andrew Snowden's petition debate contributionsI believe joining the EU would boost the economy, increase global influence, improve collaboration and provide stability & freedom. I believe that Brexit hasn't brought any tangible benefit and there is no future prospect of any, that the UK has changed its mind and that this should be recognised.
These initiatives were driven by Andrew Snowden, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.
MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.
Andrew Snowden has not been granted any Urgent Questions
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Marriage (Prohibited Degrees of Relationship) Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Richard Holden (Con)
All guidance issued to Crown Prosecutors to assist their decision making is available here: Prosecution guidance | The Crown Prosecution Service. The overarching Code for Crown Prosecutors issued by the Director for Public Prosecutions provides guidance on how to apply the Public Interest Test in all cases that are referred to the Crown Prosecution Service.
Cases involving freedom of expression issues can come in many forms, and so the relevant guidance will be followed by prosecutors depending on the facts and circumstances of the alleged conduct and the relevant statutory provisions.
Enforcement of drug driving legislation and how available resources are deployed is an operational matter for individual Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners to determine in conjunction with local crime and policing plans, taking into account the specific local problems and demands with which they are faced.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) prosecutes cases that are referred to it by the police.
The Government has announced more than half a billion pounds of additional central government funding for policing next year to support the Government’s Safer Streets Mission.
Section 5A of the Road Traffic Act 1988, introduced in 2015, aligned enforcement of drug driving with that of drink driving by introducing a strict liability offence to avoid the need to prove impairment. CPS management information shows that in the financial year 2023/2024, 25,559 offences were charged under this section which proceeded to a first hearing in the magistrates’ courts.
The Government Property Agency maintains defibrillators across its estate inline with best practice (annual servicing) and is aligned to manufacturer’s guidelines. Defibrillators are also regularly visually inspected.
Regulatory oversight of gig economy platforms spans multiple departments and agencies depending on the specific aspect being regulated. For example, the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology is responsible for data protection policy and legislation as it relates to personal data, and the Department for Business and Trade has responsibility for the legislative framework on employment rights.
Platform usage policies are contractual matters between the companies and their users, with companies responsible for enforcing their own terms of service within the bounds of applicable laws.
The government recognises that small businesses are critical to our communities and essential to our economic success. We are committed to hardwiring the voice of small business into everything we do and collaborating with businesses and workers to kickstart and rebuild our economy.
The universal postal service ensures that SMEs across the UK have access to an affordable service.
Ofcom independently regulates the universal postal service. In its 2023-24 Post Monitoring Report, Ofcom found that three-quarters (74%) of SMEs were satisfied with the quality of service they receive from Royal Mail, while overall satisfaction with other providers stood at 81%.
We will publish our Small Business Strategy later this year with a clear ambition to promote start-ups and encourage entrepreneurship, built around the new Business Growth Service.
Start Up Loans are available across the UK, helping new and early-stage businesses access affordable finance. 209 such loans have been issued to Fylde businesses, worth an aggregate of over £2.1 million.[1]
Existing support offers include Help to Grow: Management - UK, providing practical ways to enhance small business productivity and growth, and the British Business Bank’s Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II provides debt and equity finance for businesses across the North.
[1] Start Up Loans Scheme – lending 2012 to 31/01/2025 | Start Up Loans (to 31 January 2025)
As part of its assessment of the beer market, the Department has engaged with a range of stakeholders, including small brewers and independent pub landlords.
The government is separately conducting a statutory review into the operation of the Pubs Code and the performance of the Pubs Code Adjudicator. Interested parties can submit their views to the call for inputs until 14 August 2025. The Pubs Code applies to large pub-owning businesses with 500 or more tied pubs in England and Wales, covering around 8,000 pubs.
The government notes the Scottish Pubs Code and the ‘guest beer agreement’ requirement, contained within it.
The England and Wales Pubs Code, which applies to large pub-owning businesses with 500 or more tied pubs in England and Wales, covers around 8,000 pubs. The government is currently undertaking the third statutory review of the Pubs Code and the Pubs Code Adjudicator. Stakeholders including brewers and pub companies are encouraged to contribute to the review’s call for inputs which is open until 14 August.
Additionally, the government is completing an exercise to understand whether there are any barriers to market for small brewers. This exercise covers all pub models. Interested parties can contact beermarketreview@businessandtrade.gov.uk.
The intention is to complete the review this summer. Ministers will then consider the report’s findings and, following discussions with those parties that have contributed to the review, whether any further steps should be taken.
Hospitality businesses, including pubs and independent breweries, are at the heart of our communities and play a vital role in supporting economic growth across the UK.
The government wishes to see small brewers retain and expand their access to UK pubs, maximising drinkers’ choice and supporting local economies. The Government is currently assessing the beer market to determine whether there are any structural barriers preventing small brewers' from accessing pubs.
The government is currently completing an exercise to understand whether there are any barriers to market for small brewers. This exercise covers all pub models. Interested parties can contact beermarketreview@businessandtrade.gov.uk.
The government is separately conducting a statutory review into the operation of Pubs Code and the performance of the Pubs Code Adjudicator. Interested parties can submit their views to the call for inputs until 14 August 2025. The Pubs Code applies to large pub-owning businesses with 500 or more tied pubs in England and Wales, covering around 8,000 pubs.
Under product safety regulations, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) and Local Authority Trading Standards (LATS) have powers to remove unsafe products or prevent them entering the UK. In 2023-2024, 2.4m goods, including e-bikes, were denied entry. LATS report serious risk products to OPSS, which has published 22 recalls and 29 other safety alerts on unsafe e-bikes and associated products since 2022. Last year OPSS led a LATS programme to inspect businesses that repair, maintain or modify e-bikes and raise awareness of legal responsibilities for safety.
Enforcement of illegally modified electric bikes on public roads is a police matter.
Under UK product safety regulations, businesses are responsible for ensuring the products they supply comply with all relevant legal requirements. The Office for Product Safety and Standards published a regulatory activity update for e-bikes in January which summarises its actions in this area. It does not routinely collect estimates of numbers of products removed from sale. Individual Trading Standards departments prioritise action against non-compliant consumer products based on the trading patterns and safety issues specific to their locality, which differ between regions.
Enforcement of illegally modified electric bikes used on public roads is a matter for the police.
As part of DBT's programme of activity tackling unsafe e-bikes and associated products, last October I launched a consumer awareness campaign Buy Safe, Be Safe to encourage consumers to buy safe e-bikes from reputable sellers; to only use manufacturer recommended replacements; and to only engage professionals if modifying products. DBT partners with fire services, consumer bodies and relevant businesses to ensure these messages reach gig economy workers and those most likely to use e-bikes. DBT also collaborates with other departments, including MHCLG on fire safety, and DfT on safe road use, to raise public awareness on using e-bikes safely.
We are continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal which will look at enhancing access for our world-leading services industries and improving supply chains, including on SMEs.
The US has committed to further negotiations, including on the 10% tariffs introduced on 2nd April.
We have announced a range of measures to support SMEs, including access to additional finance through the British Business Bank and sector specific measures. We are also expanding UKEF’s capacity to support business by £20 billion, with £10 billion specifically aimed at businesses impacted by the current US tariffs. Any business which is concerned about what tariff changes mean for them can find clear guidance and support on business.gov.uk.
We are continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal which will look at enhancing access for our world-leading services industries and improving supply chains, including on SMEs.
The US has committed to further negotiations, including on the 10% tariffs introduced on 2nd April.
We have announced a range of measures to support SMEs, including access to additional finance through the British Business Bank and sector specific measures. We are also expanding UKEF’s capacity to support business by £20 billion, with £10 billion specifically aimed at businesses impacted by the current US tariffs. Any business which is concerned about what tariff changes mean for them can find clear guidance and support on business.gov.uk.
We recognise the vital role pubs play in driving economic growth and strengthening community cohesion across the UK, I co-chair the Hospitality Sector Council to discuss matters affecting the sector and to recognise their contribution to the economy, which was around £50bn GVA in 2024, representing 2% total UK output. We've recently launched Hospitality Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs), which fast-track individuals into hospitality vacancies by providing flexible training and support for job seekers.
Additionally, we've launched a new £1.5 million Hospitality Fund to co-invest in projects that boost productivity and help community pubs adapt to local needs. We're working with the Licensing Taskforce to reduce burdens and encourage growth.
On 8 May, we concluded a landmark economic deal with the US which cuts tariffs for UK industry and cuts costs for businesses.
What we have agreed will provide the foundation for a new reciprocal trading partnership between the US and the UK, protecting businesses and jobs across the country. We are continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal which will look at increasing digital trade, access for our world-leading services industries and improving supply chains.
We will continue our engagement with businesses from across the UK throughout these remaining negotiations.
The UK’s product safety framework requires businesses, including those that modify electric bikes, to only place safe and compliant consumer products on the market. The Office for Product Safety and Standards and Local Authority Trading Standards have powers to tackle the supply of unsafe or non-compliant consumer products and remove them from the market.
The Product Regulation and Metrology Bill will enable the Government to modernise product safety law, including placing new duties on online marketplaces to better protect consumers from unsafe products.
Enforcement of illegally modified electric bikes used on public roads is a matter for the police.
The Government is conscious that this is an anxious time for all businesses, not just those trading with the USA.
We have announced a range of measures to support SMEs dealing with cashflow difficulties linked to recent changes in global tariff rates, including an additional £500 million in lending capacity under the Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS), delivered by the British Business Bank.
We are also expanding UKEF’s business support package by £20 billion, £10 billion of which will be used specifically for businesses impacted in the short term by the current US tariffs.
We will continue our work with businesses in the North-West and across the country to understand their assessment of the impact of US tariffs on their operations.
The Government has announced a range of measures to support SMEs, including access to additional finance through the British Business Bank and sector specific measures.
We are also expanding UKEF’s business support package by £20 billion, with £10 billion specifically aimed at businesses impacted by the current US tariffs.
Any business which is concerned about what tariff changes mean for them can find further guidance and support on great.gov.uk.
Small businesses are the backbone of our communities including those in the creative industries. The Government has a wide range of offers aimed at supporting SMEs in Lancashire and across the UK
SMEs in Fylde can benefit from specialist business advice, accessing finance and reaching new markets through Boost – Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub
We will be launching the Business Growth Service (BGS) this summer, making it easier for businesses to get the advice and support they need. Any SME in Lancashire and across the UK will be able to access expert, impartial services within the BGS free of charge.
We will continue our work with businesses in the North-West and across the country to understand their assessment of the impact of US tariffs on their operations. On 8 May we concluded a landmark economic deal with the US, which cuts tariffs for UK industry and cuts costs for businesses.
What we have agreed will provide the foundation for a new reciprocal trading partnership between the US and the UK, protecting businesses and jobs across the country. We are continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal which will look at increasing digital trade, enhancing access for our world-leading services industries and improving supply chains.
The Government has announced a range of measures to support SMEs, including access to additional finance through the British Business Bank and sector specific measures.
We are also expanding UKEF’s business support package by £20 billion, with £10 billion specifically aimed at businesses impacted by the current US tariffs.
Any business which is concerned about what tariff changes mean for them can find clear guidance and support on great.gov.uk.
On 8 May, we concluded a landmark economic deal with the US. We are continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal and we will continue our extensive engagement with businesses from across the UK throughout these remaining negotiations.
We continue to support UK businesses, including those that sell consumer electronics and agricultural goods, to grow and export around the world and to the US. Businesses can access export support via great.gov.uk such as the Export Academy, International Markets Network, Growth Hubs and Help to Grow: Management scheme.
DfE continues to make available education and training opportunities in technical and engineering sectors across the country including in Fylde and Lancashire.
DfE’s levy-funded growth and skills offer, with apprenticeships at the heart, is aligned with the industrial strategy, creating routes into good, skilled jobs in growing industries such as in engineering and technical sectors.
DBT is working with DfE, following the announced additional £625 million for construction skills training, to support the industry led Construction Skills Mission Board to collaboratively secure the workforce needed to meet future demand and deliver the government’s infrastructure and built environment commitments.
My department has a dedicated exports promotion programme for the creative industries to grow their exports. We will continue to use trade and economic partnership agreements to reduce trade barriers for creative industries businesses.
There are no current plans to support businesses with relocating their production out of China specifically. However, the Government-backed British Business Bank helps businesses to access the finance they need to invest and grow, including to relocate parts or all of their business.
UK Export Finance can help SMEs win contracts by providing attractive financing terms to buyers, support working capital loans to take on and fulfil orders effectively, and make sure SMEs get paid by offering Government-backed insurance against buyer default.
The UK's Trade Strategy will mark a reset in our approach to international trade and set out the future priorities for our trade policy. This strategy will also set out how trade can stimulate economic growth through delivery of targeted business benefits in a rapidly changing global landscape. We will continue to support SMEs through future agreements, including measures that will help offset tariffs and access global markets.
DBT monitors the financial health of the SME population using a wide range of sources, including the SME Finance Monitor which stated that in 2024, 35% of SMEs rated costs as a major obstacle to running business in the next 12 months, compared with 38% in 2023. The Bank of England is responsible for controlling inflation through monetary policy tools. It has cut the interest rates four times since August 2024 as inflationary pressures eased from their recent peak, working to sustainably returning inflation to the 2% target rate.
In addition, the government is establishing trade agreements that will help reduce cost. Supermarkets have said publicly that the recently announced UK-EU SPS Agreement will help to ease the pressure on food prices.
Hospitality businesses are at the heart of our communities and play a vital role in supporting economic growth across the UK.
The Government recently launched a licensing taskforce to reduce red tape and barriers that too often hold businesses back and intends to introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties with a rateable value less than £500,000
Additionally, we recently announced a £1.5 million Hospitality Support Scheme to co-fund projects that align with Department of Business & Trade and Hospitality Sector Council Priorities. I am working with Council Members to maximise the benefits of this funding.
We encourage responses to the request for input from all organisations that think their imports could be affected by any potential UK tariffs on a particular commodity code.
Lethal and non-lethal firearms under CN 93039000 are not classified as military weapons. Heading 9303 does not mention military weapons, military weapons are instead classified in the earlier headings, such as 9301 (9301 Military weapons, other than revolvers, pistols and the arms of heading 9307 (this heading covers semi-automatic firearms and rifles).
Organisations that have additional specific classification enquiries can be directed to the mailbox: classification.enquiries@hmrc.gov.uk
We continue to work closely with HM Treasury on the challenges facing high street and other businesses including those within the nighttime economy.
The Government is protecting the smallest employers by increasing the Employment Allowance to £10,500, and removing the £100,000 eligibility threshold, meaning all eligible employers benefit. This means that in 2025-26 865,000 employers will pay no National Insurance Contributions at all, and more than half of employers will see no change or will gain overall from this package.
We are creating a fairer business rate system, reducing alcohol duty on qualifying draught products and transforming the apprenticeship levy to support business and boost opportunities.
Government protects the sustainability of the branch network by providing funding on the basis that Post Office meets minimum access criteria for example including in Fylde, that across the country, 99% of the population live within three miles of their nearest Post Office. Government works to ensure Post Office Limited maintains a minimum number of branches and a geographical spread of branches in line with the published access criteria. Along with the annual £50 million subsidy, we have provided a further £37.5 million in December last year to safeguard services in the uncommercial parts of the network.
The Plan to Make Work Pay is central to our Plan for Change to grow the economy, raise living standards and create opportunities for all. It will tackle low pay, poor working conditions and poor job security, creating long-term growth and investment to support businesses. We must ensure that our Plan works for all businesses. Insights gained from our ongoing engagement with businesses has been invaluable in developing proportionate, effective policy. Make Work Pay will increase workforce productivity and ensure a level playing field, so businesses trying to do the right thing, like those in Fylde, are not undercut.
The Plan to Make Work Pay is central to our Plan for Change to grow the economy, raise living standards and create opportunities for all. It will tackle low pay, poor working conditions and poor job security, creating long-term growth and investment to support businesses. We must ensure that our Plan works for all businesses. Insights gained from our ongoing engagement with businesses has been invaluable in developing proportionate, effective policy. Make Work Pay will increase workforce productivity and ensure a level playing field, so businesses trying to do the right thing, like those in Fylde, are not undercut.
Revitalising our high streets is a priority for this government. We are delivering across government to create better conditions for high street businesses to thrive. The new Crime and Policing Bill will give better protection for businesses and retail workers, including those in Fylde, against assault and theft. We have introduced High Street Rental Auction powers for local authorities and before Christmas we opened the 100th Banking Hub – providing essential banking services for businesses and high street users. At the Budget the Chancellor announced plans to work with industry to design a new business rates system.
Our Small Business Strategy, to be published later this year, will set out this Government’s plan for further supporting small businesses across key areas, including on the high street.
Within Fylde constituency, Kirkham is benefitting from £6.29m from the Future High Street Fund and £3.27m from High Street Heritage Action Zone funding. This will help Kirkham become a more vibrant destination through town centre regeneration, bringing benefits to businesses and residents in Fylde.
Exports of the Eurofighter Typhoon jets are led by the Ministry of Defence (MOD). My Department does however support MOD-led export campaigns through our network of staff in the UK and overseas. We also work closely with the Typhoon partner governments of Germany, Italy and Spain, in line with the commitments each nation has made to support the others' exports.
Earlier this month, the Defence Secretary was in Turkey and Saudi Arabia to discuss with Defence Ministers the future role that UK-made Typhoons could play in both countries.
For most off-grid properties, transitioning to clean heat will involve installing a heat pump as these are cost-effective, proven technologies. The Government expect sustainable biomass to be prioritised where there are limited alternatives for decarbonisation. Renewable liquid heating fuels are also much more expensive to use than other heating solutions.
Before taking decisions on whether to support the use of renewable liquid fuels in heating, the Government would require stronger evidence on their affordability for consumers, and the availability of sustainable feedstock.
The Warm Home Discount statistics for 2024-25 were published on 26th June 2025. These statistics cover receipt of the WHD for winter 2024/25. Estimates of future eligibility are not available at county or constituency level. Across Great Britain, we will be extending the WHD to an estimated additional 2.7 million households and bringing the overall number of households supported to around 6 million.
The Government believes that our mission to deliver clean power by 2030 is the best way to break our dependence on global fossil fuel markets and protect billpayers permanently.
We recognise that we need to support households struggling with bills whilst we transition to clean power by 2030. The Government is continuing to deliver the Warm Home Discount, which provides £150 to eligible households including those where the bill payer is on Pension Credit.
The Government will also increase the level at which Winter Fuel Payments are means-tested in England and Wales from winter 2025-26 so that the vast majority of pensioners benefit from them. Individuals over the State Pension age in England and Wales with an income below or equal to £35,000 will benefit from a Winter Fuel Payment. Winter Fuel Payments will be payable in England and Wales at £200 for households including someone between State Pension age and 79, and £300 for households including someone aged 80 or over.
The Government is investing £13.2bn in the Warm Homes Plan over the Spending Review period, in line with the Manifesto commitment. This is a major step forward in the government’s plans to upgrade up to 5 million homes, including those in the Fylde constituency, over this Parliament and cut energy bills for good.
Further detail on the Warm Homes Plan will be set out by October, including additional funding allocations for the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund and Warm Homes: Local Grant.
The Warm Homes Plan will help people find ways to save money on energy bills and transform our ageing building stock into comfortable, low-carbon homes that are fit for the future, including those within the Flyde constituency and Lancashire. The Government will partner with combined authorities and local and devolved governments to roll out this plan.
We are investing £13.2 billion to help upgrade millions of homes and cut energy bills for families across the country to tackle to cost of living crisis. Further details on the Warm Homes Plan will be set out by October.
DESNZ has stepped in to ensure there will be a managed and more controlled start of the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) phase out from 30 June. People with an RTS meter will not face any unexpected disruption to their heating or hot water at the end of the month.
Ofgem has consulted on plans to ensure that suppliers must take all reasonable steps to provide an energy tariff that leaves all their customers ‘no worse off’ than before once their RTS meter is replaced.
We urge any customers yet to arrange a replacement for their RTS meter to get in touch with their supplier as soon as possible.
Great Britain has a secure and diverse energy system. As published in the Statutory Security of Supply Report 2024, Great Britain is expected to have sufficient supplies of electricity and gas to meet demand in the short and long term, including during peak demand. The government’s mission is to secure our energy supply with home-grown, clean power and we have set out the steps to achieve this in the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan – which explains how we will boost energy security, grid reliability and protect consumers.
The Government believes that our mission to deliver clean power by 2030 is the best way to break our dependence on global fossil fuel markets and protect billpayers permanently. This, combined with our Warm Homes Plan to upgrade millions of homes to make them warmer and cheaper to run is how we will drive down energy bills and make cold homes a thing of the past.
Alongside the Warm Homes Plan we are developing an updated fuel poverty strategy for England, which aims to accelerate progress to alleviate fuel poverty across all regions this decade. This recognises that we need to support households struggling with bills whilst we transition to clean power by 2030. This is why we delivered the £150 Warm Home Discount to around 3 million eligible low-income households last winter. In February, we published a consultation on expanding the Warm Home Discount which would bring around 2.7 million households into the scheme, pushing the total number of eligible households up to 6 million.
The Government will publish its response to the consultation on expanding the Warm Home Discount Scheme in due course.
The Warm Home Discount Scheme uses data matching between the Government and energy suppliers to provide rebates automatically to the majority of eligible households (around 95%). These households will receive a letter informing them of their eligibility automatically with no further action required.
Where it is not clear from the data-matching process if a household is eligible for a rebate, for instance where we have not been able to match them with a participating energy supplier or certain Government-held data on property characteristics is missing, they are sent a letter explaining that they may contact a helpline to check their eligibility.
For more information on the Warm Home Discount and eligibility for the scheme, please visit GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme.
On 21 March 2025, the government announced £180 million of funding for rooftop solar panels for schools and hospitals delivered through Great British Energy (GBE). Five NHS trusts within Lancashire will be fitted with solar panels under this scheme. Successful schools will be announced in due course.
GBE will strategically develop, invest in, and own clean energy projects across the UK. It will also create thousands of good jobs and build supply chains in every region of the UK through the projects that it supports.