Oral Answers to Questions

Bob Blackman Excerpts
Monday 4th December 2023

(1 year ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lee Rowley Portrait Lee Rowley
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I know the hon. Gentleman has done a significant amount of work on this matter within Plymouth, and I know that my colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions are doing a significant amount of work, too, and I would be happy to meet him to talk more about the matter.

Bob Blackman Portrait Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)
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Sadly, a second homeless person died over the weekend. The number of rough sleepers is increasing, and the temperatures are falling. Will my hon. Friend take immediate action to ensure that rough sleepers are provided with a decent place to sleep, particularly during this cold weather?

Felicity Buchan Portrait Felicity Buchan
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My hon. Friend raises an important point. Clearly, the death in Manchester was tragic. Local authorities can activate the severe weather emergency protocol measures. Manchester did activate those, but sadly the man was not known to local services. I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend, and we will do everything to support rough sleepers over the winter period.