Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris Vince and Abena Oppong-Asare

Thursday 5th December 2024 Commons Chamber

[Ms Oppong-Asare]

I thank the hon. Member for raising this matter, and pay tribute to those involved. If she writes to us, we will follow this up.

[Chris Vince (Harlow) (Lab/Co-op)]

T7. Due to our dire economic inheritance, it is vital that every penny of public money is spent wisely. In my constituency of Harlow, £29 million was spent on Sir Frederick Gibberd College only for it to be deemed unsafe and to be pulled down. What steps will the Government take to ensure that we spend money wisely, that we do not spend unnecessary money on unnecessary consultants, and that we get the best for the people of Harlow?

Lords Spiritual (Women) Act 2015 (Extension) Bill [Lords]

Debate between Chris Vince and Abena Oppong-Asare

2nd reading
Thursday 14th November 2024 Commons Chamber

[Ms Oppong-Asare]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising that point—he is a trailblazer for his constituency of Stockport, and is very passionate about the first female bishop, who I believe is a trailblazer and a role model to many women up and down the country.

[Chris Vince (Harlow) (Lab/Co-op)]

I thank the Minister for giving way. I will take the opportunity to try to be a trailblazer for my constituency of Harlow, where we have some fantastic women representatives in the Church. I particularly pay tribute to the Rev. Jokey Poyntz, who during the terrible pandemic did so much to support residents in my constituency by delivering food parcels, and who continues to champion my community.

[Ms Oppong-Asare]

I thank my hon. Friend for championing the women in his constituency. On that note, I would like to champion the females who work hard in my constituency to ensure that it is well represented. As my hon. Friend the Member for Battersea and others have said, diversity is important across the community. If we do not ensure that the House of Lords bishops look like us, how will we ensure that we can advocate effectively for constituents?