Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Grant Shapps and Elliot Colburn

Monday 19th February 2024 Commons Chamber

[Grant Shapps]

I agree with the right hon. Gentleman about the seriousness of the situation. As he has just heard, I visited Israel before the new year and had those conversations directly. I believe that it is in Israel’s interest, obviously in Gaza’s interest, and in the world’s interest to see that immediate cessation followed by a permanent ceasefire. We are doing everything we can to persuade the Israelis of that necessity and to put pressure on Hamas, who still hold hostages—if they were to release them, this thing could finish very quickly. We are also helping by ensuring that we work on plans for what happens in the north of the country and in southern Lebanon.

[Elliot Colburn (Carshalton and Wallington) (Con)]

T4. Carshalton and Wallington is home to more than 1,700 veterans who have provided, and continue to provide, amazing service to our great nation. What steps are we taking as a Government to provide better support for veterans in our country?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Grant Shapps and Elliot Colburn

Tuesday 29th November 2022 Commons Chamber

[Grant Shapps]

I agree that payment for small businesses is very important, particularly when it is not done by larger companies that have the resources. That is one of the reasons why the Government have led the way to make sure that, when small businesses deal with Government, payments are made quickly and efficiently. The Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, my hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton (Kevin Hollinrake) is looking at a whole range of different things to ensure that we speed up the culture of late payments to small businesses, and he will be saying more about that very shortly.

[Elliot Colburn (Carshalton and Wallington) (Con)]

T4. Transport for London consultation data shows that 80% of outer London businesses said no to the Mayor of London expanding the ultra low emission zone, but they have been ignored and now many Carshalton and Wallington businesses are considering closing their doors. Will my right hon. Friend agree to meet me and other London Conservative MPs to discuss how we might be able to support businesses in outer London?

[Grant Shapps]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Labour Members talk about helping businesses, but that is what you get with a Labour Mayor in London, bashing businesses. I would be proud to meet my hon. Friend.