Coastal Communities: Government Support

James Naish Excerpts

Monday 1st June 2026 Commons Chamber

[Neil Duncan-Jordan]

I absolutely support my hon. Friend’s contribution. Let us be clear that we are not going to get the kind of society that we want until we eradicate inequality. I believe that with a much more equal society, we will see more compassion, care and community.

[James Naish (Rushcliffe) (Lab)]

I am sure that my hon. Friend is aware that the Labour Rural Research Group recently did a report on rural poverty, which identified that on average someone living in a rural area is spending £39 more per week on transport costs. That was described as a rural penalty. Would he agree that there is also a coastal penalty, and that ultimately the Government need to abandon their one-size-fits-all approach to running this country and identify the differences between rural, coastal and urban areas?

[Neil Duncan-Jordan]

My hon. Friend makes a positive point on something that has been overlooked in Government debates until today. We need to recognise the differences between the various parts of our country, celebrate those differences, but also recognise the unique problems that they all face.