Public Baths and Lidos
Debate between Jim Shannon and Andrew PakesWestminster Hall is an alternative Chamber for MPs to hold debates, named after the adjoining Westminster Hall.
Each debate is chaired by an MP from the Panel of Chairs, rather than the Speaker or Deputy Speaker. A Government Minister will give the final speech, and no votes may be called on the debate topic.
This information is provided by Parallel Parliament and does not comprise part of the offical record
Andrew Pakes
I agree on both points. I will talk later about how I am blown away by the dedication of so many of the volunteers who have supported and built our lidos over a long period, and particularly during some very dark years in funding for some of them.
Nowhere is the happiness and pride that I have talked about greater than in Peterborough. Our art deco lido is a jewel in our city’s crown and, after a number of years on the down, it is now on the up. Two years ago the lido faced a bleak future because of the nature of local government funding cuts. Despite great enthusiasm from swimmers, it had seen better days. I am pleased to say that the council was forced to think again after more than 2,500 people got involved in the campaign to save our lido, and I am pleased to have played my part. Last year, the lido, with support from the council and residents, went on to have its best ever season.
Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)
First of all, I apologise to the hon. Member because I had hoped to speak in this debate and give some thoughts from my constituency back home. However, I cannot because I have to chair an event at six o’clock, so I apologise for having to intervene and then leave after his speech.
In many communities, lidos are far more than just outdoor swimming pools; they are valued public assets that promote health, wellbeing and social cohesion. Yet without sustained support, the facilities remain vulnerable to closure due to financial pressures. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that their importance for public health, community wellbeing and access to affordable leisure is vital?
Andrew Pakes
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right that lidos are critical to public health, but they need to be accessible and affordable for people from all parts of our communities. We need to build that as we go forward.
That links to my next point about the generations that built many of our lidos and the echoes of that today. Built in the lido boom of the 1920s and 1930s, Peterborough lido proudly celebrates its 90th anniversary this year.
Bronze-age Heritage: Cambridgeshire
Debate between Jim Shannon and Andrew Pakes(4 months, 3 weeks ago)
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Westminster Hall is an alternative Chamber for MPs to hold debates, named after the adjoining Westminster Hall.
Each debate is chaired by an MP from the Panel of Chairs, rather than the Speaker or Deputy Speaker. A Government Minister will give the final speech, and no votes may be called on the debate topic.
This information is provided by Parallel Parliament and does not comprise part of the offical record
Andrew Pakes
I will come on to talk about the importance of local museums. One great privilege of this place is to learn of the rich heritage of so many different parts of Britain and Northern Ireland—
Jim Shannon
I will do what you tell me to, Mr Twigg. This great nation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is something to be incredibly proud of, and it must be protected and treasured for future generations. It is said that we cannot know where we are going if we do not know where we have been. Does the hon. Member agree that sustained funding must be given to celebrate and secure historical relevance in this modern United Kingdom?
Andrew Pakes
It is always a pleasure to take interventions from the hon. Member. I hope he will hear that this is a speech of celebration as well as of questions for the Minister.
Let us come back to Peterborough. Central to Peterborough’s story are the sites of Flag Fen and Must Farm, two of the most archaeologically and internationally significant bronze-age discoveries of our generation. Flag Fen is the only site in Europe where visitors can view a bronze-age causeway and a unique collection of bronze-age log boats, discovered in the lost course of the River Nene close to Must Farm. Peterborough Museum curates and has responsibility for the Must Farm collection. Flag Fen delivers the conservation and presentation of the River Nene bronze-age boat discoveries, and Must Farm is of both national and international significance.
Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery and Flag Fen are held in trust for the benefit of local people and visitors to the city. That model matters, because it embeds civic pride and ownership in protecting our common heritage. However, it does not come without challenges, particularly around local government funding and public service support for archaeology and archaeologists.