Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Julian Smith and Emma Reynolds

Thursday 5th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Emma Reynolds]

I pay tribute to all those who do the dangerous work to bring wildfires under control. As my hon. Friend will know, the wildlife management and the fire and rescue elements of her question are the responsibility of MHCLG, but she is right that my Department is responsible for water. The Water Minister or I would be pleased to meet her to discuss how we strengthen the resilience of our emergency services and our water storage, so that we can get a hold on such problems when they arise.

[Sir Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con)]

2. If she will take steps to help increase productivity in the farming sector.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Julian Smith and Emma Reynolds

Tuesday 8th April 2025 Commons Chamber

[The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Emma Reynolds)]

The Government understand the importance of in-person banking to communities and are working closely with the industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. More than 220 hubs have already been announced, of which more than 135 are already open.

[Sir Julian Smith]

Rural communities such as Settle in North Yorkshire are really struggling with the loss of face-to-face banking services. Link hubs are one route for them to replace the banks that are closing. I urge Ministers to do what they can with Link—I accept that it is an independent organisation—to help it to relax the criteria for rural communities, allowing them more face-to-face banking services.

[Emma Reynolds]

I would be very happy to meet the right hon. Gentleman if he wanted to discuss a specific banking hub that is being considered. We work very closely with Link. As he will know, his Government passed the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023, under which the Financial Conduct Authority, Link and the financial services sector ultimately have power over the criteria, which is not something we are planning to change.