Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lindsay Hoyle and James Frith

Thursday 25th June 2026 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I call the Minister.

[The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Mr James Frith)]

Thank you—a batsman needs runs, Mr Speaker.

Digital ID will ensure digital access to our public services. In recent weeks, citizens have been debating evidence from independent technical experts, privacy advocates and civil society groups. They have been discussing how we can join up our public services, saving time and money and reducing faff and friction. It will be a free-to-use and a freedom-to-choose proposition from this Government, and the Government are now considering the recommendations I received in person on Sunday in Birmingham from the 120 citizens involved. By taking this independent, people-led approach, we will ensure that digital ID has genuine public consent.

[Mr Speaker]

I call Gareth Bacon—not here.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lindsay Hoyle and James Frith

Tuesday 13th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Ahem! I am getting a bad throat because of the Secretary of State.

[Mr James Frith (Bury North) (Lab)]

T4.  Following my recent meeting with Bury’s child and adolescent mental health services, can I ask the Secretary of State whether he has considered the merits of separating neurodiversity services from core CAMHS mental health provision? Will he meet me and Bury’s health leaders to discuss this approach, given the rising number of referrals in the system, the long waiting times, the workforce pressures and the growing risk of overmedicalisation?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lindsay Hoyle and James Frith

Monday 4th November 2024 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

That is happening throughout Lancashire, including Chorley.

[Mr James Frith (Bury North) (Lab)]

The 2014 reforms put SEN rights at the heart of the special educational needs system, but the then Government did only half the job, failing to honour the resources that they had promised. EHCPs take too long to access, and children are often sent out of borough to receive specialist education, which is more expensive. How will the Government provide more SEN provision in our mainstream schools in towns such as mine?

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Are we going to work together? It would be much easier for all of you, I can assure you.

[Mr James Frith (Bury North) (Lab)]

T4. News of the impact of last week’s Budget on schools was greeted with relief in Bury North. The Derby high school is a top-performing school, but its main building dates back to 1959 and faces critical issues. It was due for renewal under Labour’s Building Schools for the Future programme but was ignored during the 14 years of the Tories. Will the Minister meet me and the school’s leadership team to discuss the urgent need for refurbishment funds?

[Mr Speaker]

Order. These are topical questions. I have to get everybody in who has not got in before. You have got in once already, so don’t be greedy.