Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lindsay Hoyle and Julie Minns

Thursday 21st May 2026 Commons Chamber

[Ms Julie Minns (Carlisle) (Lab)]

T4. Carlisle is a great city. It is not, however, Leeds, Newcastle or Manchester. The challenges that hospitality businesses face in constituencies like mine are different. In the last couple of months, I have met two such businesses—a pub that has doubled its turnover in the last four years, but still cannot turn a profit; and a business offering fine dining that has been able to retain a full complement of kitchen staff only because its world-leading chef has taken a pay cut. Will the Minister set out how the action the Government are taking will help businesses in constituencies like mine, and will she meet me to discuss the particular challenges—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. We are on topicals, and I have to get other Members in. I am sure the Minister will have got it.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Debate between Lindsay Hoyle and Julie Minns

Thursday 24th October 2024 Commons Chamber

[Ms Julie Minns (Carlisle) (Lab)]

I speak both as a parent whose child was badly failed in SEND provision under the last Government, and as an MP whose surgeries have been visited on every single occasion by a parent who is struggling not just to get an EHCP but to get from a school the flexibility that matches their child’s need. I say respectfully to Opposition Members—including the shadow Secretary of State, the right hon. Member for East Hampshire (Damian Hinds)—that until and unless you have walked in my shoes and the shoes of your constituents, you should show a little humility and decorum in how you respond on this issue. In the review, will the Minister encourage schools to be more flexible in their SEND provision for children who need it?

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I remind Members that when they say “you”, they mean me—and I do not want responsibility.