Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lindsay Hoyle and Neil Hudson

Thursday 24th November 2022 Commons Chamber

[Dr Neil Hudson (Penrith and The Border) (Con)]

I, many constituents and countless people up and down the land struggle each week with the poor and unreliable service provided by Avanti West Coast. People are missing interviews, appointments, family events and social occasions. Can the Minister give the latest Government assessment of Avanti’s performance and confirm that nothing will be ruled out, including stripping it of its contract if it does not lift its game?

[Mr Speaker]

It is dreadful at the moment. Come on, Minister.

BBC Local Radio: Proposed Reduction in Provision

Debate between Lindsay Hoyle and Neil Hudson

Tuesday 1st November 2022 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

We have saved the best until last. I call Dr Neil Hudson from Cumbria.

[Dr Neil Hudson (Penrith and The Border) (Con)]

I share the concerns raised by hon. Members on both sides of the House and by the Minister about these retrograde proposals. In rural areas such as Cumbria, people rely on local radio stations such as BBC Radio Cumbria and on terrestrial TV. They provide a lifeline for news and education, mitigate against rural isolation and support people’s rural mental health. Does she agree that we should resist such reductions and that, in fact, we should bolster and support such vital services?

[Julia Lopez]

I have said several times, and I will say again, that this is the kind of public service broadcasting content that people pay their licence fee for. Hon. Members have got their views on the issue across loud and clear. I am grateful to everyone who has participated in the urgent question and I will take all the comments and issues that have been raised to the director-general when I meet him next week.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lindsay Hoyle and Neil Hudson

Thursday 28th April 2022 Commons Chamber

[Dr Neil Hudson (Penrith and The Border) (Con)]

I was recently humbled to be able to attend a vigil for peace organised by the Penrith and Eden Refugee Network and local churches. Will my hon. Friend join me in thanking churches, faith groups and community groups in my constituency and across the country for all that they are doing to support the people of Ukraine and refugees through prayer groups, vigils, and donations of supplies and financial aid?

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I am sorry, but the question is not relevant. Unfortunately, questions must be linked to the main question. Refugees: go on, Andrew, have a go at it.

Continuity Trade Agreements: Parliamentary Scrutiny

Debate between Lindsay Hoyle and Neil Hudson

Tuesday 17th November 2020 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

We have a bad connection with Marion Fellows—we have tech problems—so we are going to go to Dr Neil Hudson.

[Dr Neil Hudson (Penrith and The Border) (Con) [V]]

I am pleased that the Government have strengthened the Trade and Agriculture Commission, announced more robust parliamentary scrutiny of trade deals and provided reassurance that products such as hormone-treated beef and chlorine-washed chicken will remain banned in the UK. Does my right hon. Friend agree that writing specific unacceptable products such as those, and others such as ractopamine-fed pork, the excessive use of microbials and the use of growth promoters, into specific chapters in trade deals would be a practical way of ensuring that high standards are encouraged globally? Does he agree that such an approach would make it clear to both parties in trade deals that those products are not going to be traded, allowing other, acceptable products to be encouraged and therefore driving up animal welfare standards globally?