Business of the House Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Business of the House

Liz Twist Excerpts
Thursday 13th March 2025

(1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Liz Twist Portrait Liz Twist (Blaydon and Consett) (Lab)
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In recent weeks, many of my constituents have shared their concern about the Consett Empire reducing its opening hours. The Empire is a real cultural centre of the community that makes arts accessible to local people and provides a hub to help combat loneliness. I continue to speak with officers, staff and trade unions about the Empire, but can we have a debate in Government time on what we can do to ensure that venues like the Consett Empire stay open and thrive?

Lucy Powell Portrait Lucy Powell
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I am sorry to hear what is happening to the Consett Empire in my hon. Friend’s constituency. I agree with her that music venues and cultural hubs like that are vital to our high streets, communities and the cultural offer that we all want to see. The Government are committed to ensuring that we maintain such assets, but I will ensure that she gets an update on this particular issue.