British Indian Ocean Territory

Debate between Louise Jones and Gagan Mohindra

Wednesday 26th February 2025 Commons Chamber

[Louise Jones (North East Derbyshire) (Lab)]

The fact that the Opposition have picked this topic again is very symbolic to me. They have decided that their outright rejection by the electorate last year is based not on the fact that they had not done a good job of delivering improvements to what my constituents care about, but on their making the mistake of getting the vibes wrong. So they spend their time putting out little pictures online, vowing to defend western civilisation, informing us that they are Conservative realists and again debating the Chagos islands. We could have chosen to discuss health and the NHS. My constituents in Killamarsh frequently have issues accessing GP appointments, because we simply do not have enough GPs. NHS dentist appointments for adults are almost non-existent, so I welcome the recent announcement of several thousand extra appointments in Derbyshire. Perhaps we could have heard what the Conservatives’ solution to those issues would be—

[Mr Mohindra]

I am a bit confused, once again. I thought this debate was about the British Indian Ocean Territory, rather than about GP surgeries.

[Louise Jones]

The hon. Gentleman need not worry. The night is young, and I will come to that.

Perhaps we could have heard what the Conservatives’ solution to those issues would be, now that they have had time in opposition to reflect on the many ways they caused the issues in the first place. Instead, we are talking about the Chagos islands. Perhaps we could have discussed what other measures are desperately needed in constituencies like mine, such as better buses, investment in transport infrastructure such as light and heavy rail, a step change in educational opportunities for our young people, energy security and how we can provide affordable houses.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Louise Jones and Gagan Mohindra

Monday 2nd December 2024 Commons Chamber

[Louise Jones (North East Derbyshire) (Lab)]

3. What recent progress her Department has made on planning reform.

[Mr Gagan Mohindra (South West Hertfordshire) (Con)]

5. What changes her Department is making to the national planning policy framework.