Business of the House

Debate between Lucy Powell and Luke Murphy

Thursday 9th January 2025 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell]

Absolutely. Many of us are seeing the dangerous impact of the rise in ketamine use across our constituency and in young people. My hon. Friend mentioned the actions that Ministers have taken; we will do whatever it takes to clamp down on the growth in ketamine use.

[Luke Murphy (Basingstoke) (Lab)]

Will the Leader of the House join me in paying tribute to Criss Connor, who sadly died over the Christmas break? Criss was a long-standing member of Labour, a former borough and county councillor and an honorary alderman of Basingstoke. Criss will be remembered for not only his service to our community, but his kindness, passion and steadfast belief in fairness and justice. My thoughts are with his wife, Angela, his family and friends, and all who knew him. Will the Leader of the House consider holding a debate to enable hon. Members across this House to pay tribute to dedicated public servants such as Criss?

[Lucy Powell]

What a beautiful tribute to Criss and all the work he did. I am sure that Criss’s family and friends will have listened to my hon. Friend’s words with great comfort. Councillors up and down this country do an enormously valuable job for our country and our communities, and I am sure a debate on such a subject would be very well attended.

Business of the House

Debate between Lucy Powell and Luke Murphy

Thursday 14th November 2024 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell]

I agree that local and hyper-local journalism is vital to combating misinformation and disinformation, which are spreading quickly in many of our communities. That is why the Culture Secretary recently announced the Government’s intention to develop a local media strategy. My hon. Friend may want to raise this directly with her at questions next week.

[Luke Murphy (Basingstoke) (Lab)]

The Post Office provides an essential service for residents and businesses in our town centres. However, in Basingstoke the franchise branch located in WHSmith is set to close next year, and there are currently no clear plans for a replacement post office in the town centre. Given the Government’s commitment to establishing local banking hubs, which are vital for maintaining access to financial services, may I echo the calls of hon. Members on both sides of the House for time to debate this essential service?

[Lucy Powell]

It is clear for all to see that there are serious questions for the Post Office to answer about how it runs its business, as serious change is needed. I am sorry to hear about the franchise branch in Basingstoke, because local post offices are critical to their communities and to supporting banking hubs. I will support every effort to secure a debate on this matter.