Business of the House

Debate between Lucy Powell and Peter Swallow

Thursday 6th March 2025 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell]

I absolutely join my hon. Friend in congratulating the amazing Youth Parliament. It is a reminder of how brilliant the young people of this country are and how young people can be responsible for casting their votes at the age of 16. I thank Mr Speaker and his office for facilitating it.

[Peter Swallow (Bracknell) (Lab)]

Bracknell indoor indie market celebrated its first birthday last week. It is run by two fantastic businesswomen, Jem and Rachel, and gives opportunities to many more women-owned businesses in Bracknell. Ahead of the International Women�s Day debate, will the Leader of the House join me in wishing BIIM a very happy birthday?

[Lucy Powell]

Absolutely. I congratulate Jem and Rachel on the work they do. We should be supporting women in business more than ever, because they play a valuable role in our economy.

Business of the House

Debate between Lucy Powell and Peter Swallow

Thursday 12th December 2024 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. It is important that our border security force is staffed by the brightest and the best who want to work with it, and I will ensure that the Home Secretary gives my hon. Friend a full response on this case.

[Peter Swallow (Bracknell) (Lab)]

On Friday, I attended the opening night of panto at the fantastic South Hill Park arts centre in Bracknell. [Hon. Members: “Oh, no, you didn’t!”] Oh, yes, I did. Local arts venues such as South Hill Park suffered years of funding cuts under the previous Government. Will my right hon. Friend arrange for a debate on funding local arts centres?

[Lucy Powell]

He’s behind me, Mr Speaker! The importance of panto season for our local theatres cannot be overestimated—it is usually what funds them through the rest of the year. My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise the issue of local theatres and arts venues, and I am sure it would make a great topic for a debate.