Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Luke Murphy and Keir Starmer

Wednesday 9th October 2024 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

I am grateful to the right hon. Member for raising this issue, which is of real concern across the country for many parents who are concerned about provision. I agree that children with special educational needs and disabilities are being failed, with parents struggling to get their children the support they need and deserve. We have to change that. I am determined to raise standards for every child, so they succeed in education. We will work with the sector, and across the House where we can, to deliver on that mission, which is very important to many parents who will be watching today.

[Luke Murphy (Basingstoke) (Lab)]

Q11.   I welcome the Prime Minister’s focus on economic growth and I look forward to the international investment summit next week. Constituents across the country want to see their local high streets thrive. From his own visit, the Prime Minister will know that Basingstoke’s Top of the Town has huge potential, but it is not what it could be. What support will this Government give to ensure high streets across the country are able to grow and thrive?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Luke Murphy and Keir Starmer

Wednesday 11th September 2024 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

This is a really important issue; our rural communities were neglected by the previous Government, which is why confidence is at an all-time low. We will protect farmers from being undercut in trade deals, make the supply chain work more fairly, and prevent shock rises in bills by switching to GB Energy. We will not pre-empt the Budget in relation to this matter, but we will put the support in place.

[Luke Murphy (Basingstoke) (Lab)]

Q9. Many of my constituents, including those at Chapel Gate, have told me about the so-called management agents, who charge them rip-off service fees and then fail to provide even the most basic of maintenance. Many constituents spend hours each week battling these agents, just to ensure that they and their neighbours are not fleeced in their own homes. Will the Prime Minister recommit this Government to acting—where the previous Government failed—to reform the leasehold system, which is archaic, outdated and feudal?

[The Prime Minister]

May I first welcome the first-ever Labour MP for Basingstoke? Yes, we will reiterate our commitment to act to bring the feudal leasehold system to an end and ensure that leaseholders can benefit from more rights, power and protections over their homes.