Business of the House

Michael Payne Excerpts

Thursday 30th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

We certainly do recognise the importance of small businesses in our constituencies, across communities and to the economy in general. That is why, when we brought forward our small business strategy, it was welcomed by many small businesses. The hon. Lady will have the opportunity, not only around Small Business Saturday but as the Budget approaches, to make those points to see how those matters might be better addressed.

[Michael Payne (Gedling) (Lab)]

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Arnold u3a, which is brilliantly chaired by Hazel Ward and provides excellent activities for more than 500 members. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating all the u3a groups across Gedling, and will he make time for a debate on tackling social isolation and loneliness through lifelong learning?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising awareness of the work of Arnold u3a and Hazel Ward. Loneliness can have real consequences for individual health across our communities. The Government are committed to building on the work of our friend Jo Cox in supporting people to build the social connections they need. I am sure that many people across the House would support such a Backbench Business debate, should my hon. Friend request one.

Business of the House

Michael Payne Excerpts

Thursday 11th September 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The right hon. Lady knows that we are already taking action to help working parents. For example, free breakfast clubs will put £450 in the pockets of working parents. We have doubled the amount of free childcare for eligible working parents, we are expanding free school meals and we are extending the household support fund. I mentioned earlier in my remarks the holiday activities and food programmes. We are doing a great deal.

I know that there are discussions and debates about what other action can be taken. The Government have a child poverty taskforce, which reports from time to time and will be reporting soon, regardless of whether it has something to say about this issue. I have no doubt that these will be hot topics in the run-up to the Budget, and there will be ample time to debate them.

[Michael Payne (Gedling) (Lab)]

I welcome my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House to his place.

I recently had the privilege of visiting Lambley reed pond. Will my right hon. Friend join me in thanking and paying tribute to Bonnie Bramwell and all those on the Lambley reed pond committee, who have worked tirelessly to protect and enhance one of the most beautiful hidden gems in my constituency?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Yes, I will. Environmental matters are so important in constituencies, and the work of community groups is so important, because they are the heart of what makes a true community. I pay tribute not just to that group, but to my hon. Friend for his tireless work on their behalf.

Business of the House

Michael Payne Excerpts

Thursday 4th September 2025 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell]

As ever, the right hon. Gentleman is a very big presence with his short question. He raises a topic that I know we all get many emails and complaints about. The Secretary of State for Transport has given an update to the House on these issues, and we are delivering 10,000 additional driving tests. The right hon. Gentleman raises an important issue about how bots and others are using technology to secure those tests, and I will ensure that he gets a full response.

[Michael Payne (Gedling) (Lab)]

Will my right hon. Friend join me in thanking Tina Simpson and her team at the Loco Centre in Netherfield, as well as Nathan Kenney and Mapperley All Stars, for their brilliant work this summer in delivering the holiday activities and food programme in Gedling? Will she also welcome its very much-needed extension for three years by this Labour Government?

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)]

That was the hon. Member’s first business question.