Business of the House
Debate between Mims Davies and Lucy Powell(3 weeks ago)
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Lucy Powell
I join my hon. Friend in congratulating those remarkable athletes and all those who took part in the Pride of Rossington awards ceremony in his constituency. I am delighted to wish the very best to his five constituents who are taking part in the WKC world championships.
Mims Davies (East Grinstead and Uckfield) (Con)
We have heard concerns about family businesses, and other Members have spoken this morning about working farming businesses. Could the Leader of the House use her good offices to put forward the priorities of family businesses? The assault of the Budget of broken promises has left many of my constituents with family businesses very concerned. They are working people too, and they are worried about their rights and their future. Given the Government’s interest in granting general debates, will she consider giving time for a discussion of the wide- ranging needs of family businesses?
Lucy Powell
The hon. Lady will be aware that the debate on the Budget will continue today and next week. If she is asking about farming businesses and the inheritance tax changes—I think she is, tangentially— I will just repeat what I said to her colleagues earlier: this Government are committed to food security and our rural and farming communities, and that is why three quarters of those who currently receive the full relief will still get it after the changes. We are bringing about many other things that will help the farming community, including a settlement that will provide £5 billion over two years for farming and land management, which will help restore stability in the sector.
Business of the House
Debate between Mims Davies and Lucy Powell(4 weeks ago)
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Lucy Powell
My hon. Friend is right to raise the issue of male life expectancy in Scotland. The figures that he mentioned are worrying. This Government are committed to working with the Scottish Government to tackle the challenges that the country is facing. That is why we convened our first Council of the Regions and Nations in Glasgow a couple of weeks ago. He will be aware that Scotland questions are next week, and he might want to raise it further then.
Mims Davies (East Grinstead and Uckfield) (Con)
You will know the importance of Uckfield hospital, Madam Deputy Speaker—a hospital that you previously represented and that your constituents enjoy using locally. Will the Leader of the House make time for a debate on community and district hospitals? The Health Secretary spoke at the Dispatch Box about the importance of local access, but I hear that Uckfield hospital’s elective surgery has been mothballed for six months and that local staff are being sent elsewhere. That flies in the face of the decisions that this Government say integrated care boards should be taking.