Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Olivia Bailey and Julie Minns

Wednesday 24th June 2026 Commons Chamber

[Ms Julie Minns (Carlisle) (Lab)]

4. What steps she is taking to ban conversion practices.

[The Minister for Equalities (Olivia Bailey)]

Conversion practices are an abhorrent and insidious form of abuse, perpetrated by people who believe that being LGBT is not only wrong but can be forcibly changed. This Government will ban that abuse.

[Ms Minns]

The work of Cumbria Pride and Pride in North Cumbria in supporting people to feel accepted and confident in their sexuality stands in stark contrast to those who peddle cruel and abusive conversion practices. The last Conservative Government failed multiple times to introduce a ban on these practices. Will the Minister please confirm that this Government will legislate, and will she set out the steps that the Government are taking to do this?

[Olivia Bailey]

I thank Pride in North Cumbria and Cumbria Pride for their brilliant work. My hon. Friend is right to say that Pride events are a wonderful asset to the community. Given recent decisions to defund Pride events, this is a lesson that Reform councils clearly need to learn. I can confirm that this Labour Government will ban abusive conversion practices, and we will be publishing our draft Bill very soon.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Olivia Bailey and Julie Minns

Monday 22nd June 2026 Commons Chamber

[Ms Julie Minns (Carlisle) (Lab)]

I recently visited the Chances family hub—[Interruption.] It is indeed a very fine hub, one of several set up by Cumberland council to fill a need left by the Conservatives’ short-sighted decision to abolish Sure Start. Will the Minister please assure Carlisle families that this Government will ensure that all family hubs receive the support they need to give children the best start?

[Olivia Bailey]

I thank my hon. Friend for all of her hard work on behalf of her constituents, and join her in congratulating her council on its work. She is right to condemn the outrageous cuts to Sure Start under the Conservative party, and she is also right that councils and voluntary organisations have stepped up to fill the gap. This Government will have their back, not just through our £900 million investment—£3 million of which will go to Cumberland—but by driving the reforms needed to link up services and reconnect our communities.

Pubs Code: Guest Beers

Debate between Olivia Bailey and Julie Minns

Tuesday 12th November 2024 Commons Chamber

[Ms Minns]

I will give way first to my hon. Friend.

[Olivia Bailey (Reading West and Mid Berkshire) (Lab)]

I, too, have brilliant independent breweries in my constituency, such as Renegade and Double-Barrelled. They make a huge contribution to our local economy and, importantly, make a great pint. Will my hon. Friend join me in welcoming the Government’s determination to improve access to the market for independent brewers and to get great local beers into our pubs?

[Ms Minns]

I do welcome that, and I thank my hon. Friend for her intervention.