Business of the House
Debate between Phil Brickell and Lucy Powell(1 week, 3 days ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Lucy Powell
I thank the hon. Member for that question. Obviously, this is a growing issue, as we see the effects of climate change in many of our communities. He will know that the Government’s floods resilience taskforce is at work trying to co-ordinate many of these issues. We have been forthcoming with statements and updates to the House on our flood resilience, and I will ensure that that remains the case.
Phil Brickell (Bolton West) (Lab)
Will the Leader of the House join me in celebrating the recent opening of two permanent banking hubs in my constituency—one in Horwich and one in Westhoughton—both of which I had the immense pleasure of opening? Will she join me in thanking the hard-working staff, including Jackie, Rabina and Ghulum in Horwich and Siraj in Westhoughton who provide a vital service to communities and businesses across the Bolton West constituency?
Lucy Powell
It is a refreshing change in these sessions to hear about a banking hub opening and providing greater access to cash in a local community, such as that in his constituency, instead of hearing about its closure. I very much join my hon. Friend in congratulating and thanking the hard-working staff involved.
Business of the House
Debate between Phil Brickell and Lucy Powell(3 weeks, 3 days ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Lucy Powell
I could not have said that better myself. The Hitachi train factory and others were left in the lurch by the previous Government. This Government are committed to supporting rail manufacturing in the UK. We are developing a long-term strategy, and working on our industry strategy, to ensure that this manufacturing can continue.
Phil Brickell (Bolton West) (Lab)
A number of my constituents living on St John’s Road in Chew Moor have contacted me recently about flooding, potentially caused by ongoing work by Network Rail and its contractor on the nearby railway line. I welcome spades in the ground to improve infrastructure across the north—infrastructure that has been neglected for far too long—but will the Leader of the House find Government time for a debate on how we ensure that developers have to work with local communities to minimise disruption to local people’s lives?
Lucy Powell
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I am pleased that the rail route between Wigan and Bolton, which I know well, is being upgraded and electrified. He is right to say that where works are taking place, contractors have to work with local communities, and resolutions should be reached swiftly. I will ensure that the Transport Secretary has heard his question and gives him a swift reply.
Madam Deputy Speaker, may I clarify something I said earlier in response to my hon. Friend the Member for Shipley (Anna Dixon)? She asked me about a reasoned amendment in tomorrow’s debate; I said that it would have the effect that I described “if selected”, but I meant to say “if passed”.