Business of the House

Rachel Taylor Excerpts

Thursday 20th March 2025 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell]

Absolutely, and I thank the right hon. Gentleman for the invitation to his constituency. I have had many invitations to the region, and I hope to come good on them one day.

This has become a very big issue in his constituency. I understand that a petition about this matter has garnered much support, and he is absolutely right: rewilding or nature preservation organisations really ought to work with local people to ensure that their wishes are considered.

[Rachel Taylor (North Warwickshire and Bedworth) (Lab)]

I hope the spring equinox has put a spring in your step this morning, Madam Deputy Speaker.

Every Saturday, people from all around Bedworth join the weekly parkrun in the Miners’ Welfare park. After the run, the Mayor’s Café and the garden centre, run by People in Action, are often full, but the town centre remains relatively empty. Bedworth is receiving £20 million from the plan for neighbourhoods, so I have launched a survey to see what residents feel their town centre needs. Will the Leader of the House grant time for a debate on support for businesses on our high streets and in our town centres?

[Lucy Powell]

Well, Madam Deputy Speaker, I certainly do not feel like a spring chicken any more, that’s for sure.

I am really pleased to hear that Bedworth is receiving £20 million from the Government’s plan for neighbourhoods. My hon. Friend is absolutely right that this is a really important scheme to make sure that our town centres and village centres get the regeneration support they so desperately need.