Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill

Debate between Sarah Russell and Caroline Nokes

Friday 16th May 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sarah Russell]

I thank my hon. Friend for giving way. On that point, I have particular concerns—

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)]

Order. May I just clarify whether the hon. Gentleman was giving way?

[Dr Opher]

Yes, I am happy to give way.

Solar Farms

Debate between Sarah Russell and Caroline Nokes

Thursday 15th May 2025 Commons Chamber

[Perran Moon (Camborne and Redruth) (Lab)]

Is my hon. Friend surprised to hear that despite our deep concern about solar panel production in China, there was virtually zero investment in the UK’s solar production during the Conservatives’ time in office? Since we came to power—

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)]

Order. We really must have short interventions, or I will not be able to get every Member in.

[Sarah Russell]

I agree with hon. Friend. That is disgraceful, and I am very pleased that the relaunched solar taskforce is focusing on developing resilient and sustainable supply chains, free from forced labour.

It is important that we work with our farmers and growers across the country. British farmers own about 70% of our total solar generation capacity, whether it be on the roofs of their agricultural buildings or on solar farms. I am extremely pleased that the NFU is participating in the Government’s relaunched solar taskforce. We must continue to ensure that farms are properly consulted about land use, and that previously developed or lower-quality land is prioritised.

I thank the businesses in my community that have supported solar energy, including manufacturers Siemens and Bespak, which both use renewable energy sources. The Dane Valley Community Energy company is a not-for-profit mutual society that was set up by a group of volunteers in my constituency. They have constructed and run the Congleton hydroelectricity generation project at Havannah weir, and they supply electricity to Siemens and donate money to local community groups. A sister project, Congleton Solar, has installed rooftop solar on a number of sites in my constituency and beyond. Havannah primary school in my constituency will officially unveil its rooftop solar panels next week. I know that the project will inspire the next generation of green champions. I am very proud to be part of a Government who are meeting communities where they are, and following their lead.

“Chapter 4A

Debate between Sarah Russell and Caroline Nokes

Tuesday 11th March 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Russell]

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. The shadow Minister is in danger of misleading the House. Nothing that he has referred to is a crime. Sexual harassment, as dealt with in this Bill, is a civil matter dealt with by tribunal.

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)]

I thank the hon. Lady for her point of order. That was in fact a point of debate, rather than a point of order.

Victims of Sexual Violence: Court Delays

Debate between Sarah Russell and Caroline Nokes

Monday 16th December 2024 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Sarah Russell (Congleton) (Lab)]

Does my hon. Friend agree that it is important that we keep the blame for the backlogs exactly where it belongs? Defence barristers are doubtless doing the best they possibly can for their clients in some extremely difficult circumstances, and, as my hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton West (Warinder Juss) says, they are paid poorly relative to other members of their profession. The most significant problems in the court system have been caused by 14 years of chronic Tory underfunding of the court system itself, the Crown Prosecution Service and the prison system, which means that: far too few people are held on remand; people are being bailed when they should not be; people are being dealt with very swiftly to try to deal with custody time limits; and there are so many problems baked into the system as it stands that victims are being wholly failed. We need to ensure the system is invested in and reformed in such a way that those problems do not continue to be exacerbated, one of the most enormous ones being—

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)]

Order. If the hon. Lady wants to contribute to the debate she always has the opportunity to ask the Member in charge and the Minister, but interventions must be shorter than that.