Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Torcuil Crichton and Lindsay Hoyle

Wednesday 10th September 2025 Commons Chamber

[Torcuil Crichton (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (Lab)]

1. What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to reduce digital exclusion in Na h-Eileanan an Iar constituency.

[Mr Speaker]

Welcome, Secretary of State.

[The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Liz Kendall)]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I hope the House will bear with me, as I fear I may be losing my voice. Some people may be happy about that, but I will attempt to get through as best I can.

This Government are determined to ensure that everyone has access to the skills, support and confidence they need to take part in a modern digital society, wherever they live and whatever their circumstances. This is a hugely important issue in my hon. Friend’s constituency, which I believe has one of the lowest levels—if not the lowest level—of broadband coverage in the country. Building Digital UK recently signed a £157 million contract to deliver broadband across the Western Isles, including in my hon. Friend’s constituency. He is determined to make sure this happens as an urgent priority, as am I.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Torcuil Crichton and Lindsay Hoyle

Thursday 12th June 2025 Commons Chamber

[Torcuil Crichton (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (Lab)]

I welcome the UK-India trade deal, which is good for salmon and good for whisky. Will the Secretary of State use his muscle to ensure that a chain of small distilleries in my constituency and across Scotland can sell a wee dram to India, as well as the big brands?

Mr Speaker, I would like to draw the House’s attention to reports of a crash on take-off of a London-bound Air India flight from India today, and allow the Secretary of State to express our concern.

[Mr Speaker]

It is very important, and I think the Leader of the House will make reference to it when we get to business questions—if we get there.

Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill

Debate between Torcuil Crichton and Lindsay Hoyle

Friday 16th May 2025 Commons Chamber

[Torcuil Crichton (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (Lab)]

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I thought this was a debate to discuss amendments, not a general debate.

[Mr Speaker]

It is, but I think this is the opening lead-in to the amendments. I will make that judgment call.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Torcuil Crichton and Lindsay Hoyle

Tuesday 13th May 2025 Commons Chamber

[Torcuil Crichton (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (Lab)]

T5. I welcome that the UK Government are to convene an urgent session of the UN Security Council this afternoon to discuss the food situation in Gaza. Will Ministers ensure that Dame Barbara Woodward takes a message from my constituents, including Mairi MacKinnon, Ian Stephen, Louise Scullion and Malcolm MacLean, who expressed their disgust and condemnation of the Israeli Government using food as a weapon of war? There are 71,000 children in Gaza. Will he ensure that that message is heard in New York?

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Come on—there are other people here. Please help them.