Commons
Debate
10 December 2025
3 contributions
Seasonal Work
On that point, it is important to note that businesses such as the Co-op and IKEA are supportive. The Minister mentions red tape; time and again, businesses in my constituency tell me that bureaucracy is holding them back. Will the Minister outline how we will cut red tape further?
In South East Cornwall, we truly value, and know the pressures of, seasonal work. It can be unreliable and involve unsociable hours, yet it is hugely valuable and remains a vital part of our Cornish economy. The Government are taking steps to make seasonal work more secure, and to increase fairness.…
+1 more contribution in this session
Commons
Westminster Hall
9 December 2025
2 contributions
Network Rail Timetable Changes: Rural Communities
I thank the hon. Member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk (John Lamont) for securing this important debate.
I begin by recognising the dedication of Network Rail staff. They work extremely hard to keep services moving safely. I know that local teams may sometimes dread seeing my name in their …
I absolutely support my hon. Friend’s calls for those services.
Cornwall is unique and its geography calls for tailored solutions. I thank the Government for their support of my calls for those tailored solutions. Will the Minister look closely at how replacement services in rural and coastal const…
Commons
Westminster Hall
9 December 2025
Creative Education
I thank my hon. Friend for securing this important debate. Every child deserves a broad curriculum that values creative subjects alongside the core skills, but financial education from an early age is also vital. In communities in rural coastal settings such as mine, we face specific barriers to all…
Commons
Proceedings
27 November 2025
3 contributions
Budget Resolutions
This Budget sets out fair decisions that benefit communities across the country that have felt the strain of the last decade, and that expect to see the change that they voted for delivered, and the cost of living brought under control.
I am delighted that Cornwall’s potential has been recognised w…
I thank the hon. Member for allowing me more time to make my points. Farming is at the heart of my community—
+1 more contribution in this session
Commons
Ministerial Statement
24 November 2025
Critical Minerals Strategy
Cornwall has a proud history of mining, and this announcement means that we will also lead the way in meeting the UK’s future demand for critical minerals, so I warmly welcome the Minister’s statement. The Government’s plan will create opportunities for businesses in South East Cornwall such as Corn…
Commons
Debate
11 November 2025
Remembrance Day: Armed Forces
As we mark this season of remembrance, I am honoured, on behalf of the people of South East Cornwall, to pay tribute to the extraordinary men and women of our armed forces—those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and those who continue to serve our country with courage and pride. The tradition of serv…
Commons
Westminster Hall
29 October 2025
Independent Lifeboats: Government Support
It is always a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Mrs Harris, and I congratulate the hon. Member for Hamble Valley (Paul Holmes) for securing this important debate. As someone who previously worked for the RNLI and now represents the beautiful rural and coastal constituency of South East Cornwa…
Commons
Proceedings
8 September 2025
Remote Coastal Communities
In my constituency, high levels of second home ownership, short-term holiday lets and holiday homes reduce the housing supply for local families and force them away from their important support systems. Does my hon. Friend agree that we need stronger support for generally affordable housing delivery…
Commons
Debate
8 September 2025
Defence Industrial Strategy
I welcome the Minister’s statement, and congratulate him on his new role. It is fantastic that Plymouth has been named as the site of one of the defence growth deals; this is very positive for South East Cornwall, given our close ties with the workers who cross the River Tamar daily using Tamar cros…
Commons
Proceedings
17 July 2025
Business of the House
Following the recent Channel 4 documentary “Poisoned: Killer in the Post”, may we have a statement from the Ministry of Justice on the action being taken to tackle a specific and growing threat of online content promoting chemical methods of suicide? One of my constituents in south-east Cornwall was…
Commons
Ministerial Statement
14 July 2025
State of Climate and Nature
Does the Secretary of State agree that rural and coastal communities are on the frontline of the climate and nature crisis, and that investment in clean energy, nature recovery, and resilient infrastructure is essential not only for protecting areas such as South East Cornwall, but also for unlockin…
Commons
Westminster Hall
9 July 2025
Early Years Providers: Government Support
Our early years providers in South East Cornwall are essential for local families, and they are a cornerstone of healthy development. Does my hon. Friend agree that we need clearer national guidance on term dates, notice periods and transitions between settings? Local authorities need to offer consi…
Commons
Ministerial Statement
8 July 2025
Road and Rail Projects
Boosting growth and prosperity across the country, and especially in rural and coastal areas, is vital. What is the Secretary of State delivering for Cornwall, to help towns and villages in my area, including Saltash, Liskeard and Polperro, particularly as we work to find a long-term, sustainable an…
Commons
Westminster Hall
8 July 2025
Military Helicopters: Blood Cancers
I thank the Minister for his incredibly detailed and helpful responses. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Truro and Falmouth (Jayne Kirkham) for raising this important topic with such clarity and compassion. She has been such a strong champion for our armed forces and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. …
Commons
Westminster Hall
1 July 2025
Hospitality Sector
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Ms Butler. I thank the hon. Member for Kingswinford and South Staffordshire (Mike Wood) for securing this important debate.
For many in this Chamber, I imagine that the first thing that comes to mind when I mention Cornwall is our world-leading beache…
Commons
Oral Questions
Work and Pensions
23 June 2025
2 contributions
Pensions Policy: Climate and Nature Targets
8. Whether she is taking steps with Cabinet colleagues to help support climate and nature targets through her Department’s pensions policies.
As a co-chair of the all-party parliamentary groups on sustainable finance and on global deforestation, I remain concerned that around £388 billion in UK pension savings is still invested in fossil fuels and deforestation-related activities. Will the Minister reassure me further that undermining the…
Commons
Debate
16 June 2025
Animal Experiments: Medical Research
Does my hon. Friend agree that funding for computer modelling and artificial intelligence opportunities are vital for this sector, especially as we look to reduce cruelty in animal testing?
Commons
Westminster Hall
3 June 2025
Inheritance Tax: Family-owned Businesses
In rural and coastal communities such as South East Cornwall, family-run businesses and farms are the backbone of the local economy. Does the Minister agree that any changes to inheritance tax must be carefully shaped to support our local businesses and farms to plan for their future so that they ca…
Commons
Proceedings
15 May 2025
Business of the House
Sunday marked National Fishing Remembrance Day. Fishermen in our coastal towns and villages, including Looe and Polperro, play a vital role in food security and national security. I pay tribute to the previous member for South East Cornwall and to her late husband who lost his life to the sea. Will …
Commons
Oral Questions
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
13 May 2025
2 contributions
Marine Biological Diversity Agreement
9. What progress he has made on ratifying the agreement under the United Nations convention on the law of the sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction.
The UK has led world-class conservation efforts, and this Government have rightly committed to the landmark high seas treaty, but we must act now, as without ratification the UK risks losing its place in shaping this vital treaty’s implementation and future direction. Can the Minister confirm when l…
Commons
Proceedings
8 May 2025
Environmental Audit Committee
I congratulate my hon. Friend and welcome this excellent report, with its focus on the value of natural capital. On such an important day as Sir David Attenborough’s 99th birthday, I am sure that Members across the House will wish to join me in expressing many happy returns to him for his important …
Commons
Westminster Hall
7 May 2025
Personal Independence Payment: Disabled People
Many people in South East Cornwall are deeply worried about what the proposals will mean for them and their families. The Government’s consultation is still open, so I urge residents to participate and respond. Alongside the work that I and colleagues undertake daily, raising the issue in public and…
Commons
Westminster Hall
30 April 2025
Global Deforestation
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Vickers. As co-chair of the all-party parliamentary group on global deforestation, I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Brent West (Barry Gardiner) for bringing this important topic to Parliament today, and for being a strong voice championing o…