Speeches by Brewer.

“I think that answers my next question: why are so few fast-growth businesses female-led? You think it is in investment.”

“I open this up to anyone who wants to answer, but why do you think the proportion of businesses and fast-growth businesses that are female-led reduced from 2023 to 2024? Do you have any reasons why that might be the case?”

“Debbie, coming back to you, if that is okay, those are some depressing statistics.”

“Thank you very much. Jill, do you have anything to add to that picture?”

“Thank you. Debbie, I would like to start with you if that is all right, and then we will move into the room. Could you briefly set out what you see as the key trends in female-led entrepreneurship?”

“Jill, do you have anything to add?”

“Do you have any statistics on the experience of women from ethnic minority or low socioeconomic backgrounds on how they are trying to start a business?”

“That ties in really nicely with my question, which I want to direct to Professor Stephan, if I may. Is there any cultural issue here where women are encouraged to do good and men are encouraged to do well and actually we should all be doing both those things if we can?”

“How big a factor do you think caring responsibilities are on the ability of women to pursue entrepreneurship? I would like to direct that to Dr Marks, please.”

“I just have one more question, which I will ask you first and then Claire. You have said that your equal parental leave is part of a wider cultural transformation in the organisation. Why do you think that a wider organisational culture is important in this context?”

“I would love to pick your brains on that, but I need to stick to the logistics of the policy. What has driven take-up of your equal parental leave policy, particularly by dads?”

“Jonny, I will stick with you for now, if that is all right. I have some specific questions on Aviva’s policy. How close to equal is the take-up of mothers and fathers of Aviva’s equal parenting leave policy?”

“I have one more question, which is for Claire. Is there a country where this has been done best, looking at that cost-benefit analysis that you were talking about earlier?”

“Do you think the fact that is a reality so early on then impacts whether dads can afford for the family to take that leave, given that they are more likely to be the higher earner at that point?”

“I have a couple of questions. How much do you think the pre-existing gender pay gap before couples have children has an impact on take-up of parental leave?”

“Have you been able to track the impact of the policy on parents’ career progression and earnings, and has there been any impact on your gender pay gap?”

“It is a pleasure to serve with you as Chair, Sir Jeremy. We are living in a time marked by increasing polarisation. Teenage boys and girls are drifting apart, driven by an online culture that fills a void where important discussions should be happening. I have spoken to teachers across my constituency, and the picture …”

“In a statement with significant problems, I welcome the Chancellor’s commitment to better military homes, which the Liberal Democrats have been calling for. Will she clarify how much and by when, and will that commitment include RAF Odiham in my constituency—or is it just for the constituencies that she listed, which h…”

“The right hon. Member has anticipated my next point. To ensure that development is approached effectively and sustainably, there must be legislation to protect chalk streams. The Government should use the Bill to expand the list of irreplaceable habitats that are severely threatened and include chalk streams in it. Mit…”

“There is no doubt that we need new homes, but it is abundantly clear from my casework and from doorstep conversations in North East Hampshire—and I am sure in many other places—that the effects of a warming planet and many years of neglected infrastructure are wreaking havoc on our communities. In order to stop the dam…”