Speeches by Lewin.

“6. What steps she is taking to expand school-based nurseries.”

“It is a source of pride to see a Labour Chancellor announce such a transformative programme for social housing. My hope is that the boost to the affordable homes programme can be used to unlock stalled projects like those in Welwyn Garden City, in my constituency, where the Metropolitan Thames Valley development adjace…”

“I am Andrew Lewin, the MP for Welwyn Hatfield.”

“Yes, but that is contested.”

“I just want to say that I do not agree with the characterisation that it is a common misconception. There is an active debate about the value of land. Hope value can sometimes be hundreds of times the original value. That might be your view, but it needs to be recognised by this Committee and others that there is a ser…”

“I just want to check, Will. In your own submission, you said that it “is frequently used purely to compensate overpaying for land or to maximise profit”. Is that your view? Is that still the view of the NHF? That “frequently used” is important.”

“Melanie, can I ask specifically whether you would support a minimum acceptable requirement, as Richard has just set out, for affordable and social housing?”

“Good morning. The Government have committed to reviewing their viability planning practice guidance. I think that it was last looked at in 2014, so it is not before time. I have lost count of the conversations that I have had with local councillors in Welwyn Hatfield and across the country, of all political persuasions…”

“I completely understand, Melanie, that there is nuance to this, but I have to say that I am cynical about some elements of it. I represent Welwyn Hatfield. In Welwyn Garden City there is a much-discussed development adjacent to the station. It is 25 minutes to Finsbury Park on the train and I have been told that it is …”

“I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Blyth and Ashington (Ian Lavery) on securing such an important debate. Next week, the Lloyds and Halifax branches in Welwyn Garden City will close their doors to customers for the last time. In Hatfield, we have already lost every bank branch from White Lion Square in the ce…”

“We have learned a lot about trade policy in the House today. The Conservative party is still desperately defending its failed deal, and as for Reform, we had a no-show from the leader of the party of no deal. Labour is the only party that is serious about getting a good deal with the European Union. I congratulate the …”

“17. What recent discussions he has had with NATO allies on European security.”

“The Ukrainian military’s response to Putin’s invasion has been formidable. One of the ways it has been so impressive is through its innovation in drone technology, with Ukraine now a world leader in strategic and tactical drones. Does the Minister agree that it is important that the UK, along with our NATO allies, cont…”

“As this is a debate in the name of His Majesty’s Opposition, it is only right that I share some personal reflections on the record of the Conservative party when it was in government. I am feeling generous, Madam Deputy Speaker: I am sure the House will be pleased to know that this will be a brief speech. But I am also…”

“It is curious, is it not? I have seen Conservative Front Benchers talking up the OBR when it is convenient, but in this case, when they do not agree with it, they decry it and say we must not listen to it. Step one: it is time to accept that it was a deal that made the country poorer and it must be looked at again. My …”

“I am conscious that, as we have had a good discussion this morning, there has been talk about equalising the system and making sure that all local authorities benefit. I am interested in how we strike the balance with the powers given to local authorities over business rates. I am keen to know a little more about the a…”

“Andrew Lewin, MP for Welwyn Hatfield.”

“Thank you. I am very conscious that different local authorities and parts of the country are at different stages on this journey. Going back to business rates, the reset is clearly an important moment. This question is probably for the Minister: in this Parliament, is there an ambition to go beyond the reset and look i…”

“The dominant theme this morning has been pressure on local government finances. I want to take a step back, because the defining mission of this Government in their own terms is to grow the economy. My question is about business rates. I am interested in an update on the reset set for 2026-27. Do you consider that a pr…”

“I will happily congratulate the branch of the Royal British Legion in my hon. Friend’s constituency and all those across the country, which are doing such valuable work. After the fall of France, there were some who said that despite the heroism at Dunkirk, our military was on the back foot. A small number advocating f…”