Speeches by Alaba.

“I thought I was talking to the Prime Minister for a minute. I am impressed. Nancy, can I come to you, please? Again, the same question to you. So, is this good progress?”

“Brilliant. My next question is to all of you. Prior to coming into Parliament, my background was in the creative sector as a promoter, a venue owner and a show producer. Therefore, in terms of the tribulations of trying to support, spot and nurture talent, I do understand. The blanket levy is also a policy that would c…”

“I recently heard from Chelsea, a constituent of mine, who raised concerns about her grandmother Anna’s care. After a delayed discharge, she was released with the wrong equipment, which sadly resulted in her falling out of bed and sustaining a further injury. Ensuring that patients are discharged in a safe and timely ma…”

“I wish the victims of the Headingley attack a full recovery. My thoughts are with their friends and family and the community. Just this morning, I welcomed Joan Whelan to Westminster to meet the Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire—I thank the Minister for her time, and her sage advice and counsel—following the tragic…”

“I thank the hon. Member for North Norfolk (Steff Aquarone) for securing this debate. It is an honour to be here today among MPs representing coastal communities. I represent Southend East and Rochford. I was born on Green Street in east London, and growing up I spent a lot of time going to Southend for days out, as a l…”

“I thank the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Ben Obese-Jecty) for securing this vital debate. Knife crimes among children and young people are some of the most devastating incidents to occur in our constituencies. Last summer in Southend East and Rochford there were multiple machete attacks on our beaches and high streets. …”

“Water companies have a responsibility to the community they are in and the developments that they play a part in. I am keen to hear from the Minister what the Government’s reforms will do to encourage water companies to be front and centre on plan-making and infrastructure building.”

“I thank my hon. Friend for allowing me to intervene. In my constituency of Southend East and Rochford, we share many of the same issues that my hon. Friend is experiencing in her constituency in Norwich. We have a high street that needs to be reanimated and low levels of antisocial behaviour. Nevertheless, as my hon. F…”

“It is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Sir Desmond. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Camborne and Redruth (Perran Moon) for securing this really important debate. His important work as a rugby coach and a key stakeholder within his community is to be commended. I come from a football and track and field …”

“I agree. That is one of the reasons we are all here: we are talking about the unique offer and appeal of our communities. All and any history regarding families and individuals who have helped to shape, and shown commitment to, our communities should be cherished and showcased. I see how that example shows the uniquene…”

“I beg to move, That this House has considered the cultural heritage of market towns. It is an honour to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Jeremy. I thank everyone here today for attending and showing their interest in this very important debate, and for contributing to and supporting it. I welcome all Members who repr…”

“Oh, guys. I am more excited to hear the thoughts of other Members present, because I know that they bring insights into their communities from which we can all benefit.”

“To summarise our debate, it is fair to say that market towns are up against it and often feel the sharp end of economic downturns. I know at first hand how local communities’ involvement in decision making creates thriving economies all year round and a long-term sustainable protection for cultural heritage. By harness…”

“My hon. Friend is absolutely right: that sort of resource helps under-resourced councils. As I said, councils have lost specialist infrastructure and staff, and that has a huge impact on their ability to shape how the local economies grow. The lack of expertise, compounded by shrinking budgets, means that casework is g…”

“I have had the pleasure of meeting my constituent Mark Hughes, who kindly shared his experience of a terminal diagnosis. Would the Leader of the House join me in commending Mark on his hard work on his successful “Scrap 6 Months” campaign? As a result of that campaign, those who receive a terminal diagnosis of 12 month…”

“We have the national youth strategy. How key, how pivotal, how important is sports to that strategic intention?”

“You are right.”

“I want to go back quickly to what you think are the biggest challenges for access to facilities. Alistair, you mentioned affluence; Montell, you mentioned connections. Is there anything else that you would like to touch on? I will start with the athletes.”

“Ali, with school estates and resources and how best they can be utilised, you mentioned earlier the statutory protection around the finance and how you charge for facilities. Do you see that as something that schools should try and do if they want other parts of the community to access their facilities? Is that somethi…”

“This is a question for the athletes. Do you think that the Government focus too much on elite sports? You are all of elite status but obviously you came through the grassroots system. What is your take on that? There are certain takes on confidence, resilience and networks, all those byproducts that came from your jour…”