Speeches by Alaba.

“The sheer volume of correspondence that I have received from my constituents about the restriction of aid going into the Occupied Palestinian Territories is vast—unprecedented. Israel has weaponised the flow of aid into Gaza. The loss of life and the destruction of homes and schools is horrifying. Does my hon. Friend a…”

“4. What steps she has taken with the Crown Prosecution Service to support victims of crime.”

“Earlier this year, I visited Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis centre, where we discussed how extended court delays put pressure on the third sector organisations that provide this vital support. Under the previous Government, the total backlog of all court cases soared, with 73,000 victims left waiting years for their day i…”

“This summer has been busy in Southend. Most importantly, this weekend we hosted City Jam, a jam-packed live street art festival. Will the Leader of the House join me in commending all the organisers who took part in producing such an incredible event, solidifying our flourishing cultural scene, from Lazydays festival a…”

“Will the Secretary of State give way?”

“In Southend East and Rochford we are a proud coastal community, but we have been left behind when it comes to connectivity, educational outcomes and investment in skills. Does the Secretary of State agree that through this Bill we have a chance to deliver the long-term meaningful change that my constituents deserve?”

“I will make a bit of progress. Widening devolution is a chance to finally reverse this trend. It introduces a new community right to buy, giving community groups a formal right of first refusal to purchase assets of community value, and it extends the time period to 12 months for communities to raise funds and negotiat…”

“I also welcome the shadow Secretary of State to his new role. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill presents a great opportunity for Southend East and Rochford and for Greater Essex. The Bill is about giving local people the right to make decisions about the place they call home. At its heart, it is abo…”

“16. What steps she is taking to support young people into employment, education or training in Southend East and Rochford constituency.”

“Young people across the UK who are not in education, employment or training are more than twice as likely to come from disadvantaged backgrounds. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that support reaches those who need it most?”

“8. What steps his Department is taking to improve digital inclusion in Southend East and Rochford constituency.”

“I am proud and honoured to say that I have served this country as a reservist Parachute Regiment soldier. That is why I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our service members and their families during Armed Forces Week. This Labour Government have announced the largest sustained increase in defence spendi…”

“Digital inclusion and exclusion vary widely between individuals, households and even communities. Often it is those in low-income, rural and coastal communities who are left behind. What steps are being taken to ensure that Labour’s action plan reaches all communities and equips everyone with the tools they need?”

“You mentioned earlier the love of local people. I am assuming that—not in all cases, but in most—a lot of the smaller charities working on a particular project may well be local because of their connection to the project, which then gives them a bit of a disadvantage.”

“Which goes to your point. You have mentioned mentoring, support and critical friends a couple of times, and I totally understand. Vanessa, what practical support is available to smaller charities working on historic buildings?”

“What more could public bodies do to support volunteer-led heritage sites?”

“I see. And if they are not owner-operators, the relationship with their landlord would mean that you have a significant buy-in to the sort of civic pride.”

“My next question is for Tegwen. We have received written evidence that praised high streets in terms of heritage action zone schemes. What made that model of funding so effective?”

“Thank you. Staying with the Eldon Street scheme, can you elaborate a little bit on the support from Historic England?”

“Vanessa, do you want to have a last word?”