Speeches by Platt.

“I represent the best rugby league town in the country, with the mighty Leigh Leopards, and I know how important it is for that to filter down to our grassroots clubs. We have some amazing facilities, and the strength of that is obviously its workforce and volunteers. Across the board and across all our sporting sectors…”

“I want to concentrate on the links between schools and community sport. If we take the disparities for children and young people from low economic backgrounds who are taking part in sports, the numbers are reducing, and similarly, schools in our more challenging or disadvantaged areas are less likely to offer pupils a …”

“Do you believe that a central person who is in the place could connect the schools to the clubs and to a place?”

“Mark, is that a model that you recognise would work? You are going throughout the country and into some of the deprived areas.”

“12. What steps he has taken to help protect communities that are vulnerable to flooding.”

“First, I thank the Minister for visiting Lilford in Leigh after the devastating new year’s day flooding. We had a public meeting on Saturday, and three months after those floods, residents are still struggling to get any real progress from their insurance companies, while others face extortionate premiums and excess fe…”

“Thank you for chairing the debate, Dr Murrison. There is not much time left, so I will not go through everyone’s contribution, but I express thanks to everybody who attended and everybody who made such valid points about how we improve our transport infrastructure for the north-west. I just hope that as we go forward, …”

“I beg to move, That this House has considered improving transport connectivity in the North West. It is an honour to serve under your chairship, Ms McVey. I am delighted to see so many Members here today. The issue at hand affects many constituencies in the north-west, including mine. Leigh and Atherton, once a beacon …”

“Yes, I do agree, particularly for those who are vulnerable due to age, poverty or disability, as this will have a hugely negative impact on their life chances. This stark disparity underlines the need for better transport systems and new road networks—ones that boost economic productivity and ensure fairness and opport…”

“T4. Social enterprises contribute 3.4% of GDP, and towns such as Leigh and Atherton benefit greatly from them. Will the Minister outline what the Department is doing to support social enterprise and co-operatives so they can contribute to the growth agenda in the UK?”

“The Canal & River Trust manages 2,000 miles of waterway, including nearly 500 miles in the north-west. I recently met the trust and its dedicated volunteers, who highlighted confusion about ownership and funding difficulties. Will the Leader of the House join me in thanking that organisation, and does she agree tha…”

“I whole- heartedly welcome the Minister’s statement. It will be a true day of national unity. Last week, I presented a long overdue official armed forces badge to 100-year-old veteran Eric Radcliffe. Will the Minister thank Eric for his service, and will she inform the House and my constituents in Leigh and Atherton ab…”

“May I draw the House’s attention to my position as chair of the all-party groups on long covid and on myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)? In recognition of International Women’s Day, I wish to draw attention to the significant gender disparity in the impact of chronic illnesses. Given the gravity of the issue, will the Lea…”

“Last but not least, Mr Speaker. The mass grouping of these questions on this subject proves the failure of the previous Government to get a grip on this particular issue. Can the Minister reassure me, and SMEs such as WJ Structures and Rothwells Paper in my constituency, that this Government will take steps to simplify…”

“20. What steps he is taking to support small and medium-sized enterprises in public procurement.”

“I thank the Minister and his Department for today’s announcement and for the commitment to Leigh in the plan for neighbourhoods. As he knows, Leigh is home to some amazing community organisations and businesses that are working hard to improve our area, but they have been doing it alone for too long. Today’s cash boost…”

“To the athletes, starting with Montell: how important is choice to young people, and did you have enough choice for sports in and outside of school?”

“I will follow on from that, because this is a real bugbear of mine. Where we have some of our more challenging areas locally and funding is supplied to provide provision, I feel it is a missed opportunity if, say, there is six weeks of funding for an activity and then it goes. For me, that is not good enough. What are …”

“From the community world and from sports, how do we make it fun for children to be included?”

“That was a good answer. Can I have a really short answer to this next question? Alistair, when delivering sport to children, should there be more of a focus on enjoyment and fun over learning technical skills that obviously put children off?”