Speeches by Baxter.

“I thank my hon. Friend for his statement. I welcome the sanctions that have been taken today against Ben-Gvir and Smotrich because their rhetoric and actions towards the Palestinian people are dangerous and extremist. But this is the third set of sanctions imposed by our Government against violent settlers and settleme…”

“Happy birthday, Mr Speaker. New nuclear has the potential not only to power communities across our country, but to create jobs in every constituency. That is why it is particularly extraordinary to hear SNP representatives argue against those jobs. Will the Secretary of State confirm how many new jobs will be created b…”

“I welcome my hon. Friend’s announcement, because this news will not only bring more money to Scotland; it also demonstrates that this is a Government who listen. The winter fuel payment is devolved in Scotland, as it was at the time of the original announcement, and the Scottish National party’s current policy robs poo…”

“Given the widespread support, including from energy suppliers, for a social tariff, which might offer more support with energy bills to households in fuel poverty, why do you think that has not happened yet?”

“That was my—”

“Good morning, Torsten. Are you working with DESNZ to assess the various forms of support for pensioners in terms of energy costs? Do you feel they all add up to an effective package for people who are struggling with their energy bills at the moment?”

“What are your plans for consulting on this? The National Housing Federation called for a full consultative process in collaboration with the housing sector to mitigate potential challenges that we might face if we are merging those.”

“I am conscious that it is £25. Given recent increases in energy prices, is there not a case to increase that?”

“Moving on to the cold weather payment scheme, it has not changed since around 2008. Do you think it is time for a change to that now? Is it fit for purpose?”

“Thank you for that. I knew it was there somewhere in the back of my mind. On the matter of housing benefit and pension credit, can you update us on plans for that? Is the change still expected in April 2026?”

“Are you expecting to concentrate on merging application processes, or will you go further and align the rules?”

“I appreciate that you will give us a fuller answer at a later stage. Is there anything you can tell us: if you are aligning rules, for example, are you considering tapering and income and capital rules?”

“Are you talking to the third sector as well at the moment?”

“Have you made any assessment about whether paying that cold weather payment in advance would encourage pensioners to turn the heating on, rather than keeping it off because they are scared about their bills?”

“There has not been an assessment of payment in advance being beneficial?”

“What role do you think the DWP should play in funding advice for people claiming what they are entitled to?”

“I have a quick supplementary on that previous question. We had evidence, though I am now struggling to remember who it was from, where concern was raised in one of our sessions about the data sharing agreement with Scotland. Has that been extended or is it up to date?”

“I will try to remember the source.”

“I congratulate my right hon. Friend on his statement about this significant investment in the security of our nation. I was thrilled that the Prime Minister announced that there will be up to 12 new attack submarines, boosting growth in Scotland and keeping the UK safe for years to come. However, I was astonished to re…”

“Good employers in my constituency of Paisley and Renfrewshire South—those who conduct employment checks and employ people on decent terms and conditions—are being undercut by unscrupulous firms that use exploitative practices and prey on the vulnerabilities of people seeking a better life here in the UK. What steps are…”