Speeches by Blake.

“I thank my hon. Friend for his thoughtful intervention. I absolutely agree that this will make a real difference to those workers who drive for their work. This is a long overdue measure, and I am very happy to put the Bill forward today. The proposals represent the largest ever increase to the mileage rates, benefitin…”

“I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time. The conflict in the middle east has left British families and businesses exposed to volatile gas prices, which has made things more expensive for those who drive for work, including care workers. Even though much of the country’s electricity comes from cheaper ren…”

“It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir John. I am grateful that my first chance to speak as the Minister in Westminster Hall is in such a thorough and rich debate on this topic. Let me join in with the tradition of talking about our first job by saying that I spent many a happy afternoon doing a Saturda…”

“No, I have finished.”

“As the hon. Member will expect, I disagree with his characterisation of employer NI and the Employment Rights Act. I remind him of the positive impact that both those measures are having on workers, our NHS and the services that they are funding, and of the specific ways in which they operate with young people. His evi…”

“No, only three minutes.”

“Absolutely not; we have real confidence in the British venture capital sector. In the 2025 Budget, we doubled the investment limits and gross assets threshold for the enterprise investment and venture capital trust schemes. Those changes are supporting growth and development.”

“This Chancellor has secured six interest rate cuts. We are creating the conditions for investment in business. Investment in skills and innovation is up; investment in regional infrastructure is up; and whole-economy investment is up by 4.9% since the election. This country is the best place for start-ups and scale-ups…”

“At the Budget, the Government announced a comprehensive package of entrepreneurship tax measures, designed to provide substantially enhanced support for scaling businesses across the UK. That includes doubling the maximum amount that a company can raise through the enterprise investment scheme and the venture capital t…”

“I am sure I will not be doing it for long.”

“Yes, when I have more ideas and reflections on what we could do about it.”

“Yes, I am concerned. I even starred that particular bit in the letter. The unwanted texts and emails are a huge and growing problem. I recognise what is happening with the business model. The way in which consumers might be receiving those texts and emails, and also potentially other ways of getting to those consumers,…”

“That is the intention of the reform.”

“Yes, I am. Making a really effective FOS is in the interests of consumers. Having that clarity of relationship between the FOS and the FCA is in the interests of the consumer.”

“That is the first time I have heard that rumour.”

“I am the fourth.”

“The Bill is very much on my radar. I was listening. I did not hear specifically what amendments the FCA would suggest to address this. I do not know whether you want to add anything specifically about FOS reform and the relationship between the FOS and the FCA.”

“I am sure that the Treasury did, but it is imminent.”

“Can I just make some declarations of interest before we start? It is a matter of public record that I am the Member of Parliament for Cities of London and Westminster, which obviously includes the City of London. I am a Labour and Co-operative Member of Parliament, which is relevant for the financial inclusion bit. To …”

“Not directly to me in the last three and a half weeks, no.”