Speeches by Hopkins.

“It is always a privilege to represent my home town as an MP, so I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on some highlights from 2025. As ever, I was lucky enough to attend some wonderful local events across Luton South and South Bedfordshire, celebrating our local communities and the mix of diverse and vibrant…”

“In Luton, the brilliant NOAH charity—New Opportunities and Horizons—is working to support those who are homeless or rough-sleeping, with food, meals, laundry and shower facilities 365 days a year. It will be a lifeline for many over the festive period, so will the Leader of the House join me in thanking all at NOAH, an…”

“Hear, hear!”

“Last week I visited Ball Corporation, the leading global manufacturer of sustainable aluminium packaging, at its head office in my constituency. What steps is the Department taking to improve recycling of prime aluminium in the form of cans in the UK, to help support jobs in the UK’s circular economy?”

“May I warmly welcome the announcement today of the linking between local government funding and deprivation and need? That marks an end to the cuts and austerity brought in under the Tory and Liberal Democrat coalition Government. Will the Minister outline how that will benefit the children and young people in my const…”

“2. What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to promote equality as part of the Government mission entitled “Break Down Barriers to Opportunity”.”

“Last week, I met the 93% Club to hear more about its vital work to address the impact of social class on young people’s career and life chances. I welcome our Labour Government’s steps to widen opportunities for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, such as the match funding for criminal barrister pupillages. Wha…”

“The Minister makes a point about the previous disastrous mini-Budget of September 2023. The shadow Chancellor, the right hon. Member for Central Devon (Sir Mel Stride), said at that time, “I welcome much in this statement. There is a great deal that will help millions of families and businesses up and down the country.…”

“I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Cambridge (Daniel Zeichner) on securing this important debate. I welcome the Labour Government’s commitment to the Oxford-Cambridge corridor. After years of underfunding and neglect from the previous Conservative Government in constituencies such as mine, this investment wil…”

“I thank my hon. Friend for making a brilliant point about the contribution that further education colleges make to the agenda for skills, apprenticeships and ultimately good jobs for our young people. The delivery of East West Rail, improving connectivity with Oxford and Cambridge as world-class education and innovatio…”

“But was it “Look East (West)” or “Look East (East)”?”

“I will happily give way to my hon. and young Friend.”

“I welcome the news that the Government will match-fund criminal barrister pupillages, and I agree that there should be a focus on opening up a career at the criminal Bar to even more young people from across society and from all socioeconomic backgrounds. What additional plans does the Lord Chancellor have to make law …”

“Q1. If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 26 November.”

“For years and years, rail fares have gone up and up, but that is set to change next year. Can the Prime Minister confirm that commuters in my constituency will see a saving of around £400 on their annual season ticket as a result of this Government freezing rail fares? Can he confirm that it is only possible because we…”

“T6. This follows on from previous questions about the fair funding review. Luton has seen local services decimated, due to years of Conservative decisions, which stripped consideration of deprivation and need from the funding formula. Under a fairer funding system, Luton is set to gain. What can we expect to see from t…”

“I really welcome the £1.5 million Pride in Place impact funding awarded to Luton, and I have launched a survey with my hon. Friend the Member for Luton North (Sarah Owen) to find out what people want to see improved in our town. Does the Minister agree that local people’s voices must be at the heart of shaping the chan…”

“7. What assessment he has made of the potential impact of Pride in Place funding on the Luton South and South Bedfordshire constituency.”

“Russia is enduring significant financial pressure as a result of its illegal war in Ukraine. Does the Minister share my view that we must impose maximum economic pressure on Russia in order to force Putin to the negotiating table?”

“I welcome the Minister’s announcement that she will abolish police and crime commissioners, which is the right move. That said, may I place on the record my thanks to John Tizard, our Bedfordshire PCC? He has always worked constructively with me, and I know he will continue to work constructively until 2028. May I pres…”