Speeches by Hobhouse.

“I also hear some criticism of the definition of what is needed. That has not been very clear and transparent and should possibly also be defined a little more clearly to those who want to become developers or are developers.”

“I understand that some developers are concerned that you have not really engaged with the industry on what they see as caps. You call them targets. Can you explain why you have done what you have done and why there is a concern from some developers that they have felt that the modelling of NESO is not being done very c…”

“In 2013, the number of breast cancer cases in women under 50 topped 10,000 for the first time, but routine breast cancer screenings are given only to women aged 40 and over. Will the Department review that and ensure that, when appropriate, initial appointments can be given to younger women? While I am at it, although …”

“First of all, I want to congratulate the hon. Member for Chester South and Eddisbury (Aphra Brandreth) on securing this important debate. She spoke powerfully about the fact that our road safety has to be children-centred. I agree with her that 20 mph zones around schools should be the default position, and any council…”

“I fear I do not have time, but I am sure the hon. Member would make an excellent point. Bikeability is an important scheme that we should all support, but the funding from the Department for Transport is currently not secure. On average, nine young children are harmed on our roads every day, and 3,402 children aged sev…”

“Before the Minister asks me where I was during the sustainable aviation fuels debate, I was here. Having 22% SAF by 2040 still means 78% fossil fuels in aircraft fuel—an awful lot. My constituents are impacted by Bristol airport expansion. I meet regularly with my local group Stop Bristol Airport Expansion group. They …”

“I congratulate Taunton town council on putting that money into the arts. That is absolutely what is needed, but many councils struggle to balance the books and have to make very difficult decisions. To deliver on the full potential of the UK’s competitive advantage in the arts and entertainment, additional public inves…”

“Here’s to a vibrant performance art sector in every community across the UK. Whether we are talking about school plays, choirs or theatre, in pubs, nightclubs or concert halls, the opportunities that they provide for enjoyment and life-enriching moments cannot be underestimated, and they must be valued and supported. I…”

“I can confirm, having been a Member of the previous Parliament, that I see a transformative difference in what this Government are doing compared with the previous Government. I also absolutely believe in cross-party working. A crucial aspect of the Bill is that it ensures we in the UK account for overseas emissions an…”

“I wonder where the shadow Minister was when the hon. Member for North Dorset (Simon Hoare) said, just 15 minutes ago, that this is not an either/or between prosperity and protecting nature and the climate.”

“There is a balance, but can Ofgem even secure an optimal outcome for all customers? Is that ever possible? Is there a long-term solution?”

“Eating disorders are the mental health disorder with the highest mortality rate, and we have at least 1.2 million sufferers. Some are being told that they are now too ill to be treated, yet eating disorders are entirely treatable. Today the all-party parliamentary group on eating disorders is publishing its report on h…”

“A 91% increase is doubling.”

“I take a great interest in this issue, because I was putting down a private Member’s Bill asking for a moratorium while we were still in the winter. Finally, the moratorium happened when we were in the summer, and it was not so urgent any more, but I am still pleased that there was a moratorium. My question is about vu…”

“I know, but it takes some time before they come forward and, in the meantime, they have sat for weeks being cold. That is my concern. A more proactive approach is probably also necessary, so that people know exactly where they can go to. If something is being installed, there should be a telephone number, a helpline or…”

“Going back to vulnerable households, a lot of them are in the private rented sector. A private landlord currently has no incentive whatsoever and no stake to switch to an electric heat pump or switch away from the gas network. I really believe we need to put our mind to that pretty quickly. I met with Wales & West Util…”

“We need a separate session on smart metering, because we are getting into the nitty‑gritty of this. Coming back to vulnerable customers, all of this is assuming that all people are digitally included and digitally literate. While we are possibly more engaged and digitally literate, there are lots of people out there wh…”

“Moving on to the ban on acquisition-only tariffs, is there a risk that continuing this ban into 2026 will prevent consumers from significantly benefiting from competition in the market, which may otherwise look quite different from how it does now? It is basically the other side, where we have quite savvy customers who…”

“I am happy with that.”

“Thank you very much, Chair. You have seen my debate application, but I can summarise. One of the most important topics we have discussed in not only the previous Parliament but this one is, of course, the cost of energy, because it impacts households and the cost of living, and also because we need to get to net zero, …”