Westminster Hall debateWestminster HallWednesday, 24 June 202616:00

Future of public libraries in Bournemouth Eas

Backbench debate (separate chamber, no votes)

Tom Hayes, Labour MP for Bournemouth East, has secured a Westminster Hall debate on the future of public libraries in his constituency. The debate will explore the state of library services in Bournemouth East and the challenges they face, likely including funding pressures, usage patterns, and the role of libraries in community provision. Westminster Hall debates allow backbench MPs to raise local or national issues for discussion with relevant ministers, though they do not lead to binding votes.

Public libraries have faced significant funding cuts over the past decade and closures in some areas. This debate reflects broader concern about library access and their role in communities, particularly in supporting literacy, digital inclusion, and free public services. While focused on one constituency, the issues raised—how to sustain library networks with limited budgets—are relevant to local authorities nationwide.

Local Government Culture & Community

MPs most likely to speak

Stephanie PeacockLabour Party

Barnsley South

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State — portfolio topic overlap (35pts); Spoken on local-government, culture-community (141 times, 40pts); Known positions: culture-community: supportive, culture-community: neutral, local-government: supportive (30pts)Voting record

David SimmondsConservative and Unionist Party

Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner

Shadow Levelling Up — portfolio topic overlap (35pts); Spoken on local-government, culture-community (134 times, 40pts); Known positions: local-government: opposed, local-government: questioning, local-government: neutral (30pts)Voting record

Tom HayesLabour Party

Bournemouth East

Debate sponsor/lead member (calendar Members field)Voting record

Dr Rupa HuqLabour Party

Ealing Central and Acton

Spoken on local-government, culture-community (42 times, 40pts); Known positions: culture-community: supportive, culture-community: opposed, culture-community: neutral (30pts); Committee: culture, media and sport committee (20pts)Voting record

Mr Jonathan BrashLabour Party

Hartlepool

Spoken on local-government, culture-community (74 times, 40pts); Known positions: culture-community: supportive, local-government: opposed, local-government: questioning (30pts); Committee: housing, communities and local government committee (20pts)Voting record

Future of public libraries in Bournemouth Eas

MPs most likely to speak

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