Today Toby Perkins MP, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, launched the Committee’s new report on ‘Addressing the risks from Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)’.
The Committee urges the Government to phase out forever chemicals in consumer products like frying pans and school uniforms. And to ensure that those who have polluted the environment with PFAS have to pay to clean it up.
The report received widespread coverage in BBC, the Times, Guardian, ITVX and Channel 5 News.
You can watch Toby’s full statement to the House below and read the full report here: https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/62/environmental-audit-committee/news/213259/phase-out-forever-chemicals-in-cookware-and-school-uniforms-mps-urge-in-warning-on-pfas-pollution/.
The Government expects Fleet Industry to have around 20% of its vehicles be electric vehicles but less than 1% of Government purchases in the past were for electric vehicle hire.
I asked the Minister what the Government are doing to ensure we have more electric vehicles being leased by Government
Decisions being made by experts closer to our children in their communities wil not only improve the service but will actually make sure we use precious resources more wisely.
My question to the Education Secretary regarding funding for SEN children.
Whilst it is true that government support for pubs with business rate bills is higher than previous government were planning, many pubs are still struggling with the ending of Covid reliefs and so I pushed the minister on when we would get further concessions to support Britain’s pubs.
Staveley bypass has been talked about for as long as I can remember but it is more than just a road. It has the potential to unlock 1,500 new homes and 5,700 jobs.
I raised the bypass with the Prime Minister who confirmed that land investigation works are currently taking place, and it is a scheme that is being looked at closely by the Roads Minister.
The previous Government’s failure to invest in grid infrastructure has led to delays for businesses to connect to electricity.
I asked the Minister what action this Government is taking to build grid infrastructure to support businesses, deliver economic growth and achieve clean power by 2030.
Yesterday I lead a debate in Westminster Hall on flooding and flood protection in Chesterfield.
You can see the debate below. The debate includes my speeach and the response from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Emma Hardy MP. It also includes contributions from Lee Pitcher MP (Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme) and Louise Sadher-Jones (North East Derbyshire).
Watch my speech in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill debate where I spoke in support of amendments 163, 150 and New Clause 62
I am pleased that the Flooding Minister has agreed to visit Chesterfield to look at local flood prevention projects.
Ahead of her visit to Chesterfield I raised the importance of flood repairs and prevention on the economy.
This week is #NationalApprenticeshipWeek . The Government’s recent announcements will make a real difference, both in terms of the completion rate and the flexibility around apprenticeships.
See my question at #PMQs on allowing more young people to get an apprenticeship #NAW
The Government has announced a record £2.65Bn for flood defences.
I asked Flooding Minister how she’ll make sure that the money is spent wisely and that the Treasury understands year on year spend is needed to reach all areas, like Chesterfield, who need that investment.
My speech at the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Energy Studies Winter Warmer Reception
You can read my speech here
The Government have made a number of commitments towards the environment. I asked the Aviation Minister how the Government will ensure that any plans that come forward are in line with their environmental commitments.
It has been a busy week in Parliament and here in Chesterfield.
Here’s my new quick video review of my week. Let me know your thoughts.
My question to the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Climate
While increasing the budget for defence spending is important, it is crucial that the budget is spent correctly.
I asked the Secretary of State for Defence what he is doing to bring the huge wastage in defence spending we have seen under the previous government under control.
This is a budget that will begin the task of national repair and renewal after 14 years of decline.
Watch my speech in today’s budget debate.
My speech speech about Tennis in the debate on the 2024 Olympics legacy
I am honoured to have been sworn in again as the Member of Parliament for Chesterfield. I will continue to stand up for Chesterfield and Staveley, this time from the government benches.
My speech in the Budget 2024 debate
Just listen to the state of this.
I asked the Government why apprenticeship starts at lower levels had crashed since the introduction of the apprenticeship levy with SME apprenticeships down by a half and the Minister’s answer completely ignores the question.