Monday kicked off with Oral Questions to the Department for Housing, Levelling Up and Communities, where I asked the Secretary of State what discussions he had had with the Culture Secretary about improving broadband connectivity across the UK, a key component of the Levelling Up Agenda. You can read a transcript of my question in Hansard, or watch it on ParliamentTV.
This was followed by an Urgent Question on the abhorrent murder of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in the West Bank by Israeli forces. I expressed my condolences to Shireen’s family and friends, and pressed the Minister to confirm that, contrary to statements made by an Israeli military spokesperson, a journalist ‘armed with a camera’ is not a target. You can read a transcript of my question in Hansard, or watch it on ParliamentTV.
Oral questions to the Treasury front bench took place on Tuesday, where I took the opportunity to press ministers on the Government’s Access to Cash Strategy, and the availability of free-to-use ATMs. You can read a transcript of my exchange with the Minister in Hansard, or watch it on ParliamentTV.
Wednesday saw the final day of debate on the Queen’s Speech, with the theme ‘Achieving Economic Growth’. I gave a speech highlighting a number of concerns I share with my constituents, such as the lack of focus on the cost of living crisis and the Government’s access to cash strategy. I also spoke about the Levelling Up Fund and the opportunities presented by Clyde Gateway’s work at Shawfield. You can read a transcript of that speech in Hansard or watch it on ParliamentTV.
On Thursday I participated in a Westminster Hall debate on Reform of the Child Maintenance Service (CMS). The CMS’s performance is an issue that has affected many constituents that have come to me looking for support, which I highlighted in my speech. I made sure to highlight the key issues experienced by constituents and pressed the UK Government to ensure any reforms are meaningful, so that children do not have to go without. You can read a transcript of my speech in Hansard, or watch it on ParliamentTV.
Later I participated in another Westminster Hall debate on Dialysis Care Outcomes, where I made two interventions. In the first intervention, I highlighted how acute kidney injuries are more deadly than heart attacks, and how better care in this area is essential for better kidney disease outcomes in the round. I also highlighted the importance of good mental health care for patients, and how this must be improved in order to improve care outcomes more broadly.