Speeches by Martin.

“Residents in Portsmouth North are concerned about the rising cost of housing asylum seekers. Although it is not what we would have wanted as a Government, it is good that we have been open and apologetic about having to house, on a temporary basis, these people because of the inactivity of the previous Government. Does…”

“These changes are fantastic and are much needed to get Britain back to work after 14 years of dismissal and neglect of real lives and real people under the last Government. However, areas such as Portsmouth North do not have a devolution deal yet. Can the Secretary of State provide details on how those not in work in P…”

“As a former teacher, I hope that the Government are working across Departments. Will we work with the Department for Education to ensure that these conversations are had in our schools, right from the beginning, at primary level, and all the way through?”

“Antisocial behaviour, fly-tipping, off-road bikes and e-scooters racing along pavements and streets, and an epidemic of shoplifting are all issues raised time and again by my constituents across all wards of Portsmouth North. Does the Minister agree that we need police officers back on the beat in local communities, eq…”

“We must always remember that at the heart of any public scandal, there are people. So many of my hon. Friends this afternoon have told tragic stories, but also stories of courage and humility. Alongside other brave, courageous victims and their families, Becca, Jess and their siblings have campaigned for justice for pe…”

“To finish, do you think that so far this Government is listening to children’s voices?”

“That leads me on to when you were describing how awful some of these kids’ and young people’s lives are. You used the phrase “better world” in your last report, which encapsulates all the findings into one. It is good to hear that you have met over 30 Ministers and civil servants and that you have a programme ahead. Th…”

“I have a few questions around family but before that I want to come back to something you were talking about with Caroline Voaden: home schooling. You said the words, “No fear”. You have also talked about personal relationships and communication, and obviously welcome the register. What work have you done with local au…”

“You have touched on an idea that might reduce the impact of child poverty, but is there anything on which the Government could take steps today, ahead of spring 2025, to help immediately reduce the impact of child poverty?”

“What should the strategy look like?”

“Brilliant—so you do not have a date, but you look forward to getting one. The Government also announced the creation of a cross-party child poverty taskforce to develop a child poverty strategy for spring 2025. How will you contribute to this process, and have you started?”

“You mentioned the family review of 2022. Has the current Government indicated whether they will be publishing a response to that? If so, when would you expect it?”

“I want to look at two reports that you have done, and that you have touched on in some of your answers. The first is the family section in The Big Ambition. You have advocated for the establishment of family hubs and universal access to parenting courses. What discussions have you had with the new Government on greater…”

“Yes—those who are choosing to home school.”

“Apologies, but my question was also about those who want to have home schooling.”

“Portsmouth people welcome the national wealth fund, the industrial strategy and the Chancellor’s Mansion House speech, as well as the stability that it offers our country and its much-needed economic growth. Does the Minister agree, though, that consumer protection is a vital issue that we must ensure does not get lost…”

“The almost 600 kinship carers in Portsmouth North welcome this Government’s prioritisation of kinship care; it is vital to keep kids with their families. However, not all children can live with their families, so some live in the care system. Because of the past 14 years of Conservative Government, life has been too to…”

“The Government’s biggest reform to England’s bus system in 40 years sees the people of Portsmouth having power put back into the hands of our communities. Today’s funding, the cutting of red tape and the ending of the postcode lottery will ensure that bus routes are where they are needed, allowing everyone to access wo…”

“I declare an interest and a huge sense of pride in taking part in this debate: I have cousins who serve in the Army and the Royal Air Force, and a son in the Royal Navy, all of whom are under 30. Hopefully, because of the Bill, they are at the start of long and successful armed forces careers. Also, my constituency of …”

“I meant the other one—my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth Moor View (Fred Thomas). I am proud to be part of a mission-led Government but, as the Secretary of State said earlier, no mission from a Labour Government is complete unless it is our first duty to keep our country safe. Peace and security are hard earned an…”