Speeches by Brandreth.

“It is interesting that you mentioned Scottish salmon. That is mainly farmed, so that is not actually helping the fishermen and women. You also talked about having better access to EU markets. On that basis, I want to share what the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations have said. They say that the Prime Mini…”

“The hospitality sector is all too often overlooked, yet it is one of the most vital pillars not just of our economy, but of our communities. My constituency has 215 registered businesses in accommodation and food services, contributing at least 4,000 jobs—nearly one in 10 local jobs. The sector really matters to Cheshi…”

“Thank you. I appreciate that, but we have received written evidence that expressed concerns that where the UK is a penholder—perhaps for a specific issue or country—and is reducing ODA spend, that might lead to us failing to meet some of our own, self-imposed commitments and embolden other countries to follow suit and …”

“You have touched briefly on the contribution made by other P5 countries. We know that the US is substantially reducing its support. Has the UK considered whether we might redistribute any of our funds across any programmes or agencies in response to that?”

“So when might we expect to hear that?”

“Back in March, we heard from the FCDO that the impacts of ODA cuts on the UK’s voluntary contributions to the UN were still being worked through. I just wondered whether you had worked through that now and could provide any detail, particularly if there are any voluntary programmes that will now have to be cut.”

“You have touched on this a little bit, but, if we do need to make cuts to some of the voluntary contributions we make, what do you perceive the impact might be on the UK’s reputation as a reliable partner at the UN?”

“I thank the hon. Gentleman, my constituency neighbour, for securing the debate. Many people in Chester South and Eddisbury rely on the west coast main line, but unless they have a car it is a real challenge for them to reach a station easily and join the line, because there is a lack of public transport options. Does t…”

“I thank the hon. Member for his point, and I will go on to say that it is not just an issue of funding, as there are serious issues about how that strategic approach is taken. As I was saying, this is a crisis. Whether from knocking on doors or through people contacting my office, I have dealt with hundreds of cases re…”

“That is an important point. This issue is having an impact on that road, but also on a village, and on businesses and people who are trying to use that area. That is why we need a better system—one that delivers better roads and better value for the taxpayer. We must not settle for the status quo piecemeal approach tha…”

“The hon. Member makes an important point. This is about voicing the views of residents, and they know their area best. Residents have seen how a short-term mindset has consequences. The condition of our roads is worsening, and the national repair backlog has grown, from estimates of between £7.6 billion and £11.7 billi…”

“That is exactly the point I am making—the hon. Gentleman says it very well. As I outline the issue in more detail, I urge the Minister to consider how local authorities might be encouraged to take a more strategic, preventive approach. I have lost count of the number of times that frustrated residents have asked me why…”

“I am grateful to have secured today’s Adjournment debate on an issue that affects communities across the country: the condition of our roads. Although I will focus on the situation in Cheshire and in my constituency of Chester South and Eddisbury, and on what I believe is a failure by local authorities to get to grips …”

“My right hon. Friend makes such an important point and really hits the nail on the head. It is just not acceptable that wards such as the large ward of Wybunbury in Cheshire East in my constituency are consistently neglected, with funding being diverted elsewhere—as my right hon. Friend points out, we do not know where…”

“Like farmers in my constituency of Chester South and Eddisbury, farmers in Scotland feel let down by this Government’s disregard for agriculture and the countryside. We have seen Labour look the other way as the Scottish Government have delivered real-terms cuts to the agriculture budget. The Scottish Conservatives hav…”

“5. What discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on supporting Scottish agriculture.”

“You have talked about some of the issues with children. Of course, there is the horrific abduction of children from Ukraine, and I hear what you say about supporting funding for some of the organisations. I understand that the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab, which undertakes some of the work to track down such children…”

“Will we have a clear and comprehensive strategy on Iran?”

“I can hear the strength of your views on that. As you know, Iran is a destabilising force for the region, but increasingly it poses a direct threat to the UK’s interests, including those here at home. Reports suggest that the upcoming Intelligence and Security Committee report will confirm that Iran continues to target…”

“As I understand it, there are reports that Iran has now halted co-operation with the IAEA, effectively blocking international oversight of Iran’s nuclear programme, which you have rightly been saying is an important part of finding a long-term solution for this. What actions is the UK taking, given that decision? Speci…”