Speeches by Shanker.

“T3. The cost of car insurance has gone through the roof in recent years, with quoted prices rising on average 82% since 2021. Car insurance is an essential, not a luxury, so I welcome the Government’s commitment to tackle the spiralling costs for drivers in Derby and across the UK. Will the Secretary of State provide a…”

“You will all be aware of the statement that every effort should be made to embed the principles of good design. What challenges does that present? Surely it is a good thing.”

“This is initially to Robbie. NIPA thinks it will be helpful for the revised NPS to clarify how section 245 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 affects port development. Could you explain how and why?”

“It has to be safe. There is no question: it has to be safe and operable. You have to be able to use it, but surely we want it to look good as well.”

“As a parent, I cannot imagine the agony of seeing your children starve and not being able to do anything about it, but that is the daily experience of families in Palestine. Does my hon. Friend agree that Israel’s man-made catastrophe must be put to an end and that aid must be allowed into Gaza immediately?”

“This summer, Derby celebrated Railway 200 in style, bringing 40,000 people together in just three days to mark the Greatest Gathering, which was the largest collection of new and heritage railway stock ever assembled anywhere in the world and included Locomotion No. 1. From Darlington to Derby, will my hon. Friend ackn…”

“We know that when we back British jobs, British industry and British innovators, communities across our country reap the rewards. What steps will the Minister take to ensure that our proudly home-grown small and medium-sized enterprises can be supportive in delivering this industrial strategy?”

“In Derby, the proposed water bill increases of about 50% will hit people really hard over the next five years. It is a bitter pill to swallow, because at the same time as hiking bills, shareholder dividends are being increased and water companies continue to pollute our waterways. What assurances can the Secretary of S…”

“3. What steps he is taking to protect households from significant water bill increases.”

“It was fantastic to see Derby buzzing over the summer when over three days 40,000 visitors were in the city visiting The Greatest Gathering as we brought together the world’s largest ever collection of historical and modern rolling stock. Will my right hon. Friend join me in acknowledging the huge effort made by volunt…”

“I have a couple of questions on public perception and trust in the various schemes. What are the common reasons why people still remain reluctant to car share, carpool, lift share, or whatever we are calling it?”

“In practical terms, how can we overcome these barriers? I know you mentioned Government involvement, but surely the problem is not the Government’s every time. How do we work together to overcome the barriers?”

“Do we see these same problems outside the UK?”

“I am going back to concerns. Are there particular concerns that you hear from women, for obvious reasons?”

“That is the point that I was just about to make. It is absolutely vital that Government support be available, because the charity sector alone cannot be left to provide that support and fill the gap. We need a national response that matches the scale of the challenge that we face. I welcome the Government’s commitment …”

“It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Sir Desmond. I thank my hon. Friend and very good friend the Member for Isle of Wight West (Mr Quigley) for securing this important debate and for his tireless campaigning on the issue, which I know is close to his heart. It cannot be at all easy. According to Beat, one i…”

“Last year, a staggering one in four kids in Derby lived in poverty. Our local charities, such as the Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance, do amazing work; last year, they handed out 20,000 food parcels. Will the Secretary of State ensure that the upcoming child poverty strategy addresses the root causes of child food poverty…”

“T8. Meaningful work experience can be a life changer for our young children, cutting the risk of their being out of education, employment or training. The Derby Promise is hard at work linking schools with employers to raise the aspirations of our young people. Does the Minister agree with me, and does she recognise th…”

“The Derwent runs through the heart of Derby, but thanks to the polluting water companies and the Tories, its health is in serious doubt. Can the Secretary of State reassure my constituents that this Labour Government are committed to taking the robust action that is desperately needed to restore the river and preserve …”

“I have one other question. Office of Rail and Road data suggests that the average age of the 15,000 or so vehicles that we have is about 16 years, with a life span of 30 to 35 years. We have seen recent refurbishment projects on the west coast main line of the 390 Pendolinos, which are thought to have saved hundreds of…”