Speeches by Shanker.

“Okay—then how?”

“You touched on the PSED a moment ago. The Bill will make GBR subject to the public sector equality duty; why does the Bill not also make GBR subject to the specific duties under PSED? Is there any intention to do that? There is no specific mention at this stage.”

“Thank you. On that, the impact assessment for the Bill states that the Department has included an equalities impact assessment. Why has that not been published and when will it be published?”

“When do you think we will know a little more about size?”

“But on the specific duties, will you come back to us?”

“The crux of the matter is whether passengers can reasonably expect fares to be cheaper and more affordable under GBR.”

“11. What steps he is taking to help tackle fuel poverty.”

“Everyone deserves a warm and safe place to call home, but for the 20% of families in Derby South who live in fuel poverty this week’s cold snap is a nightmare as they struggle to heat their homes. What longer-term plans are being made so that families can see the benefits of a Labour Government and do not dread this so…”

“I think you have covered some of this. You spoke about the experience of running an integrated track and train operation on the core valley lines, as well as running services on track owned by Network Rail. You spoke a little bit about the lessons you have learned by doing that and what help you could offer GBR. Overal…”

“Is the network under GBR truly going to be integrated as long as funding for services and infrastructure is separated?”

“Is the network under GBR truly going to be integrated as long as funding for services and infrastructure is separated?”

“I think you have covered some of this. You spoke about the experience of running an integrated track and train operation on the core valley lines, as well as running services on track owned by Network Rail. You spoke a little bit about the lessons you have learned by doing that and what help you could offer GBR. Overal…”

“Does the hon. Member agree that the work of fantastic charities such as Derbyshire Cricket Foundation is essential to nurturing the game from the ground up and ensuring that people from all walks of life can enjoy it?”

“This one is for Sue; I think you covered some of this earlier, but feel free to add a bit more. In your written evidence on the previous draft legislation, you talk about the collaboration with Transport Focus in advocating for disabled passengers. How do you see DPTAC’s role in relation to the new passenger watchdog? …”

“Ben, you have come out pretty strongly in expressing your concern about the provisions for the new passenger watchdog to be grown out of Transport Focus. You have said it will lack the independence, power and resources to act effectively on behalf of passengers—pretty strong stuff. Why is that? What changes do you thin…”

“This one is for Emma. You said that the general duty in the Bill to promote the needs of disabled passengers is vague and unenforceable. What would you like to see in the Bill to improve that?”

“I refer the House to my interest as vice-chair of the all-party parliamentary group on rail. Rail is in Derby’s DNA. For decades, it has powered our community, moulded our economy and inspired generations of engineers and designers. I see the proof of that week in, week out, whether when meeting fantastic apprentices a…”

“I welcome the strategy, which will mean that 5,500 children in Derby South will be lifted out of poverty. I particularly welcome changes around temporary accommodation. Does my right hon. Friend agree that no child, whether in Derby or anywhere else in the country, should be brought up in a bed and breakfast?”

“With winter setting in and thousands of Gazan children still acutely malnourished, will my right hon. Friend work with international partners so we can go further and faster to help those children?”

“T8. Earlier this year I met brilliant Derby apprentices at Alstom, who are building their futures as they build the future of our rail. However, persistently low start rates in the east midlands have left too many of our young people missing out on the opportunities that apprenticeships give. What steps is the Secretar…”