Speeches by Thomas.

“Regarding land use, what are the most important factors to consider in attempting to ramp up tree planting to the required levels?”

“One of the arguments that I continue to hear against EV ownership is the disposal of the batteries, and I wondered whether either or both of you had any thoughts along those lines?”

“Does that account for the large-scale mortality we have seen on some roadside schemes?”

“I am not yet on the Chinese Communist party’s sanctions list, but perhaps I will be shortly. Does the right hon. Member share my concern about the 99-year lease of the islands, given that some of our adversaries across the world plan and strategise over the very long term, and 99 years is actually a short period of tim…”

“It is rare that I find myself aligned with the Conservative party, but I share its concerns for the structure and veracity of this deal. That being said, does the hon. Member share my bewilderment that the Conservative party has chosen this particular hill to die on, given that the Bill is as much a product of its work…”

“T3. The 52 pubs in my constituency provide vital community spaces, yet they tell me that this Government have hit them disproportionately hard with their increases in employer national insurance contributions, on top of soaring energy prices and as yet unfulfilled promises on business rates. Ahead of the autumn Budget,…”

“Our free speech is protected under the European convention on human rights, and we should view with great suspicion anybody who would remove the United Kingdom’s signature from that convention. This Government’s proscription of Palestine Action has led to the arrest of more than 1,000 peaceful protesters—another assaul…”

“I have had the pleasure of joining some dedicated parishioners and councillors in planting community orchards over the last couple of years, and they are coming along really nicely. On the other hand, you have some large-scale high-profile examples of failed planting schemes, such as on the A14 between Cambridge and Hu…”

“For future large-scale developments, such as highways, how can planning officers and Ministers ensure that mitigation and biodiversity net gain plans are actually feasible?”

“I do not doubt that. I am sure Luton is second only to Tewkesbury. Over the summer recess, a friend of mine reached out, told me who Dale and Holly were and asked me to meet them. I did so when they visited Tewkesbury. I sat down with both of them at the Bell Inn, outside Tewkesbury abbey. They and I have very differen…”

“We have heard a lot from those on the Government Benches about how they are improving the experience of businesses across the country. I come in peace; I hope they will take me sincerely when I say that that is absolutely not the feedback I am getting from my hospitality sector, and certainly not from my publicans. I r…”

“Vladimir Putin is in Beijing this week, where he has hailed the unprecedented levels of ties between China and Russia. For once I hope that the Government will actually take him at his word before China builds the super-embassy in our capital. China has ceased exports of drone components to Ukraine, and both Xi Jinping…”

“I beg to move, That this House has considered the matter of commemorating the Battle of Britain. Thank you for chairing this debate, Sir Desmond; it is an honour to serve under your chairship. I thank all those who will contribute to this debate and the Veterans Minister, whose presence is always greatly appreciated. I…”

“The hon. Member for Morecambe and Lunesdale (Lizzi Collinge) spoke bravely of the dangers that nationalism might replace patriotism today, as it did in Europe throughout the 1920s and ’30s. The right hon. and gallant Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Sir Iain Duncan Smith) spoke passionately about his father’s e…”

“The hon. Gentleman is an excellent ambassador for his constituency and its heritage. We absolutely should celebrate the achievement of those brave pilots and the nation that supported them. I have a question for the Minister on preparedness. If the Russian war in Ukraine breaks out into Europe within five years, will t…”

“The hon. Member speaks acutely to the point of this debate, which is that we must not forget what this country both suffered and achieved, and that we must support our current generation in the challenges it faces. One toils to resolve any other historic snapshot that so well encapsulates the British mindset: the gradu…”

“What a wonderful intervention. I am glad that the right hon. Gentleman made it. We must never take for granted the sacrifice that so many made so that we may today live in peace. I would like to contextualise the battle of Britain alongside Britain’s near future. Today, in 2025, we understand with absolute certainty th…”

“In his 1941 report on the battle of Britain, then Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding wrote that the other commands, the Commonwealth countries and four allies contributed unstintingly to meet the emergency, but “Had it not been for the magnificent material contributed by the Polish squadrons and their unsurpassed gallantry…”

“I thank the hon. Member for Isle of Wight West (Mr Quigley) for securing this important debate. My constituent Katie is mother to a daughter who, at the age of 14, became unwell from anorexia in the aftermath of the covid pandemic. She identified the warning signs early, but when she sought help, early intervention was…”

“13. What steps his Department is taking to increase economic sanctions on Russia.”