Speeches by Thomas.

“For companies less progressive than Walkers, who might need a little bit more persuasion, what argument might you make in a boardroom to try and bring those companies on board with these recovery schemes?”

“My constituency is a little further north but still in the south-west. I recently spent an afternoon with some environmental campaigners in Tewkesbury, testing and recording samples from the River Avon for nitrate and phosphate pollution. The amount of pollution was found to be very high in the former and high in the l…”

“Thank you. There are two parts to the next question. The Government announced £400 million of funding for tree planting and peatland restoration in the Budget. First, to what extent do you think that that is or is not adequate and how should that spending be best apportioned to accelerate those activities to the levels…”

“Thanks, Chair. What level of acceleration of peatland restoration and tree planting do you think is necessary to meet emissions targets on the Climate Change Committee’s balanced pathway?”

“Just following on from Barry’s point there, the climate in the UK is changing and it is getting warmer, and many of the trees and flora that we are used to in this country will now struggle to adapt to the climate as it warms. There is a concern around invasive species. What balance do you think the Government should f…”

“Thank you. The NPPF has proposed reforms to planning application fees equivalent to an uplift of about 40%. How should the money that accrues to local authorities from higher planning application fees be used? For example, would it be ringfenced for environmental improvement and climate change adaptation measures or re…”

“I will pitch this question first to Councillor Wright, and then Dr Ellis and Mr Stafford might like to add their thoughts. The proposed changes to the green belt might lead to an increased planning burden for local authorities. What resources would those authorities need to effectively implement the grey belt and chang…”

“I will pitch this question first to Councillor Wright, and then Dr Ellis and Mr Stafford might like to add their thoughts. The proposed changes to the green belt might lead to an increased planning burden for local authorities. What resources would those authorities need to effectively implement the grey belt and chang…”

“Thank you. The NPPF has proposed reforms to planning application fees equivalent to an uplift of about 40%. How should the money that accrues to local authorities from higher planning application fees be used? For example, would it be ringfenced for environmental improvement and climate change adaptation measures or re…”

“It heartens me to hear Members across the House acknowledging the impacts of climate change on flooding in our constituencies. Will my hon. Friend join me in asking that the Government’s national planning policy framework accounts for areas prone to flooding, keeping our remaining floodplains undeveloped?”

“It is an honour to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Christopher. In 2021, my daughter was delivered by caesarean section following a complicated pregnancy. Thanks to the diligence of the delivery team, which included English, Indian, Italian, South African and Spanish experts, we were spared the trauma that too many …”

“It is an honour to follow the hon. Member for Bradford East (Imran Hussain) and his impassioned words. If I may address him directly—if you will oblige me, Mr Deputy Speaker—as well as other Members staking their claim to Britain’s best curry, it would be an honour on behalf of the people of Tewkesbury to join them in …”