Speeches by Fookes.

“By which metrics and what timescale do you think success should be measured? That is probably to Jemima, but anyone can chip in.”

“Thank you very much. Finally, again to you, Abby, how would you like to see the review of parental leave conducted? For example, should it include a full public consultation or more targeted work with employers?”

“Thank you all for coming. I just have a quick supplementary question to Kirith’s excellent questions. It is really great to meet you, Joeli; I am a big fan of your work. I used to be CEO of Women’s Equality Network Wales, and we often quoted your research, so thank you very much. To me, the end goal needs to be complet…”

“It is great to see you both here, Ministers. I am sorry, Chair, but I have a general question that I am going to sneak in before my questions about reproductive health. You have explained very clearly how the portfolio is divided and the day-to-day work, but in five years’ time, how will we know your work has been succ…”

“Moving on to reproductive health, we recently did a report that, I am afraid, really shone a light on the dismissive approach to gynaecological health across the healthcare system. Bridget, what are you doing to challenge this mentality?”

“Thank you. Picking up on one of the topics you mentioned, would the Government commit to a target to reduce the diagnostic time for endometriosis to two years?”

“You mentioned the event yesterday and the issue of what is a normal period. Heavy menstrual bleeding is something that many women experience, unfortunately, and women who have it are very susceptible to, or vulnerable to, period poverty. Do you support our recommendation that they should be able to access free period p…”

“We recommended that the Employment Rights Bill should make it clear that supporting women with reproductive health conditions falls under the definition of advancing gender equality. Is that something the Government would agree with and support?”

“Yes—well, on childcare in general. Unfortunately, as I am sure you both know, we have one of the most expensive childcare systems in the world in both England and Wales, where I am from. I get a lot of requests about childcare in my postbag in Monmouthshire, where I know it is devolved to the Welsh Government, but it i…”

“Are there any plans to extend the childcare offer to women who are not working or who are in training so that they can get into work?”

“What role, if any, are you and the Women and Equalities Unit playing in the Government’s review of parental leave? Obviously, that has a huge impact on equalities.”

“I am not sure who is the most appropriate Minister to direct this to, but I would really like to know what specific work the Office for Equality and Opportunity is doing to support young trans people.”

“I have a question on a slightly different topic. In Monmouthshire, groups like Queerspace have reported to me a big rise in online abuse, and trans people in general are having real difficulties at the moment. What are the Government doing to try to protect trans people and ensure that online abuse is stamped out?”

“The hon. Gentleman put forward a veritable smorgasbord of amendments in the Bill Committee, and all those issues were discussed. It is so important that Ofwat retains its independence. It is extremely relevant to point out, however, that during the coalition years and the 14 years the Conservatives were in government, …”

“Yesterday I visited Emma, a dairy farmer in my constituency. She still has a mortgage on her farm, which means that she cannot pass it on now. How might the inheritance tax work for her?”

“I thank my hon. Friend for introducing the petition, which some Monmouthshire farmers have signed. Does he agree with the policy of our Labour Government to protect farmers through trade deals, unlike the Conservative party, which unfortunately signed trade deals that flooded our high streets and towns with foreign imp…”

“Inglis Bridge in Monmouth has been closed since September, causing a one-mile detour for children going to school at the Osbaston Church in Wales school. As the Leader of the House will know, it is difficult enough getting ready for school, and getting kids, prams and bikes out of the door, without having to go a mile …”

“I congratulate the Minister on announcing our plan to ban bee-killing pesticides. That is welcomed across Monmouthshire, particularly by our fantastic charity based in Monmouth, Bees for Development. Does she agree that where the Conservatives failed, this Government will restore nature and biodiversity for future gene…”

“Obviously we would all have done it if there was, but you mentioned democratic decline and mistrust several times. What do you think about votes for 16 and 17-year-olds? Do you think that could help? We have extended the vote to 16 and 17-year-olds in Wales in the last few years and it is something the current Governme…”

“It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Ms Furniss. Like many places, the high streets in my constituency of Monmouthshire have taken a real battering since covid, but a recent Monmouthshire county council report found a 5% increase in people visiting Monmouth, my town, and an 8% increase in people returning to…”