Speeches by Blundell.

“I commend the efforts of posties across the country, especially at this time of year, but residents in Middleton in my constituency have been without a reliable postal service for well over a year. That has meant that crucial medical documentation and urgent financial correspondence have been reaching the people of Mid…”

“The Railways Bill will be vital to delivering on this Government’s promise to revive our country’s railways and redefine what passengers should expect from their rail services. It is beyond doubt that the privatisation of the rail network has completely failed, and it is now the task of this Labour Government to rebuil…”

“Q10. This week, I have been speaking to warehouse workers at Tetrosyl in my constituency, who have been given an appalling ultimatum in the run-up to Christmas: they must either sign a new contract with reduced pay and breaks or lose their jobs. Can the Prime Minister advise me on what action can be taken against rogue…”

“I absolutely agree. This Chancellor recognises that connectivity and ambition are two sides of the same coin. She knows that we do not cut our way to a stronger, more stable economy or a more equal society—we invest our way there. I wholeheartedly welcome the Budget and its intention to build a better connected and fai…”

“I absolutely agree. It is thanks to this Chancellor’s determination to be disciplined that we are able to deliver this investment in Greater Manchester and my constituency. The people of Greater Manchester are really resilient. Many people try to talk us down, but our city region and our economy are vibrant and dynamic…”

“I would like to focus my remarks on how this Budget will deliver enhanced transport connectivity and further devolution, allowing towns like those I represent to grow their way out of the cuts they have been subjected to for over a decade. Transport connectivity is the difference between our towns and those within them…”

“6. What steps she is taking to help increase the number of women and girls taking up sports in Greater Manchester.”

“The Employment Rights Bill is a landmark piece of legislation that will safeguard the hard-won protections of workers up and down the country. Prior to its implementation, however, some companies are racing to undercut workers’ rights. I am appalled on behalf of workers at Tetrosyl in my constituency, which is engaging…”

“I am delighted to see sport for women and girls growing in prominence and recognition across the country. To ensure that we meet the ambition of women and girls in these spaces, we need the facilities and infrastructure to support them, hone their talent, and pave the way for the next generation. What steps are being t…”

“I rise to speak to new clause 83, which stands in my name. I thank colleagues for their support for the new clause. I also sincerely thank the Minister and her team for their consistent engagement with me on this landmark piece of legislation—a Bill that will be game-changing for my constituents. Before I speak to my n…”

“I truly support and welcome the Government’s commitment to national minimum standards, but I believe that they must be complemented by a restriction on out-of-area operations so that they can be enforced locally where necessary. At a recent meeting of the Transport Committee, which is currently holding an inquiry on th…”

“You have one office. Do you think that is sufficient?”

“I have a couple of questions on refusals and driver training. Emma, I am going to direct this one at you first. Given the continued reports of passengers being refused journeys or being overcharged, what changes are needed to ensure that the protections brought in by the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Person…”

“Thanks, Emma. Just quickly to Arooj in particular, what practical challenges do licensing authorities face when it comes to monitoring compliance and taking action against breaches of the law when it comes to disabled people?”

“I would like to come to each member of the panel on this, but I will go to Emma first as the representative of Uber, if that is okay. In its written evidence, Uber described cross-border hiring as an “essential freedom” that supports connectivity and “benefits drivers, consumers, and local communities and economies”. O…”

“The constituency that I represent is Heywood and Middleton North, which is in the Rochdale borough in Greater Manchester. There 40% of PHVs and taxies are licensed out of area. I was speaking to the head of public protection at Rochdale borough council, and he says that he is concerned about the number of taxis and PHV…”

“Mark and Andrew, do you have any comments on the issue of cross-border operating?”

“Kimberly, you suggested there should be a better use of joint enforcement, and Andrew suggested the same powers could resolve concerns about cross-border hiring. When licensing authorities operate under different standards and have very different levels of income and capacity, how do you think joint enforcement could w…”

“I have one more.”

“Thank you very much. This one is just for Kimberly, if that is okay, as the representative of Bolt. As Bolt states in its written evidence—and you have just repeated now—if cross-border hiring does not lead to worse safety outcomes, why do you think we have heard so much about its effect on passenger safety?”