Speeches by Collier.

“On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. The Leader of the Opposition recently visited my constituency for her tool theft campaign, but I do not think that she has been informed that my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth North (Amanda Martin) has already secured changes through the Sentencing Bill. The right hon. …”

“Just in terms of DFTO, obviously we have picked up that about 200 to 300 DFT staff have been transferred over. Could you give us an update on how they are adapting to it as part of this public ownership programme?”

“More than half of passenger rail operators are now in public ownership, but not the one that serves my constituency just yet. We have rail operators, such as Greater Anglia, that consistently perform highly. How is your Department ensuring that that good practice from those private rail operators will continue and be r…”

“I really welcome that announcement, particularly on only the learner being able to book, because we have seen cases, as reported in The Guardian, that people have been paying £850 for a test. Is it your view that these measures that you have announced today are going to make a significant difference in stopping scams, …”

“You mentioned the work around earlier sharing of utility connections, particularly with new housing development. You committed to work with MHCLG on this in the report, so can you give us an update on the work around that, please?”

“On the point about utility companies, you rejected a recommendation that would have required them to co-ordinate more closely with local authorities. I believe you said that it was up to local authorities to voluntarily set up these schemes themselves. We know that, without those requirements in place, some utility com…”

“We were disappointed by how many of the recommendations for reducing street works disruption were rejected. It has been a particular issue in my constituency, particularly in Burton. Do you believe that at the moment we are getting the right balance between facilitating the need for these essential works and reducing t…”

“At a recent Burton and District chamber of commerce meeting that I hosted, businesses raised the importance of financial education for young people about mortgages, savings and pensions. It appears that the Secretary of State was listening. What support she will give teachers, so that they can deliver that effectively?”

“This is to Sarah. The Government are introducing more short courses in England, which are going to be funded through the growth and skills levy, and Skills England has a role in advising the Department for Education on that and which ones should be prioritised. How do you feel that these short courses are going to impr…”

“I am proud to be a patron of Burton addiction centre, a residential rehab centre in my constituency. It is calling for a 2% target across the nation. Does my hon. Friend agree with that target for residential rehab? Perhaps the Minister would like to visit some time, when she is able to.”

“Sarah, you mentioned the changing technology landscape. How are you going to ensure that these short courses keep pace with the change and with what industry needs?”

“Yes. Eddie, you have just spoken about transferring within the industry. Could you say more about what Government and industry could do to attract people from outside the transport industry into the sector?”

“How do you think we can improve the perceptions of people outside the industry of transport manufacturing to try to attract them into the industry?”

“We are grateful to the United States for its co-ordination. This must not be a temporary peace that fades away. As the Foreign Secretary says, the ceasefire remains fragile, with both sides accused of violations, and fighting on the occupied west bank continues. Will my right hon. Friend assure the House that the UK wi…”

“2. What steps her Department is taking to support the Gaza peace plan.”

“I agree. It is quite stark that lots of parties are represented here today, but apart from the shadow Minister, the hon. Member for South West Devon (Rebecca Smith), there is not one Member of the official Opposition here. Ultimately, this issue is about the country that we choose to be. The first months of a child’s l…”

“Absolutely. I know that my hon. Friend has a lot of experience in his own family to bring to this debate, and I wonder if his daughter is watching it. A parental leave system that works for every family, for employers and freelancers, and for single parents and kinship carers alike is not a cost to be endured but an in…”

“I start by wishing a very happy second birthday to William, the son of my hon. Friend the Member for Gloucester (Alex McIntyre). Perhaps he is at a soft play centre in Walthamstow. I thank hon. Members for sharing their experiences and those of their constituents, which has powerfully showed the need for change in this…”

“I beg to move, That this House has considered e-petition 715292 relating to statutory maternity and paternity pay. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Mrs Hobhouse, and a privilege to open this very busy debate on behalf of the Petitions Committee. Calling for statutory maternity and paternity pay to match …”

“I agree, and those are some of the themes that I will come on to. We know, from parents such as Grace and from the stories that we will hear throughout today’s debate, that the current system leaves huge gaps and does not support families or children in the way it should.”