Speeches by Shannon.

“I am surprised myself, but there we are. It is nice to see you in the Chair, Mr Vickers, and to see hon. Members. My request for a Backbench Business debate is on a subject that I believe has never been discussed before: the ethical concerns of IVF egg donation in young women in the UK. I have been able to galvanise 11…”

“Much appreciated; thank you. Mr Tom Morrison made representations.”

“Everything I do in this place originates from the constituency of Strangford. Yes, I have been made aware of it by constituents, and also other people—other family members—who have expressed concern about this issue as well. It applies across the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, so it would obvious…”

“I am happy to take whatever time would be appropriate.”

“Yes.”

“I support the fishing sector in Portavogie in my constituency, and the Northern Ireland Fish Producers’ Organisation there speaks on behalf of those in Ardglass and Kilkeel as well. As the Member for South Down (Chris Hazzard) does not bother attending the House, we have to speak for all those fishing villages. Too oft…”

“I want to ask about 18-year-olds, who are just starting off, being encouraged to take out a pension. Whenever I was 18, my mother took me down to see John Thompson, the pensions man in Ballywalter, and he said, “You’re going to take a pension.” I asked, “What for, Mum?” She said, “You’re taking a pension.” So I took th…”

“I commend the hon. Member for securing this debate. I do not think anyone was not shocked and moved to hear what can happen, especially to young people, who go for one of those adventure holidays where they look forward to the excitement they will have together. Does he agree that although it is ostensibly safe to visi…”

“I thank the Minister for bringing forward the Bill; what she has outlined is exactly what we wanted to hear. My constituent has asked me this question. During the restoration of justice, the victim often feels isolated from the process. Does the Minister believe that if the Bill is to be effective, communication is key…”

“The hon. Lady is absolutely right. It is frustrating to have a legalistic system that seems to try to hold up the process, when people are looking for a good way forward for the child. In October 2024, the Government announced that it would provide some £40 million to trial a new kinship allowance in 10 local authoriti…”

“I commend the hon. Gentleman for his campaign on this issue. It is what we expect from him, because he is very assiduous and very committed to his constituents. He has clearly laid out the issue. Does he feel that the main reason for the ICB’s not pursuing the case is finance? If it is, even with the proposed new housi…”

“Will the hon. Gentleman give way?”

“Will the hon. Gentleman give way?”

“Will the Minister give way?”

“I gave the example—others will have similar examples—of a constituent who had moved to Canada. She phoned the DWP to ascertain her pension obligations and responsibilities, and was assured that her pension would follow her, but quite clearly it did not. The Minister outlined a system whereby it should be able to follow…”

“It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Mr Dowd. I thank the hon. Member for Farnham and Bordon (Gregory Stafford) for introducing this debate and for putting his case so well on a subject that has been brought to the House’s attention on numerous occasions, both in Westminster Hall and in the main Chamber. The…”

“It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Mrs Harris. I thank the hon. Member for South West Devon (Rebecca Smith) for leading the debate. The crowd that is present indicates how important the issue is. Adoptive and kinship care is a wonderful thing to offer children a safe and caring environment to grow up in, b…”

“Will the Minister give way again?”

“Will the Minister ensure that the legislation also applies to Northern Ireland? I understand that it does, but I meant to ask that question before; apologies for not doing so.”

“I commend the hon. Gentleman for bringing forward this matter for debate. I spoke to him this afternoon to seek his permission to intervene on him tonight, and he has given me that opportunity. He is right to highlight the issue of schools and their importance. The most important thing about schools is the children—the…”