Speeches by Platt.

“The new National Licensing Policy Framework reshapes how licensing is applied. Are you confident that the framework will improve consistency in things like event caps, operating hours and safety conditions between councils?”

“To pose another point, is there not a risk that it becomes a postcode lottery, where different authorities do things differently, because it is guidance and not mandatory?”

“Have you made any representations to the Department of Business and Trade about the impact of the framework on sporting events?”

“You said it is broadly welcomed. Jon Collins, chief exec of LIVE, told us he is optimistic that the NLPF will help to deliver more consistency, but it is only to be noted at the minute. He thinks that it might need more teeth. Sorry to break that to you. Do you think it has enough teeth to operate effectively as it is?”

“T2. Happy St George’s day, Mr Speaker. The covid-19 inquiry exposed how long covid was repeatedly dismissed, despite its lasting impact on nearly 2 million people, including me. Can the Minister reassure those living with long covid that the Government will fully act on the inquiry’s findings and explain what steps are…”

“As Members will know, this week Parliament welcomed Prestur, the wonderful Icelandic horse showcasing the value of animal-assisted and community-based support for neurodivergent people. May I personally thank you for that, Mr Speaker? I am sure you agree that we have never seen so many fat smiles on MPs’ faces as we di…”

“Going back to the regional boards, there is advice that the regional boards limit local authority and regional authority representation. Do you think that local authorities and regional authorities should have more say over funding decisions? How do you see your relationship with both going forward, seeing as the devol…”

“That was really good to hear with regard to space. Just to declare an interest as well, I was a recipient of Arts Council funding for the organisation that I work for, which created space for artists. My question goes back to local authorities and regional governance. Critics have said that places with the least capaci…”

“Going back to Caroline’s question, there are swathes of organisations, as we know, that do not know that funding exists. There is also a risk that existing funding recipients become the gatekeeper if they are part of these regional boards. If regional disparities persist, what would the Arts Council accept as evidence …”

“When people talk about feeling safe where they live, they are talking not about spreadsheets or crime statistics, but about whether they feel okay walking home at night, whether their local shops can open their doors without worrying about theft or abuse, and whether, when something does go wrong, the law actually back…”

“My hon. Friend is a great advocate for the co-operative movement, whose birthplace is in his constituency. I absolutely agree with him—there is more the Government can do to support co-operatives in all sectors. Today, the co-operative spirit is alive and well in my constituency. In towns like mine, such organisations …”

“I beg to move, That this House has considered social enterprises and community ownership. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Sir John. When people make speeches about post-industrial towns like mine, they often begin in the same way: by listing everything that we have lost. They talk about decline, depriva…”

“That is exactly what this debate is about: hearing about initiatives that are thriving all over the country, bringing them together, and creating the support that those organisations need. I will definitely take that forward to see whether there is anything that we can do in our local area. Across the UK there are abou…”

“I spoke very broadly about the value of social enterprise and community ownership, but to hear individual stories from across the country just shows the power that they have and their effect on us. I thank the Minister for his response and commitment to the sector, and I look forward to working with him in the future. …”

“Absolutely, I agree. I will have to put on record that I have a great local authority that is very engaged in our culture programme. I would just like to go back to that question because there is a huge gap. It is about getting community involved. Just for the record, I put out about entering the town for a UK Town of …”

“Another issue from my local area is culture being done to us. We get the big institutions coming in from Manchester city centre and taking over theatre space or art space that is populated by our local organisations. It does not go down well. On a larger scale, the English National Opera relocation obviously raised a f…”

“I want to declare an interest: I was a recipient of Arts Council funding in between being elected. During that time we were identified as coming from an underserved area. I know you have mentioned in Vicky’s questions some local and regional boards. What further action should be taken to reduce regional disparities bey…”

“The banning of social media for under-16s is a live topic here in the UK, as you know, with the Government launching a three-month consultation to improve children’s digital wellbeing. The Government are watching the Australian ban very, very closely. Moving on to that, the eSafety Commissioner in Australia advised tha…”

“But does it concern you that YouTube is being put in that category of other social media? It goes back to your identity crisis—the first question—doesn’t it?”

“You have just mentioned one aspect there, so what other arguments would you give to Parliament that YouTube should not be included in a similar under-16 social media ban?”