Speeches by Pennycook.

“The planning process has not been compromised. We will make a planning decision on the basis of the relevant propriety guidance. On the delays, given the detailed nature of the representations provided and the need to give parties sufficient opportunity to respond, we have considered that more time is needed for full c…”

“I am not going to comment on behalf of the security services—[Interruption.] Opposition Members are chuntering from a sedentary position, but I am not going to do that. It is not appropriate for me to comment on behalf of the security services, but as I continue to say, all material considerations will be taken into ac…”

“I note the right hon. Gentleman’s question. For obvious reasons, we do not comment on intelligence matters. I can assure him that national security concerns and all the representations that have been made along those lines will be taken into account as part of the decision-making process. He says that Tower Hamlets doe…”

“With all due respect to the hon. Lady, this is an urgent question in relation to plans that are part of a planning process. I understand her frustration, but it was precisely to secure the information in question that a reference back was made to the parties on 6 August. Her constituents can be reassured that all mater…”

“I am happy to write to you with other details but the New Homes Ombudsman is in place, making a vital contribution. There is more we could explore on redress. I think I committed to you yesterday, in fact, but I will certainly—”

“The UK condemns the politically motivated prosecution of Jimmy Lai. No state can bully and persecute the British people for exercising their basic rights. Following the court verdict, the Foreign Office summoned the Chinese ambassador to underline our position in the strongest terms, and we call again for Jimmy Lai’s i…”

“All material considerations will be taken into account, which include matters of national security, but the decision is being taken by my Department, in line with statutory provisions governing planning decisions and published propriety guidance. As I have said, the full reasons for the decision will be set out in the …”

“Matthew Pennycook. I am the MP for Greenwich and Woolwich and the Minister of State for Housing and Planning.”

“Planning Ministers will make a decision taking into account all material planning considerations.”

“That was the remit we gave the taskforce to come up with, on the basis of the objectives we set out in the terms of reference: what are the sites across the country that most adhere to those? As I say, there is now a slight nuance to the process, which is why I am trying to explain to the Committee exactly what we are …”

“I have to say, Mr Dillon, I am not particularly interested in the party politics. I can assure you and the Committee—”

“On a statutory footing?”

“In developing the programme, we were inspired by the proud legacy of the post-war Governments and the three waves of new towns that have come forward. Part of the taskforce’s excellent work was learning the lessons of those waves, what went right and what went wrong. Sir Michael can expand on this if you need, but some…”

“As I have said, it was precisely because the Department did not feel that it had all the necessary information to make a decision that we sought that further information via a reference-back letter to parties. As I continue to say, all material considerations will be taken into account when a decision is made.”

“As I have said, all material considerations will be taken into account when making the decision. Any party can make representations on the case and a number of hon. Members from across the House have done so, and all relevant planning considerations will be taken into account when reaching that decision.”

“I fully appreciate the wish of leaseholders in the hon. Lady’s constituency and those across the country to see these reforms introduced. She is absolutely right that the 2024 Act included measures to enhance transparency around service charges, to make it easier for leaseholders to challenge unreasonable service charg…”

“The case that my hon. Friend draws the House’s attention to highlights the unfair charges that so many residential freeholders are subject to. As well as acting to reduce the prevalence of privately managed estates, which are the root cause of the problems experienced by residential freeholders, we are committed to imp…”

“As you would expect, Mr Speaker, I cannot pre-empt what will be contained in our draft commonhold and leasehold reform Bill, but if the hon. Lady wishes to write to me about the specific issue, I would be more than happy to provide her with a comprehensive response.”

“The Government are determined to reduce the prevalence of private estate management arrangements and to provide those who currently live on freehold estates with greater rights and protections. To that end, we launched two comprehensive consultations before Christmas; I am very glad to hear that my hon. Friend has enga…”

“I thank my hon. Friend, the Chair of the Select Committee for that question. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the promises in our manifesto to bring the feudal leasehold system to an end. Despite the noises off from the usual naysayers, the imminent publication of our ambitious draft commonhold and leasehold re…”