Speeches by Cox.

“Does my hon. Friend agree that community-based services supporting the victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse, such as Next Chapter, the Centre of Action on Rape and Abuse—CARA—and Restitute in Essex, do vital work that should be backed by multi-year settlements and enhanced commissioning arrangements in the eas…”

“Last week, the Care Quality Commission published a shocking report on Colchester hospital that found the safety of aspects of medical and emergency care there to be inadequate. Will the Leader of the House provide time for a debate on ensuring that the record levels of investment in our NHS is reaching frontline staff …”

“Does the hon. Gentleman agree that the jury trial system has evolved over time—it has been with us for centuries—and has changed intermittently over time: it looks very different now than it did in the 13th century. In the 19th century, civil adjudications were taken out of the jury trial system and our civil justice s…”

“I am pleased to have secured some parliamentary time today to highlight our superb heritage in the east of England and the role of Government in supporting that. I am mindful of the very moving stories we heard in the previous debate, so I will keep these remarks fairly brief; I know that others want to intervene, and …”

“I agree that all those options are things to be explored. Speaking as a former historian, I think that anything that enables greater access to heritage is to be celebrated. In the east, beneficiaries of some of the grants that I mentioned include projects to revitalise Lowestoft town hall, the former Iron Duke pub in G…”

“Indeed, planning regulation plays an important part in preserving our heritage. I am sure the Minister will make note of those comments. The east is a region rich in history. In my constituency of Colchester, we are rightly proud of our claim to be the first city built in Britain and its first Roman capital. We possess…”

“I absolutely agree that accessibility and affordability are at the heart of much of this. On the point about devolution, I would like to ask the Minister to address this issue and to work with colleagues to enhance the standing of heritage and culture within the ongoing devolution processes in the east of England.”

“Last week the Justice Committee heard evidence about the use of special measures to support vulnerable or intimidated witnesses to give their best evidence. That is obviously so important in rape and sexual assault cases. Will the Minister reaffirm her support for the continuing use of those measures, despite some deba…”

“I am pleased to speak in support of the Bill, which seeks to make our society safer through more effective sentencing of offenders, whether in custody or in the community. I declare an interest as chair of the all-party parliamentary group on penal affairs and as a member of the Justice Committee. I also declare a prio…”

“The A12 is a major transport route into Colchester and a vital part of economic growth in the region. Will the Minister meet me to discuss the urgent need for upgrades to its western end?”

“How, given the discussion around section 28, will the MOJ be moving forward with it?”

“Just to recap, in your experience this has improved over time and that is encouraging to hear.”

“Baroness Newlove and Professor Hohl, how is this working for victims and witnesses themselves from that perspective? How far do you feel that they are now more fully informed about the decisions around special measures that are right for them?”

“Thank you very much, Baroness Newlove. I will invite Professor Hohl to come in on the question of the extent to which people feel informed about engaging with the process.”

“That is very helpful, thank you.”

“Very quickly, I am not hearing anybody say this should not continue. I am hearing methodological differences, and as a former social scientist I appreciate that. I am hearing implementation and practicality pressure. I am not hearing anybody say this should not continue. Would that be a fair assessment?”

“Without prolonging that discussion too long, I am a little concerned to hear you say that you think Professor Thomas’s workings have not been shared. This is, as I understand it, also a peer-reviewed study conducted by a very respected organisation. Is it the case that her methodology is not in the public domain? I wou…”

“Of course, the ECHR was drawn up largely by British lawyers or to a large extent, so it is informed. It is interesting that you are still just as committed to it.”

“On the housing question, I have dealt with victims of sexual abuse who have found it very difficult to get a guarantor when they want to enter the private rental market, having left a family home, because they cannot provide easy evidence of their financial security. Is that something that is being considered?”

“Broadly on the VAWG strategy, just to recap again what the MOJ is doing to push that joined-up approach with other Departments, are there some concrete examples where you have joined-up working?”