Speeches by Dyke.

“The phased implementation has been bringing out some interesting information from the stats that you have just told us about, which are quite stark. It seems to me that data is key to this and we are not necessarily getting this. Resource is key. Efficiency can be vastly improved. We are talking about the timescale of …”

“Some of the features envisaged in the 2023 BTOM policy have not yet been delivered, as we have been hearing. That includes the single trade window, the trusted trader schemes and the authorised operator status. Despite this, DEFRA’s delivery team for the biosecurity, borders and trade programme will shortly be restruct…”

“On that, what is the strategy to implement more staff to deliver these schemes properly?”

“How can the process be bettered?”

“Are you suggesting there is a protocol in place that is just not being viewed as a mechanism?”

“There are five community energy schemes in my constituency, and they all contribute to local energy supplies. An increase in community energy projects would boost the local economy, as my hon. Friend says, create jobs and reduce energy costs, especially in rural areas. Does she agree that we must go further and create …”

“As a fellow Somerset MP, my hon. Friend will be aware that Somerset has had 18,000 homes stuck in a planning moratorium for nearly five years. While some of those have been unlocked, many are still in limbo. The Bill is meant to fix that impasse, but does he share my concern that the measures in the Bill may actually f…”

“I have reservations about whether the Bill will achieve its aims. Somerset faces a significant need for more homes, particularly social and affordable housing, especially in rural areas. It is crucial that local communities such as those in Glastonbury and Somerton have a strong voice and a real stake in the process of…”

“6. What steps he is taking to protect female members of the armed forces from sexual harassment.”

“I thank the Minister for his response, and for the work he has done. The 2024 armed forces continuous attitude survey reported that 13% of female personnel had experienced sexual harassment in service during the prior 12 months, and many women have said they would not report an incident due to fear of the consequences.…”

“A constituent from Tintinhull who is suffering from stage 4 stomach cancer contacted me because he has recently had a gastrectomy, which has caused him considerable weight loss. Despite that, he has now lost his winter fuel allowance, which is making it more difficult for him to keep his heating on as it costs him a lo…”

“I rise to speak to Lords amendments 1, 4, 5, 9 and 13. These amendments tabled by the Liberal Democrats in the other place would ensure that care providers, NHS GP practices, NHS-commissioned dentists, NHS-commissioned pharmacies, charitable providers of health and social care, and hospice care continue to pay secondar…”

“Somerset council is in the position of having to raise council tax this year, but a recent external assurance review reported that a significant proportion of the council’s budget shortfall was attributable to decisions taken by the previous Conservative Administration, who recklessly froze council tax for a record six…”

“Sixty-six per cent of Somerset council’s budget goes to fund social care. That budget is funded through the taxes raised on property based on prices from 1991, as the hon. Member has set out. Does he agree that that is archaic and unfair, and that we should enact real reform to the way we fund local authorities?”

“Around 40% of properties in Glastonbury and Somerton are not connected to the gas grid. They are more expensive to heat, and people experience more fuel poverty as a result. Off-grid pensioners, who are particularly suffering, are obviously more reliant on their winter fuel payment. Will the Minister commit to developi…”

“Thank you, Chair. James Asser made representations.”

“Yes.”

“Thank you, Chair, and thank you very much for inviting me to present this to the Committee. Small abattoirs are really important for our farmers. We know that farmers are having a particularly difficult time at the moment. In 2007, the UK had nearly 100 small abattoirs, but by 2023, this number had fallen to just over …”

“WASPI women should be fairly compensated. Just this week, I spoke to a woman who lives in the village of Street in my constituency. She worked hard for 40 years, but has recently been made homeless—she has been evicted—as a result of not receiving fair compensation. Does my hon. Friend agree that the Government should …”

“Like young people in Portsmouth North, in Cramlington and Killingworth, and in Derby South, young people in Glastonbury and Somerton face barriers to their employment, education and training due to poor public transport infrastructure. Research has shown, however, that a 1% improvement in public transport time could su…”