Speeches by Smith.

“How will you ensure that the database has the take-up you are dependent on? To some extent it is a voluntary engagement with that process, because it would be very challenging to enforce.”

“We have heard concerns—I have raised this as well—about why the protections could not also extend to private renters, to give them that same redress in respect of serious hazards that might go on for a prolonged period. When might they be able to expect to benefit from Awaab’s law?”

“Do you want to talk a little about some of the challenges? It would perhaps be helpful for us to hear what you are anticipating.”

“I am the Member of Parliament for Hyndburn.”

“Have you had inquiries from those who are seeking to use drones to support the development of plans and then the ability to deliver them? I have had contact from that sector. The complexity of regulation around drone usage is obviously a multi-departmental consideration. Has that been raised directly with your Departme…”

“Awaab’s law, which we have discussed at previous sessions, is obviously really important legislation, providing greater protections for tenants in social housing against the hazards they might face. I just want a bit of an update really. We have now had the first phase of implementation; how have registered providers r…”

“But in practical terms, in many ways the enforcement is your last line of defence, isn’t it? I am interested in whether, although landlords will have to sign off on what is within it, you anticipate extending the ability of their agents or representatives to undertake completion of the database.”

“That sounds largely positive. Will there be a formal way in which some of that data and the findings are shared and published as you move towards phase two? Is phase two still anticipated for later this year?”

“Shabir Ahmed’s crimes are the worst imaginable, and we are all just horrified to learn that he has now been released. As the Government look at every option to remove this vile individual, can the Minister confirm when he expects to bring forward those options and legal solutions to this situation?”

“Does my hon. Friend agree that it would also give some comfort to my poor residents on both Ribblesdale Avenue in Accrington and Lyndon Park estate in Great Harwood, who are currently faced with the impending truth that FirstPort will shortly be their managing agent? They are rightly terrified about what that might mea…”

“Your review also noted concerns that the concept of a regulated period before elections is no longer appropriate. Can you explain a bit more about what you have heard about this and why you have raised the issue?”

“I just want to turn to the idea of universal donation caps. I am interested to hear the panel’s views on this, particularly in relation to whether you think that is a proportionate response to the foreign financial interference challenge, but does it also necessitate things such as increased state funding of political …”

“Do you think we should be moving to an annual spending limit regime? Did you hear much about the potential bureaucratic burden that this might place on candidates and voters?”

“I am Sarah Smith, the MP for Hyndburn.”

“You have focused therein on highlighting where there has been foreign interference in this way. If it was British-born but still intending to drive harm and inflame hatred towards particular groups or individuals, do you think that should also be acted upon, and there should be sufficient regulation for that legal reco…”

“You have mentioned a couple of times the threat of what is happening in the online world, specifically social media. That was a small section in the whole context of your report, and I recognise the barriers between what was within your scope and what was outside it. Recently, Hope Not Hate issued a report looking at t…”

“Before being elected to this place, I spent many years looking at how we can tackle the NEET crisis. Does the Secretary of State agree that we should be ambitious for our young people and aim to have 0% NEETs?”

“I was exceptionally fortunate—not everyone was—to find staff in the constituency quite quickly, because the Labour MP in the neighbouring seat lost and some well-qualified staff were looking for a job. Down here, I had nothing. It would have helped to have pool staff available from day one to hire for two months, with …”

“I had been a councillor in local government for a short period. I became the candidate a month before the general election, at which point my baby was three months old. The preparation I was able to do as a candidate was very little in that final period. I had obviously thought previously about what the reality of bein…”

“I am Sarah Smith, the Labour MP elected in 2024 for Hyndburn in east Lancashire.”