Speeches by Joseph.

“Kent Fire and Rescue Service will shortly launch a consultation on its modernisation as a result of a shortfall in funding. As a former public sector worker, I recognise the importance of reforming our emergency services to ensure that they remain effective and efficient. It is equally vital that services respond to th…”

“My question follows on from the previous one, and you have already touched on it somewhat. We have received several submissions of written evidence from various local authorities, and almost all of them stated that they feel that local authorities do not have the resources or power, including money and clear direction …”

“It is a pleasure to be called to speak in the debate. I had the privilege of making my maiden speech during the last King’s Speech debate. Since then, I am proud to have supported 50 pieces of legislation that are helping to build a better Britain, deliver positive change for working people and, crucially, giving my co…”

“Thank you Dame Helen for your answers. As the OEP has the legal powers to scrutinise the Government and to advise on environment, you have the enforcement powers to hold the local authorities and other statutory bodies accountable. How important do you think OEP’s accountability to Parliament will be, and what should t…”

“What more could OEP do to engage with Parliamentarians?”

“A few weeks ago, I raised in this Chamber an issue affecting my constituent, Andrew Mackay, whose wife Katy passed away at the end of September. Both Andrew and Katy worked for Border Force for 40 years, and Andrew has been in contact with Capita numerous times, but with no luck. I have written to the Minister, and I t…”

“While the majority of young people already possess a bank card, they may not have other forms of ID like a driving licence or a passport. Does the hon. Member think that allowing a bank card will encourage more 16 and 17-year olds to participate in the electoral process?”

“It is crucial that we continue to recognise the invaluable contributions of the Gurkhas, both militarily and in our communities, and I thank the hon. Member for Tewkesbury (Cameron Thomas) for securing this debate and explaining eloquently the issues that the Gurkha community faces. We need to continue the conversation…”

“On Friday, I met my constituent Andrew Mackay, whose wife, Katy, passed away at the end of September. Like Andrew, Katy was a retired civil servant, having worked for Border Force for over 40 years. Nearly six months later, Andrew is still not receiving his widower’s pension. Despite his repeated calls for updates, his…”

“Q Thank you. My question is to Ms Jones. We had many positive outcomes from the automatic registration pilot in Wales. Can you briefly tell us whether you faced any challenges, especially around concerns about adding people’s details automatically without their consent? Have you had any experienceof that? Karen Jones: …”

“Q I want to ask a question about foreign donations. The Bill seeks to ensure that any company making political donations must be able to demonstrate that it has a genuine connection to the UK. Do you believe that that will be sufficient to prevent foreign-linked entities from donating to political parties? Vijay Rangar…”

“Q I know we touched on the question of MPs not being able to help you or locate you because the digital system we use, CaseWorker, is linked to the voter register. Maybe that is why we cannot help, but do you think that there should be a separate register for those living overseas? Would that resolve such issues? Colin…”

“I thank the Secretary of State for his statement. I pay tribute to all the health leaders in Kent and the school leaders for their calm and quick actions yesterday and over the weekend. I was able to get a briefing from UKHSA yesterday morning and also was able to visit my local hospital, the William Harvey, which has …”

“Overgrown vegetation is impeding access to footpaths on Stansfeld Avenue and Pritchard Drive in Hawkinge in my constituency. When I made representations on behalf of local residents to the local council, I was informed that the footpaths are not registered with the town council, the district council or the county counc…”

“We are discussing ancient woodland as if it were all one thing. Can the panel explain what the common features of ancient woodlands are? We know that ancient woodlands are hugely beneficial for the environment. Do the size, the location and the management of the woodlands make any difference to their environmental impa…”

“Finally on this, I have Hoad’s Wood near my constituency. It was originally reported in 2020 and it took many years. Some actions were taken, and I understand three people were arrested in 2025. And £15 million was allocated to clear up Hoad’s Wood, so it is an expensive business. Who is paying this money? Is it your D…”

“Secretary of State, we are seeing increased incidence of illegally dumped waste. Hundreds of illegal dumps are operating across our country. Most of these sites are in countryside locations, often on agricultural land. It has a huge impact on the environment, farming and our natural landscape. What action is your Depar…”

“I met the NFU in my constituency, and it thinks little is being done to clean up the dump, despite the culprits in many cases having already been identified and prosecuted. Is DEFRA monitoring these areas for any effect on air or water quality?”

“Gabrielle, if I can come to you first, we heard evidence from the previous panel on the use of horticultural peat and the impact of the Government’s proposed ban, including the economic cost, as well as leaving the horticultural industry in limbo because of the uncertainty around what is going to happen. No one is inve…”

“As a quick follow-on, we heard the experts on the earlier panel saying that rewetting cannot prevent wildfire. I do not know whether you have any evidence in that regard.”