Speeches by Darling.

“Q My second question is to you, Neil, although I do not know whether you will be able to answer it—I listen with interest. How could the legislation impact on employment opportunities for individuals who have a disability, whether that is a sensory, physical or learning disability? Neil Carberry: I regret that we are n…”

“Q Thank you for coming today. This is the same question for both representatives about my constituents in Torbay—a world of mostly small businesses. Do you have any reflections on how the Bill could be improved to be more supportive of small businesses? Jim Bligh: I want to speak specifically on that to flexible workin…”

“Q I would like to give a personal perspective. I feel that unfair employment laws can often fan the flames of tribalism. I look over the way at Europe, where there is a more consensual approach and a more collaborative culture. How could the Bill drive a more collaborative culture with employers and unions? Mick Lynch:…”

“Q Thank you, Chair. This has been touched on before, but there is something I really want to understand, if anybody can address it: productivity is a big issue for the British economy, so are there any opportunities that you see in this Bill for driving a bit harder towards that goal? Paul Nowak: Absolutely, Mr Darling…”

“Q I visited Torquay girls’ grammar school in my constituency of Torbay some time ago, and met the head and some of the sixth-form students who were experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace throughout Torbay. Does the proposed legislation go far enough? I am particularly thinking of young people who may lack conf…”

“Q Not that long ago, I met Sovereign Housing Association about developing more social rented housing in my constituency of Torbay. It shared that in the west of England, one of the biggest issues is the lack of medium-sized builders to help to deliver this good. I am sure that is the case elsewhere in the country as we…”

“Q It has been said a number of times that this is almost a big bang approach around employment rights, where suddenly there are all these new rights appearing that people are having to deal with. What reflections might you have on a more staged approach to this, where it is implemented over a period of time so that emp…”

“Q In my constituency, there are a lot of small and medium-sized businesses. Will the two witnesses be kind enough to share whether they have seen any sectors that are particularly hard hit by the proposals, or any ameliorations to take account of that? David Hale: That is a slightly difficult question. You could think …”

“Q From Torbay to Tyneside, productivity in the British economy is the biggest challenge that we face. Cathryn has alluded to productivity a number of times during evidence. What opportunities do you see in the Bill for driving productivity and the culture change needed to drive that agenda through our workforce? Ben Wi…”

“I hope that the Secretary of State will join me in thanking workers at Torbay council, who have stepped up to help out residents across my constituency during Storm Bert. I highlight to colleagues the fact that we are haunted by deep cuts to the flood defence budget under the previous Government. Will the Secretary of …”

“I am sure that the vast majority of Members accept that the new Government have inherited a complete and utter shambles of an asylum system, and are having to clear up another area of Tory mess. Part of that clearing up will involve sorting out and processing asylum applications promptly, so will the Minister give us m…”

“Thank you for your sterling chairmanship, Dr Huq. I thank the hon. Member for Battersea (Marsha De Cordova) for securing this debate on an issue that is extremely important, particularly in the light of the recent report. It is extremely helpful that we have the opportunity to debate this matter and engage with the Min…”

“The hon. Member has clearly been reading my notes, because my next point was that someone cannot be a Disability Confident employer and not employ anyone disabled—she is spot on. I have made some inquiries in this area since getting elected in July, and the problem is that the Government do not measure Disability Confi…”

“On question number 13, Mr Speaker, may I ask the Minister what steps he will take to ensure that people who are visually impaired are able to engage—”

““Tired, hungry and cold.” That is how one headteacher told me a number of her pupils came to school feeling, when I visited a primary school in Torbay last week. I was impressed with how her team was supporting those youngsters, both emotionally and with material support, whether for hunger or for feeling cold. It was …”

“I would like to acknowledge the significant investment in my constituency and say how welcome this will be after Torbay’s first “bus back better” bid came back empty from the Conservatives. One of the issues that has led to significant cuts in our bus services is the recruitment of bus drivers. Can the Secretary of Sta…”

“For far too long, children’s services have been a Cinderella department. I am delighted that the Secretary of State is shining a light on them and driving a positive way forward for them. We need to ensure that our communities are kinship and foster care-friendly. How will the Secretary of State drive that agenda?”

“What are you going to do? That is the crucial thing and that is what we are here to hear about.”

“I want to focus on how you are involving people with disabilities in your Department, and particularly this area of work. How are you helping to codesign, because that is extremely important? Also, I want to hear from you, Secretary of State, about culture because culture is so important. As the new Secretary of State …”

“Throughout your evidence so far this morning you have made plain your understanding that a lot of these wicked issues are cross-cutting and that there are no simple solutions. What changes have you made to the Department to make sure the Department has a less siloed approach to supporting people with disabilities, and …”