Speeches by Gordon.

“Is there anything you want to add, Ben?”

“One of my first jobs after graduating was working at York Health Economics Consortium. When we talk about QALYs and DALYs, one of my frustrations is that we only ever tend to look at a five or 10-year cost-saving period. We know that that is quite frankly bonkers. If I just take the quick example of my mum, she had bre…”

“In the discussions you have with Ministers, having access to the European market in a much easier way would not be something that would help growth in the sector?”

“We saw the plan earlier this year, and we have heard from industry today that there is no confidence about some decisions that have been taken as a result of VPAG and various other things. Is there any review or update about strategy? Is there going to be any further input from industry to try to make sure that the lif…”

“There have been a number of things that you have all said as we have gone along so far. Ben, you mentioned that the UK commercial operating environment needs to be addressed. Tom, you mentioned high growth needs and high risk; we need a stable market for it. Richard, you mentioned international competitiveness. Obvious…”

“That pivots onto the next question I had, which is for Rosalind. Spending on medicine and healthcare has been falling in the UK. Obviously what we have heard from industry earlier is that that is having a profound impact on their ability to invest in the UK and the life sciences sector as a whole. What are the plans to…”

“On exactly that point, the problem often starts earlier than that—in schools. My mum, a councillor in Wakefield, has been fighting to get my sister assessed for two years, but the school has lost the paperwork so we are no further forward. Does my hon. Friend agree, similar to what my hon. Friend the Member for Yeovil …”

“Will the Minister give way?”

“The Joint Committee on Human Rights, of which I am a member, published an inquiry report into transnational repression earlier this year. It welcomed the introduction of a foreign influence registration scheme but expressed concern about the absence of China on the enhanced tier. Its absence risks undermining the credi…”

“Will the hon. Lady give way on that point?”

“In response to a recent written parliamentary question, the Department confirmed that it is shelving improvements to Skelton junction outside York. That will have an impact on the proposed improvements to rail services for commuters in Harrogate and Knaresborough. How does that align with the Government’s vision for gr…”

“This is just the latest in a series of blows to UK life sciences. Companies have been pulled towards the US with incentives and tariffs, while we have no detailed industrial strategy, an uncompetitive tax regime from the Treasury, and a Department of Health and Social Care that undervalues drug access. When the Governm…”

“Last weekend, I met residents of New Park, alongside local Liberal Democrat councillor, Monika Slater. Residents are frustrated about the new Tesco that has been built and its impact on local businesses, with contractors regularly flouting the planning rules to work outside permitted hours. Will the Leader of the House…”

“My hon. Friend makes a really interesting point about dualling of line. I have been campaigning in my constituency of Harrogate and Knaresborough to dual the line between Knaresborough and York for the exact same reasons and benefits that my hon. Friend is describing. Does he agree that, if this Government want to get …”

“It seems that there is a broad consensus across the whole House that this felt as though it was a question of when, not if. So during the extended vetting procedure, was there ever any interference or pressure from either No. 10 or the Prime Minister?”

“My hon. Friend makes an excellent point and I highlight the work that Liberal Democrat councillors, including him, have done over the years to ensure that such provision is made. That postcode lottery is completely unfair. Economically, the argument is equally strong. We know that disabled people already face higher li…”

“rose—”

“The shadow Minister mentioned how the Conservative party came to change its view on my hon. Friend’s amendment on audible noises. One thing that has not come up during the debate is his party’s position on new clause 2, which would extend concessionary bus passes. Given that the argument is an economic one and his part…”

“The Minister made an interesting point earlier about allowing local transport authorities and mayors to make decisions when it comes to buses. Why does he think that a national mandatory bus fare cap should apply but not a national mandate allowing access for disability passes? Why is it that some decisions should be t…”

“I will start by speaking to new clause 2, which stands in my name and is supported by over 70 colleagues from across the House. It calls for the removal of time restrictions imposed on disabled bus passes. Under the English national concessionary travel scheme, eligible disabled people are entitled to free local bus tr…”