Speeches by Gilbert.

“Thank you. Andrew, is there anything you would like to add to the same question?”

“I am proud to support the Government’s ambition to cut violence against women and girls, and a cross-Government approach is essential to delivering that. I am increasingly concerned that the Department for Work and Pensions is not recognising OnlyFans content creation as commercial sexual exploitation, potentially expo…”

“T3. I refer Members to my declaration of interest as a former employee of USDAW. The new rights of trade union access in the Employment Rights Act 2025 could be game changing, but there is a proposal to cap fines for breaking new rules at £75,000, which is loose change for union-busting employees like Amazon. Will my h…”

“A number of hospitality businesses in my constituency have raised with me that the UK rate of VAT is much higher than it is in France and Germany. Will my hon. Friend ask the Office for Budget Responsibility to model the impact of VAT cuts, as studies have previously suggested that cuts—”

“It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Sir Alec. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for North Ayrshire and Arran (Irene Campbell) for opening this important debate on behalf of the Petitions Committee, and I thank Lyla’s family for their courage. Some 95 of my Edinburgh North and Leith constituents signed this …”

“Events of the past week serve as a reminder of the contribution that our armed forces personnel play every day. Many of our veterans will suffer from trauma, anxiety and a range of mental health issues during their career and retirement. The charity Combat Stress is running a “March in March” fundraiser to support the …”

“Coming to Avinash first, what are the common challenges facing climate-vulnerable countries such as SIDS and LDCs?”

“Do you have anything to add to the points you raised in answer to my first question about the climate-related impacts on such countries?”

“Coming to Avinash first, what are the common challenges facing climate-vulnerable countries such as SIDS and LDCs?”

“Do you have anything to add to the points you raised in answer to my first question about the climate-related impacts on such countries?”

“A number of my constituents have been in touch to share their experience of being unable to book test appointments. These delays have an impact on training, education and employment opportunities. Will my hon. Friend outline what specific steps her Department is taking to reduce the backlog for test appointments at tes…”

“4. What steps she is taking to help reduce waiting times for driving tests.”

“Over the past week, I have been contacted by many constituents in Western Harbour in my constituency who have been left in limbo by the lack of cladding redemption programmes in Scotland. Across England, redemption programmes have completed on more than 1,935 buildings. In Scotland, only two have started. Does the Lead…”

“It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Ms Lewell. I start by thanking the hundreds of my constituents who took the time to sign the petition, and who have spoken to me about this issue. It is essential to have a serious discussion about the positive impact on society and the economic benefits that immigration …”

“I just want to go back a little to participation—this is for Bel and Luke first of all. Are there ways in which you think citizens could be more engaged in how we spend ODA, and what would that look like?”

“You have answered quite a lot of my next question. I think Luke mentioned that one of the first words that comes to mind with aid is “wasteful”, and we are obviously—to your point, Bel—not telling a very good story about how we spend it. What demonstrable outcomes could we show that would change how the public feel abo…”

“Thank you, Chair. Good afternoon. I want to first ask the panel about the public perception of aid policy. I will go to Jennifer and Luke first: what does your data tell us about what the public think about the current UK Government’s approach to aid?”

“Jennifer, is there anything you want to add?”

“I just want to go back a little to participation—this is for Bel and Luke first of all. Are there ways in which you think citizens could be more engaged in how we spend ODA, and what would that look like?”

“You have answered quite a lot of my next question. I think Luke mentioned that one of the first words that comes to mind with aid is “wasteful”, and we are obviously—to your point, Bel—not telling a very good story about how we spend it. What demonstrable outcomes could we show that would change how the public feel abo…”