Adam Jogee MP: speeches 2026

Speeches

• 11 Mar 2026 · Commonwealth Day 2026 · Hansard source

  More

  I will, and I am very grateful to the right hon. Gentleman. I am glad he has found his voice. He was losing it earlier on today, and I am grateful to him for his intervention. From Devon to Newcastle-under-Lyme and up to north Yorkshire, he is right that we want to ensure that we hold on to not just that community spirit, but an understanding of what went before us and how we also ensure we do not fall back into the battles that we were able to win in previous years. In the latter half of the 20th century, the Commonwealth played a very important role in advancing the global cause of human dignity. The Singapore declaration of 1971 set out the recognition of racial prejudice and discrimination as an “evil of society”. This was followed by the Harare declarations of 1991, signed in the land of my father’s birth, which committed the Commonwealth to strengthen its ability to promote and protect democracy in member states. The Commonwealth offers so much more, as the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) alluded to when he prematurely intervened on my speech, in the arts, culture, sport, education, health and other spheres. And while I speak of the historical significance of the Commonwealth, we must also recognise that it is a living network with immense potential.

• 11 Mar 2026 · Commonwealth Day 2026 · Hansard source

  More

  I know that it is naughty to intervene on the Minister in my own Adjournment debate, but since we have five minutes left—four minutes, excuse me —I wonder whether he might touch on a couple of those economic benefits to which he just referred.

• 11 Mar 2026 · Commonwealth Day 2026 · Hansard source

  More

  I would bet on you, brother. But in all seriousness, my hon. Friend raises an important point. The Commonwealth games is just one example of how the Commonwealth brings people together, and he and I will be cheering on team GB together as they do well. In the latter—excuse me, Madam Deputy Speaker, my hon. Friend threw me there with his excitement at taking part in the tug of war in the Commonwealth games one day. The theme of this year’s Commonwealth Day is “unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous Commonwealth”, reminding us of the opportunities that stand before us. It is a massive regret that the Commonwealth is currently underutilised. It is underfunded and does not get the recognition it deserves by member states and its leaders. It needs meaningful support and a greater sense of direction to make it the useful network for the contemporary world we all live in. That is particularly important given the fraying relations across the globe. With the aggression of hostile states like Russia and China, we face a period of acute geopolitical uncertainty. The Commonwealth has a unique opportunity to bring together nations that share a commitment to mutual respect and the rule of law. The Commonwealth makes a unique contribution to international relations, as it is an association built on dialogue, where large and small states are given an equal voice at the table. It also offers the opportunity to make progressive change. The Commonwealth already supports programmes focused on advancing women’s rights, expanding access to quality education and tackling the climate crisis. We use Commonwealth Day 2026 to recognise and celebrate that, because the Commonwealth must not be a symbolic institution: it must be a practical network that promotes progressive ideas across the world. As my hon. Friend the Member for Mid and South Pembrokeshire (Henry Tufnell) noted, reducing barriers to trade between member states could deliver significant benefits for my constituents, and yours too, Madam Deputy Speaker.

• 11 Mar 2026 · Commonwealth Day 2026 · Hansard source

  More

  My hon. Friend from Lichfield in Staffordshire raises an excellent point. I am looking forward to him competing one day in the Commonwealth games when they are held in Lichfield—

• 11 Mar 2026 · Commonwealth Day 2026 · Hansard source

  More

  Who doesn’t love an intervention from the Liberal Democrats? The hon. Lady will not be surprised to hear that those issues have been brought to me, in my capacity as co-chair of the all-party parliamentary group, together with my co-chair, the hon. Member for Romford (Andrew Rosindell). We have raised them with Ministers, and I feel sure that my colleagues on the Front Bench will pick up those issues in the coming weeks. It is a message that many of us have heard loud and clear, and we hope to see some progress on this. The Commonwealth’s roots go back to the British empire, but today any country can join the modern Commonwealth, and that speaks to its potential—

• 11 Mar 2026 · Commonwealth Day 2026 · Hansard source

  More

  I would be delighted to give way to the right hon. Gentleman.

• 11 Mar 2026 · Commonwealth Day 2026 · Hansard source

  More

  How could I refuse my hon. Friend from Staffordshire?

• 11 Mar 2026 · Commonwealth Day 2026 · Hansard source

  More

  I will give way to the hon. Member, who I don’t think was there in 1949.

• 11 Mar 2026 · Commonwealth Day 2026 · Hansard source

  More

  I will happily give way to the Member of Parliament for my in-laws back in Northern Ireland.

• 11 Mar 2026 · Commonwealth Day 2026 · Hansard source

  More

  I am grateful to all my friends for coming out tonight with their helpful, pithy interventions, but if I wax lyrical too much I will get into trouble. The hon. Member raises an important point and more generally acknowledges the important role that Britain and Ireland together have played in advancing the causes of freedom and peace. We have seen much progress between our island and the island of Ireland in recent years. I feel sure that the hon. Member, with Minister Feighan, will continue to advance the relationship between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom, and he will have a strong champion in me as he continues to do so. The modern Commonwealth that all countries can join speaks to its potential for good, for change and for progress, but we should not shy away from our history. Yes, it is complex and, yes, at times it is painful, but it is important that we reflect honestly on it. The Commonwealth emerged from that history as a voluntary association of nations committed not to hierarchy but to partnership, co-operation and equality. Throughout our history—a history that we reflect on every Commonwealth Day—Commonwealth nations have proudly stood together in defence of our shared values.

• 11 Mar 2026 · Commonwealth Day 2026 · Hansard source

  More

  A very good choice. I am glad that she chose me. Actually, I am sure that she regrets it sometimes in this life. The importance of Northern Ireland both to the United Kingdom and to the Commonwealth is absolute, and he and I are at one on that. The hon. Gentleman’s intervention demonstrates why I am delighted to have secured this debate: it provides colleagues across the House with an important opportunity not only to reflect on the legacy of the Commonwealth and our own individual stories and connections, but to look to the opportunities before us. Every one of us in this place is a Commonwealth citizen, and it is about time that we all started acting like it. Our world is ever more fractious, there is geopolitical instability almost everywhere we look and, following our departure from the European Union, it is vital for jobs and livelihoods in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, Northern Ireland and right across our United Kingdom that we nurture and further our connections with the wider world. Where better to start than with the Commonwealth—

• 11 Mar 2026 · Commonwealth Day 2026 · Hansard source

  More

  If the hon. Member waits a little minute longer, he will hear all the important points that I make, some of which he has just mentioned. I agree with him. He knows that I had the wisdom to marry a woman from County Antrim—

• 11 Mar 2026 · Commonwealth Day 2026 · Hansard source

  More

  My hon. Friend—he is a very good friend—makes an excellent point. I hope that His Majesty’s Government will advance a Commonwealth-first approach in the coming years. My hon. Friend could not have put it better.

• 11 Mar 2026 · Commonwealth Day 2026 · Hansard source

  More

  Talking of Southampton, I happily give way to my hon. Friend.

• 10 Mar 2026 · Topical Questions · Hansard source

  More

  My constituents in Newcastle-under-Lyme are sick and tired of poor-quality, dangerous roads. The county council has resources from this Government, and must stop being missing in action. What message does the Minister have for Staffordshire county council?

• 10 Mar 2026 · Fur: Import and Sale · Hansard source

  More

  I think this is the first time a Minister has intervened on me. There is a first time for everything, and it is a moment we will not forget, Ms Jardine. I am the oldest of three children, so I understand the pressures that siblings apply, and my younger siblings both have particular views about the state of the world today and how I might approach some of those issues. However, I feel sure that my hon. Friend the Member for Newport West and Islwyn will continue to hold the Minister to account and will help her to get to exactly the right place to deliver the fur-free Britain we all want to see. I thank all those who work, day in and day out, on animal welfare issues. Many of them are in the Public Gallery. I see Danielle, Sonul and others, many of whom I spoke to more than my siblings when I worked for my hon. Friend the Member for Newport West and Islwyn in years gone by. Finally, I thank my hon. Friend again for securing this debate. I am glad that the speeches I wrote all those years ago were put to good use. And I am pleased, on behalf of my constituents in Newcastle-under-Lyme, to be here today to show my support for this debate, for her Bill and for the campaign to deliver the fur-free Britain we all want to see.

• 10 Mar 2026 · Fur: Import and Sale · Hansard source

  More

  Forgive me, I should have known—two successful twins. My right hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool Garston brought back the fur ban while I was in primary school, so it now falls to another Eagle to get the job done and deliver the fur-free Britain that we all want to see.

• 10 Mar 2026 · Fur: Import and Sale · Hansard source

  More

  I will happily give way to my right hon. Friend.

• 10 Mar 2026 · Fur: Import and Sale · Hansard source

  More

  I had not planned to speak; I only came to show my support for my hon. Friend the Member for Newport West and Islwyn (Ruth Jones), but as there is time I will make a brief contribution, with your indulgence, Ms Jardine. It is excellent to see you up there presiding over us; this is the first time that I have spoken in a debate with you in the Chair. I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for her consistency and tenacity on these issues, and I thank all colleagues for their contributions to the debate. It has not been political, which speaks to the importance of the issue. I note that we have not heard from the two Opposition Front Benchers, but I feel sure that they will approach this debate as all others have done. I feel as if I am living in a parallel universe and in a previous life, sitting in a room talking about DEFRA, particularly animal welfare, with my hon. Friend, with various stakeholders and campaigners, and with the now shadow Minister, the hon. Member for Keighley and Ilkley (Robbie Moore), who was then a DEFRA Minister. Talk about going back to the future! I am here to support my hon. Friend, and I support her Bill too. I am from a community in Newcastle-under-Lyme, where—judging from my inbox every week—the vast majority of my constituents could best be described as animal lovers. We have a real opportunity to make a meaningful difference to millions of animals and stop them being forced to endure mental and physical anguish that none of us would wish on our worst enemies. The good people of our United Kingdom do not support the fur trade. We know that many designers and retailers have got the picture, too. I hope that the Minister will appreciate the significance of her sitting in this debate, because it was her twin, my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool Garston (Maria Eagle)—

• 5 Mar 2026 · Consular Assistance · Hansard source

  More

  I associate myself with the Minister’s condolences to the families of those who have been killed, and I thank him for his statement, for his tone and for summoning the Iranian ambassador yesterday, who I hope was left in no doubt about both our values and our resolve. I acknowledge the work to get those stuck in the middle east home, but my constituent and his family from Newcastle-under-Lyme are stuck because their flights through the middle east have been cancelled twice. The next available flight, they were told this morning, is on 24 March. Their travel agent has told the family that they must pay for their accommodation between today and 24 March, at a cost of about £1,000 a night for almost three weeks, which is £20,000 or so. Notwithstanding what the Minister has said today, may I urge him to go further and much, much faster in ensuring that airlines and agents do not leave people in the lurch, do not take advantage and do not let them down?

• 5 Mar 2026 · Palliative Care · Hansard source

  More

  Can I take my hon. Friend up the M6 from Birmingham to Newcastle-under-Lyme and, through her, pay tribute to the wonderful Dougie Mac hospice? For many years, it has served people in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent and across north Staffordshire. The staff there are committed, caring and compassionate, and they deserve a shout-out in this debate.

• 5 Mar 2026 · Palliative Care · Hansard source

  More

  My hon. Friend is making a really important speech, which I am enjoying, as I am sure others are. He set out the challenges facing the palliative care system. Does he agree that rather than proceeding with changes to bring in assisted dying—a change from zero to hero that would only make the challenges he set out worse—the resources, effort and time of civil servants, the NHS and all of us should be focused on getting the palliative care system fit for the 21st century?

• 4 Mar 2026 · Economic Growth · Hansard source

  More

  12. What recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on increasing economic growth in Wales.

• 4 Mar 2026 · Economic Growth · Hansard source

  More

  The best place in our kingdom, Newcastle-under-Lyme, is 30 miles or so from the Welsh border, so the recent rail announcement from this Labour Government will benefit my people, too, as the upgrade to the Marches line will deliver quicker services to south Wales. Can the Secretary of State reassure me that this investment will deliver real economic benefits for Staffordshire, England and Wales?

• 24 Feb 2026 · College Fields in Madeley · Hansard source

  More

  The petition states: “The petition of residents of the constituency of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Declares that there is growing concern in Madeley about proposals that would limit public access to College Fields, a green space that has been used by the community for many years; further declares that the prospect of fencing and restricted access has caused significant local opposition and raised questions about how decisions affecting the site are being made; further declares that College Fields is an important part of community life in Madeley, providing space for informal recreation, wellbeing and outdoor activity and therefore losing or limiting access to this field would have a real impact on local residents; further declares that local people have been clear that they want College Fields to remain open and accessible, and that any decisions about its future must be taken transparently and with meaningful community engagement; and further declares that imposing changes without proper consultation risks undermining trust and damaging a valued local asset.” It also notes that an online petition on the same issue has reached over 1,000 signatures from people who live, learn and work in Newcastle-under-Lyme. The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to encourage Staffordshire county council in the strongest terms to commit to protecting College Fields, to rule out the erection of permanent fencing or other measures that would restrict public access, and to work constructively with Madeley parish council, the people of Madeley and other local stakeholders to agree a future for the site that reflects the needs and priorities of our community. Following is the full text of the petition: [ The petition of residents of the constituency of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Declares that there is growing concern in Madeley about proposals that would limit public access to College Fields, a green space that has been used by the community for many years; further declares that the prospect of fencing and restricted access has caused significant local opposition and raised questions about how decisions affecting the site are being made; further declares that College Fields is an important part of community life in Madeley, providing space for informal recreation, wellbeing and outdoor activity and therefore losing or limiting access to this field would have a real impact on local residents; further declares that local people have been clear that they want College Fields to remain open and accessible, and that any decisions about its future must be taken transparently and with meaningful community engagement; and further declares that imposing changes without proper consultation risks undermining trust and damaging a valued local asset. The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to encourage Staffordshire County Council to commit to protecting College Fields, to rule out the erection of fencing or other measures that would restrict public access, and to work constructively with Madeley residents and local stakeholders to agree a future for the site that reflects the needs and priorities of the community. And the petitioners remain, etc. ] [P003164]