Amanda Martin MP: speeches

Speeches

• 2 Sept 2025 · English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill · Hansard source

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  As someone who also represents a constituency in Hampshire, I agree with my hon. Friend. In terms of the letter we have sent, would it not make more sense for boundary changes to be part of the process, as opposed to an add-on at the end?

• 1 Sept 2025 · Borders and Asylum · Hansard source

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  It cannot be denied that we have inherited a very difficult position, and that there has recently been a real increase in the rhetoric on this issue, which is causing serious worry, upset, anger and mistrust in our communities. Many vital measures to tackle this organised crime, such as counter-terror-style powers against gangs, a new offence on endangerment at sea, banning sex offenders from the asylum system and powers to search phones, are stuck in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. Does my right hon. Friend agree that if the Tories and Reform were really serious about these changes, they would stop voting and organising against the Bill, put their constituents and my constituents at the heart of this matter, and let us put the Bill into force?

• 21 Jul 2025 · Extending the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme · Hansard source

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  Does the hon. Member agree with me that the Homes for Ukraine scheme matters? It is not just an immigration policy; it is about real families who have made a home in our communities. I am particularly thinking of a wonderful couple who came along to my surgery. The woman, who came from Ukraine, is working with a charity and brought her son, and is getting married to one of my constituents on 25 July.

• 21 Jul 2025 · Asylum Hotels: Migrant Criminal Activity · Hansard source

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  I agree that it is important that we are able to debate immigration and asylum. People across the country know the consequences of the asylum system failing to protect the public, communities and businesses—we have had experience of that in my own city. Does the Minister agree that public safety must come first and that it is indefensible that the Tory party and Reform opposed measures allowing the tagging of high-risk individuals? Does she agree that the breadth and depth of this crisis needs us all to work together to regain public confidence?

• 21 Jul 2025 · Independent Water Commission · Hansard source

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  I warmly welcome the statement and the work of the Government. Portsmouth, as an island city, is well aware of the damage done; we see it, we smell it and we feel it in our pockets every day. More than 100 of my constituents have raised their fury and disappointment at the way that the Tories allowed firms to extract billions and pump raw sewage. Abolishing Ofwat and having an independent water commissioner is another brilliant step that will have real teeth and serve customers. Will the Secretary of State confirm that this Government will ensure action—that we do not just monitor, we take action; that there is no light touch and we take action; that our actions ensure that fair water companies serve the public interest first? Will he meet me and my resident David Taylor, a brilliant campaigner and inventor, to explore how we not only stop sewage pumping, but reduce leaks?

• 21 Jul 2025 · Victory over Japan: 80th Anniversary · Hansard source

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  It is an honour to rise to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day—the day when the guns finally fell silent and the second world war came to its end. Portsmouth has been the beating heart of Britain’s naval power for over 500 years, and it played a crucial role in the Pacific campaign that led to VJ Day. Victory in the Pacific was hard won, and Royal Navy ships sailed thousands of miles from Portsmouth docks to join the fight. Within months of Pearl Harbour in December 1941, the Navy was deploying significant forces to the Indian and Pacific oceans. By 1945, the British Pacific fleet was the largest and most powerful fleet Britain had ever assembled, comprising four battleships, six fleet carriers, 15 small carriers and over 750 aircraft—all supplied and maintained, and many built, in Portsmouth and other British shipyards. The fleet comprised thousands of personnel—sailors, aircrew, marines and support staff—who fought in the sweltering heat of the Indian ocean and weathered the typhoon of the Pacific, but many never returned. Portsmouth naval base worked around the clock preparing ships for service. The barracks housed thousands of men bound for the far east, and local shipyards built the landing craft, destroyers and frigates that would prove essential. The entire city, from dockyard workers to families who billeted sailors, was a valuable part of the war effort. The human cost of victory was profound. Beyond those who died in battle, thousands suffered disease, wounds and psychological trauma—yet their sacrifice was not in vain. When Japan surrendered on 15 August 1945, it marked the end of one of the most devastating conflicts in human history. The Royal Navy had played its part in bringing about a victory that would reshape the world, establish the principles of international law, and create the foundations of decades of peace and prosperity. The lessons of VJ Day remain so very relevant today. The victory was achieved not through the efforts of any single nation but through alliances and co-operation. As we face new challenges in an uncertain world, the examples of those who served in the Pacific remain inspirational. I would like to mention the Royal Navy ships that have served since: HMS Daring, HMS Argyll, HMS Albion, HMS Sutherland, HMS Tamar, HMS Spey and, of course, HMS Prince of Wales, which is en route there as a special deployment in Operation Highmast. To all veterans and serving personnel, I say: thank you. Finally, I want to pay tribute to two individuals—Lance Sergeant Harold Kennard from Stamshaw in Portsmouth, and Private George Ogle from North End, both of whom were captured and died as prisoners of war, making the ultimate sacrifice—and reflect on my city’s role in VJ Day. History is not made of distant figures, but by serving personnel from my city and by communities like mine that came together for a common cause.

• 15 Jul 2025 · Afghanistan · Hansard source

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  I thank the Secretary of State for his openness and transparency, and for his apology, and I thank Portsmouth city council for its involvement in Afghan resettlement schemes, which have helped many of those who served alongside my Portsmouth North constituents. I welcome today’s decision. The Government rightly took time to consider all the options and examine the complexities, including through the Rimmer review. They considered the cost to taxpayers and the safety of those affected, alongside the need for transparency and openness in this House and to the press and the public. Does the Secretary of State agree that we must, as a Government, reaffirm our commitment to public transparency?

• 8 Jul 2025 · Down’s Syndrome Regression Disorder · Hansard source

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  It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Jeremy. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Jen Craft) for securing the debate, and for her opening words on Down’s syndrome regression disorder. As we have heard, Down’s syndrome regression disorder is a little known but deeply distressing condition that affects between 1% and 2% of young people with Down’s syndrome, typically between the ages of 10 and 30. It is sudden and life altering. Young people who have developed essential social, motor and communication skills can rapidly lose those abilities, sometimes in a matter of weeks or even days. One of the greatest challenges facing families is the lack of awareness. It is often misdiagnosed as early-onset Alzheimer’s, late-onset autism or schizophrenia. Without accurate diagnosis, access to the right treatment is often delayed, leaving families to navigate a terrifying and bewildering situation on their own. I would like to share the story of one of my constituents, whose son Ewan experienced not just one but two severe episodes of this regression. Each time, his descent was sudden. He became consumed by paranoia, withdrew from his life, took to his bed and suffered significant mental health distress. His personality changed dramatically: once a happy, sociable young man, he became fearful and was convinced that Government agents were following him. His family described feeling shocked, heartbroken and completely unprepared. Despite persistent efforts, they struggled to get timely support. They battled to ensure that they were included in care decisions, and had to fight hard for regular reviews from the specialist. While Ewan has since made a remarkable recovery—I pay tribute to him, and I am proud to say that he has just celebrated one year of work experience, part time at Lidl—and he is now once again his warm, bubbly self, his family’s ordeal has left a permanent impact. They now view his happiness as their priority, recognising his enduring vulnerability. Research into DSRD remains limited. Though the condition has been recognised since as far back as 1946, there is still no national diagnostic pathway, no agreed treatment protocol and very little professional training. However, 80% of those who receive appropriate and timely treatment show significant improvement. To get there, we need to raise awareness. We must improve diagnostic clarity and ensure that support services are properly resourced and accessible, and that families are listened to, because they know their young people best. Today, along with colleagues, I am calling for greater clinical awareness of DSRD across health and social care; the development of UK-wide diagnostic and treatment guidelines; and investment in further research to better understand this condition and its triggers. For the families affected, timely intervention can mean the difference between recovery and long-term suffering. I hope that this debate will be a step towards giving young people like Ewan and their families the understanding, support and hope that they deserve.

• 8 Jul 2025 · Football Governance Bill [Lords] · Hansard source

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  Does the Minister agree with me and my hon. Friend the Member for York Outer (Mr Charters) that we do need to look at alcohol sales, but that we need to do it with all stakeholders in the round—not just throw it in as a gimmick to this Bill, which is about finance and governance?

• 4 Jul 2025 · Licensing Hours Extensions Bill · Hansard source

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  As the Member of Parliament for Portsmouth North, I am proud to speak in support of the Licensing Hours Extensions Bill, which is a sensible and necessary reform to support our struggling hospitality sector and, as we have heard, allow communities to come together during moments of national significance. The Bill gives the Government the power to extend licensing hours across the country for key events, such as royal celebrations, national sporting victories and commemorative days, without the need for venues to go through costly and time-consuming individual applications. For Portsmouth North, this is more than just a technical measure—it is a lifeline. Across areas such as North End, Drayton, Cosham and Hilsea, we have seen much-loved venues close their doors in recent years, yet some still stand strong at the heart of our communities. Pubs such as the Harvest Home in Copnor, the George in Cosham, the Drayton Tavern in Drayton and the Cross Keys in Paulsgrove, where my mum and dad met, have fought to keep going, despite increased pressures from rising costs, staff shortages and regulatory burdens. For many of these venues, the opportunity to stay open later during special events without additional red tape could mean the difference between a profitable night and another loss. I want to highlight the role of Casemates Studios in Hilsea. Although primarily a creative space, it supports a range of community events, music gigs and social gatherings. More flexible licensing arrangements will allow places like Casemates to better host local talent and public events tied to national occasions, without the financial or bureaucratic strain that often puts them off even trying. This Bill supports exactly that kind of local, community-led vibrancy. Having spoken with business owners across my constituency, I know how hard they have worked to stay afloat. The Licensing Hours Extensions Bill removes an unnecessary hurdle. It simplifies the process, reduces costs, and gives our hospitality businesses a fair shot at success when it matters most—on those big nights when our country is celebrating. Let me be clear: this is not about handing out licences indiscriminately. The Bill rightly ensures that local authorities and the police are consulted before any national extension is granted, meaning that residents will still be protected from antisocial behaviour and decisions will reflect the needs of the whole community. Portsmouth North’s pubs and venues are not just businesses—they are places where people gather, celebrate, mark milestones and find connections. This Bill gives them a boost at a time when many are struggling to keep the lights on. I am pleased to support the Bill, and urge colleagues across the House to do the same for the sake of our local economies, our community spirit and the future of our British pub. As our Lionesses begin their Euros campaign, I wish them our very best.

• 4 Jul 2025 · Space Industry (Indemnities) Bill · Hansard source

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  I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow East (John Grady) for bringing the Bill forward. I also thank the hon. Member for Wyre Forest (Mark Garnier) for chairing the all-party parliamentary group for space and for his promotion of the sector. As the MP for Portsmouth North, I strongly support this pivotal Bill, which will unlock further growth in our already thriving regional space cluster. It will ensure that operators take responsibility but, critically, that their liability is limited. As we heard from my hon. Friend, that statutory provision will bring us in line with our competitors. Portsmouth and the wider Hampshire region are increasingly central to the UK’s space ambitions. Through initiatives such as Space South Central, we are part of the largest regional space cluster in the country, which generates more than £3 billion annually and employs more than 5,600 people. In Portsmouth, our universities, small and medium-sized enterprises and global industry leaders work in close partnership to pioneer satellite applications, mission design and advanced technologies. The Bill’s provision to offer limited Government indemnity to commercial launch providers is critical. It will lower barriers to entry, de-risk new ventures, attract investment and enable orbital missions from UK soil. That is not just theoretical; it has real implications for Portsmouth’s space sector. Let me highlight some of the potential beneficiaries in my city. The University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation is actively designing small satellite missions, from Earth observation CubeSats to lunar radio probes. Its space mission incubator and CosmoCube projects are prime examples of innovation that stands to gain from accelerated launch capabilities. The university also hosts the South Coast Centre of Excellence in Satellite Applications—part of the Satellite Applications Catapult, which supports businesses in satellite development, data-driven services and AI applications. The indemnity will provide confidence to those SMEs entering into new orbit ventures. In the private sector, global giants such as Airbus Defence and Space operate from Portsmouth’s Hilsea facility. Its multimillion-pound Oberon reconnaissance satellite contract with the Ministry of Defence sustains 1,000 local jobs—roles that will be bolstered by a more robust UK space launch ecosystem. It also provides fantastic apprenticeship opportunities for young people. Hampshire-based firms such as QinetiQ, BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin and Airbus are deeply integrated into space innovation and, locally, into our communities. With the Bill’s indemnity framework, these organisations—universities and companies alike—will gain access to faster mission approvals and greater capacity to adopt emerging UK launch providers, with results including new jobs, expanded contracts, strengthened regional growth and a win for my city. Let us consider the Bill’s impact. More research-led satellites such as CosmoCube could be developed and launched from Cornwall or Scotland, but Portsmouth businesses will be able to contribute all the way from design to orbit. Portsmouth’s science, technology, engineering and maths pipeline, from UTC Portsmouth through to the university’s Mission Space programme, will benefit enormously from real, home-grown launch activity. That will inspire students, help retain talent and create new high-tech career paths. Charities and public services will also benefit. Space-enabled monitoring applications powered by data from low-cost satellites could support coastal management, environmental protection and emergency response in my maritime city. It would be remiss of me not to mention the charity that I am a trustee of, STEMunity, which had a fantastic reception this week and, by working with a number of other charities and public and private sector companies, has introduced young people to the world of space. This is not just a technical fix of four words; it is a strategic piece of legislation that can help cement Portsmouth’s place in the UK space age—and, indeed, the UK in the world—by reducing risk for our inventors.

• 4 Jul 2025 · Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill · Hansard source

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  I am proud to speak in this debate as the Member of Parliament for Portsmouth North—a seat I did not hold this time last year, but proudly hold today, although technically not for a year until 4.30 tomorrow morning. I want to speak today in strong support of the Bill. It is a vital step forward in our duty to protect animals from cruelty and exploitation. I thank the hon. Member for Winchester (Dr Chambers) for introducing the Bill and for his service as a vet. I know the city of Winchester well, as I did my teaching degree at King Alfred’s College. Like my hon. Friend the Member for Northampton South (Mike Reader), Winchester will always have a special place in my heart, particularly Jesters, a pub I worked in for many years, although it does not exist any more. Portsmouth is a city that cares. Many of my constituents have shared their heartbreak at hearing of how young animals are brought into the UK sometimes under age, unwell and traumatised, just to be sold for profit. The Bill addresses that. It bans the importation of puppies and kittens under the age of six months. It stops the transportation of heavily pregnant animals and prohibits the import of animals that have undergone unnecessary mutilations such as ear cropping or declawing; those practices are outlawed in the UK but are still far too common abroad. Like my hon. Friend the Member for Crawley (Peter Lamb), I believe that social media platforms and influencers should do more to stop that. These reforms are not only overdue; they are essential. In Portsmouth, we are fortunate to have a number of deeply committed local charities that deal with the consequences of these inhumane practices. I would like to pay tribute to some of those charities. Those at Cats Protection’s Portsmouth branch work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome abandoned or abused cats across the city. Its volunteers provide vital neutering and microchipping services, which help to reduce the stray population and improve feline welfare. They frequently take in cats that have come from unsuitable backgrounds, some of which are linked to international trafficking or illegal sales. I also want to recognise Portsmouth Cats Lost, Found and Rehomed, which is led by the inspirational Penny Parker. Since 2013, the group has reunited countless lost cats with their families, offered shelter to strays and provided veterinary care to those in desperate need. Its small but mighty rescue cabin, Penny’s place, is a beacon of hope for animals who might otherwise just have been left to suffer. I also applaud Portsmouth Tortoise Rescue in Cosham. Although it does not support cats, dogs or ferrets, it has recently received national recognition for its outstanding work in exotic animal welfare, and Bernice Buckingham and her team of trustees and volunteers do an excellent job. Their educational programme and specialist care have made Portsmouth Tortoise Rescue a trusted name not only in Portsmouth but across the south. Finally, Phoenix Rehoming has won awards, including animal rescue of the year 2024 and most dedicated pet rehoming service 2024, and I wish the team luck with their nomination for animal charity team of the year 2025. Phoenix Rehoming has a strong footprint in Portsmouth. It works with foster families and communities to rescue and rehome dogs, many of whom have been illegally imported or abandoned after being smuggled as part of this illicit trade. These organisations are doing heroic work, but they should not have to shoulder the burden of weak regulation and criminal cruelty. By tightening important laws, this Bill reduces the risk of trafficked animals entering the UK and ensures a greater oversight, through veterinary checks, microchipping and enforcement powers. It also protects families in Portsmouth, who often fork out quite a lot of money for these pets and then find they have been sold sick animals, with fake papers, and are left not only heartbroken but facing thousands of pounds in vet bills. The legislation is not just about animal welfare, but community resilience. It gives our local charities a fighting chance, pet owners peace of mind and, most importantly, vulnerable animals the protections they deserve. I represent a city that believes in fairness, compassion and responsibility, so I am proud to support the Bill on behalf of the people of Portsmouth North. Let us put an end to cruelty at our borders and build a country that treats all living beings with dignity.

• 4 Jul 2025 · Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Bill · Hansard source

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  I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh North and Leith (Tracy Gilbert) for introducing the Bill and welcome the opportunity to raise issues of fairness and equality in the UK’s democracy. We have seen in England that absent voting, by post or proxy, has empowered thousands of people to make their voices heard, even when life gets in the way, whether in the form of illness, work commitments, accessibility concerns, disability, caring commitments, simply being away on holiday or, in the case of my city, serving in another country. No one should be forced to choose between voting and the demands of everyday life, so it is only right that voters in Wales and Scotland have the same protections and access. We must not allow a postcode lottery when it comes to democracy. As my hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury (Laura Kyrke-Smith) noted, if we as a Government are serious about strengthening trust in politics, we must make voting easier, not harder. On that note of making voting easier, it would be remiss of me if I were not to welcome the Government’s move to allow the veterans ID card to be used as valid voter identification. That is really welcomed by many Portsmouth North residents who have served our country. It is absolutely right that those who have served our country are not excluded from democratic participation due to ID restrictions. Many veterans, particularly those who are older or more vulnerable, told me how they faced real challenges accessing approved forms of ID, so recognising the veterans ID card as valid is a small but significant step towards honouring that service and ensuring their voices are heard in the ballot box. Although the Bill does not address voting age, I want to place on record my strong support for extending voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds across the whole of the UK to ensure fairness, whether in absent voting or by age. Young people in Scotland and Wales already vote in devolved and local elections, and it is time young people in England and Northern Ireland had the same voice across all elections. The Bill is a step towards a fairer and more accessible democracy. It is a step we must take.