Amanda Martin MP: speeches 2024

Speeches

• 19 Dec 2024 · Service Accommodation · Hansard source

  More

  I welcome the Committee’s “Service Accommodation” report and recommendations, but I am not surprised by its findings. I also welcome the Government’s move to purchase back housing stock that should never have been sold off and the hundreds of houses that will bring back to Portsmouth. However, the issue of Ministry of Defence housing is huge, because of the years of managed decline under the previous Government. There has been no real investment, just sticking plasters. Portsmouth in particular has been underfunded, and those in naval properties miss out more than most, because they can be in their homes for longer than those in other services as they are based at the port. There is a cap on void works, which means that, if a family moves out, the house needs renovating and it will be withdrawn. This causes undue stress to families who have already selected schools, sorted out their removals and left jobs. There is not always a guarantee of a house in the same area. There is so much to say on behalf of Portsmouth service personnel, but, lifting words from the pages of the report, I invite the Committee and the Ministers to meet me, the contractors and service personnel in Portsmouth to see the reality of the situation.

• 19 Dec 2024 · Harland & Wolff · Hansard source

  More

  Today’s announcement will surely be well received by the House, the country, the Royal Navy and the workers directly affected, especially given the previous Government’s lack of industrial strategy. Alongside the fantastic announcement for seafarer and worker conditions and protections, the agreement shows the Government’s commitment to the vital maritime and industrial sector. Shipbuilding was once a proud industry and the backbone of the community in my city of Portsmouth, but it was decimated by the previous Government. What assessment has the Secretary of State made of the deal’s wider implications for the UK economy, and specifically for the shipbuilding and defence sectors?

• 19 Dec 2024 · Hospice Funding · Hansard source

  More

  I welcome the announcement of additional funding, as will many families across the country. Although it is not in my constituency, Rowans Hospice is used by people in Pompey. Indeed, my nan Pearl and my very dear friend Fiona spent their last few weeks in the hospice’s care, and what a wonderful place it is. At a city council meeting this week, concerns were raised about the future of that amazing service. Will the Minister confirm that the Government are committed to ensuring that every person has access to high-quality end of life care?

• 19 Dec 2024 · Business of the House · Hansard source

  More

  Many of my constituents are concerned about the proposed AQUIND interconnector. The planning decision is with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, in consultation, I believe, with the Ministry of Defence, after security concerns were raised about the project. The previous Administration kicked this decision down the road, so I can understand why this Government are doing things by the book and ensuring that consultation goes ahead. However, will the Leader of the House allocate time to a debate on ensuring that the two Departments work together efficiently and co-operatively on securing a judgment on this issue, and will she seek clarity on when we can expect the consultation to conclude and a decision to be finally made on this project?

• 18 Dec 2024 · Engagements · Hansard source

  More

  Q4. I echo the Prime Minister in thanking you, Mr Speaker, and all the staff in this place, alongside our armed forces and emergency services, and wishing them a merry Christmas.March 2025 marks 20 years since the death of the only Member of Parliament to have held all four great offices of state: Foreign Secretary, Home Secretary, Chancellor and Prime Minister. James Callaghan was a true Portsmouth great who went to the same school as another true Portsmouth great: my dad, Terry Nolan. Does the Prime Minister back my bid for a plaque to be added to his former home in Copnor? Will he come along to Portsmouth next year to unveil it?

• 18 Dec 2024 · British Indian Ocean Territory: Sovereignty · Hansard source

  More

  I know that the Minister is a strong supporter of the overseas territories, as are the Foreign Secretary and the Prime Minister. Despite this being documented already in the House and in Gibraltar, to avoid any doubt or further scaremongering, and for Members on the Opposition Benches, will the Minister once again confirm that this Government are completely committed to supporting the right of self-determination for the people of Gibraltar and the Falklands?

• 18 Dec 2024 · Winter Preparedness · Hansard source

  More

  Let me begin by echoing the Minister’s words and thanking the fantastic NHS workers and those in the wraparound service who provide a vital service in Portsmouth all year round, but particularly in winter. Let me also thank all the Members who turned up for the joint NHS consultation with me and with the Under-Secretary of State for Education, my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth South (Stephen Morgan). Unfortunately, owing to the scale of the damage done to the NHS by the last Government, our NHS providers have to make very difficult decisions at this time. Can the Minister reassure me and my constituents, that patient safety, and emergency services in particular, will be this Government’s first priority during the winter?

• 18 Dec 2024 · Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement · Hansard source

  More

  I thank the Minister and his team for listening to the voices of Portsmouth North and for the additional funding allocated to homelessness and rough sleeping, so that Portsmouth city council’s projected deficit can be addressed. It would be remiss of me not to thank the council workers, alongside Bev and all the volunteers at Helping Hands and other charities in the city. They have supported the growing number of people on our streets under the shameful Tory coalition’s reign of recklessness. Can the Minister confirm that after five months in government, this is just the start of additional support for our councils? Can he also clarify that, should the Lib Dem-run Portsmouth city council need further advice, his door is always open?

• 17 Dec 2024 · Trades and Apprenticeships · Hansard source

  More

  I beg to move, That this House has considered public perceptions of trades and apprenticeship completion rates. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Betts. One of the many toxic legacies of the previous Government is a crisis in education and training, overwhelming barriers to opportunity for many young people and the denigration and downplaying of the construction industry. Young people in my city are not accessing well-paid jobs, despite the many opportunities on our doorstep in the maritime, space, science and trade sectors. To fix that, we must improve and promote vocational pathways through increasing the number of apprenticeships available, improving apprenticeship completion rates, simplifying the apprenticeship system and increasing its flexibility. Much of the research for this debate has come from Checkatrade, a home improvement platform based in Portsmouth North. I will therefore focus mainly on the construction sector. The trade and construction sector sits at the heart of the national mission to get Britain building, to reach net zero and to drive economic growth. From plumbers and electricians to roofers and carpenters, there will be huge opportunities for careers and job creation in building the skilled workforce we need to deliver those targets. Research by Checkatrade has found that the UK economy faces a severe skills challenge. The UK must find 1.3 million new skilled trade people and 350,000 new apprenticeships over the next 10 years to meet the Government’s ambitious but much-needed housing and net zero targets. London will require at least 55,000 qualified construction apprenticeships, but the demand is not just in England; it is spread across the UK, with Scotland needing 26,000 new apprenticeships, Manchester 15,000 and Birmingham 13,000. With 35% of those working in the sector over the age of 50, and almost three fifths of tradies planning to retire between the ages of 61 and 65, the industry is facing a cliff edge of retirement with little or no succession planning. The transition to net zero is also impacting jobs and apprenticeships, with 59% of jobs affected and 29% of those jobs requiring upskilling. However, apprenticeship starts have declined in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for a renewed focus. In 2022-23, there were 337,140 apprenticeship starts, compared with more than half a million in 2011-12. Challenges in the sector, such as high apprentice drop-off rates and high levels of self-employment—37%—make addressing the skills gap even more challenging and crucial. What solutions can we explore? First, we must create more apprenticeships: despite a chronic skills gap in the UK, for every apprenticeship there are three applications, but only one successful candidate. That can be achieved by restoring financial incentives to small and medium-sized enterprises to take on apprentices under the age of 25, offering an apprenticeship incentive payment and expanding funding to create apprenticeships. SMEs have a crucial role to play in boosting the number of apprentices, and we need to find ways to incentivise them to invest in training. We must provide them with the support they need to take on an apprentice and ensure flexibility in training that works for their businesses and for the apprentices. Making the apprenticeship funding model more transparent to help to improve businesses’ understanding of and confidence in the apprenticeship system is vital. Secondly, we must improve completion rates. Only a third of apprenticeships are currently completed—a shockingly low statistic. We could improve that rate by increasing financial support. The apprenticeship rate of pay currently sits at £6.40 per hour, making apprenticeships financially unattractive. More targeted support should be made available to attract those with dependants and other financial responsibilities, and those wishing to change career. Financial mentoring for apprentices could also go a long way towards improving the completion rates. We should also look at expanding foundational apprenticeships and introducing a shorter apprenticeship course for those who cannot afford the minimum length of 12 months in a placement. Lastly, we must simplify the system and increase flexibility. That could be achieved by creating more flexibility through the apprenticeship levy. For example, the functional skills requirement is cited by employers as a barrier to learning and is not always relevant to the role or individual. Those could be removed in some cases. Apprenticeships and training programme providers should be enabled to deliver three, six or even nine month-courses, which could be used to help workers to reskill and retrain in areas that are part of the green transition. We must also end geographical differences; apprenticeship levy funds can currently be spent only on apprenticeships in England. To do all that, we must value all the pathways. The toxic legacy of the Tories in education was the undervaluing of certain subjects, including vocational courses and apprenticeships. We must value all pathways if we are to move towards a productive, highly skilled population and achieve our growth targets. Apprenticeships of all kinds create successful business owners and entrepreneurs who are well paid. Average weekly earnings in the construction sector are £761, surpassing the national average by 13%. Furthermore, not all apprenticeships are low-paid during training. Roofing apprentices can earn more than £24,000 a year, plastering apprentices £19,000 and plumbing apprentices £18,000. Apprenticeships can be a stable and reliable route to success: with success rates remaining stable at 93% over past years and many apprentices staying on with their employer after qualifying, they offer value for money and a good career. Despite that, however, many young people and their parents do not see a trade career as aspirational. We must highlight those benefits of vocational courses to young people, to inspire them into diverse sectors and to elevate vital sectors, including construction. That could be achieved by using the money raised by the growth and skills levy on access and outreach activities, and by the Department for Education ensuring that careers advice highlights the training provisions available, including T-levels, BTecs, skills bootcamps and more, as well as the career opportunities accessible through apprenticeships. We must ensure that work experience gives an insight into the opportunities and, although it must have safety at its heart, we must reduce the red tape for SMEs and larger companies to offer valuable work experience places. In conclusion, to achieve our national mission of kick-starting growth and breaking down barriers to opportunities, we must look at people and skills in the round and value them. To create a highly skilled and highly paid workforce, we must provide accessible, well-funded and fairly paid vocational training. We must provide balanced education about vocational options and provide support for those on vocational pathways to help them to complete courses. That will help to diversify vocational pathways. Apprenticeships in construction are currently almost 91% male and 92% white. Although there has been some progress in diversifying the workforce, its composition remains highly disproportionate compared with society and other sectors. As an ex-teacher, I truly believe in the saying, “If you cannot see it, you cannot do it.” Those opportunities must be visible and open to local communities, whether that is our young people or someone who wants to change career or upskill to a new one. We must place pride, value and respect in this sector. As the proud sister of an electrician, the daughter of a plumber and the granddaughter of a painter and decorator, I know the value of tradespeople in our communities and families. They are the backbone of our everyday lives—building, fixing, and ensuring that our houses, schools, hospitals and communities are safe, functioning spaces.

• 17 Dec 2024 · Trades and Apprenticeships · Hansard source

  More

  Thank you for your chairmanship during this debate, Mr Betts. I thank everyone for their valuable contributions, and I welcome their research and insight into this topic. I will touch on a few points, if I may. I thank the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) for his Northern Ireland perspective and the questions he posed. However, I want to say that working in a trade is, and can be, a career for those academic kids, as well as those who would traditionally follow a vocational route. I met a wonderful young man at Springfield secondary school’s year 11 awards evening. He did very well in getting grade 9 in all his GCSEs, and had proudly taken up a carpentry apprenticeship. He was so passionate about the opportunity he had that it gave me goosebumps to have that conversation with him. We need to put lads like that at the forefront to say that this career path can be taken. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Peterborough (Andrew Pakes) for his promotion of the trade sector in his constituency and in this place, and for his solutions, ideas and passion to elevate the status of trades, which I echo. The hon. Member for Wokingham (Clive Jones) presented stark statistics, showing the difficulty that young people face in accessing training and a start to their careers. I can echo that it is difficult enough to find a tradesperson, as they are always busy, but try doing that when it is someone in your family and you become a love job—you definitely to go to the bottom of the list. My mum has had a dripping tap for over a decade, and I had a light in my front room—we call it “the big light”—that did not work for 18 months. So I know that it is even worse when it is a love job from your family. I want to make a few points in response to the shadow Minister. First, it is good that she made a commitment—obviously, she has her background with her husband—to apprenticeships and their value, because previous Government initiatives did not seem to do that. Levelling up did not work, with areas of affluence seeing more sign up to apprenticeships while deprived areas saw a drop. Also, the high-level apprenticeships did not work because there was a drop in the construction industry. I thank the Minister for her contribution and commitment to people working in the trade sector, be that businesses, apprentices or future apprentices, through the changes that we have started, identified and hope to continue. I would like her to take back to the Department some points from today’s debate. To achieve the ambitious growth in house building targets that I am pleased the Government are pursuing, we must upskill, and vocational education must be central to that across the country. Broadening the pool of apprenticeships not only solves an important part of the skills gap facing several sectors—notably construction—but it unlocks opportunities for young people and those who want a career change. We need more people to use the flexible apprenticeships that have been mentioned, and we need those to work for a diverse range of people. I was one of the first girls to take a GCSE in design and technology, which is why it has always been a big passion of mine. We need to look at what we are doing in our education system. We need a system that values all pathways equally, so that the young man from Springfield school is not unique in pushing himself into this career. We must celebrate and elevate this vital sector, showing young people, and those not so young wishing to change their career, the possibilities, the positivity and opportunities available. I thank everyone working in the sector who is doing that day in, day out. Apprenticeships can lead to successful businesses, higher wages and skills to be proud of, and I would like to see our education system and society placing vocational training at the heart of its ambition. As I have said, and continue to say, if someone cannot see it, they cannot do it. I am pleased that the Government recognise that and are beginning to unlock and make improvements immediately. Question put and agreed to. Resolved, That this House has considered public perceptions of trades and apprenticeship completion rates.

• 16 Dec 2024 · Water (Special Measures) Bill [Lords] · Hansard source

  More

  Does the Secretary of State agree with me, and with my constituents, that sewage pumped 193 times for 404 hours, in the context of £41 million in bonuses, produces angry residents, un-swimmable seas and potential bill rises—in short, a real faeces show—and does he agree that it cannot happen again?

• 16 Dec 2024 · English Devolution · Hansard source

  More

  I welcome the Minister’s ambitious announcement and the opportunities that devolution could bring the people of Pompey, and I thank him and his team for the time that they have given Members of this House and for his offer of an open door. Portsmouth is one of the most densely populated parts of the country, so alongside the commitment to desperately needed affordable housing, will the Minister commit to using the English devolution Bill to empower my communities with the right to buy beloved community assets, such as empty shops, pubs and much-needed community spaces, to ensure that cities such as mine, and the people in them, feel the pride of ownership once again?

• 16 Dec 2024 · United Front Work Department · Hansard source

  More

  Members from across the House are right to raise concerns about the security threats and attempts to undermine or infiltrate our institutions that we face from China. On behalf of all Members of the House, will the Minister pass on our thanks to all those who work in the security services for their vital work? Most of us will never know or see that work, but it is constantly protecting us from those threats.

• 16 Dec 2024 · Royal Mail Takeover · Hansard source

  More

  I join Members in paying tribute to and thanking our postal workers. In particular, I thank those at my depot in Portsmouth North, which I will be visiting for the second time next week; that was one of my first visits when I was elected. Like me, the posties and people of Portsmouth North were concerned when the previous Government began to negotiate a takeover deal. We therefore welcome the steps that this Minister and his team have taken, particularly around the involvement of the workforce and the trade unions. Can he give us further information on those negotiation talks?

• 12 Dec 2024 · Armed Forces Commissioner Bill (Third sitting) · Hansard source

  More

  My understanding is that the last time that the defence budget was at 2.5% was under a Labour Government, and that in the 14 years under the Conservatives there was not a 2.5% budget.

• 12 Dec 2024 · Armed Forces Commissioner Bill (Third sitting) · Hansard source

  More

  You say that your amendment does not tell the commissioner that they should make the appointment, but it states: “The Commissioner’s staff must include a King’s Counsel”. Since there is a “must”, what you just said is not correct. If we agree to this amendment, we are saying that the commissioner, who we want to be independent, will not have the choice of who they include in their staff, as my hon. Friend the Member for North Durham mentioned. Your amendment says “must include”.

• 12 Dec 2024 · Armed Forces Commissioner Bill (Third sitting) · Hansard source

  More

  I will come to it afterwards.

• 12 Dec 2024 · Armed Forces Commissioner Bill (Third sitting) · Hansard source

  More

  Sorry.

• 12 Dec 2024 · Armed Forces Commissioner Bill (Fourth sitting) · Hansard source

  More

  You state—

• 12 Dec 2024 · Armed Forces Commissioner Bill (Fourth sitting) · Hansard source

  More

  Although we—and, I think, service personnel—recognise the right hon. Gentleman’s concerns about pensions in relation to those specific incidents, I will make three points if I may. First, the amendment states that “A ‘general service welfare matter’ may include issues relating to the provision of pensions”. That would give a rather larger weighting to the direction of the commissioner, potentially over the direction of service personnel and their families. I talk to service personnel in my city of Portsmouth, which is the home of the Royal Navy, and they might prefer for it to state that a general service welfare matter may include issues relating to housing, postings, their professional careers, their rules of engagement and access to local services. Including that single provision would direct the commissioner and would not allow for issues to come up from personnel and the grassroots—from our people on the ground. Should a matter come forward as an issue they want to raise, obviously it is in the gift of the commissioner to do so, but actually the amendment would limit things. From the conversations I have had with personnel in my area, this is not at the top of their list. They would not like to be directed on what they can bring forward to the commissioner.

• 12 Dec 2024 · Armed Forces Commissioner Bill (Fourth sitting) · Hansard source

  More

  As a teacher who worked in Portsmouth North, where we have a large number of naval families, I absolutely agree with you that SEND is in crisis. For families who need to move, the concerns are amplified. I sit on the Education Committee, and SEND is one of the top priorities that we are looking at with this Government.

• 12 Dec 2024 · Armed Forces Commissioner Bill (Fourth sitting) · Hansard source

  More

  Will the right hon. Gentleman give way?

• 12 Dec 2024 · Armed Forces Commissioner Bill (Fourth sitting) · Hansard source

  More

  Sorry. The right hon. Gentleman states that the Veterans Minister is vital and the fact that they do not sit in Cabinet now is a concern. Can he tell me which Tory MP sits in the shadow Cabinet to represent veterans?

• 11 Dec 2024 · Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) · Hansard source

  More

  I beg to move, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision about sentencing for theft in relation to the theft of tools of trade; and for connected purposes. Over recent years, there has been a sharp increase in the theft of tradespeople’s tools, usually from vehicles. One in 10 tradespeople can expect to have their tools stolen this year, and the same proportion have already experienced three or more such thefts in their career. The impact on an individual or small business from the theft of critical tools goes well beyond the value of the tools themselves. In addition to the average value of stolen tools of about £2,730, repairing damaged vehicles costs about £1,300 and the immediate loss of work and business interruptions amounts to almost £2,000. It is harder to put a value on the longer-term damage suffered as small businesses find themselves unable to honour commitments or complete contracts on time, but 40% of victims report a negative reputational effect, and one in 10 described it as a significant reputational blow to their business and future business. More than four out of five victims of tool theft report an impact on their mental health and emotional wellbeing, with more than one describing it as major. The construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates in the UK compared with other occupations and professions. Van Watch, a not-for-profit organisation working in my constituency, has provided much of the research and inspiration for the Bill. It has been campaigning tirelessly to protect tradies from tool thefts from their vans. Van Watch’s research suggests that there is little confidence among the trade community that either the police or the courts are on their side, with over 85% dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with sentencing policy. In another study it found that, in 451 cases of tool theft, less than 10 came to court and less than two resulted in a custodial sentence. I have heard some really difficult examples from my constituents of the impact of these crimes, and I will share a couple with the House. Calum had just got married and bought his own house. One morning in 2018, he woke up to find the driver’s door and rear door broken on his van. Overnight, someone had taken over £10,000-worth of power tools that he used to run his business. The thieves escaped prison despite having previous offences for similar thefts. He lost more than £10,000 in tools, not to mention the loss in earnings of several days as he scrambled to get a working vehicle and basic tools just to get back to work. It took a toll on its mental health, and he struggled desperately with anger at the apparent lack of justice. Six years later, he tells me that he finally managed to replace all the tools. He also had to size up a garage and pay extra to fit his Transit van in as he does not believe that his van is safe on the road at night. Pete told me how in the middle of the night he woke up to a drilling sound outside his house. He looked out and saw his van being drilled and his tools being stolen. He confronted the thieves, who did not seem fazed at all at being caught. He feels that the thieves committing these crimes have no fear of repercussions. He called the police, and although the thieves did end up getting caught, they did not go to prison and none of his tools were recovered. It is simply not practical to empty work vans every single night. People should reasonably expect to be able to keep the tools of their livelihoods in locked and alarmed vans, with them being safe outside their houses and on the streets. I turn to current sentencing guidelines, which look at culpability rate and harm rate, with culpability defined as a letter—A, B or C—and harm measured on a numerical scale from one to four. Anyone taking a leadership role in crime, coercing others or targeting vulnerable people is likely to get a culpability rating of A, people who are coerced into crime get a culpability rating of C and everyone in the middle gets a B. Harm caused by crime is measured on a four-point scale, with harm category one reserved for high-value stolen goods—over £100,000 —category two covering theft between £10,000 and £100,000 and category three covering thefts between £500 and £10,000. When considering the sentence, the magistrate refers to a chart in the guidelines to find the appropriate sentence. For example, if the culpability rating is B and the value of the stolen goods is £5,000, that would be a category three offence. The sentence can range from a low-level community service order to 36 weeks’ custody. In addition, the guidance gives a starting point; in this example, that would be a higher-level community service order. The maximum sentence for theft is seven years in prison. However, for a category three offence with a medium, B culpability rating, the sentencing guidelines tend to direct courts towards a much lesser, non-custodial sentence. How do we reform that and ensure that tradespeople have justice? If the courts had a better understanding of the impact of tool theft on individuals and small businesses, the system would deal with the crime in a much more just way. In the Bill, I propose the following reforms. First, there is a provision for the harm category to be uprated to the next higher category if there is evidence of significant additional harm to the victim or others. The sentencing guidelines give examples of what might constitute significant additional harm. Theft of tools of trade would be added to the list of those examples, to prompt magistrates to consider applying category two for greater harm, instead of the usual category three. Secondly, there is a lack of clarity about how to calculate monetary values in order to determine the category. In one section, the guidance refers to financial loss; in another, it refers to the value of stolen goods. In the case of tool theft from vehicles, there is often a big difference between the value of the stolen tools and the total financial loss, including repairs to the van, loss of work and business interruptions. On average, the latter cost more than replacing the tools does. The wording should be standardised as “financial losses”, so that more tool thefts would fall into category two. Finally, a crime with a medium culpability rate of B and category two for harm would result in a sentence ranging from six months to two years in prison, with the starting point being one year in prison, rather than a community order. Those reforms would make it more likely that tool theft would lead to a custodial sentence, strengthening the deterrent and leading to a potential reduction in this crime. I thank Ray and Van Watch for their considerable and thorough research, which has contributed significantly to the shaping of the Bill, and their unwavering support. I also thank Jambu, the chief executive officer of Checkatrade, the home improvement platform based in Portsmouth North that is backing the Bill on behalf of the 100,000 tradespeople and 500,000 small businesses on its platform. I would welcome Members of the House sharing this campaign with trade groups and small businesses across the country, so that they can join us in backing the Bill. Tradies are the backbone of our country and our small business economy. They deserve to operate their businesses free from the constant threat of crime. Reforming the sentencing guidelines and tackling the theft of tools of the trade is not just a matter of justice; it is about recognising the essential role that tradespeople play every day in our economy. Increasing the penalties for tool theft would send a clear message that these crimes will no longer be tolerated. We must afford tradespeople greater protection in the justice system. I ask the House to back my Bill and stand up for workers in the trade sector, whom we rely on, and who work hard every day to build, repair and serve our communities. Question put and agreed to. Ordered , That Amanda Martin, Ms Stella Creasy, Margaret Mullane, Mrs Sharon Hodgson, Jodie Gosling, Dr Allison Gardner, Laurence Turner, Shaun Davies, Gurinder Singh Josan, Darren Paffey, Chris Bloore and Mark Ferguson present the Bill. Amanda Martin accordingly presented the Bill. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 25 April 2025, and to be printed (Bill 143).

• 11 Dec 2024 · Border Security: Collaboration · Hansard source

  More

  The Conservatives should be absolutely ashamed of their asylum and immigration policy, of their inactivity and of the complete mess in which they left Britain and our borders. [ Interruption. ] The anger and frustration they are showing is shared by my constituents in Portsmouth North on the small boat arrivals—their frustration continues to fill my inboxes. When the Home Secretary came to power, she promised a relentless focus on these boats. We have already heard today about co-operation with other countries on raids, arrests, seizures and stronger enforcement. Will she assure my constituents in Portsmouth North that this is not a gimmick and that the focus will continue through the winter?