Jim Shannon MP: speeches 2024

Speeches

• 31 Oct 2024 · SEND Provision: Hampshire · Hansard source

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  The Minister has very kindly given us some hope about the way forward. I should have mentioned the Department for Work and Pensions earlier. It is important that parents are aware of all the help in the system—for instance, there is disability living allowance. Whenever somebody comes to me with a child who has experienced educational issues, I always ask them, “Are you aware that there is a system set up to help you?” Is that something we should emphasise a wee bit more strongly?

• 31 Oct 2024 · SEND Provision: Hampshire · Hansard source

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  It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Sir Mark. As the hon. Member for Basingstoke (Luke Murphy) and I were walking down to Westminster Hall, I asked if he would be speaking and he said he was. I know that the debate is about Hampshire, but I always want to come along to support hon. Members who are bringing forward critical issues. I also want to add comments from a Northern Ireland perspective. I am pleased to see the Minister in her place; I always look forward to meeting her and I know she clearly understands the issues that the hon. Member presented. I want to support him and his parents group, which has come here today. On the way here, he mentioned that those parents are the reason he secured the debate, and parents should be in everything that we do. These things are about our constituents and about what we can do to help them and give their perspective. I spoke on this issue just last week; indeed, like almost everyone here, I have spoken in every debate on SEND education since we came back after the election. As I said, I want to give a Northern Ireland perspective, if I may. I welcome the Budget, which allocated extra money to the SEND education system, as the hon. Member mentioned. I am always hopeful that some of that allocation will come our way through the Barnett consequential, which results in us gaining from investment here on the mainland.

• 31 Oct 2024 · Topical Questions · Hansard source

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  What discussions have there been with Invest NI in relation to supporting small Northern Ireland businesses in the digital evolution, to help them adapt and make improvements with digital technology to ensure the smooth running of their businesses?

• 31 Oct 2024 · Income tax (charge) · Hansard source

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  There is not one person on the Opposition Benches who is not concerned about the inheritance tax changes. If I am honest, I do not think there is one Member on the Government Benches who represents a farming community and is not also worried. The measure has been universally condemned by all the farmers I have spoken to, and I live in a farming community. The National Farmers Union, the Ulster Farmers Union and others are up in arms about this inheritance tax. The sum of £1 million draws everybody into that scheme, and because of that, we must vote against it. I say to those on the Government Benches: guys, you have got it wrong, and this time you will be condemned. When it comes to election time, the people who you have hurt will remember.

• 30 Oct 2024 · Economic Growth: Scotland · Hansard source

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  When it comes to promoting economic growth in Scotland, it is clear that the best way to do that is from within this great United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. What is the Minister doing to make that happen, and to convince my SNP colleagues sat in front of me of the best way forward?

• 30 Oct 2024 · Childcare: Black Country · Hansard source

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  I commend the hon. Lady for securing this debate and directly underlining the issues pertinent to her constituency. There are also other important issues to consider, including autistic children, children who need speech therapy and the one-to-one support needed in nurseries and childcare. Does she agree that a special priority needs to be given in circumstances where children need care early? By getting care early, they can get to a stage where they can do their schooling and are set up for their future life.

• 30 Oct 2024 · Children’s Hospices: Funding · Hansard source

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  I thank my hon. Friend for that intervention. He is absolutely right. The £14 million raised in Northern Ireland for hospice care is extra money and—I say this very gently to the Minister and those in positions of power—that should not be taken by the Government as, “Well, we can take £14 million off what they’re doing in Northern Ireland because we’ve got £14 million from the volunteers.” That £14 million is vital to ensuring that the care goes forward. With increasing reports of closures and decreases in some services, there is a clear need for the Department of Health, wholly supported by the Barnett consequentials, to find ways to financially aid our hospice services so that, years down the line, we do not see impending closures. The core priority, I believe, is to protect these vital services that provide so much to families across the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Together for Short Lives revealed that the Northern Ireland’s Children’s Hospice has forecast a budget deficit of £1.46 million for 2023-24. That is due in part to a 6% cut in the hospice’s statutory income. Our hearts— and, most importantly, our thanks—are with the staff of hospice centres who work tirelessly to support those young children and families through that end of life palliative care. I conclude with this, Mr Twigg—I am trying to keep to time—I strongly sympathise with the hon. Member for Liverpool West Derby and his constituents on what they are going through. I have every hope that the Government can do something to support the devolved nations, and indeed NHS England, in the funding crisis. This is the responsibility of the Department of Health back home, but that must be fully supported by Westminster, right here.

• 30 Oct 2024 · Children’s Hospices: Funding · Hansard source

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  I thank the hon. Member for Liverpool West Derby (Ian Byrne) for setting the scene. It is nice see him in his place; he used to be in opposition, and now he is in government. He has been elevated, so well done. I was saddened to hear about Zoe’s Place in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency having to become a stand-alone charity to encourage investment. There are many children who rely on these services, so it is never nice to hear the sort of news which he has presented today. Our hospices are pivotal within their local communities, so it is great to be here to discuss how to support them further. It is also a pleasure to see the Minister and the shadow Minister, the hon. Member for Sleaford and North Hykeham (Dr Johnson), and I look forward to their contributions. About a fortnight ago I attended a pop-up hospice charity shop here in Parliament. It was helpful to discuss the funding crisis facing our hospices with other Members and representatives. I also signed an open letter to the Minister of State for Care, and I look forward to hearing his responses in relation to these issues. Over the years, I have supported the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice, which holds three or four charitable events in my constituency of Strangford every year. People are very generous and incredibly kind. The money that John and Anne Calvert help to raise through those charity events is something we all appreciate. To give some background on the situation in Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice is instrumental in providing endless amounts of support for people and is incredibly helpful. Horizon House in Newtownabbey is a seven-bed in-patient centre that aids the local community, including through sibling and bereavement support. It goes beyond what would normally be expected, providing community care alongside hospice at-home and palliative care for 350 babies across Northern Ireland, which is really important. In February this year, the hospice had to reduce its bed capacity to six due to a reduction in Government funding, with the intention of running six beds from Monday to Friday, and three beds on Saturday and Sunday—a drastic change from the seven beds, seven nights model. Incredibly active fundraisers added a huge £14 million to the four hospice care facilities back home.

• 30 Oct 2024 · Western Sahara · Hansard source

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  First, I commend the right hon. Gentleman for all he is doing in this debate tonight and for all he has done in the past. It is recognised by a great many people, and we thank him for it. Does he agree that the reason why the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office guidance advises against travel to areas such as Western Sahara underlines the help that the people who live there need? Does he also agree that, rather than simply warning against travel, the Government should focus on whether any steps can be taken to help the tens of thousands of people in refugee camps who have no hope at all for the future?

• 30 Oct 2024 · NHS Winter Readiness · Hansard source

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  There is no better choice the Government can make than committing that money to the NHS—we all welcome that. Anybody who does not would be insane. I always try to be constructive in my contributions. I asked about staffing and made the suggestion to retain students wherever they do their training. Sometimes they come to the end of it and go somewhere like Australia or New Zealand to get a job. Instead of that, if Government were to consider a bursary-type system to retain the staff, I think we would be able to address some of the pressure that we have.

• 30 Oct 2024 · NHS Winter Readiness · Hansard source

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  I am just chewing a sweet, Sir Roger; my apologies. It is a pleasure to speak in this debate. I congratulate the hon. Member for North Shropshire (Helen Morgan) on setting the scene so well. Today, we had some good news in the Chamber: that £22 billion will be spent on the NHS. The good news for us is that, through the Barnett consequentials, some of that will come to Northern Ireland. We do not yet know how much, but we are sure that some of it will come. As the DUP health spokesperson, I join colleagues in expressing concerns for my constituents and their access to good health care this winter. Everyone has spoken about that; we cannot ignore the issue. We hope what the Government have put forward today is a helpful financial solution that will go some way to addressing the issue. I am aware that health is a devolved matter, but funding is not devolved, nor is the obligation of Government to implement their promised NHS reform throughout the entire UK. When I asked the Secretary of State for Health about that reform, he was very clear in his commitment that everyone in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland would see the benefits. I hope today is a step in the right direction. The Department for Health has released the preparedness document for last year. I welcome some of the impetus, such as strengthening the urgent and emergency care system to provide alternatives to emergency departments, including urgent care centres, urgent streaming services, rapid access clinics and the local phone first services. The hon. Member for North Shropshire, who set the scene, referred to ophthalmology. It is important to include that because there are some questions along those lines. We had an event yesterday called “The eyes have it”. As the party’s health spokesperson, I try to go to as many health events as I can in the House of Commons. Those attending outlined a number of things they wish to see. Perhaps the Minister can give us some ideas on how we can improve ophthalmology across the United Kingdom. I welcome the £3.4 million funding provided to general medical and out of hours services, to support GP practices to increase their capacity in light of the anticipated increase in demand over the winter. A figure of £4.3 million has been provided to support GP practices across Northern Ireland to provide proactive support and care to those in nursing and residential care homes. That is again an example of what can be done. I will mention some of the other positive things. I am hopeful that some of the extra money allocated to the NHS today by the Chancellor will filter its way towards Northern Ireland. The hon. Member for North Shropshire referred to the ambulance service. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service is increasing its range, capacity and clinical expertise at the ambulance emergency control to help ensure that cases are appropriately managed, without time delays. The enhanced hospital capacity, with 45 beds opened for last winter in my local Ulster hospital, will continue to be funded. Those are some of the good stories and news. Another is the rolling out of the Pharmacy First pilot service for uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women aged 16 to 64 years. That will expand the current pilot of 62 community pharmacies to the entire pharmacy network of some 500 pharmacies right across Northern Ireland through an investment of £410,000. Again, money is being allocated in the right places to do the right job, which will hopefully make lives better. Over the winter period, it is estimated that this will deliver 12,000 consultations, freeing up capacity in GP practices. The whole idea of the Pharmacy First pilot service was to ease pressure on GPs, and I know the Minister has always been committed to that. There are good things that can happen, and hopefully after today even more good things will be able to happen. Some £265,000 has been allocated for a new Pharmacy First sore throat test and treat service, which is being piloted this winter. When winter comes, there are colds, flus, sore throats and days off, and everyone rushes to the GP. This will reduce the impact on GPs. These good schemes can be of overall benefit to the NHS. The sore throat service will be piloted in 40 pharmacies, and it is estimated that 8,000 consultations will be delivered this winter, which is good news. All these measures were welcomed, but none brought the result of an NHS that was prepared last winter. Indeed, that has increased my conviction that we are in a more difficult situation this winter and that the pressure on the NHS cannot be relieved by these small measures. If the Minister can, will she say how the moneys announced by the Chancellor today will be allocated and how that will improve the NHS’s response to this winter? We need GP practices to be able to refer their patients for an MRI and know that they will be seen in reasonable time, rather than making the referral and then telling the patient to go and spend the day in A&E to get the MRI. Such small but significant things would make a difference and improve the service overall. GPs also tell me that they do not trust the red flag system and that A&E is turning into that red flag system for tests. How can we blame GPs for trying to ensure that they do not miss anything and for using the system in this way? We need more capacity for MRIs, CAT scans and mammograms, and we need more trained radiographers. One of the things announced today was a significant investment in radiography, but when it comes to allocating the funds we must consider the need to ensure that we recruit and retain radiographers. The Minister may not have the answers to these questions, but does she know what has been done to train more radiographers and improve our NHS? As a result of there being too few radiographers, 188,881 people in Northern Ireland—nearly 10% of the population—are waiting for a diagnostic test. The wait means that treatment such as radiotherapy is delayed and cases become more complex. That is the nature of having a health problem; people should get seen early and respond early. For some patients, even a two-week delay can mean the difference between life and death. This long-term issue needs a long-term vision. That is why I am asking the Minister to take seriously schemes that would encourage our intelligent and capable young people to train here and stay here. I have been a great advocate of this and have raised this issue on numerous occasions over the years. We want these young people to train here and stay here with their skills. University bursaries or forgiveness of student debt in return for a period of employment in the NHS would be a positive way forward. Could the Minister look at that too? Young people go into debt very early on and find it hanging over their shoulders for years to come. If we offer them a job in the NHS and they commit to staying, we can improve things. We have incredibly capable, intelligent British students, and we need to invest in their long-term careers in the NHS and allow them to work alongside junior doctors. We must prepare them for the marathon of NHS life rather than give them sprints that they cannot sustain. We should get the system moving in that direction. I believe that there is work to do not simply for this winter but for every day of the winters yet to come.

• 30 Oct 2024 · COP29 and International Climate Finance · Hansard source

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  I congratulate the hon. Lady on securing this debate. I spoke to her beforehand, and the subject is incredibly important. According to international climate finance reports, 14 programmes have been initiated to support farmers across the globe to improve their access to clean energy. As she rightly said, that is an objective not only internationally, but at home. Does she agree that the Government must do more to assist farmers domestically across the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland with incentives for greener and cleaner farming?

• 30 Oct 2024 · Roadworks: Journey Times · Hansard source

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  It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Roger. May I congratulate the hon. Member for Broxbourne (Lewis Cocking) on setting the scene so well? I will not delay the House very long, but I want to make a contribution from Northern Ireland, highlighting some points and then putting forward a couple of solutions. I live in a rural community and the only way of getting to where we want to be on a regular basis is to jump in the car and drive up the road. The Ards peninsula, where I live, has a road going down one side and up the other and one going through the middle, so accessibility to certain roads means that if one closes, we have severe problems. I am used to the journey into town being a wee bit longer than I would like it to be. To give one example, the roadworks in Belfast, which have been there for some time, have led to people missing flights, being late for GP appointments, late for work and even missing NHS operations in the Ulster hospital. It is hard to comprehend how that can happen. Even the buses cannot get through, as the hon. Member for Broxbourne (Lewis Cocking) mentioned earlier. Even the fast buses cannot get along the road. To give some perspective of where we are in Northern Ireland, I see problems for small businesses, particularly when roads are habitually closed. One in particular is McClements’ garage on the Portaferry Road, Newtownards. The roads service cannot do anything about having to close the road. Insurance means that vehicles cannot travel up and down the road during major works, which means that the business closes and the garage owner has lost business over a period of maybe eight to 10 weeks. That has an impact on him because he does not get the traffic and passing trade. Can more be done to help businesses that are directly impacted by such works? We need better co-ordination. Let me give two examples: Mill Street in Newtownards and Loughries Road. This was a few years ago, to be fair. Northern Ireland Water came and dug the road up, then filled it in. The gas guys came along, dug the road up and filled it in. Then the third one, British Telecom, came along. It dug the road up as well—in the very same place, the same hole in the ground. The three utilities could have been better co-ordinated and could have done it better together. We need better co-ordination; that is No. 1. I want to give a second solution, if I can. I know that the roads service in Northern Ireland has done this. The Sydenham bypass carries a vast number of vehicles—thousands every day. It is a major thoroughfare, bringing people up from the Ards peninsula and Bangor right into Belfast, so that road is really important. The roads service came up with a solution, which was to do the work at the weekend. That meant that when people were going to work from Monday to Friday, the roads were available, but on Saturday and Sunday they were not. How did we do it better? We asked the roads service to work more at the weekends. I understand that it is difficult in times of financial stringency, but none the less it is not impossible for work to be done at nighttime when fewer people are on the roads and there is less impact. So, there are two solutions to consider, including doing the roadworks in the evenings and at weekends, as has been done in Northern Ireland. It is successful. I have one more quick point. Whenever the roads are closed, there really has to be a better way of letting vehicle owners and those who are travelling on the road know exactly what is going on.

• 29 Oct 2024 · World Stroke Day · Hansard source

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  I congratulate the hon. Lady on securing this debate. She mentioned the age of 65, which is really important; in Northern Ireland, there are some 2,800 new strokes every year. While the majority of strokes affect people who are over the age of 65, they can strike at any age. Some 25% of people who have strokes are under the age of 65, so does the hon. Lady agree that we must get away from the notion that stroke awareness is only for older people, and that we must be very aware of the FAST signs—face, arms, speech and time—that can make the difference between death and recovery? It can happen to young people as well.

• 29 Oct 2024 · Zero Emission Vans · Hansard source

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  I commend the hon. Member for Tamworth (Sarah Edwards) on introducing this issue. I spoke to her before the debate, and I understand that she is bringing forward something that we all need to endorse, right across this great United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. We should encourage local councils to deal with the vans that they have, and ensure that they move towards electric fleets. Does the hon. Lady agree that the Government and the Minister might need to be involved in some way to ensure that there are incentives to make that happen, whether through low finance deals or grants? If we can get the councils to do it, that makes it easier for the rest of us to follow.

• 29 Oct 2024 · IPP Sentences · Hansard source

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  The shadow Minister—absolutely. We sometimes forget that time has elapsed. It is nice to see him in his place too. It is clear that IPP sentences remain an issue. The House of Commons Library prepared an excellent briefing for us, which helped us bring together our thoughts. As of 31 March 2024, there were 1,180 unreleased IPP prisoners and 1,616 recalled IPP prisoners in custody in England and Wales—a total of 2,796. Given the accommodation issues in prisons, it is clear that we must look at this integral part of the system and the process as we try to find solutions and move forward. As of March 2024, all but 13 unreleased IPP prisoners had passed their tariff date. The pressure caused by those sentences on the system must be addressed, but we cannot ignore the need to ensure public safety. Although the system and the tariffs must be looked at, the safety of the general public is key, so we must ensure that anybody who is released is not a danger to them. We could get into the whys and wherefores—the reasons our prisons are overrun. That is not what this debate is about, but I have heard them all from the concerned victims of crime when the perpetrators are released early. When I ask questions of the Minister in the Chamber, I always focus on the victims, and I wish to do that today. It is very important that we do not forget them as we try to find a solution for IPP prisoners. The main issue behind the complaints is not justice, but fear. The victims are frightened, and the necessary changes and reform must have three foundational principles: justice, rehabilitation and the victims. They are on an equal footing, although I always focus on the victims. I understand why we are having this debate. It is incredibly difficult to factor in unended prison sentences when planning the prison system, but we must ensure justice and listen to victims’ voices when we reform this system. When these people are released automatically, they must not be left in the midst of a community that has no way forward. Resettlement after prison terms have been served is an issue throughout the UK, so there are things to be done and put in place before anyone can be released from prison. The Government need to make changes, but they must satisfy those three core principles. My plea for prison reform throughout the United Kingdom is that it must meet the principles of justice and rehabilitation. Importantly, we must listen to the voices of victims. It is not an easy task. The Minister has got a big task ahead of him. I am quite sure he will be able to respond to that, but these things have to be done correctly, wisely and sensitively. I suppose that is really what I am asking for. Now is the time to bring about those steps.

• 29 Oct 2024 · IPP Sentences · Hansard source

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  As always, it is a real pleasure to serve under your chairship, Ms Vaz. I thank the hon. Member for Southgate and Wood Green (Bambos Charalambous) for setting the scene so well, and all those who contributed. We do not have this sentence in Northern Ireland, but I have met some of the groups that have been lobbying here, and they have given me some idea of the process. I want to make a few helpful contributions to this debate and endorse ideas that others have put forward. There is definitely a need for reform and a review of the IPP sentence system. Others with much more knowledge than me—especially the hon. Member for Southgate and Wood Green—have outlined that well. In Northern Ireland, of course, some prisoners are in shockingly similar positions, so I want to add to this conversation. It is a pleasure to see the Minister in his place. He and I have been friends for many years. We were brought together not just because we are MPs but because we are Leicester City football club supporters; we were the Leicester City House of Commons football supporters club. There were not many of us—perhaps there are not many more now, but there are a few more Leicestershire MPs, so we have maybe half a dozen supporters now. It is also a pleasure to see the Minister—

• 29 Oct 2024 · Investor Confidence · Hansard source

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  If the Chancellor wants to increase investor confidence, the thing to do is help small and medium-sized enterprises. Tomorrow she will have the opportunity to do that. What will be done to help them? In Northern Ireland, 85% of businesses employ 10 or fewer employees. If she helps the SMEs in Northern Ireland, that will increase employment.

• 29 Oct 2024 · Israel: UNRWA Ban · Hansard source

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  I thank the Minister for her answers and for her clarity, which is much appreciated. Does she accept that Israel did not take this decision lightly, but based it on intelligence gathering which indicated an infiltration of Hamas within UNRWA? Does she agree that we must work to find a solution to ensure that charitable foundations are free to supply the aid that is so desperately needed? While the UN has a role to play, will she liaise with Israel to determine how we can get help on the ground to those who need it throughout Gaza and Israel?

• 29 Oct 2024 · Diabetes Treatments · Hansard source

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  I thank the hon. Lady for giving way again. One of the things that we have noticed back home in Northern Ireland is that even if someone gets a type 1 diabetes diagnosis early on, it does not mean that their life is over—they can still go on. We have a high prevalence of young children in Northern Ireland who have type 1 diabetes, and for them it is rather scary but also a fact of life. I have seen some of those young boys and girls growing up and the diabetes has not affected their life at all. It is important to know that those being diagnosed early with diabetes can have a normal life and family.

• 29 Oct 2024 · Diabetes Treatments · Hansard source

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  I commend the hon. Lady for securing the debate. I declare an interest: I am a type 2 diabetic. In our discussion before the debate, I informed the hon. Lady that, when I was first diagnosed some 18 years ago, believe it or not, I was at least 17 stone and probably getting bigger by the minute. I went on a diet because that was what the doctor recommended; I am down to a nice trim 13¼ stone. I am thankful for the NHS and the treatment offered, but there is a clear disparity between the treatment offered in different areas of the United Kingdom. Does the hon. Lady agree that diabetes does not have to be a death sentence, but does not have to adversely affect quality of life either? We must ensure that, no matter where someone is in this great United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, they should get a level of diabetic care that enables them to live life to the fullest. Does the hon. Lady agree?

• 29 Oct 2024 · Ministerial Code: Policy Announcements · Hansard source

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  I say this very gently to the Minister, but it must be said: throughout his term, Mr Speaker has been painfully clear that there is a procedure for this House that we must all follow. Does the Minister not agree that this Government, who have come to power on a mandate to do things the right way, must pay respect to that convention? It is not in place simply due to tradition but to ensure that policy changes are heard and debated in this Chamber first, which is the purpose of this House, rather than heard and debated in TV studios throughout the country with a simple nod in the direction of the discourse of democracy.

• 29 Oct 2024 · Ministerial Code: Policy Announcements · Hansard source

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• 29 Oct 2024 · Sudan · Hansard source

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  I thank the Minister very much for her response. It is clear to the House that the Minister is doing her best to try to find solutions to the questions we are asking. On the escalating violence in Sudan’s Gezira state, recent attacks by the Rapid Support Forces have reportedly led to some 124 civilian deaths and widespread atrocities, including the targeting of ethnic and religious communities. In the light of the events that have led to the displacement of some 11 million people in Sudan, how are the Government working with international partners to safeguard the freedom of religious belief of those fleeing the religiously and ethnically motivated violence, and what immediate actions have been taken to ensure access to safe passage, humanitarian aid and protection for Sudanese civilians facing persecution, especially those from vulnerable religious communities?

• 28 Oct 2024 · Middle East · Hansard source

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  I thank the Foreign Secretary for his statement, and his tone, which should be admired. He rightly stated the precarious situation that the middle east teeters upon. While Iran has seemingly dialled back the rhetoric for now, how will he encourage the Iranians and, importantly, the IRGC to dial back on their actions, not simply against Israel but against their own people, who are on their knees, subject to brutal human rights abuses and persecution? In the face of this horrific regime, how can we help ordinary Iranians, and Israelis, to live a life free from war?