Kirsteen Sullivan MP: speeches

Speeches

• 19 Jan 2026 · Sale of Fireworks · Hansard source

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  My hon. Friend is making an important point on firework control zones. They were sold as a bit of a silver bullet, but unfortunately I heard from fire chiefs and police officers during my time as a councillor that they had been given no additional resources or funding to enforce them. That is surely a must.

• 19 Jan 2026 · Sale of Fireworks · Hansard source

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  It is a pleasure, Ms Jardine, to serve under your chairship today, and I thank the hon. Member for Keighley and Ilkley (Robbie Moore) for presenting these petitions on behalf of the Petitions Committee. It is clear that there is a strength of feeling about fireworks, not only in this place but up and down the country—not least with the 345 of my constituents who have signed the petitions. As we have heard, fireworks can have absolutely devastating impacts on our neighbourhoods, leaving families afraid to go out, homes and drivers under attack, and animals in terror. For years Blackburn, in my constituency of Bathgate and Linlithgow, was known to be a hotspot for dangerous bonfire night disorder. Emergency services came under attack, fireworks were routinely used as weapons, and residents were frightened in their own streets and their own homes. When I first became a councillor in 2017, I learned very quickly the depth of fear, frustration and anger within the community. At one memorable public meeting, anger at perceived inaction threatened to boil over into hostility. However, despite the fact that illegal firework sales were talked about widely and there were numerous incidents involving them, police and fire officers had not received any reports. There was a bit of a light-bulb moment as everybody realised that they had a part to play in making Blackburn a safer place around bonfire night. Instead of allowing frustration to fester, everyone came together. Police and fire services co-ordinated their response with other services, including various council departments and members of the Blackburn community. That led to the establishment in 2019 of the Blackburn bonfire night action group. It worked throughout the year to provide diversionary activities for young people, and to co-ordinate police and fire planning and response alongside that of other services. Crucially, proactive community engagement increased reporting of criminal activity such as illegal sales of fireworks, the creation of dangerous bonfires, and incidents including fireworks being thrown at drivers, pets and so on. In subsequent years, Crimestoppers saw a major increase in reports from worried residents. The group worked because it was a genuine partnership, shaped and driven by the people who lived in the village—people who for years had felt terrorised by a small minority that was hell-bent on causing chaos and fear in the lead-up to 5 November. Although the problems have not been completely eradicated, there has been a vast improvement on the scenes of 2017 and 2018. The Blackburn bonfire night action group has received national recognition for its work, being praised in the Scottish Parliament for reducing antisocial behaviour during bonfire season. I commend everyone who has played a part in the initiative for their commitment and effort in addressing what has been a very complex issue. Ultimately, people in our communities and our neighbourhoods know exactly what is going on, and they are the ones who have to live with the consequences. Fireworks policies must be made with communities and not imposed on them, and councils in Scotland and other vital public services, such as Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, must be resourced and funded to deliver those policies. Communities such as Blackburn deserve nothing less.

• 19 Jan 2026 · Sale of Fireworks · Hansard source

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  In my contribution, I spoke about the contribution of people from Blackburn to changing what was going on in their community. Will the Minister reassure me that the Government will engage directly with communities, to hear from the very people whose lives are blighted by this antisocial behaviour?

• 14 Jan 2026 · Cost of Living · Hansard source

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  After 19 years of an SNP Government, does the Secretary of State agree that yesterday’s budget reflects broken public services and decades of economic stagnation? For many families, that means there is just too much month at the end of the money.

• 5 Jan 2026 · Venezuela · Hansard source

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  There can be no question but that it is for the people of Venezuela to choose its future and for the international community to support democracy and uphold international law. While there is no denying the illegitimacy and brutality of Maduro’s regime, does the Foreign Secretary share my fears that such unilateral action sends the dangerous message to despots and tyrants throughout the world that might is right, and that it endangers peace and democracy throughout the world?

• 5 Jan 2026 · Middle East and North Africa · Hansard source

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  Late last year, I met constituents who run a community link with Jayyous in the west bank. Villagers there have described a daily life of hostility and obstruction by police, and intimidating and threatening intrusions by nearby settlers, despite repeated Israeli court rulings in favour of the villagers. Will the Minister advise the House how the UK’s recognition of the state of Palestine will translate into practical steps to protect communities like Jayyous and to advance peace, security and democratic governance?

• 11 Dec 2025 · St Andrew’s Day and Scottish Affairs · Hansard source

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  I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Dunfermline and Dollar (Graeme Downie) on securing this debate and on his fantastic opening speech. The debate is an ideal opportunity to look at Scotland’s proud industrial heritage and contribution to the world. Although Scotland’s history and inventions are iconic the world over, the spirit of innovation and industry is very much alive in my constituency of Bathgate and Linlithgow. The Kinneil estate in Bo’ness hosts Scottish history from across the centuries. As a UNESCO world heritage site, Kinneil has large parts of the Antonine wall running through it, alongside the labs of the esteemed James Watt. The ruined buildings in Kinneil are the labs where he tested his prototype steam engine. The estate is also home to the beautiful walled garden and orchard where His Majesty the King planted an apple tree in 2023 to celebrate 100 years of the estate becoming a public park. The experimental spirit does not stop with James Watt, however. Sir James Young Simpson experimented with spirits of his own, discovering and isolating the anaesthetic that we use in operations and medical procedures today. Thanks to his medical discovery, many millions of people the world over have been saved from suffering and life-threatening conditions. For that contribution, Sir James is also honoured with a memorial in Westminster Abbey, just across the road from here. Each of these pioneers is a reminder of what Scotland gives to the world, but what Scotland gives to us as Scots is a landscape that has fostered our people. Across my constituency, from the shale bings to the Pyramids business site, industry has constantly evolved from mining and weaving to the manufacturing of the non-lithium vanadium flow batteries of today. I see the Scotland of innovators at first hand whenever I go out and visit community groups and businesses in the constituency. As I have said, Bathgate is host to the only non-lithium vanadium UK-based battery manufacturer, and in the coming weeks the cap and floor scheme decided by Ofgem could create long-lasting industrial jobs in the heart of Scotland. From steam power to green power, my constituency has been a hub of engineering and energy for centuries, and where Sir James Young Simpson left off, Catalent Pharma Solutions continues with medical manufacturing in Bathgate today. Dedication to the innovating tradition of the area is also at the heart of many community groups. Invoking the best tradition of scouting and being prepared, the scouts in Bo’ness have installed solar panels on the roof of their hall, and they aim to become the first net zero Scout group in the UK. Local energy projects give people the benefits of new green energy directly into their back pockets. Climate action networks like the one in West Lothian and the many community development trusts are putting themselves in the driving seat. Finally, the spirit of St Andrew’s day is as poetic as it is practical. It draws together our history, but also our future. We can recognise it and honour it. Though it binds us together, we are not bound by it for the future. Invention and innovation, whether the steam engine or the spaceport, are at the heart of Scotland, so while we celebrate the innovators of our past, let us also acknowledge the pioneers who will shape our future.

• 11 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  Personal protective equipment is all too often based on outdated, non-specific measurements, which disproportionately impacts women, people with disabilities and those with religious requirements. It affects many workers, with asbestos masks that do not fit, a lack of female-fit fire boots, and gloves that are so loose that women are failing basic training drills. Given the Government’s ambitions for major housing, infrastructure and clean energy projects, will the Leader of the House make a statement on new British standard BS 30417 on inclusive PPE and its possible adoption across Government procurement contracts and public sector workplaces?

• 10 Dec 2025 · Engagements · Hansard source

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  Q10. In Blackburn in West Lothian, St Kentigern’s academy was part demolished due to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, and it is being rebuilt at a cost of £35 million. West Lothian council found £20 million from its own stretched budget, but despite repeated pleas to the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, who called it a most deserving case, funding has not been delivered. Will the Prime Minister back my call for the Scottish Government to urgently fund the £15 million shortfall, and raise it with the First Minister in their next meeting?

• 2 Dec 2025 · Pornography and Violence against Women · Hansard source

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  I present this petition on behalf of my constituents on day 8 of the United Nations 16 Days of Activism. Dangerous depictions of violence in offline pornography, such as in magazines, are rightly prohibited under UK law, yet no equivalent laws apply to online pornography, despite its scale and accessibility. The Internet Watch Foundation published over 290,000 reports, with 97% depicting violent child sexual abuse against girls. The petition states: “The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to extend safeguards applied to pornography offline to pornography distributed online; and to legally require all pornography websites accessed from the UK to verify the age and permission of every individual featured on their platform—and give performers the right to withdraw their consent at any time to the continued publication of pornography in which they appear. And the petitioners remain, etc.” Following is the full text of the petition: [The petition of residents of the constituency of Bathgate and Linlithgow, Declares that pornography use is fuelling sexual violence; violence against women is prolific in mainstream pornography; and sexual coercion is inherent to the commercial production of pornography. The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to extend safeguards applied to pornography offline to pornography distributed online; and to legally require all pornography websites accessed from the UK to verify the age and permission of every individual featured on their platform — and give performers the right to withdraw their consent at any time to the continued publication of pornography in which they appear. And the petitioners remain, etc.] [P003138]

• 1 Dec 2025 · Budget Resolutions · Hansard source

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  Does the hon. Member accept that 75,000 jobs were lost from the oil and gas sector between 2016 and 2024, under the previous Conservative Government? Does he welcome the North sea jobs service, which this Government will bring in next year?

• 1 Dec 2025 · Budget Resolutions · Hansard source

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  Prior to last Wednesday I wanted to see a Budget that tackled the cost of living crisis while delivering the investment that would allow people and businesses to prosper—not an easy task, but this Budget has delivered. With the removal of the two-child limit, in one policy change this Labour Government will directly benefit 1,700 children in my constituency. Scrapping the cap will be transformational to the life chances and outcomes of children across the country. People in my constituency welcome the £150 reduction in energy bills, with a £300 saving for those on the lowest incomes. That will ease pressure on household budgets. One of the biggest scandals of the 14 years of Tory government is the fact that so many people in work rely on welfare. By bringing fairness back to pay, we rebuild financial resilience and protect more families from hardship. Thanks to the Budget, over 200,000 Scots will receive an above-inflation pay rise, including over 9,000 people across West Lothian and Falkirk. This puts more money in their pockets. The Government are also backing much needed investment in Scottish public services, with an extra £820 million taking the additional funding for the Scottish Government to over £10 billion since July 2024. That is the choice that this Government have made, yet Scots are not seeing the improvements that the funding should deliver, and councils are forced to find ever greater and more damaging cuts. West Lothian council has just closed a public consultation on an additional £23 million in cuts over the next two years, on top of the £184 million cut since the SNP took power in 2007. That is £184 million cut from services in our towns and villages—services that our residents, including our most vulnerable citizens, rely on. There are no good choices. It is austerity on stilts, and it is wholly driven by the SNP Government. It is their political choice, and there are no excuses. This is a fair and balanced Budget, but I would like reassurance from Front Bench colleagues on a few points. Some constituents have flagged the Motability situation, especially in relation to the availability and affordability of automatic cars. Many disabled drivers can only drive automatics, and many require larger cars to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids. I would therefore be grateful to the Minister for reassurance that any definition of “luxury car” will not just consider price, because doing so would limit the availability of larger vehicles, permanent adaptations and automatics. Some constituents are also concerned about the freezing of the tax thresholds beyond 2028, so I ask the Government to reconsider the extension if economic projections are consistently outperformed. Changing the country is not going to be easy, but this Labour Government are putting in the hard yards, through meaningful choices and a rejection of austerity and debt—building a country and an economy that works for everyone and leaves no one behind.

• 24 Nov 2025 · HMP Downview: Female Prisoners · Hansard source

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  I thank my hon. Friend, and I thank the hon. Member for Reigate (Rebecca Paul) for securing the debate. At the beginning of her speech, my hon. Friend said that there were many vulnerable women in prisons, that over half of them had experienced domestic violence, and that many had experienced emotional, physical or sexual abuse. That being the case, does she appreciate that having anyone other than biological females on the female estate risks re-traumatising already vulnerable women?

• 24 Nov 2025 · HMP Downview: Female Prisoners · Hansard source

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  Will my hon. Friend give way?

• 20 Nov 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  Churches are the bedrock of our communities and play a particularly strong role at the heart of our villages. St Philomena’s church in Winchburgh has been a centre of spiritual, community and cultural life for 100 years. It celebrated that milestone with a special mass led by Archbishop Leo Cushley on 26 October. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating Father Deighan, Father Henderson and Deacon Robertson, as well as the congregation of St Philomena’s, and wish them all the best for the years ahead?

• 20 Nov 2025 · Ukraine: Forcible Removal of Children · Hansard source

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  Russia’s kidnapping of children as a weapon in its illegal invasion of Ukraine is absolutely abhorrent and wicked, and I commend my hon. Friend the Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire South (Johanna Baxter) for her sterling efforts to make sure that these children are not forgotten in this place. Unfortunately, this is not the first time that children have been used as a weapon of war; we have seen it in Nigeria and other places in recent years. What more can this Government do to ensure that this is not normalised by dictators and despots across the world, and that children cannot be used as a weapon of war? What more can be done to ensure the return of Ukraine’s 20,000 stolen children?

• 5 Nov 2025 · Fresh and Nutritious Food: Inequality of Access · Hansard source

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  Does my hon. Friend agree that community gardens, such as the Whitburn community garden, which provides fresh fruit and vegetables to the local community fridge, as well as West Lothian food bank’s garden, can sometimes be the only way some people are able to access nutritious, fresh food?

• 5 Nov 2025 · Drug-related Deaths · Hansard source

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  I thank my hon. Friend for securing this important debate. Scotland has had the highest number of drug deaths in Europe for seven years in a row; there were 1,017 in 2024. Does she agree that cuts to funding for rehabilitation facilities and drug and alcohol support services undermine the holistic, comprehensive approach needed if we are to bring down the number of drug deaths, and to give hope to those living with addiction, and to their families?

• 27 Oct 2025 · North Sea Oil and Gas Industry · Hansard source

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  Does my hon. Friend agree that it is important to speak responsibly, with care and accuracy, about the successful UK arm of Petrofac? To do otherwise will only serve to undermine the business and job security that we all want to see across the House. What steps is he taking to ensure that it has a long-term future in the UK?

• 27 Oct 2025 · Young People: Employment, Education and Training · Hansard source

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  With one in six young Scots not in education, employment or training, including hundreds across my constituency, I welcome the Government’s youth guarantee to give young people the training or job support they need. However, with stubborn youth unemployment, the Scottish Government’s swingeing cuts to the college sector and employers warning that Scottish apprenticeships are less favourable than those in England, how will the Secretary of State work to ensure that young people across the UK can benefit from this Government’s ambition?

• 27 Oct 2025 · Young People: Employment, Education and Training · Hansard source

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  7. What steps he is taking to support young people into employment, education or training.

• 16 Oct 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  Whitburn Community Development Trust is at the heart of the town, providing many vital services for local residents including a community fridge and garden. Last Saturday, Charlotte, David and the team hosted their first charity ball, raising more than £7,000 for local projects. Will the Leader of the House make a statement on the benefits of community projects and join me in congratulating the Whitburn team and thanking Ben Murphy and John Devlin, two founding directors who recently stood down after many years of service to the town?

• 16 Oct 2025 · World Menopause Day · Hansard source

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  It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Mr Betts. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Neath and Swansea East (Carolyn Harris) for securing this important debate. I wish to start my remarks on World Menopause Day with a tribute to a simple yet powerful initiative: the menopause APPG, diligently chaired by my hon. Friend, has designed easily distributable bookmarks. They are so easily distributable that I searched high and low for one to bring along with me today and found that I have given them all away. These bookmarks list an A to Z of menopause symptoms, which I am sure that some of us in the room will recognise. They do more than mark a page; they give visibility to a natural stage in a woman's life. With half the population facing this transition, you would think that it would be better understood, but from doctors’ surgeries through to prisons, women face confusion and dismissal when they try to explain their symptoms. I commend my hon. Friend on her tireless efforts to extend awareness and education into spaces where women’s voices are rarely heard. Menopause is not just a single symptom. It is not just hot flushes or mood swings; it is a pattern of physical, emotional and cognitive changes that can impact every aspect of a woman’s life. Yet all too often, in many medical settings, symptoms are treated in isolation. A woman may be prescribed or offered antidepressants for low mood. I have been there myself. “No—I just want to be able to sleep at night.” Painkillers are given for joint aches or sleeping pills for insomnia, but nobody actually joins the dots. Medical professionals need the tools, the training and the time to recognise menopause as a whole-body experience. We have to start treating menopause holistically. If we improve the health outcomes, we will restore dignity, agency and quality of life, because all too often women feel as if their power is being taken away from them. That really has to change. This debate is critical to give the message that we, as parliamentarians, and in wider society, recognise that every woman deserves to be seen, heard and supported through this transition. Let us use those bookmarks to continue to guide us through this next chapter of change.

• 16 Oct 2025 · World Menopause Day · Hansard source

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  Does my hon. Friend agree that this issue not only has an impact on a woman’s feeling of self-worth and value, and on her career progression, but can have a severe economic impact on her family?

• 14 Oct 2025 · Middle East · Hansard source

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  Like others, I welcome the ceasefire and the return of hostages to their families, but that is very much tempered by the loss of thousands of lives over these past two years—loved ones who will never return home. Elected representatives, humanitarian organisations and individuals across the world, including our constituents, have given voice to the plight of the people of Gaza these past two years. Can the Prime Minister tell me what efforts will be made to ensure that its people will be safe and free to shape the future of Gaza, and that their voices will be heard in the months and years to come?