Lucy Rigby MP: speeches 2024

Speeches

• 18 Nov 2024 · NATO: Missile Defence Co-operation · Hansard source

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  At last month’s NATO Ministers of Defence meeting the Secretary of State agreed to step up co-operation with our NATO allies on missile defence and cutting-edge long-range missiles. Does the Minister agree that a focus on integrating NATO’s missile defence is key to strengthening European security?

• 18 Nov 2024 · NATO: Missile Defence Co-operation · Hansard source

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  7. What steps he is taking with his NATO counterparts to increase co-operation on missile defence.

• 14 Nov 2024 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  At our remembrance services in Northampton on Sunday, we honoured the lives of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I welcome the Government’s introduction of the new digital veteran card this week, as it will better support our armed forces community. Will the Leader of the House consider making time for a debate on our housing plans, and specifically on how we can improve access to housing for current and former service personnel?

• 31 Oct 2024 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  Next year, England will proudly host the women’s rugby world cup. Franklin’s Gardens, home to our mighty premiership champions Northampton Saints, is set to stage several matches, including a Red Roses game. There is huge excitement in our town and beyond about the opportunities that England hosting the games will provide, including the opportunity to grow grassroots participation in the women’s game. Might the Leader of the House consider scheduling a debate in Government time on how we can capitalise fully on this opportunity, and expand support for and participation in the women’s game?

• 10 Sept 2024 · Social Security · Hansard source

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  I am grateful to the Secretary of State for giving way. Pension credit uptake is clearly critically important. From discussions I have had in my constituency, I know there are some myths around pension credit eligibility. Will the Secretary of State please confirm the efforts she is making on pension credit uptake, and does she agree with me that it is vital we ensure everyone who is eligible for pension credit receives it?

• 4 Sept 2024 · Budget Responsibility Bill · Hansard source

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  I pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth Moor View (Fred Thomas) on his fantastic maiden speech and to all hon. Members who have made such brilliant maiden speeches in this afternoon’s debate. It is a privilege to follow them and to make my own maiden speech in the context of such an important Bill. Northampton has sent Members to Parliament since 1283, and it is the honour of my life to be among them as the Member of Parliament for Northampton North. One of those former Members, I am proud to say, was the trailblazing Margaret Bondfield—the first woman to serve in Cabinet in this country, the first to be appointed to the Privy Council and the first to chair the TUC. I hope, in the course of my time here, that we might find ways to see Margaret’s name given greater recognition and prominence, as I believe is due. Some 51 years after Margaret Bondfield’s arrival in this House, the good people of my constituency elected Maureen Colquhoun—a trailblazer herself in relation to many issues, including being the country’s first openly gay MP. I want to pay particular tribute to my two immediate predecessors: Sir Michael Ellis and Sally Keeble. Sir Michael stepped down at the last election, having served Northampton North for 14 years and served the country as a Minister in multiple roles. He is also remembered locally for performing lifesaving CPR on a constituent having a coronary episode—I am more than aware that that sets me a very high bar for looking after my constituents. Like Sir Michael, Labour’s Sally Keeble served Northampton North for well over a decade and served her country in government too. Sally has many achievements—notable among them was the taking through of one of the last pieces of legislation under the previous Labour Government to protect developing countries from vulture funds. Sally remains a dedicated and committed public servant. I do not mind admitting that I spoke to plenty of residents during the election campaign who told me that while they really appreciated my doorstep pitch for their support, they would be voting for Sally Keeble. I am aware of the examples of good service in this place that have been set for me, and I hope to live up to them, so I want my constituents to know that serving our community in Northampton will be my first and highest priority for as long as I remain in this place. This place could, in fact, be in my constituency, because Northampton has been the seat of Parliament on more than 30 occasions. King John even moved the Treasury to Northampton in 1205, when he fell out with a few people in London over something akin to the disastrous mini-Budget—an option that I suspect those supportive of the Treasury’s current location will be glad to know was not suggested, as far as we know, to the former right hon. Member for South West Norfolk. We are a town of deep pride in both our present and our past. We are the largest town in England. We have buildings of neo-gothic splendour; strong communities; beautiful green spaces such as Eastfield Park, Abington Park and the Racecourse; and not one but two shoe armies: Premiership champions Northampton Saints, and the mighty Cobblers. Our boot and shoemaking industry has provided many Members of this House with their footwear over the years, including, I am proud to say, the former Prime Minister and Member for Sedgefield, who wore the same lucky pair of Church’s brogues at every Prime Minister’s questions for 10 years, which just goes to show where a good pair of Northampton shoes can get you.

• 29 Jul 2024 · Public Spending: Inheritance · Hansard source

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  May I point out to certain Opposition Members who might question the difficult decision that the Chancellor has taken to restrict the winter fuel payment to those on pension credit that this approach has been put forward by the Conservatives and the Lib Dems in recent manifestos? The Scottish Government’s own anti-poverty advisory body has stated that, as it stands, “this particular instrument is extraordinarily poorly targeted as regards…addressing poverty.” Does the Chancellor agree that although it is difficult, this decision is a sensible step towards fixing the huge Tory black hole in our public finances?

• 25 Jul 2024 · Government Departments: Digital Technologies · Hansard source

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  11. What steps he is taking to increase the use of digital technologies by Government Departments.

• 25 Jul 2024 · Government Departments: Digital Technologies · Hansard source

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  I welcome the entire ministerial team to their places. The UK has the chance to become a world leader in bringing new technologies into the heart of Government. The concept of a mission-led Government provides a unique opportunity to do exactly that. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure that digital technologies are used to support the Government’s missions, to deliver for my constituents in Northampton North and across the country?