Martin Rhodes MP: speeches

Speeches

• 25 Jun 2026 · Topical Questions · Hansard source

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  What steps is the Cabinet Office taking to co-ordinate work across Government on national resilience, particularly in relation to supporting SMEs in extreme weather conditions, such as we have at the moment?

• 25 Jun 2026 · UK-EU Relations · Hansard source

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  3. What steps he is taking to improve relations with the EU.

• 17 Jun 2026 · High Street Shops: Illicit Activity · Hansard source

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  Since the recent fire on Union Street in my constituency, there has been a lot of focus on illicit vape shops, and there have been calls for further legislation. We will see what the investigation says, and then action may need to be taken. Does my hon. Friend agree that this is about not just legislation but enforcement and having the resources available? I would welcome extra resources to ensure enforcement can take place.

• 10 Jun 2026 · Promoting Scottish Interests Abroad · Hansard source

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  10. What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to promote Scottish interests abroad.

• 10 Jun 2026 · Promoting Scottish Interests Abroad · Hansard source

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  Given Scotland’s significant assets in a variety of sectors, what steps is the Secretary of State taking with ministerial colleagues to ensure that city regions such as Glasgow are not only attracting inward investment, but exporting their world-leading strengths in technology, life sciences and advanced manufacturing to key international markets?

• 16 Apr 2026 · Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games · Hansard source

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  2. What steps her Department is taking to support the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth games.

• 16 Apr 2026 · Queen Elizabeth II Centre · Hansard source

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  8. What discussions the Client Board has had with representatives of the events sector on the potential impact of the possible acquisition of the QEII centre on that sector.

• 5 Mar 2026 · Cyber-threats · Hansard source

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  13. What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help tackle cyber-threats.

• 5 Mar 2026 · Cyber-threats · Hansard source

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  I recently chaired a roundtable, which produced a report from Fortinet, a cyber-security firm based in my constituency. The report highlights the opportunities and risks of cyber-resilience as we transition to Great British Railways. Does the Minister agree that more public procurement has a crucial role to play in ensuring that our railways are secure by design and that the Government must keep pace with the evolving cyber-threat to our critical national infrastructure?

• 25 Feb 2026 · Northern Ireland Troubles Bill: Scottish Veterans · Hansard source

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  Labour promised to renew the nation’s contract with those who served our country. Therefore, can the Minister set out what support the new veterans strategy will provide for the around 10,000 veterans in Glasgow?

• 19 Jan 2026 · Sale of Fireworks · Hansard source

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  There is clearly a consensus across the Chamber on finding that balance between people enjoying firework displays and the wellbeing and safety of animals, people and communities. Does my hon. Friend agree that in finding that balance, we must prioritise the welfare, safety and wellbeing of communities, people and animals?

• 15 Dec 2025 · Topical Questions · Hansard source

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  Many LGBT veterans, including those in my constituency, were seriously affected by the indignity they faced during the pre-2000 ban on LGBT personnel. What progress has the Department made in delivering the financial reparations to LGBT veterans affected by that ban?

• 11 Dec 2025 · Fairtrade Certification · Hansard source

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  I am making my final point, Mrs Hobhouse.

• 13 Nov 2025 · Modern Day Slavery: Pakistan · Hansard source

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  Does my hon. Friend agree that one of the most effective ways the UK can combat modern slavery worldwide is by introducing due diligence legislation for imports? In that way, we can ensure that products brought in from Pakistan, China or wherever else are produced in ways that do not include slavery.

• 22 Oct 2025 · Financial Inclusion · Hansard source

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  I agree that we need to do more to encourage savings, but we also need to encourage the incomes that are required for people to make those savings. The driving reason for this level of financial exclusion has been attributed to an increase in low or unstable incomes, lack of savings and life events such as loss of work or bereavement.

• 22 Oct 2025 · Financial Inclusion · Hansard source

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  I agree that the financial inclusion strategy is a very welcome step in developing, co-ordinating and implementing interventions to support financial inclusion in the UK. Subsequent policy decisions stemming from the strategy will have to work for a broad range of groups in society. Many face financial exclusion for different reasons, including older people, disabled people and young people.

• 22 Oct 2025 · Financial Inclusion · Hansard source

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  I agree that we need to look right across the board at the different ways in which people are excluded from financial services, including people living in smaller villages and towns. I also agree about the importance of credit unions to financial inclusion. It has been reported that 41,500 people in Glasgow North are in financially vulnerable circumstances. That is 44% of the adult population, which is far higher than the national average of 38%. With financial exclusion increasing, the Government must take steps to mainstream inclusive policies and practices in our financial system, which is why I support the Government’s appointment of the Financial Inclusion Committee and the soon-to-be-published financial inclusion strategy.

• 22 Oct 2025 · Financial Inclusion · Hansard source

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  Yes, I agree that we need to look right across the whole range of financial services, including insurance, as well as those that we have touched on. Exclusion from one service can often lead to exclusion from another and then another. Failing to get access to one service means that people are less likely to get access to another, and the problem becomes greater.

• 22 Oct 2025 · Financial Inclusion · Hansard source

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  I beg to move, That this House has considered financial inclusion. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Dr Huq. We need a financial system that removes barriers to accessing affordable financial products and services. Those on lower incomes, older people, those with health issues and people with disabilities all have unique needs that an inclusive financial system should be engineered to support. The Building Societies Association reports that 14 million people have less than £100 in savings. According to Fair4All Finance, there are certainly more than 20 million people in financially vulnerable circumstances in the UK.

• 22 Oct 2025 · Financial Inclusion · Hansard source

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  I agree that we need to make sure that all communities have access to financial services, wherever they are and whoever they are. Everybody needs access to those services. I will welcome hearing from the Minister later about the financial inclusion strategy.

• 7 Jul 2025 · Topical Questions · Hansard source

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  T9. What steps is the Home Office taking to ensure that Palestinian students awarded scholarships to UK universities can obtain visas and travel to the UK to take up their places?