Maureen Burke MP: speeches

Speeches

• 2 Jul 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  Around 59% of children in the most deprived areas reach a good level of development by the time they start primary school compared with 79% in the least deprived areas. Babyzone is a charity set up to level the playing field by providing free-to-access community hubs that offer services to support children’s development. I recently had the privilege of opening Babyzone’s first Scottish hub in Easterhouse, which I know will make a real difference to local families. Will the Leader of the House join me in recognising Babyzone’s work, and will he consider allocating parliamentary time to debate how we can close the development gap between affluent and poorer neighbourhoods so that every child gets a fair start in life?

• 10 Jun 2026 · Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 · Hansard source

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  It is a privilege to serve under your chairship, Mr Twigg. I commend my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow West (Patricia Ferguson) for securing this debate on the forthcoming Commonwealth games in our home city. In just a matter of weeks, Glasgow will once again host the Commonwealth games. The resounding success of our 2014 games put Glasgow at the forefront of people’s minds when a location needed to be found for 2026. I am proud that Glasgow stepped up, and I am confident that the games will offer a blueprint for the future, as we approach the 100th anniversary of the first Commonwealth games in 1930. One of the many innovative parts of the 2026 games is that they are being funded by a mixture of compensation, grant funding and commercial income, resulting in a smaller-scale event with a condensed sporting programme, and, most importantly, no additional public money will be spent. Nevertheless, after visiting the Glasgow 2026 headquarters on Bothwell Street, where I met chief executive Phil Batty and chair George Black, I am convinced that the 2026 games will be a world-class display, thanks in no small part to the substantial public investment that was made in advance of the 2014 games, including for the purpose-built Emirates arena, as it was known, which was commissioned and built by Labour-run Glasgow city council. I am filled with hope at the prospect of the games offering a new way forward, encouraging others to adopt our approach of renovation and reuse. Often referred to as “the friendly games”, this sporting event has been, and can continue to be, an opportunity to bring nations and people together in a spirit of friendly competition. I have no doubt that that spirit will endure at these games. However, less positive differences between the 2026 and the 2014 games will also be on show to competitors and spectators. In the past decade, Glasgow has been subjected to repeated budget cuts, which will be all too visible as we welcome the world back to our streets, with a less vibrant city centre, poor and increasingly expensive public transport and a maze of road closures. Perhaps the most striking change of all is George Square, which featured prominently in the 2014 opening ceremony. That landmark remains under construction and closed off to the public, with calls for its renovation to be expedited for the games having been ignored. I hope that, just as Glasgow has risen to the challenge of hosting the Commonwealth games once again, the city council and Scottish Government will use the short time we have left between now and the start of the games to recognise the urgency of restoring Glasgow’s status as the world-class destination that visitors and residents expect. That is a legacy that many Glaswegians would be glad to see delivered.

• 20 May 2026 · Engagements · Hansard source

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  Q2. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Royal Regiment of Scotland—20 years of duty, courage and, for 23 of its soldiers, the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Across Scotland, more than 20 councils have recognised the regiment’s service by granting it the freedom of their area, reflecting Scotland’s long and proud tradition of respecting our armed forces. Earlier this month, however, SNP and Green councillors in Glasgow rejected Labour’s motion to grant the Royal Regiment of Scotland freedom of the city. It is a shameful snub to our servicemen and women, and a decision that has left many Glaswegians feeling ashamed and embarrassed. Does the Prime Minister agree that this is an insult to those who serve, and will he join me in urging Glasgow city council to reconsider?

• 26 Feb 2026 · Bereaved Children: Government Support · Hansard source

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  I thank the hon. Member for Edinburgh West (Christine Jardine) for securing this debate. We all know that there is no good time to be bereaved, no convenient moment to lose a loved one, and no guarantee that we are equipped to cope with loss at any time of life, but to lose a loved one as a child must surely be one of the most isolating experiences imaginable. Their friends have not encountered anything like it, and the adults in their life might not feel confident in knowing how to help them. From chairing the APPG on grief support, I know that as a society we remain woefully underequipped to handle grief among adults, let alone children who are navigating loss in childhood. Bereavement that is left unaddressed can lead to serious problems at any time in life. For children, those problems are only magnified. It is well documented that grief that is left unresolved can lead to a pathway towards unemployment, crime, imprisonment and homelessness. If grief occurs in childhood, the effects can be lifelong and snowball into problems that can start to feel impossible to overcome. Charities across the sector point to the lack of data as the starting point for our failure to properly support children who experience grief in childhood. We simply do not know how many children encounter bereavement. That means that we do not know where to target support or what the scale of the problem is. When support can be given, it is incumbent on all of us to encourage open, honest and frank discussions about loss. The work of charities such as Cruse and Winston’s Wish is incredible, but we should not have to rely on a postcode lottery of local organisations or the variable levels of staff training across our schools and colleges. Teachers need to know where to access dedicated support as soon as they need it, and they need training to help children when they need it the most. There are, of course, many examples of good practice in supporting bereaved children across our schools, and I want to draw attention to the incredible work that has taken place at Oakwood primary school in my constituency. In the autumn of last year when the staff and students at Oakwood were faced with the tragic consequences of a car accident that led to the death of a classmate, they addressed the bereavement head-on, led by their incredible headteacher Vanessa Thomson. A garden of remembrance was created, and students were encouraged to speak out about their feelings with their teachers and each other. Encouraging conversation in this way and providing a dedicated space to grieve and talk about loss goes a long way to moving away from a culture of silence around death. Encouraging conversations about loss must be at the heart of any policy intervention in this area, and the work at Oakwood should act as a great example to others. I hope that, by continuing to draw attention to the importance of supporting bereaved children through debates such as this and the work of the APPG on grief support, we can continue to improve the support available to staff, students and parents. This should start with collecting the basic data, which will enable us to get a better picture of what is needed and where.

• 12 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I recently attended an event at Oakwood primary school in my constituency, where pupils took part in workshops facilitated by the Children’s Parliament and Save the Children, exploring the impact of poverty. I was so moved that day by the children who recognised that too many of their peers are growing up in hardship and concerned about basic needs such as food and housing. Would the Leader of the House join me in commending the pupils of Oakwood school for their thoughtful contributions, and reaffirm this Government’s commitment to tackling poverty?

• 5 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  Last Tuesday I was delighted to see the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport announce £8.14 million in funding for Scotland through the multi-sport grass- roots facilities programme. I have already heard from organisations in my community that are keen to apply, including East End football academy, which runs weekly football sessions, but it is concerned about the condition of its pitch. Will the Leader of the House consider holding a debate in Government time to discuss the importance of access to good-quality sports facilities, particularly in the country’s poorest areas?

• 24 Nov 2025 · Pride in Place Funding: Glasgow North East · Hansard source

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  My survey of Glasgow North East constituents shows that there is real excitement about the possibility of Pride in Place funding coming their way. From parks and shopfronts to local connectivity, I have been inundated with incredible ideas to transform our corner of Glasgow. Will the Minister commit to giving my constituency bid her full consideration, and will she visit Glasgow North East to see the difference that the investment could make?

• 24 Nov 2025 · Pride in Place Funding: Glasgow North East · Hansard source

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  5. What assessment he has made of the potential impact of Pride in Place funding on Glasgow North East constituency.

• 4 Nov 2025 · Scotch Whisky Industry · Hansard source

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  7. What fiscal steps she is taking to help support the Scotch whisky industry.

• 4 Nov 2025 · Scotch Whisky Industry · Hansard source

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  Scotch whisky is one of Scotland’s greatest products, with high demand at home and across the globe, but many are worried about the challenges facing the industry. The Scotch Whisky Association is calling for a multi-year freeze on excise duty for spirits to relieve some of those pressures and to back the wider hospitality sector. Will the Minister join me, GMB Scotland and others by committing to freeze spirits duty in the Budget later this month?

• 22 Oct 2025 · Energy Prices · Hansard source

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  It is estimated that more than 70,000 households in Glasgow live in fuel poverty. The UK Government’s extension to the warm home discount will mean that many of those families receive money off their energy bills. Can the Secretary of State outline how people can access that support?

• 22 Oct 2025 · Devolution in Scotland · Hansard source

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  I do recognise the achievements of the Labour Government. [ Interruption. ] Can I carry on, please? When the SNP Government took power in 2007, they promised to eradicate child poverty, but child poverty rates are just as bad today as they were then. The inequality gap has widened in other areas, too. The gap in positive outcomes for school leavers from the most and the least deprived areas has grown. This is driven by a failure in our schools, where the attainment gap between the richest and the poorest pupils has also widened. A record 10,000 children, too many of whom are from my city of Glasgow, are trapped without a permanent home and are growing up in temporary accommodation as Scotland’s housing crisis deepens. One in six Scots are waiting on an NHS waiting list, with at least 100,000 waiting for over a year for treatment—disgusting! Compare that with how this Labour Government are bringing down waiting times in England. Against a backdrop of failure, next year’s Scottish Parliament elections are crucial to Scotland’s future. The year 2026 represents a chance to ensure that the next chapter of devolution is defined by delivery.

• 22 Oct 2025 · Devolution in Scotland · Hansard source

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  I welcome this debate and thank the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross (Jamie Stone) for securing it. I am acutely aware that this debate is not just an opportunity for reflection on the past, but a chance to look forward. Over the past two decades, the Scottish Parliament has grown, matured and become a symbol of Scottish life. Its importance and impact on the people of Scotland is just as relevant as the day-to-day activities in this place, and perhaps even more so. When it comes to policy on education, housing and the NHS—what people might consider bread-and-butter issues—decisions are now made in Edinburgh. When the Labour Government passed the Scotland Act 1998, it was an opportunity for us to tailor policy and solutions to Scotland, recognising its distinct identity and character, and bringing power closer to the people as part of our Union of nations. Devolution is one of my party’s greatest achievements, and I am pleased that this Government are working to renew the settlement. The success of devolution can be judged on two tests. The first is a technical test of its structure and principles. Devolution renews the UK constitution, rejecting an old, centralised model of politics that was and is unfit for a modern United Kingdom. On that first test, devolution has been an overwhelming success, but power for power’s sake is not enough. The second test is very simple: what has devolution delivered? The past 25 years must be judged on whether people in constituencies like mine feel that a positive and material difference has been made to their lives. There are many success stories from the last 25 years—stories that are an argument in favour of power being shared and spread out across the UK. We were the first UK nation to ban indoor smoking and the first country in the world to legislate for the right to access free period products, as already mentioned. But although there are successes, those holding devolved power have not always used it for good. I was a councillor in Glasgow before I took up my place in this House, and I witnessed how, year on year, the Scottish Government would centralise power and cut funding for local authorities. In this respect, resources were pulled up, not pushed down. To be clear, the outcome of the second test of delivery is not a failure of devolution, but a failure of the SNP in power.

• 22 Oct 2025 · Devolution in Scotland · Hansard source

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  I will carry on, if the hon. Member does not mind, as I have nearly finished. As I said at the start, the success of devolution can be judged on two tests. The first is about its structure and principles. I am pleased to say that devolution is now woven into the fabric of our nation, an achievement of which my party is very proud. However, on the second test—how devolved power has been exercised—I have concerns. That is why I am convinced that the only way to protect and enhance devolved power is for that power to be exercised by a Scottish Labour Government of vision and drive. The promise of devolution is the promise of a better Scotland, and I hope the people will vote for that next May.

• 16 Oct 2025 · Ada Lovelace Day · Hansard source

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  Will my hon. Friend join me in recognising the essential work of student-led groups such as the Women+ in Engineering group at the University of Strathclyde in my constituency? Its members champion and support each other in overcoming the considerable barriers to entry that still remain in the science, technology and engineering industries.

• 15 Sept 2025 · Employment Rights Bill · Hansard source

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  This Bill will make work fairer for thousands in my constituency. However, my constituents are worried that Conservative Members seek to water down this legislation. Can the Secretary of State confirm that the Government will resist their attempts and are committed to introducing the Bill in full?

• 11 Sept 2025 · Male Chick Culling · Hansard source

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  I thank my hon. Friend for bringing this animal cruelty to the attention of the House. Considering the advances that have been made in determining the sex of chicks before they hatch, does she agree that there is absolutely no excuse for commercial egg producers to be routinely culling animals on such a massive scale?

• 4 Sept 2025 · Future of Terrestrial Television · Hansard source

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  It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Twigg. I would like to thank the right hon. Member for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale (David Mundell) for the opportunity to speak today about a matter of growing concern: the potential future switch-off of digital television broadcasting and what it means for millions of our citizens. In an era of rapid change, it is easy to focus on innovation and overlook the basic systems that still serve as lifelines for many. Traditional scheduled TV is one of those systems. It is not flashy or new, but for a significant portion of our population it is essential. Digital broadcasting represents a lifeline of connectivity and inclusion, particularly for older and poorer individuals. These are often the people who do not have access to the latest smart devices or high-speed internet, or who may not feel comfortable navigating streaming platforms, apps or digital menus. For many older people, especially those living alone, the television is not just entertainment; it is a companion. It is a reliable, familiar voice in the room, a source of news, information and even reassurance. It gives them access to the world outside their four walls, and that connection is something we should never take for granted. Data from the regulator predicts that up to 5% of the population may still be reliant on linear digital television into the 2030s, and I am certain that those people are likely to be the oldest and poorest in their communities. They may not be well represented in debates about media policy or digital inclusion, but they are in the millions, and they matter. Many of those people live on limited incomes and cannot afford the devices, subscriptions and connectivity required for digital-only media. If we allow linear broadcasting to be switched off entirely in the 2030s, we risk creating a digital divide. We risk isolating those already most vulnerable to loneliness. We risk cutting people off from national news, emergency broadcasts, cultural programming and the simple companionship of shared live viewing experiences. I understand the pressures from mobile operators to release parts of the digital spectrum that are currently reserved for TV broadcasting. To them, I say that digital transformation should never come at the cost of social inclusion. We must ensure that progress is inclusive, that innovation serves everyone and that we do not leave behind those who built the very society we now take for granted. We must also consider the potential cost to consumers of such a switch-off. Many households will already be keenly aware of how the costs of multiple online streaming subscriptions can mount up. Our technology must change with the times, but we must ensure that no household is left behind in this process, and that changes to these vital services do not lead to a fragmented system of individual subscriptions to access each and every national broadcaster. I call on the Government and broadcasters to resist pressure from mobile operators and the cost savings that an early switch-off might provide to broadcasters. For the time being, we must maintain linear digital broadcasting to ensure that nobody is left behind in the technological revolution we are all living through.

• 3 Sept 2025 · Duty of Candour for Public Authorities and Legal Representation for Bereaved Families · Hansard source

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  It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Mrs Hobhouse. I pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool West Derby (Ian Byrne) for securing this timely and important debate. As chair of the all-party parliamentary group on grief support and the impact of death on society, I approach this issue through the lens of what bereavement means for families, communities and society as a whole. The Hillsborough disaster, Grenfell and the infected blood scandal all exposed what happens when the bereaved are met with defensiveness instead of candour and support. The proposed Hillsborough law is therefore about much more than legal mechanics; it is about whether families can begin to process grief, secure in the knowledge that they have been told the truth and given a fair voice in the proceedings. An inquest conducted in a spirit of candour can provide a form of closure. It cannot bring back loved ones, but it can help to answer the haunting questions of what happened and why—questions that, if left unresolved, prolong grief and deepen trauma. No legislation can make amends for the terrible treatment that the families of the victims of the Hillsborough disaster endured at the hands of our public authorities, but a duty of candour can seek to ensure that such treatment is never repeated. If we truly want a culture of candour, we must see it not only as an obligation to tell the truth, but as a duty to work alongside the bereaved to give them closure where possible and to signpost them to the help they need. That is the legacy that the Hillsborough families have called for. It is the least that a compassionate state should provide.

• 16 Jul 2025 · Credit Unions · Hansard source

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  It is a privilege to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Twigg. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch (Katrina Murray) for securing this important debate. I am delighted to join colleagues to speak about the essential and valuable role that credit unions play for many of my constituents in Glasgow North East. Across Britain, non-profit credit unions provide financial services to their members, but they are much more than just financial institutions; they are community pillars. Historically associated with increasing access to banking facilities and supporting those who are excluded from other financial institutions, credit unions continue to adopt a community-first approach to the services they provide. Multiple credit unions are accessed by my constituents, including New Easterhouse, Ruchill and Carntyne credit unions. All those unions have shown time and again how valuable they are. They provide affordable loans and savings options to families and individuals who might otherwise face challenges in accessing mainstream banking. They help individuals gain confidence in managing their money, building savings and accessing credit, often on much fairer terms than banks. However, this is not just about money; credit unions are about dignity, empowerment and opportunity. One thing they are known for is loans. For many, they are a safe, ethical and affordable alternative to high-interest payday lenders and loan sharks. I know from stories that constituents have shared with me how those types of loans prey on poorer members of society and trap vulnerable people in a cycle of debt. Credit unions, on the other hand, operate on a simple but powerful principle: they are owned by and exist for their members. In the case of loans, that results in annual percentage rates being capped at fairer rates compared with the alternative. More generally, it means that every pound saved or borrowed stays within the community, helping people manage their money and improve their lives. It is unsurprising that the number of credit union members has grown in the last decade. With that said, the sector is still much smaller than in countries such as Ireland, the USA and Canada. That presents an exciting opportunity for it to grow. It is by listening to voices in the sector that we can understand what can and should be done to support growth efforts. I am supportive of the Association of British Credit Unions’ call to expand the common bond requirement so that more people can be served by a credit union. I am also interested to hear the Minister’s thoughts on the potential benefits of legislating for auto-enrolment payroll savings, which could be a great source of empowerment for people. Credit unions are a force for good in our society. We should work with them to unlock financial opportunities for our constituents. Ultimately, supporting credit unions is about supporting people. I hope that together we can ensure that the credit unions in Glasgow North East and across the UK continue to be a beacon of hope and fairness for all our communities.

• 16 Jul 2025 · Adults at risk due to gambling addiction · Hansard source

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  I rise to present this petition on behalf of the family of Marc Spalding. Like too many families, their lives have been devastated as a consequence of the harm caused by gambling addiction. I am incredibly moved that through their pain, Marc’s mother and sister are advocating for others who may be experiencing a similar situation. Currently, families are not empowered to raise concerns with the appropriate authorities on behalf of a loved one struggling with a gambling addiction. This lack of agency often leaves them feeling helpless. This petition, in addition to one that received 3,280 signatures, calls for legislative reform to strengthen the rights of family members in these circumstances. The petition states: “The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to take immediate action to ensure NHS and local authority advocacy services allow for families to advocate for their ‘at risk’ adult members and improve GP training in the area of gambling addiction utilising the proposed gambling operator levy. And the petitioners remain, etc.” Following is the full text of the petition: [The petition of the family of Marc Spalding, Declares that legislation should be strengthened to allow family members to advocate for ‘at risk’ adults who pose a risk to their own health and safety through gambling addition with GPs and local authorities where existing advocacy services do not currently apply; furthermore the training for GPs and other agencies around identifying the signs of gambling addiction and understanding the appropriate referral routes should be enhanced using the proposed gambling operator levy. The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to take immediate action to ensure NHS and local authority advocacy services allow for families to advocate for their ‘at risk’ adult members and improve GP training in the area of gambling addiction utilising the proposed gambling operator levy. And the petitioners remain, etc.] [P003096]