Melanie Ward MP: speeches

Speeches

• 16 Jun 2026 · Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill · Hansard source

  More

  Madam Deputy Speaker, I hope you will not mind if I take a moment to reflect on the fact that today is the 10th anniversary of the murder of our dear friend Jo Cox. I was lucky to serve alongside Jo on the board of the Labour Women’s Network and we had done similar kinds of work previously. I often sit here in the Chamber and look at Jo’s shield and wonder what she would have made of the state of our politics, our country and our world today. I think about how much better we would be if she was still here to contribute. Jo’s most famous words matter so much today—that we “have far more in common than that which divides us.” —[ Official Report , 03 June 2015; Vol. 596, c. 674-65.] As my hon. Friend the Member for Midlothian (Kirsty McNeill) said today, holding on to Jo’s words and keeping her spirit going matter always, but they matter even more when it is difficult to do that. I hope that Jo’s family and friends, and those closest to her, know how much she is missed and that we strive to carry her light forward with us.

• 10 Jun 2026 · Engagements · Hansard source

  More

  Q1. If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 10 June.

• 20 Apr 2026 · Security Vetting · Hansard source

  More

  We all agree that Peter Mandelson should never have been appointed. The Prime Minister has said that clearly and consistently, and has taken responsibility, including by apologising. That is the right thing to do. Can he give further assurance that the Government will continue to comply in full with the Humble Address?

• 16 Apr 2026 · Courts and Tribunals Bill (Sixth sitting) · Hansard source

  More

  She is being very clear.

• 18 Mar 2026 · Fuel Duty · Hansard source

  More

  rose —

• 18 Mar 2026 · Fuel Duty · Hansard source

  More

  rose —

• 18 Mar 2026 · Fuel Duty · Hansard source

  More

  Will the hon. Gentleman give way?

• 18 Mar 2026 · Fuel Duty · Hansard source

  More

  indicated dissent.

• 18 Mar 2026 · Fuel Duty · Hansard source

  More

  That was a little bit unnecessary. The hon. Gentleman is talking about raising taxes, and I just wonder whether he would acknowledge that the SNP Scottish Government actually have higher taxes in place than the Government in England.

• 17 Dec 2025 · Engagements · Hansard source

  More

  Q1. If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 17 December.

• 13 Oct 2025 · Security Update: Official Secrets Act Case · Hansard source

  More

  I thank the Minister for his absolute clarity today. Will he provide further details of the measures he has announced today and how they will protect parliamentarians, councillors and those in public life across the UK from foreign interference?

• 10 Sept 2025 · Engagements · Hansard source

  More

  Q2. After almost two decades of the SNP—

• 10 Sept 2025 · Occupied Palestinian Territories: Humanitarian Access · Hansard source

  More

  I thank my hon. Friend for that intervention. I am sure that the Minister has heard what she said, and I have a lot more to say about how we can protect civilians and aid workers, too.

• 10 Sept 2025 · Occupied Palestinian Territories: Humanitarian Access · Hansard source

  More

  My hon. Friend is absolutely right; I will come on to say more about that issue.

• 15 Jul 2025 · Taxes · Hansard source

  More

  Like many of my constituents, I welcome the investment that was announced by the Chancellor at the time of the spending review for the long-awaited regeneration of Kirkcaldy town centre, a town centre that went only one way under 14 years of Conservative rule and 18 years of the SNP. They talk about support for small businesses, but what really happened is clear. Does my right hon. Friend agree that it has only been possible to do this because of the decisions that we have made to raise revenue?